Is there a direct bus from Yelagiri to Chennai?

No, you must take a local bus to Jolarpettai or Tirupattur first.

How far is Jolarpettai from Yelagiri?

It is approximately 20 km down the hill.

Which is the best train for this route?

The Brindavan Express is highly recommended for its timing.

Are there tolls on NH 48?

Yes, there are multiple toll plazas between Vellore and Chennai.

Can I hire a taxi from Yelagiri?

Yes, local taxis are available at the Yelagiri bus stand.

Yelagiri

Chennai

Train Driving

Yelagiri to Chennai

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from the hill station of Yelagiri to Chennai spans approximately 230 km. You will descend the 14 hairpin bends to reach the plains at Jolarpettai. From Jolarpettai, you can access the main railway line connecting to Chennai Central. Driving via NH 48 is the most common road route, passing through Vaniyambadi and Vellore. The total travel time by road is roughly 5 hours depending on traffic near Poonamallee.

Total Distance: 230 km by road, 195 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving via NH 48, taking about 5 hours depending on city entry traffic.

Cheapest Way

Train from Jolarpettai Junction to Chennai Central, costing approximately 200 INR in sleeper class.

Compare Yelagiri to Chennai Routes

	Train Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	4 hours 30 mins	5 hours
Avg Price	200-800 INR	2500-4000 INR
Operator	Brindavan Express	Self-drive
Route	Jolarpettai Junction to Chennai Central	Yelagiri - Jolarpettai - Vaniyambadi - Vellore - Chennai via NH 48
Tip	Book tickets in advance as this is a high-demand route.	Start early morning to avoid heavy truck traffic on the Chennai-Bangalore highway.

Travel Tips

Hairpin Bends
Drive slowly on the 14 hairpin bends while descending Yelagiri.
Train Station
Jolarpettai is the nearest major railhead, not Yelagiri itself.
Highway Stops
Vellore offers excellent highway restaurants for breakfast or lunch.
Traffic Alert
Expect heavy congestion near Sriperumbudur during peak hours.
Booking
Use the IRCTC portal for train bookings at least two weeks prior.

Safety Tips

Mountain Driving
Ensure your vehicle brakes are checked before descending the hill.
Night Travel
Avoid driving down the hill after sunset due to limited visibility.
Emergency
Keep the local police helpline number saved for the Vellore district.
Hydration
Carry sufficient water as the highway can get hot during summer months.