1. Bangalore to Rameswaram by Bus
The total road distance between Bangalore and Rameshwaram is 582 kilometers, which takes around 11 hours to cover by road. If your preferred mode of travel is the roadways, you can opt for a bus journey to reach your final destination. Numerous private operators run buses on this route regularly, and these buses also provide their passengers with amenities such as AC, blankets and water bottles. Make sure that you check out on these facilities before you book a bus so that you can be assured of a comfortable journey. Also, most passengers prefer to take buses that leave Bangalore at night, so that they can reach Rameshwaram in the early morning hours and then enjoy sightseeing at leisure.
Available Bus Options
1. TNSTC (Ultra Deluxe Buses)Departure: 19:15
Arrival: 08:15
Duration: 13 hours
Fare: INR 683
2. SRS Travels (Non AC and AC Sleeper Buses)A. Departure: 19:15, Arrival: 07:15 (for the AC bus)
B. Departure: 18:30, Arrival: 06:30 (for the non-AC bus)
Duration: 12 hours
Fare: INR 740 to INR 842
3. Royal Travels (Non-A/C Seater/Sleeper buses)Departure: 18:30
Arrival: 07:10
Duration: 12 hours and 40 minutes
Fare: INR 700
Tips
Bus tickets sell out pretty soon during the festive season and summer vacations, so if you are planning to travel during that time, make sure that you book your bus tickets well in advance.
2. Bangalore to Rameswaram by Car
Even though a car ride from Bangalore to Rameshwaram is a long drive, a lot of travellers prefer this option because it offers them scenic views on the way.
The entire route from Bangalore to Rameshwaram is around 580 kilometres, and it takes around 10-12 hours to complete the journey. Thus, a lot of travellers prefer to halt at least once during the entire trip to ensure a comfortable journey. Cabs can also easily be booked online through car rental service providers such as Gozocabs, Savaari, etc.; and you are also free to choose a car that suits your budget. Alternatively, you can book a cab through a local trusted outstation cab service provider. Try and book the cab well in advance to get the best deals, and also find out whether the quote that is offered to you includes toll, GST, etc.; or if that will be charged separately.
The Routes That Can Be Taken
Route 1: Bangalore to Rameshwaram via NH 44This route takes you across a total of 582 kilometres, and the entire journey takes around 11 hours. You will have to pass through Nice Road, and then exit at Hosur. After this, you will have to travel through NH 7 to reach Salem. Then continue to drive till Madurai and finally reach Rameshwaram.
Route 2: Bangalore to Rameshwaram via NH 38This route takes you over a distance of 632 kilometres, and the entire journey can take anything between 12 to 13 hours to finish. You will have to stay on the Hosur Road and then drive on the NH 77 and SH 9A.
Road Conditions
It is indeed a pleasant drive from Bangalore to Rameshwaram. The route is a part of the Golden Quadrilateral up to Madurai, and travellers can find all amenities en route. The roads are well built, so a comfortable journey is guaranteed.
Eating Options on the Way
The highways are dotted with local dhabas that serve authentic South Indian cuisine as well as north Indian food items. However, there are only limited options once you cross Madurai, so it is advisable to have lunch/dinner at Madurai itself.
3. Bangalore to Rameswaram via Madurai - By Flight
Bangalore to Rameshwaram via air is a viable and economical option, and a lot of travelers prefer this mode of transportation over others since it is the fastest and most-time saving option. Bangalore has an international airport of its own, which is the Kempegowda International Airport; while the closest airport to Rameshwaram is that in Madurai.
There are regular direct as well as indirect flights that operate between Bangalore and Madurai, and the distance between the two can be covered in just 50 minutes to an hour and a half by a direct flight, with fares starting from just INR 2500. From Madurai, one can then book a cab or board a bus/train to reach Rameshwaram.
Available Flight Options
Both SpiceJet and IndiGo operate direct flights between Bangalore and Madurai. The flights by SpiceJet will take you to your destination in just 50 minutes, while those operated by IndiGo take around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Transportation from Madurai to Rameshwaram
The distance between Madurai International Airport and Rameshwaram is 180 kilometers, and travelers can opt for trains, taxis or buses to reach their final destination with ease.
4. Bangalore to Rameswaram via Madurai - By Train
There are no direct trains that run between Bangalore and Rameshwaram. The best option for you would be to first board a train from Bangalore to Madurai and then board a second train from Madurai to Rameshwaram. This is precisely why a lot of travellers do not prefer to travel to Rameshwaram from Bangalore via this means of transport. The first leg of the journey in itself will take you around 10-12 hours, while the next part of the journey will take you more than 3 hours. And taking into account the time and effort taken to first reach the railway station in Bangalore, then wait at the Madurai Railway Station for the next train, and then finally travel from the Rameshwaram Railway Station to your final destination; the entire journey can become quite exhausting and toilsome.
However, if you still prefer, you can travel from Bangalore to Rameshwaram via a train by this indirect route, and even stop at Madurai for a day to explore the local areas.
Available Train Options - Bangalore to Madurai
1. Mumbai CSMT Nagercoil Express 16339Departure: 10:30
Arrival: 20:50
Duration: 10 hours and 20 minutes
Availability: Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
Fare: General: INR 151
Sleeper: INR 305
AC 3 tier: INR 835
AC 2 tier: INR 1195
2. Okha Tuticorin Vivek Express 19568Departure: 16:25
Arrival: 03:25
Duration: 11 hours
Availability: Saturdays
Fare: General: INR 151
Sleeper: INR 305
AC 3 tier: INR 835
AC 2 tier: INR 1195
3. KSR Bengaluru Nagercoil Express 17235Departure: 17:15
Arrival: 02:45
Duration: 9 hours and 30 minutes
Availability: All days of the week
Fare:General: INR 127
Sleeper: INR 260
AC 3 tier: INR 710
AC 2 tier: INR 1015
4. Mysuru Tuticorin Express 16236Departure: 21:15
Arrival: 07:25
Duration: 10 hours and 10 minutes
Availability: All days of the week
Fare: General: INR 145
Sleeper: INR 280
AC chair: INR 610
AC 3 tier: INR 75
AC 2 tier: INR 1085
Available Train Options - Madurai to Rameswaram
1. Ajmer Rameshwaram Humsafar Express 19603Departure: 00:15
Arrival: 03:15
Duration: 3 hours
Availability: Tuesdays
Fare:
AC 3 tier: INR 560-819
2. Kanniyakumari - Rameswaram SF Express 22622Departure: 02:45
Arrival: 05:20
Duration: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Availability: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
Fare: General: INR 80
Sleeper: INR 170
AC 3 tier: INR 540
3. Manduadih - Rameswaram Weekly 15120Departure: 21:40
Arrival: 00:45
Duration: 3 hours and 5 minutes
Availability: Tuesdays
Fare:General: INR 52
Sleeper: INR 140
AC 3 tier: INR 495
AC 2 tier: INR 700