Is there a direct train from Nellore to Vijayawada?

Yes, multiple daily trains including the Vande Bharat, Pinakini, and Coromandel Express connect the two cities directly.

How long does it take to reach Vijayawada by bus?

It takes between 5 to 6 hours by bus depending on the traffic conditions on NH 16.

Which is the best highway for driving to Vijayawada?

NH 16 is the primary and most efficient highway connecting Nellore to Vijayawada.

Are there flights between Nellore and Vijayawada?

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

What is the cost of a taxi from Nellore to Vijayawada?

A private taxi typically costs between INR 3500 and INR 5000 depending on the vehicle type.

Nellore

Vijayawada

Train Bus Driving

Nellore to Vijayawada

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Nellore to Vijayawada covers approximately 260 kilometers along the well-maintained NH 16, part of the Golden Quadrilateral. Train travel is the most efficient method, with the Vande Bharat Express completing the trip in under 3 hours. APSRTC operates frequent bus services from the Nellore Bus Station to Pandit Nehru Bus Station in Vijayawada. Driving via NH 16 takes roughly 4.5 to 5 hours depending on traffic near Ongole and Guntur. The route passes through major towns including Kavali, Ongole, and Chirala, offering consistent connectivity throughout the day.

Total Distance: Driving distance is 260 km and straight-line air distance is 235 km.

Fastest Way

Vande Bharat Express takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, making it the fastest mode of transport between the two cities.

Cheapest Way

Train (General Class) at INR 150 is the cheapest option, providing the fastest transit time compared to road transport.

Compare Nellore to Vijayawada Routes

	Train Direct	Bus Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	3 hours	5 hours 30 mins	4 hours 45 mins
Avg Price	INR 150 (General) to INR 1200 (Vande Bharat CC)	INR 350 (Express) to INR 700 (AC Sleeper)	INR 2500 (Fuel cost)
Operator	Vande Bharat Express / Pinakini Express	APSRTC / Orange Travels	Self-drive
Route	Nellore Station (NLR) to Vijayawada Junction (BZA) via Ongole and Tenali.	NH 16 passing through Kavali, Ongole, and Guntur.	NH 16 (Chennai-Kolkata Highway).
Tip	Book your Vande Bharat tickets at least 7 days in advance via the IRCTC portal as they sell out rapidly.	Board from the Nellore APSRTC Bus Complex for the most reliable schedule and safety.	Expect heavy truck traffic near the Guntur bypass; maintain speed limits as speed cameras are active on NH 16.

Travel Tips

Station Arrival
Reach Nellore Railway Station at least 30 minutes before your train departure to navigate the platform crowds.
Bus Boarding
Use the official APSRTC website to check real-time bus tracking for services originating from Nellore.
Hydration
Carry sufficient water, as the coastal Andhra climate remains humid throughout the year.
Toll Payments
Ensure your FASTag is active with sufficient balance, as there are multiple toll plazas on NH 16 between Nellore and Vijayawada.
Local Transport
Use the Ola or Uber app in Vijayawada for transparent pricing when traveling from the railway station to your hotel.

Safety Tips

Night Travel
Avoid hitchhiking on NH 16 at night; prefer government-run APSRTC buses for long-distance travel.
Luggage Security
Keep your valuables in a cross-body bag while at the Vijayawada railway station, which can be crowded during peak hours.
Emergency Contacts
Save the Andhra Pradesh Police emergency number 100 in your phone before starting your journey.
Food Safety
Stick to branded food outlets or station-based IRCTC stalls to avoid stomach issues during your transit.