Chennai To Tirupati Best Route By Car

[Wanderlust]

We are planning for a road trip to Tirupati from Chennai. We plan to rent a self-driven car for this trip as it seems to be the cheaper option compared to hiring a taxi. We are looking for information about the best possible route to travel between Chennai and Tirupati. Anyone who has recently travelled from Chennai to Tirupati please update on the road condition and driving direction. Also, please let us know whether it is safe to travel in night. We are a family of 6 with women and kids, so road safety is a concern.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Debapriya Deb]

There are multiple routes to travel from Chennai to Tirupati by car. The most travelled and the shortest route is via Poonamalle / Thiruvallur / Puttur.

Chennai to Tirupati Route 1: Chennai - Porur - Poonamalle - Thiruvallur - Thiruthani - Puttur - Tirupati (135 KM)

It is mostly a 4-lane highway till Thiruvallur, except for a couple of sub-urban sections where the road is 2-lane. From Thiruvallur, it is a 2-lane road till Thiruthani and then the road becomes 4-lane again. This route passes through many small towns and there are quite a few speed-breakers on the road. So one would need to drive carefully and at a slower pace of 50-60 KMPH.

Instead of Thiruthani, which I last heard was in a bad shape, you may also take the Uttukkottai route via NH 205 till Puttur. It is again a 2-lane highway.

Chennai to Tirupati Route 2: Chennai -Porur - Periyapalayam - Uttukkottai - Puttur - Tirupati (140 KM)

The best route from Chennai to Tirupati in terms of road condition is the one via Tada / Srikalahasti / Renigunta.

Chennai to Tirupati Route 3: Chennai - Porur - Tada - Srikalahasti - Renigunta - Tirupati (148 KM)

Although it is around 15 KM longer than the Poonamalle route, the condition of the road is superb and driving on this tarmac is a pleasure. It passes through parts of the Eastern Ghats mountain ranges and offers unparalleled scenic beauty. Also the traffic is less compared to the other routes. If you are travelling in day time, then I would suggest you to take this route to enjoy the excellent scenic backdrop.

Finally, if you are staying in the Tambaram side, then perhaps you could try this route -

Chennai to Tirupati Route 4: Chennai - Tambaram - Sriperumbudur - Thrivallur - Thiruthani - Puttur - Tirupati (155 KM)

The condition of the road was good when I last travelled in June 2014. Not sure about the recent updates.

It is safe to drive from Chennai to Tirupati at night. The only problem can be people's reluctance to use dipper at night - which is more or less a common problem in the entire South India.

Regards,
Deb

 

[Admin]

Chennai to Tirupati – Best Route by Car (2025 Updated Guide)​

Traveling from Chennai to Tirupati by car is a convenient and scenic experience, making it an excellent choice for pilgrims and tourists alike. The journey takes approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions.

Best Route from Chennai to Tirupati by Road​

The most recommended and fastest route is via NH16 and NH716. This route ensures smooth roads, less congestion, and multiple rest stops.
Route Overview:
Chennai → Poonamallee → Tiruvallur → Tiruttani → Renigunta → Tirupati
Distance: ~135 km
Travel Time: 3.5 to 4.5 hours

Alternative Routes to Consider​

Route Option	Distance	Travel Time	Road Conditions
NH16 & NH716 (Recommended)	~135 km	3.5 – 4.5 hrs	Smooth highways, best for car travel
Chennai → Kanchipuram → Puttur → Tirupati	~150 km	4.5 – 5 hrs	More scenic but longer
Chennai → Sriperumbudur → Tiruvallur → Tirupati	~140 km	4 – 5 hrs	Good roads, but some congestion

Why Choose NH16 & NH716 Route?​

Fastest route with excellent road conditions
Plenty of food stops & petrol pumps along the way
Bypasses heavy city traffic in Kanchipuram & Sriperumbudur

Best Time to Travel from Chennai to Tirupati​

• Early Morning (5 AM – 7 AM): Avoids traffic in Chennai & smooth ride
• Late Night (9 PM – 11 PM): Less congestion, but limited food stops

Roadside Attractions & Food Stops​

️ Best Places to Eat:

• Murugan Idli Shop (Poonamallee) – Famous for South Indian breakfast
• Sri Krishna Inn (Tiruttani) – Good for quick meals
• Saravana Bhavan (Renigunta Road) – Vegetarian food near Tirupati

Must-Visit En Route:

• Tiruttani Murugan Temple – A great spiritual stop
• Kailasakona Waterfalls – Perfect for a short nature break

For travelers planning a Chennai to Tirupati road trip, this guide should help make your journey smooth and enjoyable. Safe travels!
Has anyone recently taken this route? Feel free to share your experience!