Chennai certainly never disappoints its visitors. Set on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, Chennai is excessively hot and humid during the summers and unbelievably crowded at most times, yet this beautiful city has a unique charm of its own. It is steeped in tradition, yet it is modern and new. The lively city draws people for its beaches, temples and lip-smacking food. In Chennai, your mornings begin with the smell of jasmine in the streets and your days end in beautiful evenings. Book a Bangalore car rental for the best experience on your effortless journey from Bangalore to Chennai by road and other means of travel.
Table of Contents
- Why travel from Bangalore to Chennai?
- Traveling from Bangalore to Chennai?
- Best time to take a road trip by car
- How to Reach Chennai By Train
- How to Reach Chennai By Flight
- Attractions in Chennai for Sightseeing
- Savaari recommends – Popular places to eat in Chennai
- Hotels and resorts – Accommodation in Chennai
Why travel from Bangalore to Chennai?
So if you are planning a road trip from Bangalore to Chennai, read on! We will show you two beautiful routes and tell you a bit about what you can see and eat along the way. The remaining sections describe an ideal road trip from Bangalore to Chennai. With Savaari’s Bangalore taxi service, you can transform your drive into an enjoyable and exciting journey, while also customizing it according to your preferences, travel time, and budget.
Travelling from Bangalore to Chennai by car
The route from Bangalore to Chennai is full of hidden gems, well-kept secrets and some crown jewels in South India’s beauty. For the curious, adventurous, and spontaneous traveller, a road trip from Bangalore to Chennai by car is the best way to travel. The distance between the two cities is 346 km and can be easily covered in six and a half to seven hours. For a hassle-free experience, book a cab with Savaari and let our courteous drivers show you the best of South India.
Let us help you discover some of the best routes so your trip from Bangalore to Chennai by road is nothing short of amazing!
Quick Facts about Bangalore to Chennai
| Highway Name | Bangalore–Chennai Expressway |
| Highway Number | NE-7 |
| Total Distance | 346 Km |
| Starting Point | Hoskote, Bangalore |
|
End Point |
Sriperumbeddur |
| Highway Quality | Excellent |
Best time to take a road trip from Bangalore to Chennai by car
The best time to visit Bangalore to Chennai by Car is during the months of October to February. During this time, the weather is pleasant and cool. It is advisable to avoid the summer months from April to June. The excessive heat makes the journey extremely uncomfortable and also takes away the joy of exploring nearby places. Monsoons can also be an ideal time to embark on a road trip like this. Let us talk about a few routes that one could take from Bangalore to reach Chennai. Let us also mention some of the popular places along the way, so you know exactly where to stop. If you’re travelling with a group and require a spacious and comfortable trip, you can easily book an Innova cab in Bangalore, which can seat up to 7 passengers and has features like air conditioning and plenty of luggage space.
Route 1: Distance and Time taken from Bangalore to Chennai via Mumbai Highway
Bangalore to Chennai Road Condition Via Mumbai Highway
The route covers a distance of 344 km within 6.5 hours and the road condition is excellent. This route is preferred by most travelers and passes through the beautiful cities of Vellore and Krishnagiri. Offering an enriched round trip travel experience, particularly when traversing in a spacious tempo traveler from Bangalore to Chennai,it ensures a comfortable journey for larger groups while exploring these picturesque cities along the way.
Bangalore to Chennai Distance Mumbai Highway
The classic road map for this route is
Popular places along the way:
- Krishnagiri Fort – Built by Krishnadevaraya of the Vijaynagar Empire in the 16th century, Krishnagiri Fort is amazing for some trekking.
- Kaigal Waterfalls, Vellore – About 2.5 km from Kaigal village is an amazing picnic spot ideal for a quiet afternoon picnic with friends and family.
- Srilakshmi Golden Temple, Vellore – When in Vellore, you should not miss out on this gem. The whole structure is coated in gold leaf and costs a whopping 65 million US dollars.
- Rajiv Gandhi Memorial, Sriperumbudur – Visit the memorial where Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated.
- Vallakottai Murugan Temple, Sriperumbudur – Visit the 1,200-year-old temple which stands to this day as a fine example of India’s best architecture. The temple also houses the tallest statue of Lord Murgan in all of Chennai.
