The best way to travel around Mangalore is by an autorickshaw (or 'auto'). Government run buses and private bus services also are efficient in travelling within the city. Find out this and other transport options of getting around in Mangalore.

Traveling by Autorickshaws

They are available all throughout Mangalore City - starting fare is Rs.13. Pre-paid autos were available from the City Railway Station and the KSRTC bus stand at Bejai, but not any more. Autos also ply to far-off destinations, the outskirts, for a one-and-a-half fare; this is roughly around Rs.150, depending on the amount of money you have spare to blow. Although, one would prefer using buses to reach these areas as a cheaper mode of transport. 

Travelling by bus

There are numerous private bus companies which run bus services within the city of Mangalore and its suburbs. They have names like Padmambika Bus Co. Ltd. emblazoned in large letters in English on the front windscreen of the bus and on its sides. These buses also connect to all the minor urban centres surrounding Mangalore. Most of them originate from the Central Bus Stand at Mangalore behind the Town Hall - the 'State Bank' bus-stand. 

Even though the buses are operated by different private companies, the bus numbering scheme is unified and quite useful. The destinations and routes are, however, all written in Kannada.

The best way to use these buses is to ask around - the people are most helpful. If you are armed with a city map, one can get the hang of things within a day or so.

In addition city bus service, there is limited stop (usually called express) bus service (the majority of these are run by various private bus companies) for inter-town/city travelling to neighbouring places. You may find these useful to visit places like Udupi, Manipal, Kaup, Karkala etc. Bus fare ranges between Rs. 14 to Rs. 35 for a distance up to 65 kms.

Travelling by Taxi / cab

White Ambassador Cabs / Indicas are available - usually used by passengers on long-haul routes. Shared cabs are also available for travel between the city and other talukas viz. Bantwal (BC Road), etc. Prepaid cabs are available from the airport to the city - this is generally at a flat rate of Rs. 350-400. Car-Rent facilities are also available in Mangalore. call 9845548140 for maxicabs for site seeing.

Read here if you want to know how to reach Mangalore or See popular travelers spots in Mangalore