KSRTC Bus Guide: Booking, Comfort & Long-Distance Travel from Mangalore

1. Express (Non-AC, Budget) - ₹250-450

Comfort: Basic seats, no AC

Best For: Budget travelers, short trips (1-2 hours)

Extras: None

2. Rajahamsa (AC, Mid-Range) - ₹500-700

Comfort: Reclining seats, AC, good legroom

Best For: Most people, 3-5 hour trips

Extras: USB charging sometimes

3. Volvo Multi-Axle (AC, Premium) - ₹900-1300

Comfort: Extra-wide reclining seats, WiFi, charging ports

Best For: Luxury travelers, important meetings

Extras: WiFi, phone charger, entertainment

Bangalore (350 km, 5.5 hours)

• Express: ~₹350-400 | Departure: 8:45 AM
• Rajahamsa: ~₹500-600 | Departure: 7:45 AM
• Volvo: ~₹900-1000 | Departure: 6:00 AM

Best time to travel: 6-7 AM (reach by 11:30 AM) | Check availability

Goa (250 km, 4 hours)

• Express: ~₹400-450 | Departure: 5:00 PM | Reach by 9 PM
• Rajahamsa: ~₹650-750 | Departure: 6:30 PM | Evening option
• Volvo: ~₹950-1100 | Departure: 7:00 PM | Night comfort

Best time to travel: 5-6 PM (reach evening, explore at night)

Mysore (200 km, 3.5 hours)

• Express: ~₹250-300 | Departure: 9:00 AM | Budget option
• Rajahamsa: ~₹400-500 | Departure: 10:30 AM | Comfortable

Best time to travel: 9-10 AM (reach by afternoon)

Udupi (60 km, 1.5 hours)

• Express: ~₹100-120 | Every 2 hours | Cheap, frequent
• Rajahamsa: ~₹150-180 | Afternoon only | Less crowded

Best time to travel: 11 AM - 1 PM (avoid rush)

Step 1: Choose Your Route

Example: "Mangalore to Bangalore"

Step 2: Pick a Date

Book 2-3 days in advance (cheaper prices, more seats)

Step 3: Select Class

• Budget: Express (₹350)
• Comfort: Rajahamsa (₹500)
• Best: Volvo (₹850)

Step 4: Choose Time

Morning (6-9 AM) if you want to reach by afternoon

Evening (6-9 PM) if you want to sleep and reach morning

Step 5: Book Online

Websites:

• • redBus.in
• • AbhiBus.com
• • KSRTC official website (ksrtc.in)

Mobile apps:

• redBus app
• AbhiBus app
• KSRTC app

Step 6: Confirm Booking

You'll get:

• Booking reference number
• Bus registration number
• Seat number
• Boarding point

Step 7: Save & Print

Print ticket or save screenshot. Show at boarding point.

Tip 1: Book 2-3 Days Early

❌ Don't book day-before (₹150-200 extra, might be full)
✅ Do book 2-3 days early (get best prices, guaranteed seat)

Why: Popular routes fill up fast. Prices increase 24 hours before.

Tip 2: Avoid Peak Days

❌ Don't book Friday-Sunday (tourist season, 30% markup)
✅ Do book Monday-Thursday (30% cheaper)

Why: Weekends = high demand, low supply.

Tip 3: Set Price Alerts

✅ Use redBus/AbhiBus price alerts
✅ Get notified when prices drop

Why: Sometimes tickets are ₹150 cheaper mid-week.

Tip 4: Use Referral Codes

✅ Get ₹50-100 off with referral codes
✅ Share your code with friends

Why: Easy discount, both parties benefit.

Tip 5: Check Cancellation Policy

❌ Don't ignore cancellation charges (usually ₹100-200)
✅ Do read T&C before booking

Why: If plans change, you lose money.

Before Boarding (30 min early)

• Arrive at KSRTC Bejai Bus Stand (5 km from city center)
• Show ticket to ticket checker
• Confirm your seat number
• Board your bus

Getting to Bus Stand

• Auto-rickshaw: ₹100-150
• Uber: ₹150-200
• Local Bus Route 2A or 3: ₹20

On the Bus

• Conductor checks tickets
• Conductor collects bags if needed
• Driver briefs safety info
• Journey starts on schedule

During Journey

• AC is strong (carry light jacket)
• Driver stops at tea points (1-2 times)
• Bathroom breaks (sometimes)
• WiFi available (on Volvo)
• Phone charger available (on Volvo)

Arrival

• Driver announces destination
• Collect luggage
• Check exit point (ask conductor)

Window Seat

Pros:

• Better view
• Can sleep against window
• Feel less nauseous

Cons:

• Colder (AC hits window)
• Less movement

Aisle Seat

Pros:

• More legroom
• Easier restroom access
• Warmer

Cons:

• Disturbed when others move
• Less privacy

Must-Have

• Ticket (screenshot or print)
• ID proof (Aadhar, Voter ID)
• Medications (if needed)
• Phone charger

Comfort Items

• Neck pillow (for 5+ hours)
• Water bottle (refill at stops)
• Snacks (chips, biscuits, dry fruits)
• Light jacket (AC is strong)

Avoid

• Heavy food (nausea from movement)
• Alcohol (banned on buses)
• Smoking (banned, penalties ₹500+)

Tip 1: Wear Comfortable Clothes

❌ Don't wear tight jeans or formal shirt
✅ Do wear loose cotton clothes

Why: 5-6 hour journey, you'll be sitting. Comfort matters.

Tip 2: Stay Hydrated

❌ Don't drink less water (causes headache, nausea)
✅ Do carry water bottle, refill at stops

Why: Long journeys cause dehydration.

Tip 3: Get Up and Stretch Every 2 Hours

❌ Don't sit continuously (blood clots, stiffness)
✅ Do get up at rest stops, walk around

Why: Health + feels good after sitting.

Tip 4: Carry Entertainment

❌ Don't be bored (makes journey longer)
✅ Do carry book, music, podcast

Why: 5-6 hours feels longer when bored.

Tip 5: Don't Sleep at Night Stops

❌ Don't fall asleep when bus stops at small towns (luggage theft)
✅ Do stay awake, watch your belongings

Why: Thieves target sleeping passengers at night stops.

Tip 6: Know Your Stop

❌ Don't sleep and miss your destination
✅ Do ask conductor: "When do we reach Bangalore?" Stay alert.

Why: Conductors alert you, but stay aware.

Can I cancel my KSRTC booking?

Yes, but charges apply (₹100-200 usually). Refund takes 7-10 days.

What if bus breaks down?

Rare. KSRTC buses are well-maintained. Alternative bus provided if needed.

Is WiFi really available on Volvo?

Yes, but sometimes slow. Don't depend on it for important work.

Can I eat on the bus?

Yes, but light snacks only. Avoid heavy/spicy food (nausea from movement).

Is it safe for solo women travelers?

Yes, KSRTC is safe. Buses are monitored. Avoid night buses alone (use daytime buses).

What's the luggage limit?

Usually 20 kg free. Extra charges for more. Check when booking.

Book Volvo If:

• Night travel (5+ hours, want to sleep)
• Business meeting next morning (want to look fresh)
• With elderly/kids (extra comfort)
• You have budget (~₹900+)

Book Rajahamsa If:

• Daytime travel (5 hours, good seats enough)
• Budget conscious (~₹500-600 sweet spot)
• 1-2 hour journey (overkill to pay for Volvo)