Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, is located on the west coast in Maharashtra. Hubli, officially known as Hubballi, is a major city in Karnataka's northern region. This route connects two important urban centers, making it a popular journey for business, education, and tourism.

This guide will help you understand the main travel options from Mumbai to Hubli. You will learn about trains, buses, driving routes, and flights, along with practical advice to plan your trip smoothly and comfortably.

Getting from Mumbai to Hubli – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for this route. Trains connect Mumbai’s major stations to Hubli Junction with several daily options.

• Trains depart mainly from Mumbai CST, Dadar, and LTT stations, arriving at Hubli Junction, covering around 700 km in approximately 12 to 15 hours depending on the train type.

• Popular trains include the Mumbai Hubli Express and the Karnataka Express, offering sleeper and AC classes with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹1200.

• Train frequency is good, with multiple trains daily, but booking in advance on IRCTC is recommended, especially during festivals and holidays to avoid waitlists.

• Trains are generally comfortable, but monsoon season can cause delays due to waterlogging on tracks, so plan extra time in July and August.

• Food options on trains vary; it’s advisable to carry snacks or buy from station vendors at major stops like Pune and Belgaum.

Bus

Buses offer a flexible and affordable way to travel from Mumbai to Hubli. Both government and private operators run services on this route.

• Buses depart from Mumbai’s Dadar and Borivali bus depots, reaching Hubli in about 14 to 16 hours covering roughly 700 km via NH48 and NH52 highways.

• MSRTC and private Volvo buses provide AC and non-AC options, with fares typically between ₹600 and ₹1200 depending on the service and comfort level.

• Buses run frequently, especially overnight, but can get crowded during weekends and festival seasons, so booking tickets online in advance is advisable.

• The route includes toll plazas and highway rest stops with basic food stalls; however, comfort levels vary, so choose reputed operators for a better experience.

• During monsoon, road conditions can worsen, causing delays; early morning departures are preferable to avoid heavy traffic and fog in winter months.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Hubli offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. The journey covers about 700 km via NH48 and NH52.

• The drive typically takes 12 to 14 hours, depending on traffic and stops, with tolls on highways costing around ₹500 to ₹700 one way.

• Key stops include Pune, Satara, Kolhapur, and Belgaum, where you can find good food and fuel stations for breaks.

• Roads are mostly in good condition, but monsoon rains can cause slippery patches and occasional waterlogging, so drive cautiously during July and August.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Mumbai with daily rates starting around ₹2500, including fuel and tolls; ensure you have a valid driving license and vehicle papers.

• Night driving is possible but not recommended due to limited street lighting and occasional fog in hilly stretches near Belgaum.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Hubli from Mumbai, suitable for travelers prioritizing time over cost.

• Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport offers daily direct flights to Hubli Airport, with a flight time of about 1.5 hours covering 600 km air distance.

• Airfares range from ₹2500 to ₹6000 depending on the airline and booking time; budget airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet operate on this route.

• Hubli Airport is about 6 km from the city center; prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available for easy onward travel.

• Flights are frequent but can be affected by weather conditions during monsoon and winter fog, so check flight status before departure.

• Booking flights at least two weeks in advance can secure better fares, especially during peak travel seasons like summer holidays and festivals.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Hubli, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Decide your preferred mode of transport based on budget, time, and comfort. Trains and flights are faster, while buses and cars offer flexibility.

• Book your tickets early using IRCTC for trains, official bus websites or apps for buses, or airline portals for flights to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank, especially for long train or bus journeys where food options may be limited.

• Reach the departure point at least 30 minutes early to navigate Mumbai’s busy stations or airports comfortably and avoid stress.

• For train travel, check platform details and train timings on the day of travel using the NTES app or official railway websites to stay updated on any changes.

• Upon arrival in Hubli, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs to reach your accommodation safely and avoid overcharging by local drivers.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a government-issued ID and a printout or digital copy of your ticket to avoid issues during ticket checks on trains and buses.

• Drink bottled water and avoid street food during the journey to prevent stomach issues, especially on long trips through multiple states.

• Use official booking platforms like IRCTC for trains and MSRTC or RedBus for buses to ensure genuine tickets and avoid scams.

• In Mumbai and Hubli, use app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for local travel as they are safer and more reliable than random taxis.

• Keep your luggage secure and within sight, especially in crowded stations and bus depots, to prevent theft or loss.

• During monsoon, carry rain gear and check weather forecasts as heavy rains can cause delays and slippery roads on the Mumbai-Hubli route.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The Mumbai to Hubli route experiences varied weather conditions that affect travel comfort and timing. Planning your trip according to seasons can make your journey smoother.

Summer months from March to May can be hot and dry, while monsoon from June to September brings heavy rains that may delay trains and buses. Winter months from November to February are generally pleasant but can have early morning fog in some areas.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai or Karnataka Rajyotsava in Hubli, as transport services get crowded and prices rise.

• Monsoon rains can cause waterlogging and slow traffic on highways NH48 and NH52, so plan extra travel time if traveling between June and September.

• Early morning departures are recommended to avoid Mumbai’s city traffic and to reach Hubli before dark, especially when driving or taking buses.

• Winter fog in December and January can affect train punctuality and visibility on roads, so check weather updates before traveling.

Arrival at Hubli & What to Expect

Hubli Junction is the main railway station for arriving travelers, located close to the city center. The station is well connected with local transport options to reach hotels and other destinations.

Prepaid taxi counters are available at the station, offering fixed fares to popular areas like Vidyanagar and Amargol. App-based cabs such as Ola and Uber operate in Hubli, providing convenient and affordable rides. Auto-rickshaws are also plentiful but agree on fares beforehand to avoid confusion.

Conclusion

For most travelers, taking a train from Mumbai to Hubli offers the best balance of cost, comfort, and convenience. It provides a direct connection with multiple daily services and affordable fares. Flights are ideal if you want to save time, while buses and self-drive options suit those looking for flexibility.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for local transport on arrival. With these tips and information, you can travel confidently from Mumbai to Hubli and enjoy a smooth journey across two vibrant regions of India.