What is the story about?
Bengaluru/Mumbai: IndiGo Flight Cancellations: As IndiGo’s pilot-rostering crisis continues, hundreds of flights across India have been cancelled or delayed.
On some days, more than 400 to even 1,200 IndiGo flights were hit nationwide. With rules relaxed, refunds ordered and operations still unstable, many passengers travelling from Bengaluru to Mumbai are now looking for safer, predictable alternatives. If you don’t want to risk a last-minute cancellation, here are the best options, with real data, timings, distances and details.
How Far Is Bengaluru From Mumbai?
- By air: Around 840–845 km; flight time usually 1 hour 50–55 minutes.
- By road: Around 975–985 km; driving time roughly 14–15 hours in normal conditions.
If you avoid flights right now, plan for a full-day journey by road or train.
Option 1: Overnight Train - Udyan Express (Daily Direct Service)
The most reliable and consistent non-flight option is the Udyan Express (11302/11301).- Route: KSR Bengaluru City (SBC) ↔ Mumbai CSMT
- Frequency: Daily
- Distance: -1,150 km
- Journey time:
- Depart SBC around 20:40
- Arrive CSMT around 20:15 next day
- Total: -23.5 hours
- Classes: 1A, 2A, 3A, Sleeper (SL), Second Seating (2S)
Why this works during flight chaos:
- Trains rarely face large-scale cancellations like the ones IndiGo is experiencing.
- You get multiple comfort levels — from Sleeper to First AC.
- AC 3-tier fares usually match a mid-range flight ticket, while Sleeper is far cheaper.
Option 2: Volvo & Sleeper Buses - 60 to 70 Services Daily
Bengaluru–Mumbai is one of India’s busiest long-distance bus routes.
- Daily buses: Around 60–70
- Road distance: -980–990 km
- Travel time: -19–20 hours
- Fare range:
- Basic non-AC/seater: ₹1,000–₹1,400
- Volvo/AC sleepers (VRL, Orange, others): ₹2,500–₹3,500+
Premium options include:
- Volvo 9600 multi-axle AC sleepers (2+1 layout)
- Coaches with charging ports, blankets and decent legroom
Check IndiGo Live Updates Here | Bengaluru Airport Update Here
Why this works:
- Flexible timings, easy last-minute booking
- No airport rush, no uncertainty
- Good for travellers who prefer night journeys with minimal planning
But keep in mind:
- 19–20 hours on a bus is tiring
- Traffic or weather can increase delays
- Pick a lower berth if you get motion sickness
Option 3: Car, Taxi or Shared Cab - Flexible but Expensive
- Road distance: -975–985 km
- Drive time:
- Non-stop: -14 hours
- With breaks: 15–17 hours
Cost if self-driving:
- Fuel for 1,000 km: -₹6,000–₹8,000+
- Tolls: ₹1,500–₹2,000
One-way cab:
- Usually ₹12,000–₹18,000+, depending on the car category.
A car makes sense if:
- 3–4 of you can split costs
- You need door-to-door travel
- You want full control over breaks and timing
Quick Comparison (Time & Cost)
Travel Time:- Flight: -2 hours in air (-4–5 hours total with airport processes)
- Udyan Express: -23.5 hours
- Future superfast train: 14–15 hours
- Bus: 19–20 hours
- Car: 14–17 hours
Approx Cost (per person):
- Sleeper train: usually <₹1,000
- AC 3-tier train: ₹1,500–₹2,500+
- AC sleeper bus: ₹1,400–₹3,500+
- Car (shared 4 ways): -₹2,000–₹2,500 per person
Should You Still Consider Flying?
Yes, but with caution.
Other airlines such as Air India, SpiceJet and Akasa are operating normally, and some IndiGo flights are still running. But with widespread cancellations, sudden schedule changes and high fares, you must:
- Prefer early-morning flights
- Keep a buffer in your schedule
- Check live status up to the minute you leave for the airport
If time is critical, flying another airline may still be the fastest option, but it carries more uncertainty right now.
FAQs
Q1. I need to reach Mumbai within 24 hours. What is the safest option?If reliability matters, go for Udyan Express (if you get a confirmed seat) or a premium AC sleeper bus. These options are steady and do not depend on the volatile airline situation. If available at a good fare, flying with another airline is the fastest but still carries some risk due to overall congestion.
Q2. Where can I check real-time status and tickets?
- Trains: IRCTC, RailYatri, ConfirmTkt, travel apps
- Buses: redBus, AbhiBus, MakeMyTrip, KSRTC
- Flights: Airline apps directly or flight aggregators
Always re-check timings on the day of travel, the IndiGo crisis is still unfolding, and schedules can change quickly. Check live updates here.
