How to Reach Tirupati by Train, Road & Air

Tirupati, nestled in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, is home to the renowned Tirumala Venkateswara Temple — one of the richest and most-visited religious places in the world.

Whether you're arriving from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, or Bangalore, reaching Tirupati is straight forward thanks to its excellent connectivity by train, road, and air. This guide breaks down each mode of transport with exact routes, distances, travel times, and insider tips.

How to Reach Tirupati by Train

Most popular & affordable option for pilgrims

Traveling by train is the most popular and budget-friendly way to reach Tirupati. The city has its own railway station — Tirupati Railway Station (TPTY) — which is well-connected to major cities across India.

Key Train Routes to Tirupati

Chennai Tirupati

Distance: ~150 km

Duration: 2.5 – 3.5 hrs

Trains: Sapthagiri Express, Rayalaseema Express

Hyderabad Tirupati

Distance: ~580 km

Duration: 8 – 10 hrs

Trains: Venkatadri Express, Kacheguda–Tirupati Express, narayanadri express, padmavathi express

Bangalore Tirupati

Distance: ~250 km

Duration: 4 – 6 hrs

Trains: Bengaluru–Tirupati Express, Basavanna Express

Delhi Tirupati

Distance: ~2,100 km

Duration: 28 – 34 hrs

Trains: AP Express, Andhra Pradesh Sampark Kranti

Mumbai Tirupati

Distance: ~1,400 km

Duration: 18 – 24 hrs

Trains: CST–Tirupati Express, LTT–Tirupati Express

Kolkata Tirupati

Distance: ~1,700 km

Duration: 26 – 32 hrs

Trains: Howrah–Tirupati Express, Falaknuma Express

Pro Tip: Book train tickets at least 30–60 days in advance on IRCTC, especially during festival seasons like Brahmotsavam. Special pilgrim quota is available for devotees.

Tirupati Station to Tirumala

After arriving at Tirupati Railway Station, take an APSRTC bus or auto-rickshaw to Alipiri (the main ghat road base). Buses run frequently to Tirumala from the Tirupati bus stand, about 7 km from the station.

How to Reach Tirupati by Road

Flexible & scenic — ideal for groups & family trips

Tirupati is well-connected by a network of National Highways and State Highways. Traveling by road offers flexibility and is especially convenient for families, group tours, and those coming from nearby cities.

Road Routes to Tirupati

From	Distance	Drive Time	Highway
Chennai	~145 km	2.5 – 3 hrs	NH 16 → NH 40
Hyderabad	~570 km	7 – 9 hrs	NH 44 → NH 40
Bangalore	~260 km	4 – 5 hrs	NH 44 → NH 40
Vijayawada	~380 km	5 – 6 hrs	NH 16
Nellore	~175 km	2.5 – 3 hrs	NH 16
Kurnool	~365 km	5 – 6 hrs	NH 40

Bus Services to Tirupati

APSRTC

State buses from Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Vijayawada

TSRTC

Telangana state buses from Hyderabad & surrounding cities

Private Operators

Volvo, sleeper & semi-sleeper AC buses from all major cities

Ghat Road to Tirumala

From Tirupati town to Tirumala (hilltop temple), the distance is approximately 19 km via the Alipiri ghat road. APSRTC operates special buses round-the-clock. The Srivari Mettu foot path (11.5 km) is also popular for devotees who wish to walk.

Best Time to Drive: Start early morning to avoid traffic on the ghat road. Vehicle tokens may be required during peak seasons — obtain them at Alipiri base.

How to Reach Tirupati by Air

Fastest option — ideal for long-distance travelers

Tirupati has its own Tirupati Airport (IATA: TIR), also known as Renigunta Airport, located about 15 km from Tirupati city and 30 km from Tirumala. It's one of the busiest airports in Andhra Pradesh.

Direct Flights to Tirupati Airport

Direct Flights Available From

Delhi (DEL) ~2.5 hrs
Mumbai (BOM) ~1.5 hrs
Hyderabad (HYD) ~1 hr
Kolkata (CCU) ~2 hrs
Vizag (VTZ) ~1 hr

Airlines Operating to TIR

IndiGo

Most frequent routes

Air India

Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata

SpiceJet / Akasa Air

Select routes

Nearest Alternate Airports

If direct flights aren't available from your city, fly into these airports and continue by road or train:

Chennai Airport

~150 km · 3 hrs drive

Hyderabad Airport

~570 km · 8 hrs drive

Bangalore Airport

~260 km · 5 hrs drive

Airport to Tirupati / Tirumala

Pre-paid Taxis: Available outside terminal; ~₹300–500 to Tirupati city
APSRTC Buses: Regular state buses connect the airport to Tirupati bus stand
App-based Cabs: Ola and Uber are available at the airport

Top Travel Tips for Tirupati

Essential advice to make your Tirupati yatra smooth and memorable

Book in Advance

Book train tickets and darshan slots well in advance on the TTD website, especially during festivals and peak season (Oct–Feb).

Travel Overnight

Overnight trains and sleeper buses save accommodation costs. You arrive fresh in the morning with a full day ahead.

Pack Light

Large bags are not allowed in the temple. Use the Tirumala cloak room for storage. Carry only essentials for darshan.

Best Season to Visit

September to February is ideal — cooler weather makes queue waiting more comfortable. Avoid peak summer (March–June).

Use TTD App

Download the official TTD app to book darshan tickets, accommodation, and special sevas. Avoid touts — book through official channels only.

Budget Planning

Free accommodation and prasad are offered by TTD. Special darshan ₹300–₹500. Free "Sarva Darshan" is available but queues are very long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common queries about traveling to Tirupati

If you're from Chennai or Bangalore, train is the best option due to great connectivity and affordability. For distant cities like Delhi or Mumbai, flying to Tirupati Airport saves time. Road travel is ideal for groups and families from nearby cities.

Tirupati is approximately 150 km from Chennai. The journey takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Popular trains include the Sapthagiri Express and Rayalaseema Express.

Yes! Tirupati Airport (Renigunta / TIR) has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Vizag, and other cities. IndiGo and Air India are the primary carriers.

Take an APSRTC bus (runs 24/7) — the journey is ~19 km via Alipiri ghat road. Private vehicles, taxis, and the Srivari Mettu walking path are also options. Buses cost ₹60–80 per person.

Tirupati is approximately 570 km from Hyderabad, taking 7–9 hours by car via NH 44. APSRTC and TSRTC run overnight bus services regularly.

The nearest station is Tirupati (TPTY), about 28 km from Tirumala. APSRTC buses run directly to Tirumala from there. Renigunta Junction is another nearby station, closer to the airport.