Manipal is a well-known university town located in the Udupi district of Karnataka, while Mangalore Airport (also called Bajpe Airport) serves as the nearest major airport for this region. Many travelers use this route to catch flights or for business and leisure travel. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Mangalore Airport from Manipal using different transport modes.

You will learn about trains, buses, car travel, and taxi options, along with practical tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable. Whether you are a first-time traveler or a frequent visitor, this guide covers everything you need to plan your trip confidently.

Getting from Manipal to Mangalore Airport – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical choice for many travelers between Manipal and Mangalore. However, there is no direct train from Manipal, so you need to use nearby stations and combine with other transport.

• The nearest railway station to Manipal is Udupi Railway Station, about 7 km away, connected by local buses and auto-rickshaws, making it accessible for train travelers.

• From Udupi, you can catch frequent trains to Mangalore Central or Mangalore Junction, which take around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the train type and fare ranges from INR 50 to INR 150 in general class.

• After reaching Mangalore railway stations, you need to take a taxi or bus to Mangalore Airport, which is approximately 13 km away and takes about 30 to 40 minutes by road.

• Train services are frequent but can get crowded during weekends and festivals, so booking tickets in advance on IRCTC is recommended to secure seats and avoid last-minute hassles.

• Monsoon season may cause occasional delays on the Konkan Railway route near Mangalore, so plan extra buffer time during June to September.

Bus

Buses are a convenient and affordable way to travel directly from Manipal to Mangalore Airport, especially for budget travelers and those without private vehicles.

• State-run buses by KSRTC and private operators run regularly from Manipal bus stand to Mangalore city, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and fare ranges from INR 50 to INR 120.

• From Mangalore city bus stands like State Bank or Hampankatta, you can find direct buses or shared autos to Mangalore Airport, which is about 13 km from the city center.

• Direct bus services to the airport are limited, so many travelers prefer taking a bus to Mangalore city and then a prepaid taxi or Ola/Uber cab to the airport.

• Bus frequency is higher during daytime, but services reduce after 8 PM, so plan accordingly if you have early or late flights.

• During festival seasons like Dasara or Christmas, buses can be crowded and tickets may sell out quickly, so booking or arriving early is advised.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Manipal to Mangalore Airport is one of the fastest and most flexible options, suitable for travelers who prefer comfort and control over their schedule.

• The distance between Manipal and Mangalore Airport is approximately 60 km via NH66 and NH75, and the drive usually takes around 1.5 hours depending on traffic conditions.

• The route is well-maintained with toll plazas at strategic points, so keep some cash or FASTag ready for toll payments during the journey.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Manipal, with options ranging from hatchbacks to SUVs, costing approximately INR 1500 to INR 3000 per day depending on the vehicle type.

• Driving through the Western Ghats offers scenic views but can be challenging during monsoon due to slippery roads and occasional landslides, so check weather conditions before starting your trip.

• Parking facilities at Mangalore Airport are available but limited, so plan to arrive early if you intend to park your vehicle at the airport premises.

Taxi / Cab

Hiring a taxi or app-based cab is the most convenient and hassle-free way to reach Mangalore Airport from Manipal, especially if you have luggage or are traveling in a group.

• Ola and Uber operate in Manipal and Mangalore, offering reliable cab services with fares ranging from INR 1200 to INR 1800 for the airport trip, depending on the cab type and time of day.

• Prepaid taxis are available at Manipal taxi stands and can be booked in advance by phone or through local travel agents to avoid price haggling.

• The journey time by taxi is around 1.5 hours, but can increase during peak traffic hours, especially near Mangalore city and airport access roads.

• Taxi drivers are usually familiar with the best routes to avoid traffic jams, but it is good to confirm the route before starting your trip.

• During early morning or late night flights, taxis may charge extra for night travel, so clarify fare details beforehand to avoid surprises.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Manipal to Mangalore Airport. It covers what to do at each stage to ensure a smooth journey.

• Step 1: Book your train or bus tickets online in advance using IRCTC or KSRTC websites to secure your seat and avoid last-minute rush, especially during weekends and holidays.

• Step 2: Reach the Udupi railway station or Manipal bus stand at least 30 minutes before departure to manage boarding comfortably and handle any local transport delays.

• Step 3: If traveling by train, after arriving at Mangalore Central or Junction, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs to reach Mangalore Airport safely and avoid overcharging.

• Step 4: If traveling by bus, confirm the bus route and stops with the conductor or driver to ensure you get off at the right place for airport transfers or city taxis.

• Step 5: For self-drive or taxi travelers, check your vehicle’s fuel, toll payments, and route map before departure to avoid delays and ensure a smooth drive.

• Step 6: Arrive at Mangalore Airport at least 2 hours before your flight to complete security checks and boarding formalities without stress.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a bottle of water and some snacks, as food options between Manipal and Mangalore Airport can be limited, especially during early morning or late night travel.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs at Mangalore railway stations and bus stands to avoid being overcharged by local drivers unfamiliar with standard fares.

• During monsoon season, check weather and road conditions before traveling, as heavy rains can cause roadblocks and delays on NH66 and NH75 routes.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying too many valuables when using public transport like buses and trains, as crowded conditions increase the risk of theft.

• Book your train or bus tickets well in advance during festival seasons like Diwali and Christmas, as these routes see increased passenger traffic and limited availability.

• For app-based cab bookings, always confirm the driver’s identity and share your ride details with a family member or friend for added safety during night travel.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Manipal to Mangalore Airport is during the dry months from October to February when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Avoid traveling during heavy monsoon months due to slippery roads and occasional landslides.

Traffic tends to increase during festival seasons and weekends, so plan your departure early in the day to avoid delays. Early morning flights require starting your journey well before dawn to manage local transport availability.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Dasara and Christmas when roads and transport services are crowded, causing longer travel times and ticket shortages.

• Monsoon rains from June to September can cause traffic slowdowns and occasional road closures on NH66, so allow extra travel time during this period.

• Fog is generally not a major issue in this coastal region, but early morning travel in winter may experience slight visibility reduction near the Western Ghats.

• Departing between 6 AM and 10 AM usually offers smoother traffic conditions and better availability of public transport and cabs.

Arrival at Mangalore Airport & What to Expect

When you arrive at Mangalore Airport, you will find a small but well-maintained terminal with basic amenities. The airport is about 13 km from Mangalore city center and is connected by taxis and limited bus services.

Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available outside the terminal for easy onward travel. Auto-rickshaws are rare at the airport, so relying on cabs is safer and more convenient. Nearby areas like Bajpe and Mangalore city offer a range of accommodation options from budget hotels to mid-range stays.

Conclusion

Traveling from Manipal to Mangalore Airport is straightforward with multiple options to suit different budgets and preferences. For most travelers, hiring a taxi or using app-based cabs offers the best balance of comfort, convenience, and time efficiency. Train and bus options are economical but require additional transfers and planning.

Advance booking, checking weather conditions, and allowing extra travel time during peak seasons will help you avoid stress. With the right preparation, you can confidently plan your journey and enjoy a smooth trip from Manipal to Mangalore Airport.