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How to Get to Mysuru

How to Get to Mysuru

Mysuru Karnataka, India Travel Guide

Air Travel to Mysore

Major Airports & Flights

For the majority of foreign visitors, air travel involves showing up 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 foreign carriers travel by air 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 ride or bus to Bengaluru City or Yesvantpur Train Station for trains to Mysore Junction.

Train Connections & Services

Mysore Junction MYS

  • Mysore Junction is well-regarded-connected to major Indian cities.
  • Regular services run from Bengaluru (Shatabdi, Vande Bharat Express), Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Delhi.
  • Indian Railways has a range of 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. Reserving ahead is highly recommended.

Long-Distance Bus Options

  • KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation): Frequent, reliable, and affordable buses provide connections Mysore to city areas across Karnataka and surrounding 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 required 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 reckless driving, frequent horn usage, and walkers/animals on roads. Self-driving is generally not recommended for first-visitors for the first time to India.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Streamline your departure from Mysore with essential information.

Departure Guidelines

  • No particular exit fees or taxes are levied upon departure from India at airports or rail depots for tourists.
  • For domestic flights (MYQ or BLR), arrive at least 2-3 hours before departure.
  • For flights abroad 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): Provides thorough facilities: check-in, security, immigration, duty-free shops, food courts, lounges.
  • Mysore Junction Train Terminal & Central Bus Depot: 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 a landlocked 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 way of tourist arrivals.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports are not relevant for Mysore.

Specialized Local Transport

Discover special 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 At the lakeside 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 road behavior, pedestrians, and fauna on roads.
  • Designated paid parking close to major attractions.
  • Night driving outside city limits can be hazardous.
  • Self-driving is generally not recommended for first-visitors for the first time.

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 demand meter for traditional taxis. Cash payment is typical.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Convenient and transparent transportation options.

Recommended Services

  • Ola Cabs & Uber: Commonly used in Mysore, presenting various car categories and auto-rickshaws.
  • App-based services provide transparent pricing displayed before confirming the ride.
  • Generally safer due to LOCATION 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

Not much 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 appropriate for walking. Pavements can be uneven.

Public Transportation in Mysore

Bus System Overview

Buses are the backbone of Mysore''s mass transit system, managed by KSRTC.

Aspects

  • KSRTC operates an extensive network of local buses linking the city center to attractions.
  • The Central Bus Depot 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:O'CLOCK IN the MORNING to 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM.
  • Frequency varies; popular routes have more frequent services.
  • Always carry loose change for fares. Avoid peak hours if possible due to crowding.

Rental Options for Independence

Car Rental with Driver

Considering the traffic, renting hiring a car and 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 difficult for inexperienced riders.

Pedestrian & Cycling Safety

Exercise high be wary of 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 figuring out your way even without an internet connection and produces it more straightforward to show your destination to auto-rickshaw drivers.