Bangalore to Chennai is one of the busiest intercity journeys in India, and while trains and flights are frequent, a taxi still wins in many situations: when you are moving house, travelling with elderly parents or pets, carrying more luggage than an airline allows, or heading somewhere that is awkward to reach from the station. The route covers about 345 km on NH 48 through Krishnagiri and Vellore and takes six to seven hours. Our Bangalore to Chennai taxi runs at any hour, and drivers know the best ways into each part of Chennai, from Anna Nagar to OMR.
One-way fares are charged on at least 130 km. Round-trip fares are for the same car returning to Bangalore (690 km over 2 days, with a daily minimum). Toll, parking and state permit are extra.
From the city, the driver takes Hosur Road through Electronic City and Attibele into Tamil Nadu. NH 48 then runs through Krishnagiri and descends gently through Vaniyambadi and Ambur to Vellore, before crossing Ranipet and Sriperumbudur into Chennai. It is a busy freight route, so drivers keep a steady pace rather than racing. The new Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway is being opened in sections, and drivers will use the open stretches when they save time.
The natural entry through Poonamallee leads straight into these areas. Evening traffic can be heavy near Koyambedu.
The bypass from Maduravoyal to Tambaram reaches the airport and the southern neighbourhoods without crossing the city centre.
For Sholinganallur, Siruseri and Navalur, the driver may take the Vandalur–Kelambakkam road or a ring road to avoid the inner city altogether.
Resorts along the East Coast Road and the temple town of Mahabalipuram are best reached via the southern bypass. From there Pondicherry is another two hours down the coast.
Krishnagiri is the classic breakfast stop. Ambur is the place to stop if you want its famous biryani. Vellore suits a longer break or a visit to the Sripuram Golden Temple and the old Vellore Fort. Drivers stop every couple of hours anyway, so tell them your preferences.
There is no forest closure on this route, so overnight travel is normal. Overnight departures from Bangalore reach Chennai by early morning, before the city's traffic builds, which many travellers prefer. For daytime trips, leaving Bangalore before 6 am gets you clear of Hosur Road and into Chennai by lunch.
Some travellers find Chennai airport better for certain international routes. For a departure, leave Bangalore at least nine to ten hours before your flight to allow for the drive, possible slowdowns and check-in. For pickups at Chennai airport heading to Bangalore, share your flight number so the driver can track it.
For relocations, choose an Innova, Innova Crysta or Ertiga and tell us roughly how many boxes and suitcases you have. A roof carrier can be arranged on some vehicles. Keep valuables and documents in the cabin. If you are moving with pets, mention it at booking so a suitable vehicle and driver can be assigned.
You cross into Tamil Nadu within an hour of leaving Bangalore, so an interstate permit is needed; we arrange it in advance. NH 48 also has several toll plazas. Permits and tolls are typically shown separately in the quote, while fuel and the driver's allowance are part of the fare.
For weddings, college trips and corporate offsites in Chennai or Mahabalipuram, a Tempo Traveller 12+1, Force Urbania 16+1 or a mini bus lets everyone travel together, with room for luggage at the back. Share the venue address and arrival time, and we will plan the pickup sequence if guests are joining from different parts of Bangalore.
The Karnataka–Tamil Nadu border point on Hosur Road, the first checkpost on the route.
A leather and trading town on NH 48, just before Ambur.
A gold-covered Lakshmi temple on the southern edge of Vellore, lit up beautifully in the evening.
A well-preserved 16th-century fort with a moat in the middle of Vellore city.
The UNESCO-listed shore temple town south of Chennai on the East Coast Road.
Use the booking panel: pickup in Bangalore, drop in Chennai, date and time.
Compare the fare for each car; the price shown is what you pay, plus toll and parking.
Pay 20% advance online, or choose cash and pay the driver.
You receive the booking confirmation by email; driver and car details are shared before pickup.
Cancellation: free up to 24 hrs before pickup; 20% of the fare within 24 hrs. Cancellation policy
Usually six to seven hours for about 345 km, depending on traffic leaving Bangalore and entering Chennai.
For a family's personal belongings, yes. An Innova or Ertiga can carry many suitcases and boxes. Furniture and large appliances need a goods vehicle.
Yes. Drivers use bypass roads to reach OMR, ECR and Mahabalipuram without going through central Chennai.
Yes. Overnight trips are common on this route and reach Chennai before the morning rush.
Yes. Pondicherry is about three hours from Chennai along the coast. Book a multi-day round trip and we will plan the route.
Talk to our travel desk for a quote, extra stops or a bigger vehicle. We answer 24/7.
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