Bangalore – a city once recognised for its tech industry – is now a colourful collage of cultures and businesses, making the Silicon Valley of India the most vibrant metro city in the south. An IT hub, Bangalore is one of the poster cities for urban India. This is considered one of the busiest road routes in India, even though the Chennai to Bangalore distance is 346 km and takes around 6.5 hours to reach via NH-716B and NE-7.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Distance from Chennai to Bangalore | 346 km |
| Total time taken | 6.5 hrs |
| Primary Route | via NH-716B and NE-7 |
| Alternate Route | via NH 45 |
| Best time to travel | October to March |
| Approx. Cab Fare | Starting from ₹4774 |
| Chennai Airport to Bangalore distance | 343 km |
| Nearest Railway Station to Bangalore | KSR Bengaluru City Junction (SBC) |
| Nearest Airport to Bangalore | Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) |
| Best Pit Stops on Primary Route | Chittoor, Palamaner, Bairedipalle, Bethamangla |
| Best Pit Stops on the Alternate Route | Kanchipuram, Chitoor, Mulbagal |
The Silicon Valley of India is now not just a tech-driven, nerd-friendly city, but has become a colorful kaleidoscope of cultures with people flocking in from all over the country and abroad. With its colonial heritage running through its veins and the millennial lifestyle adding its own quirks as well as charm, the metro city of Bangalore today can be defined as a vibrant travel destination.
Table of Content
- Why travel from Chennai to Bangalore by Car?
- Best time to take a road trip from Chennai to Bangalore
- Top Routes from Chennai to Bangalore
- How to Reach Bangalore By Train
- How to Reach Bangalore By Flight
- Attractions in Bangalore for Sightseeing
- Savaari recommends – Popular places to eat in Bangalore
- Hotels and resorts – Accommodation in Bangalore
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Routes from Chennai to Explore
Why travel from Chennai to Bangalore by Car?
Why take a road trip from Chennai to Bangalore? A road trip from Chennai to Bangalore is certainly one of the best ways to explore these two cities. From one metro to another, the route passes through some of the most interesting locales and significant historical sites of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. To make this experience more interesting, it’s worth riding in a cab from one southern metro to another, while witnessing the transition of landscape and cultures.
To make your rides smooth and seamless, you can consider hiring a chauffeur-driven car rental in Chennai with Savaari and enjoy your journey without worrying about driving or navigation.
Top Routes from Chennai to Bangalore
Route 1: Chennai to Bangalore via NH-716B and NE-7
| Detail | Information |
| Chennai to Bangalore Distance via Route 1 | 346 km |
| Travel Time | 6.5 hrs |
| National Highway | NH-716B and NE-7 |
| Route | Chennai → Chittoor → Palamaner → Bairedipalle → Bethamangla → Bangalore |
| Road Conditions | Excellent (4/6-lane, access-controlled, tolled, minor border diversions) |
Places to Explore along this route
- Chittoor: Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple is one of the most visited Ganesha temples in South India, known for its idol that devotees believe has been growing in size over the years. Chandragiri Fort, once a Vijayanagara Empire stronghold, now houses an archaeological museum along with an evening light-and-sound show.
- Bairedipalle: Tucked inside the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, the 40-foot Kaigal Falls (locally called Dumukurallu, or “jumping stones”) is a scenic stop, though it involves a short trek from the parking area.
- Bethamangala: A British-era reservoir built in 1903 to supply water to the nearby Kolar Gold Fields, the Bethamangala Lake still draws visitors for its quiet, green surroundings.
Places to Eat along this route
- Nandi Food Plaza, Chittoor: A well-known pure-vegetarian highway stop on the Bangalore–Tirupati road. The eatery is popular for its South Indian breakfast items and ample parking capacity.
- Champs Restaurant, V. Kota Road Corridor: It sits right along the V. Kota (Venkatagirikota) road corridor near the Andhra Pradesh–Karnataka border. The restaurant is a preferred, tidy stopover for clean comfort food, cold beverages, and reliable multi-cuisine options before entering the high-speed barricaded stretches.
