How to Get to Mysore. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Mysore

Major Airports & Flights

For most international travelers, air travel involves arriving at a major international airport and connecting to Mysore.

Airport Details

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru: Main international gateway, 170 km from Mysore.
Mysore Airport (MYQ): Smaller domestic airport, 12 km south of Mysore, with limited flights to Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.
Major international airlines fly to BLR. Domestic airlines like IndiGo serve MYQ. Explore flight options on Skyscanner or check deals from Dollar Flight Club.

Airport Transfers & Prices

Seamlessly travel from the airport to your Mysore accommodation.

Transfer Options

From BLR to Mysore: Pre-paid taxis (₹2,500-₹3,500, 3-4 hours). Ride-sharing apps like Uber/Ola also operate.
Flybus (BLR to Mysore): KSRTC operates comfortable, air-conditioned buses (₹700-₹1000, 4-5 hours).
From MYQ to Mysore City: Taxis and auto-rickshaws (30-45 minutes).

Flight Seasonality

Prices increase during high season (Oct-Mar), especially around Dasara. Lower fares during monsoon (Jul-Sep).

Airport Facilities

BLR offers duty-free, restaurants, lounges. MYQ provides basic facilities: waiting area, snack counters, taxis.

Onward Train Travel

From BLR airport, take a taxi or bus to Bengaluru City or Yesvantpur Railway Station for trains to Mysore Junction.

Train Connections & Services

Mysore Junction MYS

Mysore Junction is well-connected to major Indian cities.
Regular services run from Bengaluru (Shatabdi, Vande Bharat Express), Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Delhi.
Indian Railways offers various classes: AC First (1A), AC 2-tier (2A), AC 3-tier (3A), Sleeper (SL), and Unreserved.
Book tickets online through IRCTC or at railway stations. Advance booking is highly recommended.

Long-Distance Bus Options

KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation): Frequent, reliable, and affordable bus services connect Mysore to cities across Karnataka and neighboring states.
KSRTC offers non-AC, Airavata (AC Volvo/Scania), and Flybus services.
Frequent buses to Bengaluru (every 15-30 minutes), Mangaluru, Ooty, Coorg, Chennai, Kochi.
Private bus operators also offer services; book via online travel portals.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Requirements

An International Driving Permit (IDP) and your valid domestic driving license are necessary for self-driving.

Road Conditions

The Bengaluru-Mysore Expressway (NH 275) is modern. Other state highways are generally good. Traffic can be chaotic in urban areas.

Safety Concerns

Expect aggressive driving, frequent horn usage, and pedestrians/animals on roads. Self-driving is generally not recommended for first-time visitors to India.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Streamline your departure from Mysore with essential information.

Departure Guidelines

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied upon departure from India at airports or railway stations for tourists.
For domestic flights (MYQ or BLR), arrive at least 2-3 hours before departure.
For international flights from BLR, plan to arrive 3-4 hours before departure for check-in, security, and immigration.

Airport & Station Facilities

Access amenities that enhance your departure experience.

Departure Amenities

BLR (Kempegowda International Airport): Offers comprehensive facilities: check-in, security, immigration, duty-free shops, food courts, lounges.
Mysore Junction Railway Station & Central Bus Stand: Basic facilities: waiting areas, food stalls, ticketing counters.
Consider pre-booking your transfer from accommodation to airport/station, especially for early morning departures. Discover reliable car rentals at DiscoverCars.com.

Sea/River Arrivals

Mysore is an inland city, making sea or river transportation for arrivals not applicable.

Not Applicable

Ferry services or cruise ports are not relevant for arrival in Mysore.
While the Kaveri River flows nearby, river transportation is not a practical method for tourist arrivals.
Immigration procedures at seaports are not relevant for Mysore.

Specialized Local Transport

Explore unique local transportation options within Mysore.

Unique Modes

KSTDC offers organized city tours. Hop-on-hop-off services are not standard.
Boating is available in lakes like Karanji Lake for recreation, not transportation.
Horse carriages offer traditional, leisurely rides around Mysore Palace.

Driving & Safety

Vehicles drive on the left side of the road.
Honking is common, signaling presence, not aggression.
Expect aggressive driving, pedestrians, and animals on roads.

Designated paid parking near major attractions.
Night driving outside city limits can be hazardous.
Self-driving is generally not recommended for first-time visitors.

Local Transport: Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Services

Taxis offer more direct and flexible transportation options.

Hailing & Fares

Traditional yellow-top taxis are available, less common than app-based services.
Pre-paid taxi stands at railway station and major hotels.
Negotiate fare before starting, or insist on meter for traditional taxis. Cash payment is typical.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Convenient and transparent transportation options.

Recommended Services

Ola Cabs & Uber: Widely used in Mysore, offering various car categories and auto-rickshaws.
App-based services provide transparent pricing displayed before confirming the ride.
Generally safer due to GPS tracking and driver details. In-app payment or cash payment.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

Local shops rent motorcycles and scooters. Daily rates are ₹300-₹800. A valid motorcycle license and IDP are necessary. Helmets are required.

Bicycle Rentals

Limited formal sharing programs. Some hotels or local shops rent bicycles daily. Exercise caution due to traffic; a helmet is recommended.

Walking & Pedestrian Areas

Mysore Palace Complex, Kukkarahalli Lake, and the city center are suitable for walking. Pavements can be uneven.

Public Transportation in Mysore

Bus System Overview

Buses are the backbone of Mysore's public transportation system, managed by KSRTC.

Aspects

KSRTC operates an extensive network of local buses connecting the city center to attractions.
The Central Bus Stand is the main hub. Routes connect to Chamundi Hills, Mysore Zoo, KRS Dam, and Brindavan Gardens.
Tickets are purchased from the conductor; fares are inexpensive and cash-based.

Bus Operations & Tips

Maximize your efficiency and comfort using Mysore's bus network.

Operational Hours & Frequency

Buses operate from around 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM.
Frequency varies; popular routes have more frequent services.
Always carry small change for fares. Avoid peak hours if possible due to crowding.

Rental Options for Independence

Car Rental with Driver

Given the traffic, renting a car with a driver is often a preferred and safer option for tourists. This allows you to relax and enjoy.

Motorcycle & Scooter Safety

Helmets are legally required and should always be worn. Road conditions and traffic can be challenging for inexperienced riders.

Pedestrian & Cycling Safety

Exercise high caution due to heavy and often chaotic traffic. Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended for cyclists. Avoid main thoroughfares if possible.

Navigation Tip

Download offline maps of Mysore on your phone. This helps with navigation even without an internet connection and makes it easier to show your destination to auto-rickshaw drivers.

How to Get to Mysore