"All roads lead to Arunachala"
Tiruvannamalai is well connected by road and rail. For devotees coming from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the most convenient transit hubs are Katpadi (Vellore) and Tirupati.
Always check new Trains/Buses/Flight details online to travel from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
Train (Best): The Kacheguda - Chengalpattu Exp (17652) is the best option. It departs Kacheguda ~5:00 PM and arrives at Tiruvannamalai directly at ~7:00 AM.
Bus: Direct TSRTC/Private sleepers are available to Tiruvannamalai. Alternatively, take a bus to Vellore/Tirupati and switch.
Train: Take any major train heading to Kerala/Bangalore (e.g., Sabari Express, Dhanbad-Alleppey) and get down at Katpadi Jn (Vellore). From Katpadi, Tiruvannamalai is just 2 hours by bus.
Direct Train: Weekly trains like Kharagpur-Villupuram Exp stop directly at Tiruvannamalai, but frequency is low.
Bus: Very frequent APSRTC/TNSTC buses run from Tirupati Central Bus Stand to Tiruvannamalai.
Road Route: Tirupati → Chittoor → Vellore → Tiruvannamalai.
Bus: Frequent TNSTC buses from Kilambakkam (KCBT). Private AC buses also available.
Bus: KSRTC/TNSTC from Shantinagar or Satellite Bus Stand. Route via Hosur & Krishnagiri.
Chennai (MAA): 185km. Best connectivity for international/national flights.
Tirupati (TIR): 195km. convenient for AP travelers.
Bangalore (BLR): 200km. Good for international travelers.
Note for Private Bus Travelers: Most private buses (Omni Buses) traveling from Hyderabad/Bangalore do not enter the main town bus stand to avoid traffic.