How to Reach Tirupati by Road, Rail and Air

Are you wondering how to reach Tirupati? In this blog, we discuss the different modes of transportation available to reach Tirupati, ensuring you have a smooth and spiritually fulfilling journey to the lord's abode. 

Tirupati is a small town in Andhra Pradesh that is popular worldwide for being home to one of the richest and most visited temples in the world, the Tirupati Tirumala temple. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, this temple is nestled in the lap of the Eastern Ghats in the Chittoor district. 

If you are planning a pilgrimage to this revered temple, this guide is just for you. 

How to go to Tirupati?

As one of the most popular temples in the country, Tirupati is well-connected to all major cities in India by road, rail, and air. So, no matter where you are from in India, you can easily reach this place by choosing your own mode of transport. 

Travelling to Tirupati by Air

If you are travelling from within India, a simple online search for how to reach Tirupati by flight will show you the results of different flights from your city to Tirupati. The closest airport to Tirupati is Tirupati International Airport. It is located about 32 km from the temple in Renigunta, a suburban region of Tirupati. 

Although it is an international airport, not many direct flights come here from international locations. But it is well connected to all major cities within India, like Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Cochin, etc. So, if you are from India, chances are high that you may find a direct flight to Tirupati. 

Once you reach the airport, you can take a cab or bus or book a private taxi to reach the base village of the temple. The drive from the airport to the temple may take about 30 to 40 minutes, and along the way, you can see many devotees chanting 'Govinda Govinda.’

If you are travelling from overseas, the nearest major international airport is the Anna International Airport in Chennai. It is located about 133 km from Tirupati. Once you reach Chennai, you can take a bus or cab to reach Tirupati. The drive is a pleasant one as the roads are well-maintained, and it may take around 4-5 hours to reach your destination. 

Travelling to Tirupati by Rail

Until a few years ago, people going to Tirupati by railway had to get off at Renigunta and then make their way to Tirupati by bus or other means of transport. However, with the growing number of devotees, the temple management and the Andhra Pradesh government decided to build a railway station in Tirupati for convenience. 

If you are unsure how to reach Tirupati by train, you can easily find a train from all parts of Andhra Pradesh and nearby states. If you are travelling from places like Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, or Mumbai and can't find any direct train, you can reach the closest city to Tirupati. 

Once you reach here, you can easily find a connecting train to Tirupati. Travelling to Tirupati by train is a convenient and affordable option. The ticket price ranges from Rs. 400 to Rs. 4000 depending on where you are travelling from and the travel class you choose. Depending on your budget and convenience needs, you can travel in a sleeper class or an AC class. The latter is much more convenient, and you can be sure to have a hassle-free travel experience.

Travelling to Tirupati by Road

Travelling to Tirupati by road is an experience in itself. You can drive your way up to this religious town in your private vehicle through different national highways that connect your city to Andhra Pradesh. Depending on where you are travelling from and the number of halts you take, the journey may take around 15 to 30 hours to reach Tirupati.

If you don't have your vehicle or don't want to drive so far by yourself, the next best alternative is to travel by bus. The Andhra Pradesh State Transport Corporation runs buses from different parts of the country to Tirupati. You can easily find a direct bus from all parts of Andhra and nearby states like Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. 

You can leave your how to reach Tirupati by road worries aside as there are regular bus services to this wonderful town. You can find both government and private buses. The buses operated by private companies are much more comfortable and come with a range of amenities that make your travel comfortable. However, the ticket prices for such buses may be higher than those of government buses. 

Local transport facilities in Tirupati

Once you reach Tirupati by flight, bus, or train, you can easily make your way around the city. You have ample choices: you can travel around in government-run buses, which connect every corner of the city, or you can hire cabs on an hourly basis. The buses are really good, and they are the cheapest and fastest mode of transport. 

Best time to visit Tirupati

Tirupati welcomes thousands of devotees from all over the country every day; it is crowded throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Tirupati is between September and February. During this time of the year, the weather is pleasant. The intermittent showers during September make the weather balmy and cool. 

From November, winter starts to set in, and the weather becomes even better, creating an ambient condition for visiting the temple. If you are planning to go to Tirupati temple during September, be prepared to face a massive crowd and queue at the temple as several devotees come here to take part in the Brahmotsavam, one of the auspicious festivals celebrated at the temple. 

It is best to avoid going to Tirupati during the summer season from March to June, as the sweltering heat and the humidity can be unbearable and take a toll on your physical and mental health, especially when you have to stand in the queue for long hours.