Bengaluru to Goa travel will be easier with the introduction of a new Vande Bharat Express from Yesvantpur in Bengaluru to Madgaon in Goa. The semi-high speed train would cover the distance in about 13 hours and 20 minutes providing another rail option for passengers between Karnataka and coastal state.
The proposed service will pass through several towns in Karnataka (Hassan, Sakleshpur, Mangaluru, Udupi and Karwar). One of the attractions will be the Western Ghats section between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road where hills, forests and lush green landscape can be seen.
The Railway Board approved the introduction of new service on 30 October 2026. The train will start operations in third week of November but Indian Railways has not announced final launch date or ticket prices yet.
Bengaluru to Goa Vande Bharat Express: Route Details
The new service will run between Yesvantpur and Madgaon under train numbers 26655 and 26656 respectively.
The train will run through Bengaluru-Hassan-Mangaluru railway corridor before moving along Karnataka’s coastal belt towards Goa. It will touch several important towns and railway stations enroute.
The scheduled stoppages include:
- Shravanabelagola
- Hassan
- Sakleshpur
- Subrahmanya Road
- Kabaka Puttur
- Mangaluru Junction
- Udupi
- Kundapura
- Mookambika Road Byndoor
- Murdeshwar
- Gokarna Road
- Karwar
The train will also stop at Thokur while travelling from Yesvantpur to Madgaon.
The route is expected to improve connectivity between Bengaluru, Karnataka’s coastal districts and Goa. It will also give passengers access to Udupi, Gokarna and Karwar destinations.
Bengaluru to Goa Train Timings
The Yesvantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express will run six days a week in both directions.
Here are the announced timings:
Yesvantpur to Madgaon: Train No. 26655
- Departure from Yesvantpur: 7:35 AM
- Arrival at Madgaon: 8:55 PM
- Total journey time: Approximately 13 hours and 20 minutes
- Operating days: Every day except Wednesday
Madgaon to Yesvantpur: Train No. 26656
- Departure from Madgaon: 8:20 AM
- Arrival at Yesvantpur: 9:15 PM
- Total journey time: Approximately 12 hours and 55 minutes
- Operating days: Every day except Thursday
Two Vande Bharat train sets will be used for the service. The trains will be maintained at Yesvantpur and Madgaon while watering facilities will be available at Mangaluru Junction.
Western Ghats Journey to Be a Major Attraction
Besides saving travel time, the new train is expected to be an attractive journey through some of Karnataka’s scenic beauty.
The section between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road is very scenic as it passes through Western Ghats. Passengers travelling along this stretch will see forested hills, green valleys and the natural beauty of the region.
The route then heads towards Karnataka's coastal region (Mangaluru, Udupi Kundapura Murdeshwar Gokarna Karwar) before reaching Madgaon.
These places are known for beaches, temples, coastal scenery and tourism attractions. The rail link could make it easier for travellers to plan trips that include Bengaluru, coastal Karnataka and Goa.
When Will the Bengaluru-Goa Vande Bharat Start?
The new service will start operations in the third week of November 2026 but final inauguration and commercial operating dates have not been announced yet.
Indian Railways has also not announced ticket prices or fare structure details. Passengers should check official railway reservation platforms for confirmed booking information once service starts (if at all).
The new train will also replace the Mangaluru Central-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express (20645 and 20646) which is being discontinued as passenger numbers are low.
What the New Train Means for Bengaluru and Goa Travellers
The Yesvantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express will improve rail connectivity between Bengaluru and Goa and also access to several destinations on Karnataka’s western coast.
For travellers, the service will be a direct connection (no transfers), daytime journey and an opportunity to travel by train through Western Ghats. Its 13-hour-and-20-minute scheduled journey will give another option for people who prefer rail travel over road journeys or flights.
The service could also be useful for passengers going to intermediate destinations (Hassan, Mangaluru, Udupi and Gokarna).
The launch is expected in November and travellers will be waiting for the official timetable, ticket prices and reservation opening date. Once these details are out the new Vande Bharat service could become an important component of Bengaluru-Goa travel network.
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