Route 2: Chennai to Bangalore via NH 48 and NH-75
| Detail | Information |
| Chennai to Bangalore Distance via Route 2 | 359 km |
| Travel Time | 7 hrs |
| National Highway | NH-48 |
| Route | Chennai → Sriperumbudur → Kanchipuram → Mulbagal → Hoskote → Bangalore |
| Road Conditions | Excellent (4/6-lane, access-controlled, tolled, minor border diversions) |
Popular Places along the way
- Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram – Stop at the 1300-year-old historic temple, which is the highlight of the temple town. Also, explore other ancient temples and discover the classic Indian architecture. You can sample some of the local food or shop from the local market.
- Chandragiri Fort, Chittoor – You can take a detour from the highway towards Chittoor and stop at the legendary Chandragiri Fort.
- Garuda Swamy Temple, Mulbagal – An unassuming town full of temples, Mulbagal is the perfect place to explore local history. The Garuda Swamy Temple is visually the most delightful, in addition to other ancient temples.
Places to eat on this route
- VIT Food Court, off NH 75, near Vellore – Busy highway-side food court with multiple food options, good for late-night snacking or dining.
- Vasudev Adiga’s, Venkatpura – Popular local restaurant with casual dining, serving all meals from breakfast through dinner, also good for families.
Chennai to Bangalore Best Route
The route via NH-716B and the NE-7 expressway is the clear choice. It is easily the fastest way to get between Chennai and Bangalore because it completely bypasses the heavy town traffic on the old NH-48. The roads are smooth and designed for uninterrupted high-speed driving. The entire stretch is barricaded to keep out two-wheelers and local tractors, meaning fewer surprises on the blacktop.
Best Time to Visit Bangalore from Chennai
Since Bangalore is roughly 1000 feet above sea level and surrounded by the hills of the Western Ghats, the city enjoys pleasant weather all year round. The winters are cool and breezy, and summers, on the other hand, are warm but not humid like most cities in India. Monsoon, however, can be rough, and the city experiences heavy rainfall from July to September. So, if you want to experience the best of Bangalore, plan your travel between October and February.
Peak Season & Festival Dates
During winter, which is the peak tourist season in Bangalore, both hotel prices and demand for cabs remain high. November 1 marks Kannada Rajyotsava, Karnataka’s Formation Day, when people get to witness many cultural events and parades. If you are visiting around March to April, you can witness the Bengaluru Karaga, a festival that dates back 800 years and lasts for over 11 days.
However, New Year and Christmas, which draw large crowds to Brigade Road and MG Road, are some of the busiest times of the year. Booking your Savaari cab in advance during any of these windows is a good idea, since both fares and availability tighten up.
Other Means of Traveling from Chennai to Bangalore
How to Reach Bangalore By Train
Around 13 trains run daily between Chennai and Bangalore, connecting MGR Chennai Central, Bangalore Cantonment, KSR Bengaluru, and Yeshwantpur stations.
The MYS Vande Bharat Express (20607/20608) is your fastest bet by rail. The train leaves Chennai Central at 5:50 AM and pulls into Bangalore by 10:00 AM. Not far behind is the Shatabdi Express, clocking in around the 5-hour mark.
Realistically, depending on which train you pick, the journey can take anywhere from 4 to 7 hours on the road. Timings do shift now and then, so it’s worth double-checking the latest schedule on IRCTC before you lock in your tickets.
Once you land in the city, renting a cab service in Bangalore from the railway station via Savaari is honestly one of the easier ways to get around.
How to Reach Bangalore By Flight
Flying is the quicker option, and there’s no shortage of choices. IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, and Akasa Air all run this route, with 12+ non-stop flights a day between them. You’ll land at Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), roughly 40 km outside the city.
