It is a train of the South Western Railway having primary maintenance at Hubballi.

In July 2013, this train was extended to Mysooru to provide direct connectivity between Mysore and Ballari among other places The train is named after Hampi, an historical town belonging to the Vijayanagara Empire.

This train passes through Hosapete that has the nearest station to this town.

The train sharing its rake with 16535/16536 Gol Gumbaz Express.

On 22 May 2012, the 16591 Hampi Express collided with a stationary goods train at Penukonda station killing 25 people and injuring 74.