Is the highway safe at night?

Yes, the NH 48 is well-lit and busy throughout the night.

Which is the best train?

The Vande Bharat or Shatabdi Express are the most comfortable.

Are there direct buses?

No, you must change at Bengaluru.

How long does it take?

Approximately 7 to 8 hours by road.

Is Chennai expensive?

It offers a range of options from budget to luxury.

Chennai

Train Driving

Kunigal to Chennai

Updated: 28 May 2026

The route from Kunigal to Chennai is a well-connected corridor spanning approximately 400 kilometers. You will travel via the Bengaluru-Chennai highway (NH 48), which is a high-speed, multi-lane road. The journey typically takes 7 to 8 hours by car. Public transport options include KSRTC buses to Bengaluru followed by a train or bus to Chennai. The route passes through the industrial belts of Hosur and Krishnagiri.

Total Distance: 400 km by road, 350 km straight-line.

Fastest Way

Private car via NH 48, taking 7 hours.

Cheapest Way

KSRTC bus to Bengaluru followed by a state transport bus to Chennai, costing around 700 INR.

Compare Kunigal to Chennai Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	9 hours	7 hours
Avg Price	500-1500 INR	3000-5000 INR
Operator	Shatabdi Express	Self-drive
Route	Kunigal to Bengaluru, then train to Chennai Central.	NH 48 via Bengaluru, Hosur, and Vellore.
Tip	The Vande Bharat train from Bengaluru to Chennai is the fastest and most comfortable option.	Use the electronic toll pass (FASTag) to save time at the numerous toll plazas.

Travel Tips

Traffic
Chennai traffic can be heavy; plan your arrival time accordingly.
Weather
Chennai is humid; carry light cotton clothing.
Transport
Use ride-hailing apps for convenient local travel within the city.
Food
Try authentic South Indian breakfast at local Saravana Bhavan outlets.
Language
Tamil is the primary language, but English and Hindi are widely understood.