Nellore
Nellore
Vijayawada
Vijayawada
Train Bus Driving

Nellore to Vijayawada

Updated: 20 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
Duration
3 hours
Avg Price
INR 150 (General) to INR 1200 (Vande Bharat CC)
Operator
Vande Bharat Express / Pinakini Express
Route
Nellore Station (NLR) to Vijayawada Junction (BZA) via Ongole and Tenali.

Book your Vande Bharat tickets at least 7 days in advance via the IRCTC portal as they sell out rapidly.

Bus
Direct
Duration
5 hours 30 mins
Avg Price
INR 350 (Express) to INR 700 (AC Sleeper)
Operator
APSRTC / Orange Travels
Route
NH 16 passing through Kavali, Ongole, and Guntur.

Board from the Nellore APSRTC Bus Complex for the most reliable schedule and safety.

Driving
Direct
Duration
4 hours 45 mins
Avg Price
INR 2500 (Fuel cost)
Operator
Self-drive
Route
NH 16 (Chennai-Kolkata Highway).

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.
People Also Ask
  • 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.
Quick Info
  • From Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • To Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Modes
Best Time to Travel

October to March is ideal as temperatures remain moderate, avoiding the intense heat of the coastal Andhra summer.

Things to Do in Vijayawada
1
Kanaka Durga Temple
Located on Indrakeeladri Hill in Vijayawada, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is a major pilgrimage site overlooking the Krishna River.
2
Prakasam Barrage
This massive structure spans the Krishna River and offers panoramic views of the city. It is best visited during sunset for photography.
3
Bhavani Island
Situated in the middle of the Krishna River, this is one of the largest river islands in India. Access is via a 15-minute boat ride from the barrage.
4
Undavalli Caves
These ancient rock-cut caves are located 8 km from Vijayawada. They feature a massive monolithic statue of Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture.
Tags
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