How to Reach Tirupati: Renigunta, Airport and Railway Station
Getting to Tirupati town and then up the hill to Tirumala.
First reach Tirupati, then go up the hill
Many first timers think the temple is in Tirupati town. It is on the hill at Tirumala, about 22 km up the ghat road. The first time we came by train, we did not know this and spent an hour asking for buses.
Below is what we use from the airport, the stations and the bus stand. City routes are on Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad pages.
Quick answer: The nearest airport to Tirupati Balaji is Tirupati airport at Renigunta, about 15 km from Tirupati and 40 km from Tirumala. The nearest railway station is Tirupati Main, with Renigunta junction 10 km away. Renigunta to Tirupati takes 20 to 30 minutes by bus or taxi.
Best way from major cities
| From | Best mode | Approx time | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai | Car, bus or train | 3 to 4 hours | About 140 km |
| Bangalore | Car or bus | 5 to 6 hours | About 250 km |
| Hyderabad | Night train or flight | 11 to 13 hours by train | About 560 km |
| Vijayawada | Train | 6 to 8 hours | About 400 km |
| Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata | Flight | 2 to 3 hours by air | Far |
Approximate, from our visits. TTD changes timings and rules, so check the official TTD website before you go.
Air, rail, road and the hill
Pick what suits your city and your family.
Tirupati airport
The airport is at Renigunta, about 15 km from Tirupati town. Taxis and buses connect it to the town and to Tirumala.
Tirupati station
Tirupati Main station is right in the town, close to the APSRTC bus stand and TTD rest houses.
Renigunta junction
Many long distance trains stop at Renigunta, about 10 km from Tirupati. Autos and buses run to the town.
APSRTC and state buses
Buses come from Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and many towns in Andhra Pradesh to the central bus stand in Tirupati.
Ghat road bus
APSRTC buses run very often from Tirupati to Tirumala on the ghat road. The ride takes about an hour.
Tirupati to Tirumala options
| Option | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| APSRTC ghat road bus | About 1 hour | Very frequent from the central bus stand |
| Taxi or own car | 45 to 60 minutes | Checking at Alipiri |
| Alipiri footpath | 3 to 5 hours | About 3,550 steps, luggage sent up |
| Srivari Mettu footpath | 1.5 to 3 hours | About 2,388 steps |
Approximate, from our visits. TTD changes timings and rules, so check the official TTD website before you go.
Our steps from station to Tirumala
This is how we go from the train to the hill on most trips.
Arrive in Tirupati
Get down at Tirupati Main or Renigunta. Freshen up at a rest house if needed.
Visit Tiruchanur
Many families first visit Padmavathi temple, about 5 km away.
Go to the bus stand
APSRTC buses to Tirumala leave from the central bus stand and near the station.
Alipiri check
All vehicles and bags are checked at the Alipiri toll gate. Banned items are taken.
Ghat road ride
The up road and down road are separate. The ride is about an hour with many bends.
Reach Tirumala
Get down near the bus stand and go to your room or queue.
Travel do and do not
Do
- Keep tickets and IDs in one bag
- Carry motion sickness tablets for kids
- Use APSRTC or registered taxis
- Start up the hill early
Do not
- Carry banned items past Alipiri
- Take shared jeeps without fixing price
- Drive the ghat road tired at night
- Plan darshan right after a long train
Travel times and small tips
Times are rough and depend on traffic and checking at Alipiri.
Typical arrival day
- MorningTrain reaches Tirupati
- Mid morningPadmavathi temple visit
- NoonBus up the ghat road
- EveningRest on the hill
Bus tickets
On busy days buses to Tirumala fill quickly. Queue at the stand and keep small change.
Own car
Private vehicles are allowed on the ghat road during permitted hours after checking.
Airport to hill
From the airport, a taxi straight to Tirumala takes around 1.5 hours.
Rest first
After an overnight train we rest a few hours before the queue.
- Nearest airport
- Tirupati, Renigunta
- Main station
- Tirupati Main
- Other station
- Renigunta junction
- Town to hill
- About 22 km
- Bus time
- About 1 hour
- Check post
- Alipiri
Ghat road care. The ghat road has many sharp bends. Drive slow, never overtake on curves and avoid driving when sleepy. Book only on the official TTD website or app.
Related pages: Walk Up to Tirumala · First Visit Plan · Best Time to Visit · Bangalore to Tirupati
Official sources: Official TTD website · TTD news (tirumala.org) · IRCTC trains · APSRTC buses · Tirupati airport (AAI)
Short answers devotees search for
Tirupati Main. The nearest station to Tirupati Balaji is about 22 km from the temple.
Tirupati airport at Renigunta. Nearest airport to Tirupati Balaji temple distance: about 40 km.
About 10 km to Tirupati town and about 35 km to the Tirumala temple.
APSRTC buses run every few minutes from early morning to late night. Renigunta to Tirupati distance by bus is about 10 km, 25 minutes.
APSRTC runs direct buses from Renigunta station and the airport to Tirumala.
Chennai about 140 km, Bangalore about 250 km, Hyderabad about 560 km. For my location to Tirupati distance, use any map app.
From Tirupati go to Alipiri, then 22 km up the ghat road. Tirupati Balaji distance from Tirupati town is about 22 km.
Questions about how to reach Tirupati
Things people ask us before their first trip.
How far is Renigunta to Tirupati?
Renigunta railway station is about 10 km from Tirupati town and the airport is about 15 km. APSRTC buses, autos and taxis run often and take 20 to 30 minutes.
What is the nearest railway station to Tirupati Balaji?
Tirupati Main station is the nearest, about 22 km from the Tirumala temple. From there APSRTC buses to Tirumala leave the bus stand nearby every few minutes.
What is the nearest airport to Tirupati Balaji temple?
Tirupati airport at Renigunta is the nearest, about 40 km from the temple. Chennai airport is about 140 km away for more flight choices.
Is Tirumala temple in Tirupati town?
No. The temple is on the Tirumala hills, about 22 km from Tirupati town by the ghat road. You reach Tirupati first and then go up by bus, taxi or on foot.
Which is the nearest airport to Tirumala?
Tirupati airport at Renigunta is the nearest. It is about 15 km from Tirupati town and around 40 km from Tirumala by road.
Which railway station is best for Tirupati?
Tirupati Main station is in the town and best if your train stops there. Renigunta junction, about 10 km away, has more long distance trains.
How do I go from Tirupati to Tirumala?
APSRTC buses run very often from the central bus stand and near the station. Taxis are also available. The ride takes about an hour.
Can we take our own car to Tirumala?
Yes, private cars are allowed after checking at Alipiri. Follow the timings and rules shown at the toll gate.