Kolkata, the cultural capital of eastern India, is located in West Bengal on the eastern side of the country. Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is in Karnataka, southern India, known for its ancient ruins and scenic landscapes. Many travelers journey from Kolkata to Hampi to explore history and heritage.

This guide explains the main transport options from Kolkata to Hampi, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will find detailed travel times, routes, fares, and practical tips to plan your trip confidently and comfortably.

Getting from Kolkata to Hampi – Main Options

Train

Train travel is popular for this long-distance route due to its affordability and extensive network. It suits travelers who prefer overnight journeys and want to experience Indian rail travel.

• The nearest major railway station to Hampi is Hospet Junction, about 13 km away. Kolkata’s main stations are Howrah and Sealdah, connected by several trains to Hospet via Bengaluru or Hubli.

• Travel time by train ranges from 36 to 44 hours depending on the train chosen, with fares between ₹800 and ₹2,000 for sleeper and 3AC classes. Trains like the Howrah-Hubli Express and Howrah-Bengaluru Express are common options.

• Trains run 3-4 times a week on this route, so booking tickets early on IRCTC is advised, especially during holiday seasons to avoid waitlists and crowded coaches.

• Train journeys pass through scenic regions of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. However, delays are common during monsoon months due to track maintenance or fog in winter mornings.

• Hospet station has prepaid taxi counters and auto-rickshaws for the 30-minute ride to Hampi village. Food stalls at stations offer local snacks but carrying water and light meals is recommended for long journeys.

Bus

Bus travel is less common for the entire Kolkata to Hampi route due to the long distance but can be used for parts of the journey. It suits budget travelers who prefer road travel and flexibility.

• Direct buses from Kolkata to Hospet or nearby cities are rare. Travelers usually take buses to Bengaluru or Hyderabad first, then change to local buses or taxis to Hampi.

• From Kolkata to Bengaluru, buses take around 30-36 hours, with fares ranging from ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 depending on AC or non-AC coaches, operated by private and state transport companies.

• From Bengaluru or Hyderabad, frequent state-run and private buses connect to Hospet and Hampi, taking 6-8 hours with fares around ₹300-₹600. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs comfortable Volvo buses on these routes.

• Bus travel can be tiring due to long hours and road conditions, especially during monsoon when highways like NH44 may face waterlogging or slow traffic.

• Major bus depots in Kolkata include Esplanade and Howrah, while in Bengaluru, Majestic bus station is the main hub for onward travel to Hampi.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to Hampi is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore en route. It offers flexibility but requires careful planning.

• The distance is approximately 1,900 km via NH16 and NH44, taking about 35-40 hours of driving time, usually split over 3-4 days with overnight stops.

• Major cities on the route include Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, where you can rest and refuel. Toll plazas are frequent on national highways, so keep cash or FASTag ready.

• Road conditions vary; highways are mostly good but some stretches near Odisha and Andhra Pradesh may have potholes or ongoing construction.

• Monsoon season can cause slippery roads and delays, so avoid driving during heavy rains. Night driving is not recommended due to wildlife crossings and limited street lighting in rural areas.

• Fuel stations, dhabas, and restaurants are available at regular intervals. Carry a physical map or GPS device as mobile network may be weak in remote areas.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover most of the distance, combined with road travel to reach Hampi. This option suits travelers with limited time and higher budgets.

• The nearest airports to Hampi are Hubli Airport (about 150 km) and Bengaluru International Airport (about 350 km). Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport offers daily flights to Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

• Flight duration from Kolkata to Bengaluru is approximately 3 hours, with fares ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Bengaluru or Hubli airport, you can hire prepaid taxis or take buses to Hospet and then to Hampi, which takes 3-6 hours.

• Flights are frequent and reliable but can be affected by fog in winter mornings or heavy rains during monsoon, so check schedules in advance.

• Booking flights early online through airline websites or aggregators like MakeMyTrip helps get better fares and seat availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Kolkata to Hampi, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance using IRCTC or airline websites to secure confirmed seats and better prices, especially during holidays.

• If traveling by train, choose a train arriving at Hospet Junction in the morning or afternoon to avoid late-night transfers to Hampi village, which has limited transport options.

• Arrange local transport from Hospet to Hampi in advance via prepaid taxis or trusted app-based cabs like Ola or Uber to avoid overcharging and ensure safe travel.

• Pack light but include essentials like bottled water, snacks, a power bank, and comfortable walking shoes, as Hampi’s ruins require a lot of walking and sun protection.

• Check weather forecasts before departure and carry appropriate clothing; monsoon rains can make roads slippery and heat in summer can be intense during daytime visits.

• Inform family or friends about your travel itinerary and share contact details of your accommodation in Hampi for safety and emergency purposes.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs at railway stations and airports to avoid haggling and ensure fair pricing, especially in tourist areas like Hospet and Hampi.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey and avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach, as hygiene standards vary widely across regions.

• Book train and bus tickets online well before your travel date to avoid last-minute rush and unavailability, especially during festivals or peak tourist seasons.

• Use local auto-rickshaws or cycle rickshaws for short distances within Hampi village; negotiate fares beforehand or insist on meter use to prevent overcharging.

• Carry your luggage securely and avoid leaving valuables unattended in public places like stations or bus stands to prevent theft or loss.

• During monsoon, expect delays and carry rain gear like umbrellas and waterproof bags, as heavy rains can disrupt road and rail services on this route.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kolkata to Hampi is during the cooler months from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather for sightseeing and comfortable travel conditions.

Monsoon months from June to September bring heavy rains, which can cause roadblocks and train delays. Summers from April to June are hot, especially in Karnataka, making daytime travel tiring.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja in Kolkata and Dussehra in Karnataka, as transport services are crowded and prices rise.

• Winter mornings in northern and eastern India can have dense fog causing train and flight delays, so plan extra buffer time if traveling early.

• Depart early in the morning or late evening to avoid city traffic jams in Kolkata and Bengaluru, ensuring smoother road travel.

• Check weather updates regularly during monsoon to adjust travel plans and avoid unsafe road conditions or cancellations.

Arrival at Hampi & What to Expect

When you arrive at Hospet Junction railway station or nearby bus stand, you will find prepaid taxi counters and auto-rickshaws ready to take you to Hampi village, about 13 km away. It is best to use prepaid services to avoid overcharging.

Hampi village offers several budget and mid-range guesthouses and hotels near the ruins. Local transport options include bicycle rentals, auto-rickshaws, and walking, as many sites are spread out. App-based cabs are limited, so plan accordingly.

Conclusion

Traveling from Kolkata to Hampi is a rewarding journey combining rich cultural experiences with scenic landscapes. Train travel to Hospet Junction is the most economical and popular choice, while flights to Bengaluru followed by road travel offer speed and comfort. Self-driving is ideal for adventure seekers who want to explore en route.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport in advance. With these practical tips and detailed options, you can confidently enjoy your journey from Kolkata to the historic marvels of Hampi.