How to Reach Udupi by Train, Road & Air – Complete Travel Guide
Udupi, a charming coastal town in Karnataka, is world-famous for the Sri Krishna Temple, serene beaches, and authentic Udupi cuisine. Nestled along the scenic Konkan coast, it attracts pilgrims, nature lovers, and food enthusiasts alike. If you are planning a trip, knowing the best travel routes is essential. Udupi is well-connected to major Indian cities by train, road, and air, making it convenient for travelers from Bangalore, Mangalore, Mumbai, Goa, and beyond. In this guide, we’ll explore all the options to help you reach Udupi smoothly and comfortably.
Reaching Udupi by Train
Traveling to Udupi by train is one of the most convenient and scenic options, especially if you are coming from coastal regions or metro cities. Udupi has its own railway station (station code: UD), situated on the Konkan Railway line, which connects it to several major cities across India.
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Regular trains run from Bangalore, Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, Mangalore, and Delhi.
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The railway station is just 3 km from Udupi city center and is well-connected by auto rickshaws, taxis, and local buses.
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The Konkan Railway route offers breathtaking views of lush greenery, tunnels, and bridges, making the journey enjoyable.
Major Cities Train Connectivity to Udupi
Udupi is well connected through the Konkan Railway network, linking it with major cities across India. Pilgrims, tourists, and students frequently travel here from Bangalore, Mangalore, Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Delhi. Below is a list of popular train routes and approximate travel times.
| City | Popular Train Name / No. (Example) | Frequency | Approx. Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangalore | Matsyagandha Express (12619) / Karwar Express (16523) | Daily | 11–12 hrs |
| Mangalore | Passenger & Express Trains | Multiple Daily | 1–1.5 hrs |
| Mumbai | Konkan Kanya Express (10111) / Matsyagandha Express (12620) | Daily | 14–15 hrs |
| Goa | Konkan Express (10111) / Netravati Express (16345) | Daily | 8–9 hrs |
| Kochi | Netravati Express (16346) | Daily | 11–12 hrs |
| Chennai | West Coast Express (22637 via Mangalore) | Daily | 16–17 hrs |
| Hyderabad | Hyderabad – Mangalore Express (17021, via Udupi) | Weekly | 20–21 hrs |
| Delhi | Mangala Lakshadweep Express (12618, via Mangalore) | Daily | 36–38 hrs |
Reaching Udupi by Road
Udupi is well connected by National Highway (NH-66), making it easy to reach by bus, cab, or private car.
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From Bangalore (400 km): KSRTC and private Volvo buses operate frequently, taking around 10–12 hours.
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From Mangalore (55 km): Buses and taxis are available, with a travel time of around 1.5 hours.
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From Goa (300 km): Overnight buses and taxis are the best option.
Bus Connectivity
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KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) operates regular Volvo, Rajahamsa, and Airavat buses from Bangalore, Mysore, and other cities.
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Private operators like VRL, Sugama, Durgamba, and SRS also run daily luxury and sleeper buses connecting Udupi with Mumbai, Goa, Pune, Bangalore, and Mangalore.
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From nearby cities like Mangalore, frequent buses and taxis are available every 15–20 minutes, making it the fastest and cheapest option.
| City | Distance | Travel Time | Bus Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mangalore | 55 km | 1.5 hrs | Very Frequent (every 20 min) | Best option for quick trips |
| Bangalore | 400 km | 10–12 hrs | Daily KSRTC & Private Volvo | Overnight journey |
| Goa (Panaji) | 300 km | 7–8 hrs | Overnight luxury buses | Scenic coastal drive |
| Mumbai | 720 km | 14–15 hrs | Daily Sleeper & Volvo | Long but comfortable |
| Mysore | 310 km | 8–9 hrs | KSRTC & private buses | Passes through Western Ghats |
| Pune | 600 km | 12–13 hrs | Private Volvo / Sleeper | Via NH-66 or NH-48 |
Reaching Udupi by Air
The nearest airport to Udupi is Mangalore International Airport (IXE), located about 60 km away. Though Udupi does not have its own airport, Mangalore airport offers excellent domestic and limited international connectivity, making it the most convenient option for air travelers.
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Flight Connectivity: Regular flights operate from Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Pune, and Kochi. International flights are also available from Dubai, Doha, Muscat, and Kuwait.
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Airport to Udupi Travel: From Mangalore Airport, you can reach Udupi in 1.5 to 2 hours by taxi, cab, or KSRTC/private buses. Taxis are available right outside the terminal, while buses can be boarded from the nearby highway.
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Alternative Airports: For international travelers, another option is Goa’s Dabolim Airport (around 300 km from Udupi), connected by flights from major Indian and foreign cities.
| Airport | Distance from Udupi | Travel Time | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mangalore International Airport (IXE) | 60 km | 1.5–2 hrs | Domestic + Gulf Countries |
| Goa – Dabolim Airport (GOI) | 300 km | 7–8 hrs | Domestic + International |
| Bangalore – Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) | 400 km | 10–11 hrs (by road/train) | Domestic + International |