Places to eat along the way:
- Sri Krishna Inn, Krishnagiri – Stop for some nice South Indian food and filter coffee at Sri Krishna Inn. Their paper dosas are to die for.
- Vellore Kitchen, Vellore – Stop here for some lip-smacking Indian and Asian dishes
- Hotel Sathyam Grand Resort’s Tokyo, Sriperumbudur – If you are a fan of Japanese food, stop at the hotel’s Tokyo restaurant for a nice change. Their good tastes good and is quite hygienic for a highway restaurant.
Route 2: Distance and Time taken from Bangalore to Chennai NH 75 and Vellore- Chennai route
Bangalore to Chennai distance Via NH 75 and Vellore- Chennai route
The route covers a distance of 333 km within 7 hours and the road condition is good. This route is preferred as a good alternative that crosses the quaint views and places like Chittoor and Kanchipuram.
Bangalore to Chennai Road condition Via NH 75 and Vellore- Chennai route
The classic road map for this route is –
| Bengaluru — Chittoor — Kanchipuram — Sriperumbudur — Chennai |
|---|
Popular places along the way:
- Horsely Hills, Chittoor – Popularly known as Andhra Ooty, Horsely Hills makes for a perfect stop for some relaxation. One can also enjoy outdoor activities like trekking, swimming or archery.
- Sri Venkateshwara Temple, Chittoor – This 12th-century temple is dedicated to Lord Balaji. Its beautiful architecture, gold plating and many waterfalls bring a lot of tourists.
- Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram – Dating back to the 2nd Century BC, this temple’s grand architecture is sure to make you want to return.
- Kailasnanthar Temple, Kanchipuram – When in Kanchipuram, missing out on this temple would be a shame. Built in the 8th Century era, the temple’s regal architecture is truly stunning.
Popular places to eat along the way:
- Durga Sweets, Chittoor – Stop here to treat yourself to a fine variety of sweets. For lovers of sweets, this store is heavenly.
- Adyar Ananda Bhavan, Kanchipuram – Stop here for a delicious meal of piping hot sambhar with rice cakes and freshly made dosas
Bangalore to Chennai Best Route
While you can take any of the two routes, we recommend Route 1 Via Mumbai Highway. The road conditions are excellent and the time taken is less. However, it is advisable to check live traffic updates before leaving for your trip.
Other means of traveling from Bangalore to Chennai
How to reach Chennai by Flight?
Air travel is surely the fastest and most convenient way of travelling. All major cities in India are well connected through air routes. There are more than 4 Indian airlines that operate between Bangalore and Chennai. Every week, about 230 or more airlines are flying between Bangalore and Chennai. The travel duration is between 55 mins to 1 hour and a half depending upon the airline you choose. You can book a Chennai airport cab to have a hassle-free trip to your accommodation.
After your trip concludes and you plan to fly back to Bangalore, make sure to book a Bangalore airport taxi for a convenient and comfortable travel experience to your destination.
How to reach Chennai by Train?
The distance between Bangalore and Chennai is 362 km and can be easily covered in about six to seven hours depending upon a number of factors. This distance between the two cities can be covered by traveling by train. The efficient rail connectivity makes it easier to travel from one point to another and there are plenty of options to choose from. On a daily basis, 1 train runs between Bangalore and Chennai. On a weekly basis, the count shoots up to 25. The first train that leaves Bangalore and takes you to Chennai is 22602 Snsi Chennai Express. It departs from Bangalore at 03:35 AM and reaches Chennai at 09:40 AM. The last train that leaves Bangalore for Chennai is 15227 Muzaffarpur Express. It leaves at 23:55 PM and reaches the destination at 09:30 AM.
12028 Shatabdi Express is the fastest train that will take you from Bangalore to Chennai. It takes 5h 0m and leaves Bangalore at 06:00. The maximum duration of 9h 35m is taken by Muzaffarpur Express 15227. It departs from Bangalore at 23:55.
