Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of India’s most famous historical destinations. Known for its ancient temples, grand ruins, and stunning landscapes, Hampi was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and flourished as one of the richest cities in the world during the 14th-16th centuries. Today, the ruins of Hampi’s temples, palaces, and markets attract history lovers, backpackers, and adventure seekers from across the globe.
For travelers planning a trip to Hampi, one of the biggest challenges is reaching the town, as it does not have its own airport or railway station. However, Hampi is well-connected via nearby cities like Hospet, Hubli, Bangalore, and Goa. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of how to reach Hampi by road, train, and air, along with essential travel tips.
Where is Hampi Located?
Hampi is located in Karnataka, about 340 km from Bangalore and 13 km from Hospet, the nearest town with a railway station. It is situated along the banks of the Tungabhadra River and is surrounded by boulders, ancient temples, and lush greenery.
Distance Between Major Cities and Hampi
- Bangalore to Hampi: 340 km
- Hyderabad to Hampi: 380 km
- Goa to Hampi: 310 km
- Mumbai to Hampi: 720 km
- Chennai to Hampi: 600 km
Best Ways to Reach Hampi
There are three main ways to reach Hampi:
- By Road (Bus, Car, or Bike) – Best for Flexible and Scenic Travel
- By Train (via Hospet) – Most Budget-Friendly Option
- By Air (via Hubli, Bangalore, or Goa) – Fastest but Requires Road Travel
Let’s explore each option in detail.
Perfect Plans for an Unforgettable Karnataka Trip:
- Explore Karnataka: 15-Day Journey from Hyderabad to Bangalore
- Discover Karnataka: 6-Day Travel Itinerary
- Heritage Trail: 5-Day Hampi, Badami & Hubli Tour
1. How to Reach Hampi by Road – Best for Flexible and Scenic Travel
Hampi is well-connected by state highways and national highways, making it accessible for travelers coming from Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa, and Mumbai. Traveling by road allows visitors to enjoy scenic landscapes, small villages, and historical towns along the way.
Best Road Routes to Hampi
From Bangalore to Hampi (Best Route)
- Route: Bangalore → Chitradurga → Hospet → Hampi
- Distance: 340 km
- Travel Time: 6-7 hours
- Road Condition: Excellent, with well-maintained highways.
Reach From Hyderabad to Hampi
- Route: Hyderabad → Raichur → Gangavati → Hampi
- Distance: 380 km
- Travel Time: 7-8 hours
- Road Condition: Good, but some stretches are narrow.
From Goa to Hampi
- Route: Goa → Dharwad → Hubli → Hampi
- Distance: 310 km
- Travel Time: 6-7 hours
- Road Condition: Beautiful coastal and mountain roads.
Transport Options for Road Travel
| Travel Option | Approximate Cost | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Drive Car | ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 (fuel) | 6-8 hours | Families & groups |
| Private Taxi | ₹6,000 – ₹10,000 | 6-8 hours | Comfortable travel |
| State Transport Bus (KSRTC) | ₹500 – ₹800 per person | 7-10 hours | Budget travelers |
| Luxury AC Bus | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 per person | 7-8 hours | Comfortable budget travel |
Pros and Cons of Road Travel
Advantages:
- Flexible and convenient, especially for those traveling in groups.
- Allows for scenic detours and stops at historical sites.
- Multiple transport options, including taxis and buses.
Disadvantages:
- Can be tiring for long-distance travelers.
- Some routes have poor road conditions, especially during monsoons.
2. How to Reach Hampi by Train – Budget-Friendly & Convenient
The nearest railway station to Hampi is Hospet Junction (HPT), which is 13 km from Hampi. Hospet is well-connected to major Indian cities, making train travel the most affordable and practical option for reaching Hampi.
Best Trains to Hospet from Major Cities
| Train Name | Train Number | Departure City | Arrival at Hospet | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hampi Express | 16592 | Bangalore | 6:30 AM | 9 hours | Daily |
| Amaravathi Express | 18048 | Hyderabad | 7:00 AM | 10 hours | Daily |
| Goa Express | 12779 | Goa | 9:00 AM | 8 hours | Daily |
| UBL-HPT Passenger | 56909 | Hubli | 7:30 AM | 3 hours | Daily |
How to Reach Hampi from Hospet Railway Station
- Local Bus: ₹20 per person (takes 30 minutes).
- Auto-Rickshaw: ₹200-₹300 (takes 20 minutes).
- Taxi: ₹500-₹800 (takes 15 minutes).
Pros and Cons of Train Travel
Advantages:
- Most economical way to reach Hampi.
- Multiple train options from major cities.
- Comfortable journey with sleeper and AC coaches.
Disadvantages:
- Requires an additional road journey from Hospet to Hampi.
- Trains may be crowded during peak travel seasons.
3. How to Reach Hampi by Air – Fastest but Requires Road Travel
Hampi does not have an airport, but travelers can fly to the nearest airports and then continue their journey by road or train.
Nearest Airports to Hampi
| Airport | Distance from Hampi | Travel Time to Hampi | Transport Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hubli Airport (HBX) | 160 km | 4 hours | Taxi, Train |
| Bangalore Airport (BLR) | 340 km | 7 hours | Taxi, Bus |
| Goa Airport (GOI) | 310 km | 7 hours | Taxi, Bus |
Flight Options from Major Cities to Hubli and Bangalore
| Departure City | Best Airport | Flight Duration | Approx. Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | Hubli | 1.5 hours | ₹4,000 – ₹6,000 |
| Delhi | Bangalore | 2.5 hours | ₹5,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Chennai | Bangalore | 1.5 hours | ₹4,000 – ₹7,000 |
| Hyderabad | Hubli | 1.5 hours | ₹3,500 – ₹6,000 |
How to Reach Hampi from Hubli or Bangalore Airport
- From Hubli: Take a taxi or train to Hospet, then a bus or taxi to Hampi.
- From Bangalore: Take an overnight train or bus to Hospet, then a short ride to Hampi.
Pros and Cons of Air Travel
Advantages:
- Fastest way to reach Hampi from distant cities.
- Convenient for international travelers.
Disadvantages:
- Expensive compared to road or train travel.
- Requires additional travel by road or train.
Which Travel Option is Best for You?
| Travel Option | Best For | Travel Time | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road (Car/Bus) | Road trip lovers | 6-8 hours | ₹500 – ₹10,000 |
| Train | Budget travelers | 9-12 hours | ₹300 – ₹3,000 |
| Air | Fast and comfortable travel | 4-5 hours (plus road travel) | ₹4,000 – ₹10,000 |
Final Thoughts
The best way to reach Hampi depends on your budget, time, and travel preference. Train travel to Hospet is the most budget-friendly option, while road travel offers flexibility and scenic views. Air travel is the fastest but requires additional transport to reach Hampi. Regardless of how you choose to travel, Hampi’s majestic ruins and rich history make the journey worthwhile.
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