Quick Guide: Bangalore to Dandeli at a Glance
- Distance: Approximately 460–480 km
- Travel Time: 8 to 10 hours (depending on mode)
- Best Way to Reach: Overnight sleeper bus or a self-drive car for flexibility.
- Nearest Railway Station: Alnavar Junction (Now connected directly to Dandeli by train as of Feb 2026!)
- Quick Recommendation: Start your road trip by 6:00 AM to beat the Bangalore traffic and reach Dandeli just in time for a late lunch.
Bangalore to Dandeli Distance & Route Overview
The road distance from Bengaluru to Dandeli is roughly 460 km via the most popular route. If you are driving, the average travel time is 8–9 hours.
Primary Route: Bangalore → Tumkur → Chitradurga → Davanagere → Hubli → Dharwad → Dandeli (via NH 48).
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Road Condition: Excellent for 90% of the journey. The NH 48 highway is a smooth 6-lane stretch up to Hubli. The final 70 km from Hubli to Dandeli consists of scenic, well-maintained state highways through forest patches.
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Travel Time: 8 hours 30 minutes (non-stop).
Bangalore to Dandeli by Train (2026 Update!)
This is the biggest news for travelers! As of February 8, 2026, the train connection between Alnavar and Dandeli (Ambewadi) has officially restarted.
The Process:
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Bangalore to Alnavar: Book a ticket on popular trains like the Rani Chennamma Express (16589) or Vishwamanav Express.
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Alnavar to Dandeli: Catch the newly restarted Alnavar–Dandeli DEMU train.
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Note: “Alnavar is the nearest railway station to Dandeli,” located just 32 km away.
If you miss the connecting DEMU, taxis from Alnavar to Dandeli are easily available and cost approximately ₹1,000 to ₹1,200.
Bangalore to Dandeli by Bus
Buses are the most convenient "set it and forget it" option.
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KSRTC: Several Airavat (AC) and Rajahamsa (Non-AC) buses ply daily.
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Private Sleepers: Operators like Sugama, VRL, and SRS offer premium Bangalore to Dandeli sleeper buses.
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Night Buses: Most buses depart between 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM, reaching Dandeli by 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM.
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Boarding Points: Majestic, Anand Rao Circle, Yeshwanthpur, and Jalahalli Cross.
Bangalore to Dandeli by Car
Driving is the best way to soak in the views.
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The Route: Bangalore → Tumkur → Chitradurga → Hubli → Kalghatgi → Dandeli.
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Toll Cost: Expect to pay around ₹600–₹800 in one-way toll charges.
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Fuel Stops: Plenty of branded pumps (Shell, HP, BP) are available until Hubli. We recommend a full tank at Hubli before entering the forest zone.
Bangalore to Dandeli by Flight
While Dandeli doesn't have its own airport, you can fly into Hubli Airport (HBX).
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Flight Time: 1 hour 15 minutes from KIA Bangalore.
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Onward Journey: Hubli to Dandeli is about 74 km. A taxi takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours and costs between ₹1,800 and ₹2,500.
Comparison Table: Best Way to Reach
| Mode | Travel Time | Approx. Cost (Per Person) | Best For |
| Car (Self-Drive) | 8–9 Hours | ₹4,000 - ₹6,000 (Fuel/Toll) | Families & Groups |
| Sleeper Bus | 9–10 Hours | ₹700 - ₹1,400 | Solo & Budget Travelers |
| Train | 10–11 Hours | ₹350 - ₹1,200 | Comfort & Safety |
| Flight | 3 Hours (Total) | ₹4,000 - ₹6,000 | Saving Time |
