The Best Way to Travel from Mangalore Airport to Udupi

Traveling from Mangalore Airport (IXE) to Udupi can be done through several options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will explore the most convenient, economical, and safe routes to help you decide the best way to reach Udupi.

taxi/cab

The most convenient way to travel from Mangalore Airport to Udupi is to hire a taxi or a cab directly from the airport. You can arrange this at the airport taxi counter or through ride-hailing apps like Uber or Ola. Depending on traffic, the journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Although this can be the fastest option, it might also be the most expensive.

bus

If you are looking for an economical option, public buses are available from Mangalore to Udupi. To get to a bus station, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to the Mangalore Bus Stand. From there, you can catch a state-run or private bus to Udupi. This option is cheaper, but it may take a bit longer, especially during peak traffic hours.

private car rental

Car rental services operate at Mangalore Airport, allowing you to drive to Udupi yourself. This option provides the most flexibility and convenience, but it requires a driver's license and a valid car rental agreement.

shared cabs

Some services offer shared cabs or shuttle services between the airport and Udupi, making it a cost-effective option if you are traveling alone. These shared services often operate on a first-come, first-served basis and might save you some money, but they may not be as convenient as a private cab or car.

express buses and local transportation

There are many express buses that ply every 2 minutes between Mangalore and Udupi. If you are traveling to Mangalore by bus, your transfer point can be either PVS circle or Lalbagh to reach Udupi. For those traveling by train, your bus stop is at the State Bank, which is the starting point for all buses in Mangalore. It is advisable to use the local auto rickshaw to reach this stop from the train station. The Auto rickshaw ride typically takes around 5 to 15 minutes.

safe and cost-effective approach

On April 23, 2019, a traveler from Kundapur found a more cost-effective and safe route. Instead of taking a direct bus from Kundapur to Mangalore, they opted to take an express bus to Udupi and then change to the next bus to Mangalore, which saved a few minutes. Upon reaching Kuloor, which is the immediate stop after Mangalore Port, they inquired with the bus conductor or ticket collector. Once they got down, they could easily find an auto rickshaw at the Kuloor express bus stop, which charges around 200 rupees to drop them off at the airport. The distance is approximately 10 kilometers, and this ride is considered safe and reliable. The total cost for the bus ticket and auto fare is around 300 rupees, significantly less than a taxi from Kundapur to the airport, which would have cost around 2500 rupees.

Overall, the best way to travel from Mangalore Airport to Udupi depends on your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences. Whether you choose a taxi, bus, car rental, or shared cabs, there are plenty of options to ensure a smooth and efficient journey to Udupi.