How to Reach
Belagavi is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it an important transit hub in North Karnataka. Its strategic location near Maharashtra and Goa enhances its accessibility. Here’s a complete guide to travel and transportation in Belagavi:
1. Road Connectivity
Belagavi has excellent road connectivity with major cities like Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Goa.
National & State Highways
- NH-48 (Bengaluru – Pune – Mumbai Highway): Connects Belagavi to major cities like Hubballi, Pune, and Mumbai.
- NH-748 (Belagavi – Goa Highway): A scenic route connecting Belagavi with Goa.
- SH-20 (Belagavi – Khanapur – Londa Road): A popular route for reaching Jamboti Hills and Goa.
Bus Services
Belagavi is served by KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) and private bus operators offering:
- Luxury AC Volvo buses to Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Goa.
- Regular KSRTC buses to nearby towns like Dharwad, Hubballi, and Kolhapur.
- City buses and auto-rickshaws for local travel.
Main Bus Stands:
- Belagavi Central Bus Stand (CBT) – Major hub for intercity and state buses.
- Private bus terminals – Located near the CBT and Tilakwadi.
2. Rail Connectivity
Belagavi Railway Station (BGM)
Location: Tilakwadi, Belagavi
Well-connected to major Indian cities:
- Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Goa, Delhi, and Ahmedabad.
- Important trains include Rani Chennamma Express, Goa Express, and Mumbai Express.
- A new high-speed rail corridor is proposed, improving future connectivity.
Key Railway Routes:
- Bengaluru – Belagavi: Overnight journey (~11-12 hours).
- Mumbai – Belagavi: ~9-10 hours.
- Pune – Belagavi: ~6-7 hours.
- Hyderabad – Belagavi: ~12-13 hours.
For local transport, auto-rickshaws, taxis, and city buses are available outside the railway station.
3. Air Connectivity
Belagavi Airport (Sambra Airport - IXG)
Location: 10 km from the city center (Sambra)
- A rapidly growing domestic airport connecting Belagavi to major cities.
- Run by Airports Authority of India (AAI) and upgraded under the UDAN scheme.
Direct Flights Available To:
- Bengaluru (IndiGo, Star Air)
- Mumbai (IndiGo, Star Air)
- Hyderabad (IndiGo, Star Air)
- Delhi (Star Air, seasonal)
- Tirupati, Pune, Ahmedabad (via connecting flights)
Airport Transport:
- Taxis and auto-rickshaws available at the terminal.
- KSRTC buses run from the airport to the city center.
Upcoming Developments:
- Expansion plans to accommodate international flights in the future.
- New cargo terminal for logistics and trade.
4. Local Transport in Belagavi
Auto-Rickshaws
- Widely used for short-distance travel.
- No fixed meters, so negotiate fares beforehand.
- Minimum fare starts around ₹30-₹50 for short distances.
City Buses
- Operated by NWKRTC (North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation).
- Connects residential areas, railway station, bus stand, and markets.
- Fares are affordable (₹10-₹30 per ride).
Taxis & Cabs
- Private taxis and rental cars available.
- App-based cab services (Ola, Uber) are limited but available.
- Local travel agencies provide outstation cab services.
Bicycle & Bike Rentals
- Bike rental services available near railway station and bus stand.
- Popular for short trips around the city and nearby hill stations.
5. Travel Tips for Belagavi Visitors
✅ Best Time to Visit: October – March (pleasant weather).
✅ Language: Kannada is the official language, but Marathi, Hindi, and English are widely spoken.
✅ Traffic Tips:
- Auto-rickshaws don’t use meters, so agree on fares beforehand.
- City traffic is moderate, but peak hours (8:30 AM – 10:30 AM & 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM) can be congested.
✅ Safety:
- Roads to Goa and Gokak Falls can be tricky during monsoons.
- Railway station and bus stands are safe, but be cautious with luggage.
Belagavi offers excellent connectivity with major cities through highways, railways, and air travel. Whether you're a tourist or a business traveler, you can easily access Belagavi from Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Goa. Local transport is affordable, with options like buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. The upcoming airport expansion and high-speed rail projects will further enhance travel convenience in the future.