How to Reach Tiruvannamalai by Train, Road & Air

Tiruvannamalai, home to the sacred Arunachaleswarar Temple and the spiritual Girivalam path around the holy Arunachala Hill, is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Tamil Nadu. Whether you are visiting for darshan, Girivalam (circumambulation), or exploring its rich heritage, planning your travel in advance makes the journey smooth.

In this guide, we explain how to reach Tiruvannamalai by train, road, and air, along with routes from nearby cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Vellore, Pondicherry, and Tirupati.

How to Reach Tiruvannamalai by Train

Tiruvannamalai has its own railway station (Tiruvannamalai Railway Station – TNM), well connected with Chennai, Villupuram, Katpadi (Vellore), and other South Indian cities.

From Chennai: Several passenger and express trains run between Chennai Egmore / Chennai Central and Tiruvannamalai. Travel time is about 4–5 hours.
From Bangalore: Take trains towards Katpadi or Villupuram and connect to Tiruvannamalai. Direct trains are limited.
From Tirupati: No direct train. You can travel to Katpadi Junction (Vellore) and then connect by road or passenger train to Tiruvannamalai.

Tip: Katpadi (Vellore) Junction is a major railway hub (around 90 km from Tiruvannamalai). If you don’t find a direct train, Katpadi is the best connecting point.

How to Reach Tiruvannamalai by Road

Road travel is one of the most convenient ways to reach Tiruvannamalai. The temple town has excellent road connectivity with Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

From Chennai (200 km): Take NH48 via Vellore or NH32 via Chengalpattu & Gingee. Travel time: 4–5 hours.
From Bangalore (200 km): Take Hosur – Krishnagiri – Chengam route. Travel time: 5 hours.
From Vellore (90 km): Direct buses and taxis are available. Travel time: 2 hours.
From Pondicherry (105 km): Scenic route via Gingee. Travel time: 2.5–3 hours.
From Tirupati (180 km): Best option is to drive via Chittoor – Vellore – Polur – Tiruvannamalai. Travel time: 4.5–5 hours.

Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and private operators run frequent buses from Chennai, Bangalore, Vellore, and Tirupati to Tiruvannamalai.

How to Reach Tiruvannamalai by Air

Tiruvannamalai does not have an airport. The nearest airports are:

Chennai International Airport (200 km) – Best option for domestic and international travelers.
Bangalore Kempegowda International Airport (230 km) – Another good option with better international connectivity.
Pondicherry Airport (110 km) – Limited flights, mainly from Chennai.
Tirupati Airport (190 km) – Good for pilgrims traveling from Andhra Pradesh.

From these airports, you can hire a cab or take a train/bus to reach Tiruvannamalai.

Quick Distance Guide to Tiruvannamalai

City	Distance	Travel Mode Options	Approx Time
Chennai	200 km	Train, Bus, Car	4–5 hrs
Bangalore	200 km	Bus, Car, Train (via Katpadi)	5 hrs
Vellore	90 km	Bus, Car, Taxi	2 hrs
Pondicherry	105 km	Bus, Car	3 hrs
Tirupati	180 km	Bus, Car (via Vellore)	4.5–5 hrs

Final Travel Tips

If you are visiting during Pournami (Full Moon) for Girivalam, book tickets in advance, as trains and buses get crowded.
Road travel is the fastest and most flexible option from nearby cities.
For long-distance travelers, Chennai Airport + road/train is the most reliable route.