Travel guide

How to reach, stay and move around Tirupati

Updated visitor guidance for pilgrims arriving by air, rail, bus or road, with Tirumala transfer options, footpath details, local transport and official booking links.

Updated May 2026

By air

Tirupati Airport, Renigunta

Tirupati Airport is operated by Airports Authority of India at Renigunta, Tirupati-517520. Keep buffer time for baggage, taxi pickup and Tirumala transfer.

  • Airport contact: 0877-2275354 / 0877-2275353
  • Best for visitors from Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai and other connected cities.
  • Use prepaid taxi/app cab where available and confirm fare before boarding.
Airport information

By train

Tirupati railway access

Tirupati is well connected by rail, with onward local travel to hotels, temples, Alipiri, Srivari Mettu and bus stations.

  • Use official railway channels for train status and platform changes.
  • Autos, cabs and buses are available around the railway station area.
  • Keep ID proof, darshan booking details and accommodation confirmation handy.
Rail booking

By bus / road

APSRTC and private road travel

APSRTC buses and private vehicles connect Tirupati with major Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka routes.

  • Book intercity buses early during weekends, festivals and Brahmotsavam season.
  • Use Tirupati city as the base for Tiruchanur, Kapila Theertham and local temples.
  • For self-drive trips, follow ghat-road timing and safety rules.
APSRTC booking

Tirupati to Tirumala

Transfer options to the hill temple

By road

TTD notes two all-weather ghat roads between Tirupati and Tirumala. The up road is about 17.80 km and the down road is about 18.00 km.

  • APSRTC runs regular Tirumala buses from Tirupati railway station and major bus stations.
  • TTD currently lists one-way bus fares as Rs. 90 for adults and Rs. 50 for children, with return tickets also available. Verify current fare before travel.
  • Normal ghat-road vehicle movement is listed by TTD as 3:00 AM to midnight, with changes possible on special occasions.
  • For ghat-road breakdown or accidents, TTD lists 0877-2263636, 9000503089 and 108 for assistance.

On foot

Two pedestrian routes are available for pilgrims who want to walk to Tirumala.

  • Alipiri: TTD lists the Tirupati-to-Tirumala footpath as about 7.80 km on the travel page; its footpath page describes the older Alipiri sopanamarga as about 11 km.
  • Srivari Mettu: shorter route of about 2.10 km, generally taking around 1 hour 30 minutes.
  • TTD provides free luggage transport, drinking water, toilets, shelters, medical assistance, canteens and security patrols along the routes.
  • Choose walking routes based on health, age, weather and crowd conditions.
Official TTD travel details

Stay planning

Accommodation tips

Book stay according to your darshan slot, arrival time and whether you plan to sleep in Tirupati city or Tirumala hill town.

  • Use official TTD channels for TTD accommodation and darshan-related services.
  • Private hotels are mainly in Tirupati city; Tirumala accommodation is managed through TTD systems and eligible institutions.
  • During peak days, keep a flexible backup hotel in Tirupati city.
  • Check hotel food type, parking, lift access and distance from railway station/bus stand before booking.
Browse hotels TTD online services

Local movement

Getting around Tirupati

Plan local routes by grouping nearby places instead of crossing the city repeatedly.

  • City circuit: Govindaraja Swamy Temple, Kodandarama Swamy Temple, local markets and railway station area.
  • Alipiri side: Kapila Theertham, ISKCON, Zoo Park, Regional Science Centre and Alipiri footpath entrance.
  • Tiruchanur side: Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple and nearby hotels on Tiruchanoor Road.
  • Outstation: Chandragiri, Srinivasa Mangapuram, Talakona, Srikalahasti, Nagalapuram and Pulicat need more time.
Explore tourist places

Before you start

  • Keep Aadhaar/passport or accepted ID proof ready.
  • Save darshan ticket, hotel booking and transport confirmations offline.
  • Carry water, basic medicines and light luggage.

For families and seniors

  • Avoid tight same-day flight/train connections after darshan.
  • Prefer hotels with lift access and nearby food options.
  • Use road transfer instead of footpaths if health is a concern.