Top 5 Longest Bus Routes in India in 2024
It’s 2024 and Bangalore Jaitaran is not the longest bus route in India anymore. While it still finds a place among the longest bus routes in India, the last 5 years have witnessed massive changes in the Indian intercity transport landscape.
According to the latest report by redBus, the longest bus route in India as of 2024 is Gorakhpur Goa, spanning over 2,000 kilometers and lasting approximately 60 hours.
Satara to Lucknow bus route is close behind with comparable time duration and distance.
In this exploration, we delve into the heart of India’s transportation system to uncover the 5 longest bus routes in India.
The 5 Longest Bus Routes in India
To maintain precision and reliability in our compilation, only bus routes with daily services have been considered.
While longer bus routes, such as those connecting cities in Assam and Kerala or Assam and Tamil Nadu, exist, they operate sporadically on contract services and, therefore, have not been included in this list.
Let’s dive into the list of the 5 longest bus routes in India.
Gorakhpur Goa: Longest Bus Route in India
According to redBus’ latest report, Gorakhpur Goa is the longest bus route in India as of 2024.
The bus route from Gorakhpur to Goa covers a staggering distance of over 2,300 kilometers, as reported by redBus.
Spanning an estimated travel duration of around 62 hours, this extensive route traverses the diverse landscapes of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and finally, the sun-kissed shores of Goa.
Passengers aboard this longest bus route in India pass through significant cities in each state, including Varanasi, Rewa Jabalpur, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Kolhapur, before reaching the party capital of India – Goa.
As of the latest update, Betrwanti Travels stands as the only operator on this route with an AC 2+1 sleeper bus service.
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Bangalore to Jaipur: Second Longest Bus Route in India
Spanning an extensive distance of about 2,200 kilometers, the bus journey from Bangalore to Jaipur unfolds over approximately 45 hours.
Traversing through the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, the buses on this route chart a course from Bangalore to Pune, Mumbai, Udaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Jaitaran, and finally, to the pink city of Jaipur.
Interestingly, although the distance from Bangalore to Jaipur is shorter than the Bangalore to Jodhpur route, bus services on this itinerary first travel to Jodhpur and then proceed to Jaipur, making it the second-longest bus route in India.
Facilitated by two primary operators—Mahadev Travels and Rajat Rides Tours and Travels, travelers have the choice of seats or sleeper berths. Prices for seats range around Rs 2,000, while sleeper berths are available at a higher range, approximately Rs 5,000.
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Bangalore to Jaisalmer: Third Longest Bus Route in India
With an estimated travel duration of around 45 hours (real-world duration), the Bangalore – Jaisalmer route is the second longest bus route in India with a distance of 2,000 kilometers.
Buses on this pass through key cities such as Bangalore, Tumkuru, Hubbali, Kolhapur, Satara, Mumbai, Vapi, Baruch, Ahmedabad, and Barmer before reaching the desert destination of Jaisalmer.
A variety of operators cater to this extensive route, including M R Travels, Jai Bajrang Travels, Jambheshwar Travels, and Shree Ganesh Travels.
Ticket prices for this adventurous journey range from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,500, providing travelers with multiple options to suit their preferences and budget.
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Bangalore to Jaitaran
Linking Bangalore and Jaitaran in the Pali district of Rajasthan, this is among the longest bus routes in India, covering a sprawling distance of 1,954 kilometers in approximately 40 hours.
Much like the Bangalore to Jaipur route, the bus services on this journey first travel to Jodhpur before proceeding to Jaitaran.
The Bangalore to Jaitaran bus route takes travelers through a scenic journey, passing through key cities such as Hubbali, Kolhapur, Satara, Pune, Mumbai, Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Sirohi, and Jodhpur, ultimately reaching its final destination in Jaitaran.
Currently, only B R Travels and Mahadev Travels offer services on this route. Both the services are AC buses with both sleeper and seater options in 2+1 layout. While seats are priced at Rs 3,000 sleeper berths cost around Rs 4,000.
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Bangalore to Jodhpur
Embarking on an expansive journey covering approximately 1,950 kilometers, the bus route from Bangalore to Jodhpur promises a diverse and immersive travel experience.
Clocking in at around 43 real-world hours, this route ventures through the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
Buses navigating this route pass through key cities including, Bangalore, Tumkuru, Hubbali, Kolhapur, Satara, Pune, Mumbai, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Palanpur, and Sirohi, before arriving at the vibrant destination of Jodhpur.
A slew of reputed bus operators such as B R Travels, Jakhar Travels, M R Travels, and Jain Travels offer services on this route.
Moreover, travelers can choose from an array of bus options, ranging from Volvo multi-axle 2+1 sleeper buses and Bharat Benz 2+1 sleeper buses to 2+1 sleeper seater buses, providing flexibility and comfort for every passenger’s preference.
Ticket prices vary between Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 based on operators and bus types, offering a range of options for budget-conscious travelers and those seeking a more luxurious journey.
Exploring the Surge in Bus Routes Between Bangalore and Rajasthan
The prominence of long-distance bus routes connecting Bangalore and various destinations in Rajasthan is notable, with four out of the five longest routes in India originating from these points.
Presently, there is a discernible surge in the number of daily bus services from Bangalore to multiple destinations in Rajasthan.
As per the latest data available on redBus, approximately 30 daily bus services cater to diverse locations in Rajasthan, including Jodhpur, Jalore, Pali, Udaipur, Bhinmal, Abu Road, and Barmer.
Several factors contribute to the growing prevalence of these bus routes:
1. Cost-Effectiveness Over Flights: Flights are perceived as relatively expensive, prompting an increasing number of travelers to seek cost-effective alternatives. Buses have emerged as a viable option, for passengers traveling within Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
2. Challenges in Train Ticket Availability: The challenge of securing confirmed train tickets, particularly for last-minute travelers, has led to a preference for buses. The accessibility and frequency of buses offer a reliable solution for commuters.
3. Ample Luggage Allowance: Buses afford passengers the convenience of carrying more luggage compared to flights. This becomes a significant advantage.
4. Seamless and Continuous Journey: A key highlight contributing to the popularity of long-distance bus travel is the seamless and continuous journey facilitated by bus services. The practice of picking up passengers along the route enhances convenience and efficiency for commuters.
In summary, the increasing prevalence of daily bus services connecting Bangalore and Rajasthan underscores the strategic advantages buses offer in terms of cost, accessibility, luggage allowance, and travel continuity.
This trend aligns with the evolving preferences of a diverse range of travelers seeking reliable and efficient transportation options.
