The seizure of the currency, in Rs 2,000 denomination, was made during a vehicle check following a tip-off.
The passenger, 38-year old Jaffar from the district, had been taken into custody as he could produce any document accounting for the cash, police said.
A police team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police MuhammedShafi carried out the check in the private bus coming from Bengaluru, they said adding further investigation was on.