Getting Around Udupi
Udupi is a coastal city in Karnataka, and its layout reflects that: the city spreads out around a central bus stand, with suburbs like Manipal, Malpe and Parkala merged into the municipal area. For a visitor, that means most journeys are short hops between the temple area, the bus stand, the railway station and the beaches — and the practical options are buses, auto-rickshaws, hired cabs and your own two feet.
Rail: The Konkan Railway Connection
Udupi has a railway station on the Konkan Railway, which is the line that links the city to India's west coast. The station sits at Indrali, a short ride from the city bus stand, and lies on the Kanyakumari–Mumbai route.
- Direct trains run to major destinations including Bengaluru, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Thiruvananthapuram, among others.
- Major trains, including the Rajdhani Express, stop at Udupi.
- A night train connects Mangalore and Bangalore, and the Yeshwantpur–Karwar express links Bangalore with Udupi on selected days.
- The Vistadome Express, introduced in 2021, runs through Udupi with a coach of rotating chairs and large windows — a scenic way to take in the Western Ghats.
Udupi has no metro or tram network; the railway is the only rail-based option, and it is oriented toward intercity travel rather than getting around town.
Buses and Public Transport
City and suburban buses are the workhorse of local transport. Services are run both by private operators and by KSRTC, and they generally start and end at the main bus stand, with stops spread throughout the city. If you are unsure where to catch one, ask locally — stops are not always obvious.
- Tickets are bought on boarding, or from the conductor just before you get on.
- Fares are inexpensive and charged by distance.
- Private buses arriving from elsewhere typically stop at the service bus stand in the city centre and near Tiger Circle in Manipal.
For longer journeys, private and government buses connect Udupi to destinations across Karnataka and to Maharashtra. From Mangalore, roughly an hour away, buses run very frequently in both AC and non-AC form, departing from either the Mangalore KSRTC bus stand or the public bus stand (locally called the State Bank bus stand). Udupi is also well connected by bus to nearby coastal towns such as Murudeshwar, Karwar and Gokarna.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Hired cabs exist in Udupi but cannot be hailed off the street — you need to arrange one in advance, typically through a hotel, a travel desk or a local operator. They are unmetered, so agree on a fare before you set off; a per-kilometre rate for a non-air-conditioned compact car is the usual basis for short trips.
Auto-rickshaws are the more spontaneous option and can be flagged down on the street. They are generally a cheap way to travel, and metered rates exist on paper — but in practice drivers often prefer to negotiate a flat fare rather than run the meter. Knowing the metered structure gives you a fair benchmark for haggling.
Walking
Walking around Udupi is genuinely pleasant when the weather cooperates — the cooler winter months are the best window, since summers are hot and the monsoon brings heavy rain and strong winds. One important caveat: the city has no footpaths, so pedestrians share the edge of the road with auto-rickshaws and motorbikes. Stay alert and keep to the side.
Getting In from the Airport
The nearest international airport to Udupi is Mangalore International Airport, which is well connected to major Indian cities and a handful of Middle Eastern destinations. It is the standard arrival point for visitors flying in.
- Pre-paid taxis (non-air-conditioned) can be booked from the counter inside the arrival terminal.
- The drive to Udupi takes roughly an hour and a half.
Goa's Dabolim airport is another possibility, but it is far away and not a practical way to reach Udupi unless you are deliberately combining the trip with a Goa holiday.
Arriving by Road
Udupi sits on National Highway 66, the coastal route linking Mumbai and Goa to the north with Mangalore and Kochi to the south. Other significant roads include NH 169A toward Hebri, Agumbe, Thirthahalli and Shivamogga, plus state highways to Karkala, Dharmastala and Sringeri.
If you are driving yourself, do so only if you are comfortable with Indian highways; otherwise hire a driver or take a cab. Coming from Bangalore means first reaching Mangalore through the ghats, and those hill roads can be damaged during the monsoon — check conditions in advance and be ready to adjust your route. The road journey through the Agumbe ghats is a highlight in its own right.
Arriving by Sea
The nearest harbour is Malpe, close to the city and home to a beach that is one of Udupi's main attractions. Gangolli and New Mangalore Port are the other nearby ports, but these are not routine passenger arrival points for most visitors.
Practical Tips
- Carry small change for bus fares and auto-rickshaw rides.
- Agree on cab and auto fares before departure — meters are often not used.
- Ask at your hotel about arranging a hired cab, since they cannot be flagged down.
- Plan outdoor walking and beach trips around the weather: winters are pleasant, summers are hot, and the monsoon is wet and windy.
- For intercity travel, both the railway station at Indrali and the central bus stand are your main departure points.