Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, is located on the west coast in Maharashtra. Mysore, known for its royal heritage and palaces, lies in the southern state of Karnataka. Traveling between these two cities is common for tourists and business travelers alike.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Mysore using trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will find practical details on travel times, fares, and tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Mumbai to Mysore – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical choice for this route, offering several direct and connecting trains. It suits travelers who want a comfortable journey with scenic views.

• Mumbai’s main railway stations for this route are Mumbai CST, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), and Dadar. Mysore Railway Station is well connected and centrally located.

• The distance is about 1,200 km, with journey times ranging from 20 to 26 hours depending on the train type and route.

• Train fares vary from INR 500 for sleeper class to INR 2,000 for AC 3-tier, with options for AC 2-tier and 1st class on some trains.

• Popular trains include the Mumbai–Mysore Express and trains via Bangalore. Booking through IRCTC is recommended due to high demand, especially during festival seasons.

• Trains run daily or several times a week, but delays can occur during monsoon months due to heavy rains and track maintenance.

• Food options onboard include pantry cars and station vendors at major stops like Pune, Hubli, and Bangalore.

Bus

Buses offer a direct but longer journey and are suitable for budget travelers who prefer road travel. However, it is less comfortable for overnight trips compared to trains.

• Major bus depots in Mumbai include MSRTC’s Mumbai Central and Borivali terminals. Mysore has several bus stands, with the main one near the city center.

• The road distance is approximately 1,200 km, with travel times of 24 to 30 hours depending on traffic and route.

• Bus fares range from INR 800 to INR 1,500 depending on the type of bus, such as non-AC, AC sleeper, or Volvo coaches.

• Frequent buses operate daily, but night buses can be crowded and less safe for solo travelers.

• The route mainly follows NH48, passing through Pune, Satara, Kolhapur, and Hubli, with toll plazas and rest stops offering basic food and restroom facilities.

• During monsoon, road conditions can worsen, causing delays especially on ghat sections near the Western Ghats.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Mysore is ideal for travelers who want flexibility and to explore en route. The journey covers diverse landscapes and several cities.

• The distance by road is about 1,200 km via NH48, taking roughly 20 to 24 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• The route passes through Pune, Satara, Kolhapur, Belgaum, and Hubli, with multiple toll plazas requiring cash or FASTag payments.

• Fuel costs for a car average between INR 5,000 to INR 7,000 depending on vehicle mileage and fuel prices.

• Good quality highways and regular rest stops with dhabas and restaurants make the drive manageable, but avoid night driving in rural areas for safety.

• Monsoon season can cause slippery roads and occasional landslides on Western Ghats, so check weather forecasts before starting.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Mumbai with options for one-way drop-offs in Mysore, but pre-booking is essential during peak travel times.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Mysore from Mumbai, suitable for travelers with limited time. However, Mysore’s airport has limited direct flights, so connecting via Bangalore is common.

• Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) offers multiple daily flights to Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR).

• Flight duration from Mumbai to Bangalore is about 2 hours, with fares ranging from INR 2,000 to INR 6,000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Bangalore, Mysore is about 150 km away, reachable by train, bus, or taxi in 3 to 4 hours.

• Direct flights to Mysore Airport (MYQ) from Mumbai are rare, so plan for a connecting journey via Bangalore.

• Booking flights well in advance can secure better fares, especially during festival seasons like Diwali and Christmas.

• Airport transfers in Bangalore are well served by prepaid taxis, Ola, and Uber, with Mysore-bound buses departing from the city’s central bus station.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Mumbai to Mysore. It covers key steps to prepare and complete your journey smoothly.

• Check train and bus schedules on official websites like IRCTC and MSRTC to find suitable departure times and availability. Advance booking avoids last-minute hassles.

• Book your tickets online early, especially during holidays or weekends, to secure confirmed seats and avoid waiting lists common on this busy route.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank for long journeys, as some stops may have limited facilities.

• Arrive at the station or bus depot at least 30 minutes before departure to navigate crowds and find your platform or bus easily.

• If flying, confirm your flight status a day before and arrange airport transfers in Mumbai and Bangalore to avoid delays or confusion.

• On arrival in Mysore, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and transparent local travel to your accommodation.

Practical Travel Tips

• Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables openly, especially in crowded stations and buses, to prevent theft or loss.

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water during the journey to prevent stomach issues common among travelers in India.

• Use official websites or trusted apps like IRCTC for train bookings and MSRTC for bus tickets to avoid scams and inflated prices.

• For local transport in Mysore, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs rather than hailing random autos to ensure fair fares and safety.

• Pack a small first-aid kit and any personal medicines, as pharmacies may not be easily accessible during night travel or in remote stops.

• During monsoon, carry rain gear and check weather updates regularly, as heavy rains can cause delays and slippery roads on this route.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Mysore is during the cooler months from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather and fewer travel disruptions.

Avoid traveling during the peak monsoon months of June to September when heavy rains can cause delays on roads and railways, especially through the Western Ghats.

• Festivals like Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi see a surge in travel demand, so book tickets well in advance or avoid these peak periods if possible.

• Summer months from April to June can be hot and uncomfortable, especially for road and train travel without air conditioning.

• Early morning departures are recommended for road and train journeys to avoid city traffic and reach destinations in daylight.

• Night travel can be riskier on highways due to poor lighting and wildlife crossings, so plan accordingly.

Arrival at Mysore & What to Expect

On arriving at Mysore Railway Station or bus stand, you will find several local transport options to reach your hotel or tourist spots. The station is well connected to the city center.

Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate from the station area, offering safe and fixed-rate rides. Auto-rickshaws are available but negotiate fares beforehand.

Mysore has many accommodation options near the city center and around the palace area, making it convenient for sightseeing. Local buses also run frequently for budget travelers.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Mysore offers multiple options depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Trains provide a balanced choice with comfort and affordability, while flights via Bangalore save time but require additional transfers.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport in Mysore will help you have a smooth and enjoyable journey. With this guide, you can confidently choose the best travel mode and prepare for your trip between these two vibrant cities.