How to Reach Chikmagalur by Car, Bus and Train
Chikmagalur is well connected by road, but the best way to reach it depends on your starting city, group size and sightseeing plan.
A direct bus may be easiest for a solo traveller. A car is generally more convenient for families because the main attractions are spread across different hill routes. A train can be economical, but it normally requires an additional road transfer.
This guide explains how to reach Chikmagalur from Bangalore and other major cities in Karnataka.
How to reach Chikmagalur from Bangalore by car
There are two commonly used routes from Bangalore:
| Route | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Bangalore–Hassan–Belur–Chikmagalur | First-time visitors and travellers visiting Belur | Popular route with a possible heritage stop |
| Bangalore–Arsikere–Kadur–Chikmagalur | Travellers approaching through the Tumakuru side | Useful alternative; check current road conditions |
The journey normally takes around five to five-and-a-half hours before accounting for traffic, meals and rest stops.
Driving tips
- Leave early to avoid heavy Bangalore traffic.
- Use live navigation to check diversions and roadwork.
- Refuel before beginning a long mountain circuit.
- Avoid aggressive overtaking on narrow roads.
- Try to reach Chikmagalur before dark.
- Stop if the driver is tired.
- Download offline maps before entering remote areas.
How to reach Chikmagalur by bus
KSRTC and private operators run buses from Bangalore to Chikmagalur.
Services commonly operate through:
- Hassan and Belur
- Arsikere and Kadur
Travel time depends on traffic, service type and the number of stops.
A bus solves only the journey between Bangalore and Chikmagalur. After reaching the Chikmagalur bus stand, you may still require:
- An auto or taxi to your accommodation
- A pre-arranged resort pickup
- A local cab for mountain sightseeing
- A local jeep for selected waterfall routes
Use the official KSRTC website or a trusted booking platform to check the latest timetable and fare. Avoid relying on bus schedules mentioned in old travel blogs because timings can change.
How to reach Chikmagalur by train
Chikkamagaluru has a railway station, but direct train services may not suit every traveller’s schedule.
Kadur is a practical railway station for several routes. Under normal conditions, the road journey from Kadur to Chikmagalur takes approximately 45 minutes.
Birur is another useful option, with an onward road journey of approximately 50 minutes.
Train journey planning tips
- Search for trains to Chikkamagaluru, Kadur and Birur.
- Compare arrival times, not only ticket prices.
- Avoid late-night arrivals without confirmed transportation.
- Arrange a taxi or check bus availability before travelling.
- Include the railway-station transfer in your total travel budget.
- Compare the complete train-plus-cab cost with a direct car or bus journey.
How to reach Chikmagalur by air
Chikmagalur does not have a major commercial airport.
Travellers can reach the region by road after landing at:
- Bangalore airport
- Mangalore airport
- Hubballi airport
The best airport is not automatically the one that appears closest on a map. Compare flight availability, landing time, cab cost and onward travel duration.
If your flight lands late at night, consider staying near the airport or arranging an experienced driver instead of beginning an unfamiliar hill journey after dark.
Reaching Chikmagalur from other Karnataka cities
| Starting city | Common road route | Approximate journey time |
|---|---|---|
| Mysore | Mysore–Hassan–Belur–Chikmagalur | Around 4.5 hours |
| Mangalore | Mangalore–Ujire–Mudigere–Chikmagalur | Around 4.5 hours |
| Bangalore | Via Hassan–Belur or Arsikere–Kadur | Around 5–5.5 hours |
These are approximate travel times under normal conditions. Traffic, rain, construction and breaks can make the journey longer.
Getting from Chikmagalur town to 7 Heaven
7 Heaven Villas & Resorts is located in Allampura, approximately 6 km from Chikmagalur town.
Guests arriving without a personal vehicle should confirm their pickup arrangement or local taxi fare before arrival, particularly for early-morning or late-evening travel.
The resort provides access to Chikmagalur town and popular sightseeing routes. Approximate distances from the property include:
- Hirekolale Lake: 8 km
- Seethalayyanagiri: 13.3 km
- Mullayanagiri: 15 km
- Baba Budangiri: 27.2 km
Which travel option is best?
| Traveller | Recommended option | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Solo traveller | Direct bus | Simple and generally economical |
| Couple | Bus or car | Depends on comfort and itinerary |
| Family with children | Car or private cab | Better control over stops and luggage |
| Large group | Tempo traveller | Keeps the group together and shares costs |
| Traveller avoiding a continuous road journey | Train to Kadur with transfer | Breaks the road journey into sections |
Frequently asked questions
What is the nearest railway station to Chikmagalur?
Kadur is a practical railway station for many routes, while Birur is another option. Chikkamagaluru also has a railway station, so check direct trains for your travel date.
Is there a direct bus from Bangalore to Chikmagalur?
Yes. KSRTC and private operators serve the route. Timings and fares change, so use a live booking source.
Can I drive from Bangalore to Chikmagalur in one day?
Yes. The drive normally takes approximately five to five-and-a-half hours before long breaks or traffic delays. Avoid adding a full mountain circuit immediately after a tiring drive.
Do I need a car inside Chikmagalur?
You do not need to own a car, but you need planned local transport because the main attractions are spread across different hill and waterfall routes.
Plan your Chikmagalur stay
Once your transportation is confirmed, choose accommodation that does not make your final transfer unnecessarily complicated.
7 Heaven Villas & Resorts is approximately 6 km from Chikmagalur town and provides accommodation for couples, families and groups.
Check rooms and contact 7 Heaven