Getting here
Bengaluru to Honavar
About 460 km. Take the overnight bus, the scenic Vistadome train, or drive via Shivamogga and down the Sharavathi River valley past Jog Falls.
By bus
Shreekumar Travels runs the most buses from Bengaluru to Honavar and VRL Travels also operates services. Sleeper buses leave at night and arrive early morning. Note that hotel check-in is usually around 2 pm, so ask your stay about early check-in.
By train: the Vistadome
The scenic way: the Yesvantpur–Karwar Express (16515) with a Vistadome glass-roof coach leaves Yeshwantpur (YPR) at about 7:00 am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, crosses the Western Ghats via Mangaluru and reaches Honavar (HNA) around 8:24 pm. The return (16516) leaves Honavar at about 6:28 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and reaches Bengaluru around 8:45 pm. Check current timings on IRCTC before booking.
By road
About 460 km, roughly 8.5 hours via Tumakuru, Shivamogga, Sagar, Jog Falls and the Sharavathi River valley. Stop at Jog, the valley viewpoint and Kanni Ice Creams on the way down.
Quick facts
| Distance | About 460 km |
|---|---|
| By road | About 8.5 hours via Shivamogga and Jog Falls |
| By train | Vistadome on the Yesvantpur–Karwar Express (16515) |
| By bus | Overnight sleeper buses |
Arriving in Honavar
Honavar railway station (code HNA) is at Karki, about 5 km from town. Autos and cabs wait outside. Overnight buses and trains often arrive early in the morning while most stays check in around 2 pm, so ask your stay about early check-in, or spend the first morning at the mangrove boardwalk (from 9 am) or Eco Beach.
Getting around once you're here
Use auto-rickshaws for short trips in town and hire a local cab for half or full days to reach the waterfalls, temples and day trips. See all transport options in Honavar.
When to travel
October to February is the best time to visit, with dry days and calm seas. March to May is the summer beach season. From June to October the monsoon brings roaring waterfalls but heavy rain, so plan to cross the Western Ghats in daylight. Read more on the best time to visit Honavar.
Plan your stay
We recommend three to four days. Start with our Honavar itineraries, pick a place to stay and browse the best things to do in Honavar.
Plan your trip
Ready for the river and the sea?
Pick a stay, choose an itinerary and book online on the property's site or a booking platform.