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[#1]Convenient timing. This is an overnight train to Hampi. So you've practically saved a night for the journey, and can start your Hampi tour right from the morning you've arrived in Hampi.

[#2]From Bangalore, you can board Hampi Express either from Bangalore City or Malleswaram or Yesvantpur stations. Leaves Bangalore City (SBC) by 10 PM and arrives Hospet in the morning (by 8).

[#3] This train connects Mysore and Hampi, two immensely popular destinations with an overnight journey. Hampi Express leaves Mysore in the evening (7PM), allowing you the full day to explore Mysore, before boarding the train for Hampi.

[#4]You can reach Hospet station around 9pm to board the train, allowing you the full day's time to explore Hampi. This train reaches Bangalore in the morning (around 6am) and Mysore by 9am. Again, if you are traveling to Mysore for tourism, you have used the night journey efficiently to get a full day's time to explore Mysore. Up & down, you've saved on two nights hotel accommodation cost as well!

[#5]Hampi Express Schedule:
Train No 16591: Hubli → Hospet (Hampi) → Bangalore → Mysore .
Train No 16592: Mysore → Bangalore → Hospet (Hampi) → Hubli

Hampi Express get overbooked , especially during the peak tourist season and during those extended weekends.

This train has late ticket booking option called Tatkal (TQ). This option is open a day before the departure. There's a higher price for Tatkal ticket. So if the regular tickets are sold out, try on the last day if the TQ quota tickets are available for a premium price...

Between Mysore and Hampi, you can also explore the Sainagar Shirdi Mysore Weekly Express (Train no 16217 & 16218). This train leaves Mysore on Mondays towards Hospet and on Wednesdays from Hospet towards Mysore. This weekly train too follow more or less the Hampi Express route. However the Mysore to Hospet journey is during day time. There are few other trains from Bangalore to Hospet

[#train]Back to the Hampi Express...you have 5 options to choose from in reserving in Hampi Express, the First AC (1AC), Second AC (2AC), Third AC (3AC), Sleeper Class (SL) and the General Class (unreserved).

[#ticket]Except for the General Class you need a prior reservation to travel in any of the other classes. For the General Class, you can buy tickets directly from the ticket counters close to the platform. This class is the cheapest (see hampi on a shoestring budget ) but the coaches are usually crowded. The seats and occupied on a first come first served basis. No sleeping berths in the General Class.  

Fist AC (1AC) is the highest class in Hampi Express. The coach is partitioned into semi private sections. Also each of the berths is provided with curtain to create a sort of seclusion. Pillow, woolen blanket and linen sheets are provided for each berth.

Second and Third AC (2AC & 3AC) looks a bit similar but the former is relatively spacious than the later. Here too a bedroll consists of pillow, linen sheets and woolen blankets are provided.

Hampi Express is typically attached with one or two coaches of the above classes. But the bulk of the train consists of the Sleeper Class (SL) coaches. These are non-AC coaches with sleeping berths.

Unlike the enclosed type of ambiance in the AC coaches, the sleeper class compartments are more open and airy. Also note that for the AC coaches, the glass windowpanes are dark tinted and cannot be opened. That hampers the visibility for those who would like to get a glimpse of the rural Karnataka pass by.

Hampi Express has 3 coaches each for 1AC, 2AC and 3AC, typically attached toward the second half of the train. The Unreserved coaches (about 6 ) are attached to the front (4 coaches) and rear (3 coaches). The Sleeper Coaches (about 9 to 12) are in the middle.

The Sleeper Coaches are marked as S1, S2, S3...etc. 1AC/2AC twin coach is marked as HA1, 2AC as A1, 3AC as B1

[#cost] Approximate ticket fare for different classes to Hospet from Bangalore & Mysore:

[#food] Hampi Express doesn't have a pantry car. However people do sell dinner and snacks inside the train. Or carry you food pack & water.

Approximate coach positions in Hampi Express is listed here. During peak seasons additional coaches are areed, so the positions will vary.

You can do the reservations either online or do it directly at any of the railways reservations counters in India. A little bit of homework and understanding on the Indian railways system is required to book the ticket online.

Typically reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance from the date of journey. You can book tickets at www.irctc.co.in and other online portals.

Note: Check with irctc.co.in for the updated train details & ticket booking  (schedule, fare etc)