A direct Chennai to Bangalore flight takes about an hour. Prices swing quite a bit, anywhere from ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 for a standard ticket, depending on when you book, the season, and whether any deals happen to be running.
After you land, a Bangalore airport taxi offered by a reliable car rental service like Savaari can take you to your destination smoothly.
Cab vs Train vs Flight Comparison
| Mode | Duration | Approximate Cost | Flexibility | Best For |
| Cab (Savaari) | 7 hrs | ₹4774 | High (door-to-door) | Families, groups, sightseeing stops |
| Train | 4–7 hrs | ₹270–₹2,000+ | Low (fixed stations) | Solo travelers, budget trips |
| Flight | 1 hr (air time) | ₹3,200–₹8,000+ | Low (airport logistics) | Time-sensitive travel |
Attractions in Bangalore for Sightseeing
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden: 240 acres, centered around a glasshouse styled after London’s Crystal Palace.
- Bangalore Palace: Tudor-style, turrets and stained glass, still belongs to the old Wadiyar royal family.
- Vidhana Soudha: The legislature building, and arguably the most photographed spot in the city, especially at night.
- Ulsoor Lake: The biggest lake in town, decent for boating or just a slow walk along the water.
- St. Mary’s Basilica: Neo-Gothic, one of the city’s oldest churches, sitting in the busy Shivajinagar.
Savaari recommends – Popular places to eat in Bangalore
As a result of being a cosmopolitan metro city, Bangalore’s food culture is influenced by all the communities that have settled in the city for generations.
However, if you must dig out the local specialty, then you will find it in the South Indian food fare in varieties of idli, dosa, vada, and more, along with Mughlai fare of biriyanis, kebabs, and desserts.
Therefore, to sample the best of classic and contemporary Indian and international cuisines, explore these places in Bangalore.
- Cubbon Pavilion, Residency Road
- Yauatcha Bangalore, Halasuru
- Karavalli, Residency Road
- Caperberry, Vittal Mallya Road
- Vidyarthi Bhavan, Gandhi Bazaar Main Road
Book cabs in just a few taps with Savaari’s car rental app.
Hotels and resorts – Accommodation in Bangalore
| Hotel Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Ramada Encore | 282 – 285, Intermediate Ring Rd, Amarjyothi Domlur, 1st stage, Vyalikaval HBCS Layout, Civil Area, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560071 PH: 080 4060 2020 |
| Purple Lotus | 46, 6th Cross Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001 PH: 080 4005 6300 |
| Laika Boutique Stay | 51/24, Rathna Avenue, Richmond Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025 PH: 094828 06630 |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites | Ward No.94, #16/1, Seshadri Rd, Gandhi Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560009 PH: 080 4620 5900 |
| Fab Hotel Oriental Suites | No 8, Mosque Rd, opp. J&K Bank, Cleveland Town, Pulikeshi Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560005 PH: 070424 24242 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Bangalore from Chennai by road?
If you’re taking the route via NH-716B and NE-7, the Chennai to Bangalore distance is around 346 km.
How long does it take to travel from Chennai to Bangalore?
Driving down from Chennai to Bangalore usually takes around 7 hours.
What is the best route from Chennai to Bangalore?
The route via NH-716B and NE-7 is hands-down the best choice today. It completely bypasses old town bottlenecks, giving you a fresh, barricaded high-speed cruise that is far more relaxed than the heavily congested older highways.
When is the best time to travel from Chennai to Bangalore?
Leaving early in the morning, around 5:00 AM, is your absolute best bet. You will comfortably beat Chennai’s morning peak hour, get to enjoy open expressways at sunrise, and pull into Bangalore just in time for a perfect lunch.
What are the top places to visit on the Chennai to Bangalore route?
The top places to visit on the Chennai to Bangalore route include Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple and Chandragiri Fort in Chittoor, Kaigal Falls in Bairedipalle and Bethamangala Lake in Bethamangala.
Top Routes from Chennai to Explore
Last Updated on September 7, 2026 by V Subhadra
