KSRTC Cuts Fares on Premium Services to Boost Off-Season Travel

KSRTC Cuts Fares on Premium Services to Boost Off-Season Travel

In a move to encourage travel during the slower winter months, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has reduced fares on several premium bus services operating between Coastal Karnataka (Mangaluru, Udupi, and Kundapur) and Bengaluru. The fare cuts ranging from 10% to 15% on Air-Conditioned and non-AC services- came into effect from January 5, 20260.

and are aimed at boosting ridership during the January–March off-season. Officials say the revised prices make travel more affordable for regular commuters, students, and tourists alike.

What’s Happening

KSRTC’s Mangaluru division announced that it has lowered ticket prices on a wide range of popular services from premium multi-axle coaches to non-AC sleeper and sitting buses linking the coastal cities with Bengaluru. This strategic reduction is intended to counter weaker demand typically seen after the peak travel seasons and to make public transport a more attractive option for long-distance travellers. 

Who It Affects

This fare revision benefits:

• Daily commuters traveling between the coast and Bengaluru
• Students and jobseekers travelling frequently for education or work
• Families planning budget-friendly travel

FlipMyTravel users, these new rates can now be factored into travel planning tools for better itinerary choices

Many passengers in these regions rely on KSRTC services for reliable, long-distance travel, and the fare drop helps ease the cost burden during lean travel months. 

Where It Applies

The fare cuts apply on major KSRTC bus routes from:

• Mangaluru ↔ Bengaluru
• Udupi ↔ Bengaluru
• Kundapur ↔ Bengaluru

These routes are frequently used by commuters and leisure travellers alike. The revised fares cover both Air-Conditioned (AC) and Non-AC services across several service categories. 

When It Started

KSRTC’s new reduced fare structure took effect from January 5, 2026 and is planned to remain for at least the January–March off-season, a period when travel demand usually dips after busy festival and holiday months.

What’s Changed – Fare Highlights

Here’s a snapshot of the revised prices on popular KSRTC services:

Premium AC Services

• Ambari Utsav:
  • Kundapur–Bengaluru: ₹1,510
  • Udupi–Bengaluru: ₹1,460
  • Mangaluru–Bengaluru: ₹1,350
• Ambari Dream Class (AC):
  • ₹1,350 to ₹1,200 depending on route

Multi-Axle (AC)

• ₹1,310 – ₹1,150 depending on origin city

Non-AC Services

• Non-AC Sleeper: ₹900 – ₹1,050
• Pallakki Non-AC: ₹950 – ₹1,100
• Rajahamsa Non-AC Sitting: ₹650 – ₹750 

This comprehensive reduction covers nearly all service classes on these routes, making travel more budget-friendly than before. 

Official View

KSRTC officials from the Mangaluru division said the fare cuts are intended to encourage more people to choose public buses over private vehicles or cars during the quieter travel months. With lower prices, passengers, especially regular travellers and those on tight budgets, are expected to switch to KSRTC’s premium services for comfortable and reliable travel.

Why This Matters

• Affordable travel: Reductions make premium buses more accessible
• Better utilisation: Helps maintain higher occupancy on long-distance buses
• Off-season boost: Encourages travel even when demand is typically low

For FlipMyTravel users, this means more choices and lower estimated costs when planning journeys between coastal towns and Bengaluru.

Highlights – At a Glance

• KSRTC cuts fares by 10%–15% on premium services linking coastal Karnataka with Bengaluru.
• Effective from January 5, 2026 for the January–March off-season.
• Applies to Ambari, Dream Class, Multi-Axle, Sleeper and Rajahamsa services.
• Aims to attract travellers and commuters during lean travel months.
• Benefits commuters, students, families, and budget travellers.

Activities – What Travellers Should Do Next

1. Plan Early

✔ Check updated KSRTC schedules and prices using official apps or FlipMyTravel’s planner.

2. Choose Smart Seats

✔ Compare fares on different coach types (AC vs non-AC) before booking.

3. Explore Multi-City Trips

✔ Combine bus travel with trains or flights for longer journeys in FlipMyTravel.

4. Share with Fellow Travellers

✔ Let friends and family know about the fare cut so more can benefit.

KSRTC has reduced fares by 10%–15% on premium bus services connecting Mangaluru, Udupi, and Kundapur with Bengaluru, effective January 5, 2026, to boost ridership during the January–March off-season. The revised pricing applies across AC and non-AC services, including Ambari, Dream Class, Multi-Axle, Sleeper, and Rajahamsa categories, making travel more affordable and convenient.