Photo: Pramodv1993 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Bangalore to Chikmagalur cab, coffee country in four and a half hours
Chikmagalur is 245 km from Bangalore on NH75, through Nelamangala, Kunigal and Hassan. It is one of the quicker long drives out of the city — four and a half to five hours on a highway that stays four-lane almost the whole way.
Shoffr runs it in a BYD e6 electric SUV with a trained chauffeur and a fare fixed at booking. Because most Chikmagalur stays are on estates well outside town, we plan the charging around getting there with range in hand rather than relying on the destination.
Book this tripBangalore to Chikmagalur distance and travel time
- Distance: 245 km one way
- Travel time: 4.5–5 hours
- Route: NH75 via Nelamangala, Kunigal and Hassan
- Charging stop: One stop, budget an hour
- Car: BYD e6 electric SUV, 4 seats, 4 large suitcases
Charging on the Bangalore to Chikmagalur route
We leave Bangalore at 100% and stop for about an hour at Shanthigrama, just before Hassan and roughly 170 km in. This matters more here than on other routes: Chikmagalur town itself has almost no fast charging, so we arrive with enough range for local running and the return leg rather than expecting to top up at the destination.
We are field-verifying the chargers on this route — our chauffeurs charge at each one and photograph it before we list it here. Until then, our operations team plans and confirms the charging stop for your specific booking.
What to know about this drive
- NH75 is four-lane and fast as far as Hassan. The last 60 km from Hassan to Chikmagalur is a state highway — narrower, slower and slower still after dark.
- Most coffee estate stays are 15–40 km beyond Chikmagalur town on single-lane estate roads. Send the exact location when you book so the chauffeur can plan the final approach in daylight.
- If Mullayanagiri or Baba Budangiri is on the plan, keep it for a separate morning. The hill roads are steep and single-lane, and they are much better driven fresh than at the end of a five-hour run.
Places to stop between Bangalore and Chikmagalur
- Kunigal: The usual first break on NH75, about 70 km out.
- Shravanabelagola: The Gomateshwara monolith, a short detour off the highway near Channarayapatna.
- Hassan: The last full-service town on the route, and the turn-off for Belur and Halebidu.
- Belur and Halebidu: Hoysala temple carving at its peak, roughly 40 km off the route — an easy add-on to a round trip.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best route from Bangalore to Chikmagalur?
NH75 through Nelamangala, Kunigal and Hassan is the fastest and the one we use. Going via Belur adds the Hoysala temples but also adds time, so we plan it as a stop on a round trip rather than a detour on the way in.
Can I add Belur and Halebidu to the trip?
Yes, and it is the most common addition. Both are close to Hassan, which is already on the route. Book a round trip and mention it, and the chauffeur will plan the day around it.
Can I book a cab for Chikmagalur sightseeing after the drop?
Yes — a round trip keeps the car and chauffeur with you for Mullayanagiri, Hebbe Falls, Baba Budangiri and the estates. Several of those roads are steep and narrow, which is a good reason not to self-drive them.
Is a one-day trip to Chikmagalur from Bangalore realistic?
It is 490 km of driving in a day, so it works only if you leave very early and want little more than lunch and a viewpoint. Two days is a far better trip.
Will an electric car make it to Chikmagalur without running out of charge?
Yes. We depart at 100% charge and plan one charging stop on the way. The BYD e6 returns 380-420 km on a highway with the air conditioning running and a full load, and we never plan a route that depends on arriving with an empty battery.
What happens if the charging station is not working?
Every planned stop has at least one named alternative within reach, and our operations team checks charger status on the morning of departure. Charger downtime is a real problem on Indian highways, which is why we plan for it rather than hope.
Does the charging stop make the trip longer?
We budget a full hour for a charging stop, and we schedule it where you would want a break anyway - somewhere with a clean restroom and food. Often it takes less, but we plan the day on an hour so a busy charger does not put you behind schedule.
Which car will I get?
Every Shoffr outstation trip is a BYD e6 - a quiet, Innova-sized electric SUV that seats 4 adults and fits 4 large suitcases, with a 71.7 kWh battery.
Are fares fixed, or does the price change on the day?
The fare is fixed when you book. There is no surge pricing and no renegotiation with the driver. Tolls are payable separately on applicable routes.
Can I travel with my pet?
Yes - Shoffr is officially pet-friendly. Indicate pets while booking; a deep-cleaning fee of Rs 500 for cats and Rs 750 for dogs applies.