A Chennai to Salem cab covers about 340 km in 6–7 hours, usually via GST Road to Ulundurpet and then west through Kallakurichi and Attur. An alternative via Vellore, Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri suits travellers starting from west Chennai. Salem is also the gateway to Yercaud, so many passengers book the cab straight through to the hill station on the same trip.
One-way fares are charged on at least 130 km. Round-trip fares are for the same car returning to Chennai (680 km over 2 days, with a daily minimum). Toll, parking and state permit are extra.
The southern route follows GST Road out of Chennai through Chengalpattu, Melmaruvathur and Villupuram to Ulundurpet, where it turns west. The Salem road then passes Chinnasalem and Attur, a town on the Vasishta river with a small historic fort, before reaching Salem through Vazhapadi. The northern route uses NH48 to Krishnagiri and NH44 south through Dharmapuri and the Thoppur ghat. Both take similar time; the driver will choose based on your pickup point and current traffic. Salem's steel and textile industries make the city busy at peak hours.
This road is open all year. The main considerations are summer heat from March to June, when a dawn start is wise, and the occasional heavy downpour during the October–December northeast monsoon. Festival weekends add traffic near Salem, so book ahead if you plan to travel then.
A sedan is comfortable on either route, with Ertiga, Innova and Tempo Traveller options for families and groups. Sedans such as the Swift Dzire and Toyota Etios suit couples and small families heading to Salem, while the Ertiga, Innova and Innova Crysta give extra legroom and boot space. Larger parties can book a Tempo Traveller 12+1, Force Urbania 16+1 or mini bus.
Pick your vehicle from the Chennai–Salem fares listed on this page and book online, or call +91 99725 37722 (also on WhatsApp) and our team will arrange the trip.
Temple town on GST Road, early in the journey.
A small 16th-century fort beside the Vasishta river in Attur town.
Hill station in the Shevaroy Hills above Salem.
Use the booking panel: pickup in Chennai, drop in Salem, 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
About 340 km and 6–7 hours by cab, via Ulundurpet or via Vellore and Krishnagiri.
They take similar time. The driver chooses based on your pickup area and live traffic.
Yes. Book the trip through to Yercaud and the driver will continue up the ghat.
Talk to our travel desk for a quote, extra stops or a bigger vehicle. We answer 24/7.
Call +91 99725 37722WhatsApp us