Is there a direct bus from Nellore to Chennai?

Yes, APSRTC and private operators run direct buses from Nellore Bus Station to Chennai Koyambedu/Madhavaram.

How far is Nellore from Chennai?

The distance is approximately 175 km by road via NH 16.

Which is the best train from Nellore to Chennai?

The Vande Bharat Express is the fastest and most comfortable train for this route.

Are there tolls on the Nellore-Chennai highway?

Yes, there are multiple toll plazas on NH 16, including the Tada toll plaza.

Can I reach Chennai from Nellore by flight?

No, there are no commercial flights between Nellore and Chennai as the distance is too short.

Nellore

Chennai

Train Bus Driving

Nellore to Chennai

Updated: 20 May 2026

The journey from Nellore to Chennai covers approximately 175 kilometers along the well-maintained NH 16, part of the Golden Quadrilateral. Trains are the most efficient mode, with travel times ranging from 2.5 to 4 hours depending on the service. Road travel via bus or private car typically takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on traffic entering Chennai at the Red Hills or Madhavaram entry points. The route passes through key industrial and agricultural hubs including Gudur, Tada, and Gummidipoondi. Frequent connectivity is ensured by the South Central Railway and the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation.

Total Distance: Driving distance is 175 km; straight-line air distance is 150 km.

Fastest Way

Vande Bharat Express is the fastest, completing the journey in approximately 2 hours 30 minutes from Nellore to Chennai Central.

Cheapest Way

General class train ticket at INR 100 is the cheapest option, providing the fastest transit time compared to road transport.

Compare Nellore to Chennai Routes

Train

Direct

Duration

3 hours

Avg Price

INR 100 (General) to INR 1200 (Vande Bharat CC)

Operator

Vande Bharat Express, Pinakini Express, Grand Trunk Express

Route

Nellore (NLR) to Chennai Central (MAS) via Gudur Junction (GDR) and Sullurpeta (SPE).

Book your ticket on the IRCTC portal at least 15 days in advance for popular trains like the Vande Bharat to ensure confirmed seats.

Bus

Direct

Duration

4 hours 30 mins

Avg Price

INR 350 (Express) to INR 700 (Volvo AC)

Operator

APSRTC, SETC, Orange Travels

Route

NH 16 passing through Kavali, Gudur, Tada, and entering Chennai via Red Hills.

Board buses from the Nellore Bus Station; most private operators drop passengers at Koyambedu or Madhavaram bus terminals.

Driving

Direct

Duration

3 hours 30 mins

Avg Price

INR 2500 (Fuel + Tolls)

Operator

Self-drive or Private Taxi

Route

NH 16 (Chennai-Kolkata Highway) through Tada and Gummidipoondi.

Expect heavy truck traffic near the Tada border; use the FASTag lane at the toll plazas to save 15 minutes per stop.

Travel Tips

Train Station Choice
Ensure your train arrives at Chennai Central (MAS) for better connectivity to the city center, rather than Chennai Egmore (MS).
Avoid Peak Hours
If driving, avoid entering Chennai between 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM to bypass heavy congestion at the Madhavaram bypass.
Local Transport
Use the Chennai Metro from Central station to reach areas like Airport or Guindy quickly, avoiding surface traffic.
Hydration
Carry sufficient water, especially if traveling by bus, as the coastal humidity remains high throughout the year.
Booking Apps
Use the UTS app for unreserved train tickets to avoid long queues at the Nellore station ticket counters.

Safety Tips

Luggage Security
Keep your bags locked and under your seat while traveling on trains, especially during night journeys.
Taxi Safety
Use pre-paid taxi booths or verified ride-hailing apps like Ola or Uber when arriving at Chennai Central.
Emergency Contacts
Save the Railway Protection Force (RPF) helpline number 182 in your phone for any security concerns during the train ride.
Road Safety
If driving, stay in the middle lane of NH 16 to avoid sudden maneuvers by heavy vehicles entering from side roads.