Udupi sits on the western coast of Karnataka, roughly 400 km from Bangalore and 900 km from Mumbai. Despite being a smaller town, it's surprisingly well-connected. Here's every route option, broken down clearly so you can plan your trip.
By Air — Nearest Airports
The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport (IXE), located about 60 km from Udupi. Flights from Bangalore take about an hour, and from Mumbai about 90 minutes. Budget carriers like IndiGo and Air India Express operate regular routes. From the airport, you can take a pre-paid taxi (₹1,500-2,000) or book an Ola/Uber for the 90-minute drive to Udupi along the scenic coastal highway.
An upcoming option is the Udupi-Manipal greenfield airport, which has been proposed and is in various stages of planning. Until it becomes operational, Mangalore remains the best air gateway.
By Train — The Most Popular Route
Udupi has its own railway station (UD) on the Konkan Railway line. It's well-connected to Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore, and Thiruvananthapuram. The Konkan Railway route is considered one of India's most scenic train journeys, running along the coast with views of the Western Ghats, rivers, and sea.
Key Train Routes
Popular trains to Udupi:
- Mumbai to Udupi: Matsyagandha Express or Mandovi Express (~12-14 hours)
- Bangalore to Udupi: No direct train — go via Mangalore and then a 90-min drive, or take the bus
- Goa to Udupi: Konkan Kanya or Jan Shatabdi (~5-6 hours)
- Mangalore to Udupi: Multiple daily trains (~45 minutes)
By Road — Driving or Bus
From Bangalore (400 km, 7-8 hours)
The most popular route: Bangalore → Tumkur → Shimoga → Agumbe Ghat → Udupi. The Agumbe Ghat section is one of the most beautiful drives in Karnataka, with 14 hairpin bends through a dense rainforest. If you prefer a less adventurous route, take Bangalore → Hassan → Mangalore → Udupi via NH-75 and NH-66. KSRTC Airavat buses also operate daily overnight services from Bangalore to Udupi (₹800-1,200).
From Goa (320 km, 6-7 hours)
Drive south along NH-66 through the stunning Konkan coast via Karwar, Gokarna, and Murudeshwar. This is one of India's most scenic coastal drives, with temple towns and quiet beaches along the way.
From Mumbai (900 km, 14-15 hours)
The road trip from Mumbai follows the NH-66 down the entire Konkan coast. While it's a long drive, the route passes through Ratnagiri, Goa, and Gokarna. Most travelers prefer the overnight train for this route.
Getting Around Udupi
Within Udupi, local transport includes auto-rickshaws, rental bikes and scooters, and app-based cabs (Ola/Uber have limited availability). If you're staying at a beachside homestay, most attractions are within a 15-30 km radius. Renting a two-wheeler is the most flexible option for exploring the coast.
Once you reach Udupi, TAM-BoSa Beach Retreat is just a short ride from both the railway station and the town center. Our team can help arrange your airport pickup from Mangalore.
