Delhi, the bustling capital of India in the north, and Bangalore, the vibrant tech hub in the south, are two of the country's most dynamic cities. Traveling between these two metropolises is common for business, education, tourism, and weekend breaks, making this route highly popular throughout the year.

This guide covers all practical options to travel from Delhi to Bangalore, including trains, flights, buses, and self-drive. You'll find detailed tips on timings, costs, routes, and local transport to help you plan your journey smoothly and confidently.

Getting from Delhi to Bangalore – Main Options

By Train

Train travel between Delhi and Bangalore is a preferred choice for those who want an economical and scenic journey, though it takes considerable time. Indian Railways operates several direct trains connecting these cities, offering various classes to suit different budgets.

• Key trains and stations:

  The main trains are the Karnataka Express (Train No. 12627/12628) and the Yeshvantpur Express, departing from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) and arriving at Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC) or Yeshvantpur (YPR).

• Duration and cost:

  The journey takes approximately 36 to 40 hours covering around 2,200 km. Sleeper class tickets start from ₹700, while AC 3-tier fares range between ₹1,500 and ₹2,500.

• Comfort and frequency:

  Trains run daily or multiple times a week, but booking in advance via IRCTC is essential, especially in peak seasons. AC coaches provide decent comfort for long journeys.

• Seasonal tips:

  Avoid traveling during monsoon months if possible, as delays are common. Winter months offer pleasant weather onboard but book early for festival travel.

• Scenic route and stops:

  The train passes through diverse landscapes including the plains of central India and the Deccan plateau. Major stops include Nagpur, Secunderabad, and Dharmavaram, where you can find food vendors and clean restrooms.

• Challenges:

  Long travel time and occasional delays are common. Carry your own food and water, and be prepared for limited mobile connectivity in some stretches.

By Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Delhi to Bangalore, especially for business travelers and those short on time. Multiple airlines operate daily direct flights between the two cities.

• Airports and airlines:

  Flights depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi and land at Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bangalore. Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and SpiceJet offer frequent services.

• Flight duration and cost:

  Non-stop flights take about 2.5 to 3 hours. Ticket prices vary from ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 depending on booking time and season.

• Booking tips:

  Book tickets 3-4 weeks in advance via airline websites or aggregators like MakeMyTrip for best deals. Early morning or late-night flights tend to be cheaper and less crowded.

• Airport transfers:

  Both airports have good connectivity. In Delhi, use the Airport Metro Express or prepaid taxis. In Bangalore, app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are reliable for reaching the city center.

• Seasonal considerations:

  Flights are generally punctual year-round, but fog in Delhi during December-January can cause delays. Check weather updates before travel.

• Additional tips:

  Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure to clear security smoothly. Carry a valid photo ID and boarding pass on your phone or printout.

By Bus

Bus travel between Delhi and Bangalore is less common due to the long distance, but some private operators offer deluxe and Volvo bus services for budget travelers willing to endure overnight journeys.

• Operators and routes:

  Private bus companies run services from ISBT Kashmiri Gate in Delhi to Bangalore’s Majestic Bus Station or Kempegowda Bus Station. Check platforms and timings carefully before booking.

• Duration and fares:

  The journey can take 40 to 48 hours depending on the route and stops. Ticket prices range from ₹1,200 to ₹2,500 for semi-sleeper and Volvo AC coaches.

• Comfort and frequency:

  Buses are less frequent than trains or flights and may not run daily. Volvo buses offer better comfort but expect cramped conditions for such a long trip.

• Travel tips:

  Book tickets via RedBus or directly from operators. Carry snacks and water, and be prepared for multiple stops at highway dhabas and toll plazas.

• Challenges:

  Long hours on the road can be tiring. Traffic congestion near Delhi and Bangalore can add delays, especially during peak hours or festivals.

• Safety considerations:

  Choose reputed operators with good reviews. Avoid traveling overnight alone in non-AC buses for safety reasons.

By Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Bangalore is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore towns en route. The route covers over 2,100 km and takes about 36-40 hours of driving time.

• Route details:

  The most common route is via NH44, passing through Agra, Nagpur, Hyderabad, and Anantapur. This highway is part of the North-South corridor and mostly well-maintained.