Out of all the trains that operate between Bangalore and Chennai,17 originate from Bangalore while the rest 9 pass from Bangalore. So you can visit the Indian Railways website for your Bangalore to Chennai train bookings, or choose your options from the multiple online portals.
| Train Name | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
| 12658 – CHENNAI MAIL | 10:40 PM | 04:20 AM | 5hr 20 min |
| 12028 – SHATABDI EXP | 06:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 5hr |
| 16022 – KAVERI EXPRESS | 11:50 PM | 06:45 AM | 6hr 55 min |
| 22626 – MAS DOUBLE DECK | 02:39 PM | 08:35 Pm | 6hr 5 min |
Explore Chennai like a local
The country’s fourth largest city and the capital city of Tamil Nadu, Chennai as a city is so diverse that you may have to extend your stay to imbibe it all. Chennai’s magnificent past has left traces of history in every nook and corner, and we will help you discover it all. From historical ancient towns to exotic beaches, there are endless possibilities for long vacations or quick weekend getaways from Chennai, every few hundred miles. This comprehensive Chennai travel guide will help you make the most out of your trip.
Popular places for sightseeing in Chennai
- A visit to Chennai would be incomplete if you don’t visit Marina Beach. Apart from being the longest beach in India, Marina Beach offers a host of activities of which, karting is the most popular. Walk towards the north side of the beach for an amazing time karting on the beach with your friends. You can also visit the Light House which is now finally open to the public.
- Try your hand at surfing at the Covelong beach. The best part about this beach is that it has a surf school to help you understand the basics of surfing. In case surfing is not your thing, you may try other water sports too.
- When in Chennai, the list of beaches is never-ending. One very important stopover is the Elliot beach. It is one of the cleanest beaches in Chennai and is perfect for a quiet walk in the evening. There are amazing eateries in and around the beach serving lip-smacking dishes to give you the best taste of Chennai.
- Head to Arignar Anna Zoological Park and Guindy National Park for a wildlife safari.
- Visit the Kapaleeswarar temple devoted to Lord Shiva and appreciate the architecture of the temple which is built in Dravidian style back in the 7th Century BC.
- Get out of the hustle and bustle of the city with a visit to the peaceful Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary, home to over 100 species of birds including flamingos, egrets, herons, sandpipers, and many more. This is one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in India and the second-largest brackish water ecosystem in the country.
- Finally, for some shopping time, Thyagaraya Nagar, popularly known as simply T. Nagar is the place to be. You get everything under the sun here be it jewellery, fabrics, handicrafts, clothing, or food.
[Also read: Guide to Chennai’s beaches: Tourist attractions for all travellers]
Savaari Recommends: Popular Places to eat in Chennai
- Chinese and Thai – Robot
- Italian and Continental – Amelies Cafe and Creamery
- North Indian – Royal Indiana, Animal Kingdom, Once Upon a Time, Pind
- Multi-cuisine – Lobby Cafe
- Russian and Continental – Winter Palace
- South Indian – Annalakshmi Restaurant
Hotels and resorts – Accommodation in Chennai
| Hotel Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Radisson Blu Hotel | Ethiraj Salai, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008. PH: 044 3040 4444 |
| The Pride Hotel | 216, E V R Periyar Salai, Near Sangam Cinema Poonamalle, High Road, Kilpauk, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600010 PH: 044 4398 9898 |
| Grand Cascade Hotels | 27/28, V.V. Kovil Street Opp. Ripon Building 03, Behind S.R Guest House, Periamet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600003. PH: 044 4310 0038 |
| The Park | No 601, Anna Salai, Near US Embassy, Gangai Karai Puram, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006. PH: 044 4267 6000 |
Nearby road trip from Chennai
These destinations offer a perfect blend of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and a relaxing getaway from the bustling city life in Chennai. Check out the best road trips you can embark on for a quick weekend getaway from Chennai.
| Destinations | Distance | Time Taken |
| Chennai to Madurai | 462.3 Km | 8 hrs 10 mins |
| Chennai to Ooty | 555.5 Km | 11 hrs 15 mins |
| Chennai to Rameshwaram | 558.5 Km | 10 hrs |
| Chennai to Coimbatore | 505 Km | 9 hr 20 mins |
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Bangalore to Chennai Highway News
- Chennai-Bengaluru National Highway: Why it’s work-in-slow-progress
- Bengaluru-Chennai expressway to cut travel time to 2.5 hours
