Is there a direct train from Bhimashankar to Chennai?

No, you must travel to Pune first to catch a direct train to Chennai.

What is the best route by road?

The route via Solapur and Hyderabad on NH 65 is the most preferred highway.

Are there flights from Bhimashankar?

No, the nearest airport is Pune International Airport.

How long does the train take?

The train journey from Pune to Chennai typically takes between 18 to 22 hours.

Is it safe to drive at night?

It is generally advised to avoid night driving on the ghat sections near Bhimashankar.

Bhimashankar

Chennai

Train Driving

Bhimashankar to Chennai

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from the sacred forests of Bhimashankar to the coastal capital of Chennai spans approximately 1150 km. You must first descend the Western Ghats to reach Pune, which serves as your primary transit hub. From Pune, the Chennai Express or the Shatabdi offer reliable rail connectivity to Chennai Central. Alternatively, driving via NH 48 provides a scenic route through the Deccan Plateau. Expect a travel time of roughly 20 to 24 hours depending on your chosen mode.

Total Distance: 1150 km by road, 980 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving takes 20 hours, though train travel is more comfortable for long distances.

Cheapest Way

Train in Sleeper class, costing approximately 900 INR, is the most economical option.

Compare Bhimashankar to Chennai Routes

	Train Connecting via Pune	Driving Direct
Duration	22 hours	20 hours
Avg Price	900 - 3500 INR	8000 - 12000 INR
Operator	Chennai Express	Self-drive
Route	Pune Junction to Chennai Central via Solapur and Renigunta.	Bhimashankar-Pune-Solapur-Hyderabad-Vijayawada-Chennai via NH 65 and NH 16.
Tip	Book your tickets at least 30 days in advance via IRCTC for confirmed berths.	Ensure your vehicle is serviced before the ghat descent from Bhimashankar.

Travel Tips

Ghat Driving
Drive slowly during the monsoon as the roads from Bhimashankar are prone to fog and landslides.
Pune Transit
Use the Pune Metro or local cabs to transfer between the bus stand and Pune Junction railway station.
Hydration
Carry sufficient water, especially if driving through the arid regions of Solapur.
Language
Learn basic Tamil phrases to navigate Chennai easily, though English is widely understood.
Food
Try the authentic filter coffee and idli-dosa combinations at local Saravana Bhavan outlets.

Safety Tips

Night Driving
Avoid driving on the Solapur-Hyderabad stretch at night due to heavy truck traffic.
Valuables
Keep your luggage locked and secure while traveling on long-distance trains.
Emergency
Save the contact numbers of local highway patrol services for the Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh sectors.
Health
Carry a basic first-aid kit, including motion sickness medication for the winding ghat roads.