• Travel time and distance:

  The total distance is approximately 2,200 km. Driving non-stop would take around 36 hours, so plan for multiple overnight stops in cities like Nagpur or Hyderabad.

• Road conditions and tolls:

  NH44 is mostly four-lane with toll plazas at regular intervals. Carry sufficient cash or FASTag for toll payments. Some stretches may have ongoing construction, so check live updates.

• Rest stops and fuel:

  Numerous highway dhabas, fuel stations, and motels are available along the route. Popular stops include the highway eateries near Jhansi and Hyderabad.

• Driving tips:

  Avoid night driving in rural stretches due to poor lighting and stray animals. Keep emergency contacts and vehicle documents handy.

• Car rental options:

  Self-drive car rentals are available in Delhi via providers like Zoomcar or Revv. Ensure your rental agreement allows interstate travel and check insurance coverage.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Bangalore, focusing on convenience and minimizing travel stress.

• Book your tickets early:

  Whether by train or flight, secure your tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance via IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability.

• Reach the departure point early:

  Arrive at New Delhi Railway Station or IGI Airport at least 1-2 hours before departure to navigate security checks and boarding smoothly.

• Pack essentials for the journey:

  Carry snacks, water, a power bank, and a light blanket for train or bus travel. For flights, keep your ID and boarding pass handy.

• Plan your local commute on arrival:

  At Bangalore airport or railway station, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and hassle-free transfers to your accommodation.

• Stay updated on travel conditions:

  Check weather and traffic updates on apps like Google Maps or IRCTC before starting your journey to avoid surprises.

• Keep emergency contacts handy:

  Save numbers for local police, hospitals, and your accommodation. Also, note down the customer care numbers of your transport provider.

Practical Travel Tips

• IRCTC booking tips:

  Use the IRCTC app or website for train tickets. Book early morning or late night slots to avoid server crashes during peak booking hours.

• Food and water safety:

  Carry bottled water and hygienic snacks, especially for train and bus journeys. Avoid street food at stations to prevent stomach issues.

• Local commute apps:

  In Bangalore, Ola and Uber are reliable for airport and station pickups. Prepaid taxis at stations can be more expensive but safer for first-time visitors.

• Luggage handling:

  Keep valuables close and avoid overpacking. Use lockable bags and keep important documents in a separate pouch for easy access.

• Seasonal travel warnings:

  Delhi winters can be foggy causing flight delays; Bangalore summers are hot, so dress accordingly. Monsoon season may cause roadblocks on NH44.

• Safety precautions:

  Avoid traveling alone at night on highways. Use GPS navigation and inform family or friends about your travel itinerary.

Best Time & Conditions

The Delhi to Bangalore route experiences diverse weather conditions due to the long distance and varying geography. Planning travel during favorable seasons ensures a comfortable journey.

Winter months (November to February) are ideal for flights and trains due to pleasant weather but beware of fog in Delhi mornings. Summers can be hot, especially in Bangalore and central India, while monsoon may cause road delays.

• Avoid peak traffic hours in Delhi (8–11 AM and 5–8 PM) to reduce commute time to stations or airports.

• Steer clear of major festival weekends like Diwali and Christmas when trains and flights are heavily booked and prices surge.

• Early morning flights from Delhi reduce chances of delay caused by fog or air traffic congestion.

• For road trips, start early to avoid city traffic and reach rest stops before dark.

Arrival at Bangalore & What to Expect

On arrival at Kempegowda International Airport, travelers find a modern facility about 40 km from the city center. Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at the exit. Bangalore’s traffic can be heavy, so plan extra time to reach your accommodation.

If arriving by train, Bangalore City Railway Station is centrally located with easy access to local buses, metro, and taxis. Nearby attractions include Cubbon Park and MG Road, while popular stay areas are Koramangala, Indiranagar, and Jayanagar.

Local buses and the Namma Metro provide affordable and efficient options to explore the city. For late arrivals, prepaid taxis or app cabs are safer and more reliable than hailing autos on the street.

Conclusion

For most travelers, flying from Delhi to Bangalore is the most efficient and comfortable option, saving time and offering frequent schedules. However, train travel remains a budget-friendly alternative for those with flexible schedules who want to experience India’s diverse landscapes.

With proper planning and awareness of transport options, you can confidently choose the mode that best suits your needs and enjoy a smooth journey between these two iconic Indian cities.