Mysore is a historic city in Karnataka known for its palaces and rich culture. Hampi, also in Karnataka, is famous for its ancient ruins and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Traveling between these two popular destinations is common for tourists exploring South India’s heritage.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Hampi from Mysore. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Mysore to Hampi – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and affordable option for reaching Hampi from Mysore. It offers a comfortable journey with scenic views and is suitable for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace.

• The nearest railway station to Hampi is Hospet Junction, about 13 km away from Hampi ruins. Mysore Junction connects well to Hospet via trains running daily.

• Train journey takes around 7 to 9 hours covering approximately 350 km, depending on the train service chosen, with fares ranging from ₹200 to ₹700 in sleeper and AC classes.

• Trains like the Mysore-Hubballi Express and other passenger trains run frequently, but booking in advance on IRCTC is recommended, especially during tourist seasons.

• Hospet station has basic facilities and prepaid taxi counters; from there, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach Hampi in 30 minutes.

• During monsoon, train schedules may face slight delays, so plan accordingly and check live train status before departure.

Bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly and direct way to travel between Mysore and Hampi. This mode suits travelers comfortable with road journeys and looking for frequent departures.

• State-run buses from Mysore’s KSRTC bus stand operate to Hospet and Kampli, the closest towns to Hampi, covering about 350 km in 7 to 9 hours.

• Bus fares range from ₹300 to ₹600 depending on the type of bus, such as ordinary, non-AC, or Volvo AC coaches.

• Night buses are available, allowing you to save daytime for sightseeing, but they can be crowded during festivals and holidays.

• Highways NH150A and NH67 connect Mysore to Hospet, with several toll plazas and rest stops offering food and refreshments en route.

• Last-mile connectivity from Hospet bus stand to Hampi is available via local buses, auto-rickshaws, and shared taxis, which take about 30 minutes.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mysore to Hampi gives you flexibility and the chance to explore scenic routes at your own pace. It is ideal for travelers who enjoy road trips and want to stop along the way.

• The distance by road is approximately 350 km and takes around 7 to 8 hours via NH150A and NH67, depending on traffic and stops.

• Car rentals and self-drive options are available in Mysore, with daily rates starting around ₹2000 to ₹3500, including fuel and tolls.

• The route passes through towns like Chitradurga and Davangere, which have good restaurants and petrol stations for breaks.

• Road conditions are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause slippery patches and occasional delays, so drive cautiously during June to September.

• Parking near Hampi ruins is available but limited; arriving early helps avoid crowds and secure a spot.

Flight

Flying is less practical for this route due to the lack of direct flights between Mysore and Hampi. However, you can combine flights with road or train travel for faster access.

• The nearest airport to Hampi is Jindal Vijaynagar Airport near Toranagallu, about 15 km from Hospet, with limited flights mainly from Bangalore and Hyderabad.

• Mysore Airport has flights to Bangalore, which is a major hub with connections to Toranagallu, but this requires multiple transfers and additional road travel.

• Flight travel time is short, around 1 hour to Bangalore, but total journey time increases due to airport transfers and waiting times.

• From Toranagallu airport, you need to hire a taxi or take a bus to Hospet or Hampi, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

• Flight fares vary widely, and booking early through airline websites or apps like MakeMyTrip can help secure better prices.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

If you are traveling from Mysore to Hampi for the first time, this step-by-step plan will help you organize your journey efficiently and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets online in advance using IRCTC or KSRTC portals to ensure availability, especially during weekends and holidays.

• Reach Mysore railway station or bus stand at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute rush and find your platform or bus easily.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank, as some trains and buses may have limited food options en route.

• Upon arrival at Hospet station or bus stand, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for safe and fair-priced transfers to Hampi.

• Confirm your accommodation booking in Hampi beforehand, as options can fill up quickly during peak tourist seasons.

• Carry a physical or digital copy of your ID and tickets, as these are often checked during travel and at entry points in Hampi.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded trains and buses, as petty theft can occur in busy Indian travel hubs.

• Drink bottled water and avoid street food during the journey to prevent stomach issues, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.

• Use official booking websites or trusted travel agents to avoid scams and ensure confirmed reservations for trains and buses.

• In Hampi, local transport mainly includes auto-rickshaws and bicycle rentals; negotiate fares beforehand or use app-based services where available.

• Carry a small daypack with essentials for sightseeing in Hampi, as some ruins require walking and there are limited refreshment stalls inside.

• During monsoon, check weather updates and road conditions before starting your journey, as heavy rains can cause delays or roadblocks.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mysore to Hampi is during the cooler months from October to February. The weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the ruins without discomfort.

Summer months can be very hot, with temperatures rising above 40°C, making daytime travel tiring. Monsoon season brings heavy rains that may disrupt road and rail services.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Dasara in Mysore or Hampi Utsav, as transport and accommodation get crowded and expensive.

• Early morning departures help avoid city traffic in Mysore and provide cooler travel conditions on the road or train.

• Winter mornings can have fog in some areas, so allow extra travel time if you are taking early trains or buses.

• Monsoon rains from June to September can cause slippery roads and occasional train delays; plan with buffer time during this season.

Arrival at Hampi & What to Expect

When you arrive at Hospet station or bus stand, you will find several options to reach Hampi village, which is about 13 km away. Prepaid taxis and auto-rickshaws are common and reliable for this last leg.

Hampi has a small town feel with guesthouses, homestays, and budget hotels near the ruins. Local buses are limited, so most travelers prefer walking or renting bicycles to explore the site. App-based cabs are rare, so negotiate fares in advance for local transport.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mysore to Hampi is straightforward with several transport options to suit different budgets and preferences. Train travel offers comfort and affordability, while buses provide frequent and direct connections. Driving yourself adds flexibility and the chance to explore en route.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport in Hampi will ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip and experience the rich history and beauty of Hampi after exploring Mysore’s cultural charm.