Pune, located in Maharashtra, is a bustling city known for its educational institutions and vibrant culture. Mysore, in Karnataka, is famous for its royal heritage and beautiful palaces. Traveling from Pune to Mysore is a popular route for tourists and business travelers alike.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Pune to Mysore. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, costs, and practical tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Pune to Mysore – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a preferred option for many due to comfort and affordability. Several trains connect Pune and Mysore, offering overnight and daytime services.

• The Pune Junction (PUNE) and Mysore Junction (MYS) are the main stations connecting these cities, with trains covering approximately 830 km in 15 to 20 hours depending on the service.

• Popular trains include the Pune–Mysore Express and other weekly services, with fares ranging from INR 400 for sleeper class to INR 1500 for AC 3-tier.

• Trains run daily or several times a week, but booking in advance via IRCTC is essential, especially during festivals and holiday seasons to avoid waitlists.

• Train travel offers onboard catering options, but carrying snacks is advisable. Monsoon season may cause delays due to track maintenance or waterlogging.

• Stations have prepaid taxi counters and app-based cab services like Ola and Uber for last-mile connectivity, making arrival smooth and safe.

Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly option for direct travel, though the journey is long. State transport and private operators run services between Pune and Mysore.

• MSRTC and KSRTC operate buses from Pune’s Swargate bus station to Mysore’s KSRTC bus stand, covering around 850 km in 18 to 22 hours depending on traffic and route.

• Bus types include non-AC, AC sleeper, and Volvo coaches, with fares ranging from INR 700 to INR 1500 depending on comfort and operator.

• Buses run daily, but night buses are preferred to save daytime hours. Booking tickets online through official portals or trusted apps is recommended.

• Frequent stops at highway dhabas and rest areas provide food and restroom facilities; however, monsoon rains can cause road delays on NH48 and NH275.

• Last-mile connectivity in Mysore is convenient with auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs available near the bus stand.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Mysore offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. The route mainly follows NH48 and NH275.

• The distance is about 830 km and takes approximately 14 to 16 hours by car, depending on traffic and stops along the way.

• Major toll plazas on NH48 and NH275 require cash or FASTag payments, so keep these ready to avoid delays.

• Popular rest stops include Kolhapur, Belgaum, and Hassan, where you can find clean food courts and fuel stations.

• Driving through the Western Ghats during monsoon requires caution due to slippery roads and occasional landslides.

• Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained, and plan overnight stops if you prefer not to drive continuously. GPS and offline maps help navigate less connected stretches.

Flight

Flying is the fastest option but involves connecting flights as there are no direct flights between Pune and Mysore.

• Pune Airport (PNQ) offers flights to Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), which is about 150 km from Mysore.

• From Bangalore, you can take a taxi or bus to Mysore, which takes around 3 to 4 hours by road.

• Flight duration is about 1.5 hours, with fares typically ranging from INR 2500 to INR 6000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• Booking flights early can secure better prices, especially during peak travel seasons like festivals or holidays.

• From Bangalore airport, prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are readily available for a comfortable onward journey to Mysore.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Pune to Mysore to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

• Book your tickets early through IRCTC for trains or official bus portals to avoid last-minute hassles and secure your preferred seat or berth.

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

• Reach the departure station or bus stand at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time to find your platform or bus easily and avoid rush.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for safe and fair-priced last-mile travel in both Pune and Mysore.

• Keep your ID and ticket handy during travel, as Indian transport authorities often check documents on trains and buses.

• If driving, check your vehicle’s condition, plan your route with GPS, and schedule breaks every 3-4 hours to stay alert and refreshed.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always drink bottled water and avoid street food during the journey to prevent stomach issues, especially if you are not used to local water quality.

• Carry a small first-aid kit and any personal medication, as medical facilities may be limited during road travel or at smaller stations.

• Book tickets online in advance to secure confirmed seats, particularly during weekends, festivals, or school holidays when demand spikes.

• Use local transport apps like Ola and Uber for reliable and safe rides in Mysore; avoid unmetered taxis to prevent overcharging.

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

• During monsoon, check weather and road conditions before travel, as heavy rains can cause delays and slippery roads on the Pune-Mysore route.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Pune to Mysore is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and roads are safer.

Avoid traveling during the peak monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rains causing delays and slippery roads, especially through the Western Ghats.

• Festival periods like Diwali and Dasara see heavy travel traffic; book tickets well in advance and expect crowded trains and buses.

• Early morning departures help avoid city traffic in Pune and Mysore, making the journey smoother and faster.

• Winter mornings may have fog in some parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka, so allow extra travel time during this season.

• Summer heat from April to June can be intense; prefer air-conditioned travel options and carry sufficient water.

Arrival at Mysore & What to Expect

On arrival at Mysore Junction or the KSRTC bus stand, you will find several options for local transport. Auto-rickshaws are readily available but agree on a fare before starting the ride.

App-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate in Mysore, providing convenient and safe transport to hotels or tourist spots. Popular areas to stay include the city center near the Mysore Palace and areas around Nazarbad and Jayalakshmipuram.

Conclusion

Traveling from Pune to Mysore is straightforward with multiple options to suit different budgets and preferences. Trains offer a comfortable and economical choice, while flights save time if you don’t mind the road transfer from Bangalore. Driving yourself adds flexibility and the chance to explore en route.

Plan your journey by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for local travel nuances. With these tips, you can confidently enjoy your trip from Pune to Mysore and experience the rich culture and heritage of this beautiful city.