Tirupati and Vijayawada are two important railway junctions in Andhra Pradesh, connected by numerous trains that link pilgrims, tourists, and daily commuters. Traversing approximately 386 km, this route offers a range of options from fast superfast expresses to comfortable Vande Bharat trains. Knowing the schedule, ticket prices, and travel times can help you choose the best journey for your needs.
Overview of the Route and Distance
The distance between Tirupati (TPTY) and Vijayawada Junction (BZA) is around 386 km by rail.
Number and Types of Trains
There are approximately 5060 trains connecting Tirupati and Vijayawada, including express, superfast, and premium Vande Bharat services.
Train Categories
- Vande Bharat Express: Premium semi-high-speed with comfortable chair cars, fewer halts; fastest journey time around 5 hours.
- Superfast Express: Includes Duronto, Kerala SF, Krishna Express, Padmavathi SF, with limited stops and travel time approximately 56 hours.
- Mail/Express Trains: Longer journey times 67 hours with more stops like Seshadri, Tirumala Express, etc..
- Holiday Specials: Seasonal trains during festivals or holidays, typically 5.56.5 hours journey.
Departure Times and Frequency
Trains run frequently throughout the day, starting as early as 04:50 AM and the last departure from Tirupati around 11:45 PM.
Sample Timings
- Kerala SF Express 12625: Departs 05:20, arrives 10:45 (~5 h 25 m) daily.
- Krishna Express 17405: Departs 06:08, arrives 12:50 (~6 h 42 m) daily.
- Vande Bharat 20677: Departs 07:10, arrives 12:10 (~5 h) Mon, WedSun.
- Duronto 12246: Departs 16:45, arrives 22:00 (~5 h 15 m) daily.
- Tirumala Express 18522: Departs 20:55, arrives 03:20 (~6 h 25 m) daily.
- Hyderabad Special 04718: Departs 23:45, arrives 07:10 (~7 h 25 m) with weekly frequency.
Travel Time and Comfort
Journey times vary widely:
- Fastest: Vande Bharat (~5 h)
- Superfast: 56 hours
- Mail/Express: 67.5 hours
Coaches range from chair cars (CC) to sleeper (SL), 3A, 2A, and 1A, offering different levels of comfort and privacy.
Ticket Prices and Booking
Fare depends on class and train type. As per ixigo data:
- Sleeper (SL): â¹245280
- 3AC: â¹605700
- 2AC: â¹920990
- 1AC: â¹1,5351,645
- Vande Bharat CC: â¹1,085; EC: â¹2,030.
Tickets can be booked via IRCTC, third-party apps like RailYatri, ixigo, ConfirmTkt, MakeMyTrip, etc. Always book early up to 60 days in advance or choose Tatkal options for last-minute travel.
Availability and Waitlisting
Due to high demand, trains on this route often get waitlisted. Confirmation chances can be checked on booking portals. Daily trains tend to have better availability, especially early morning departures.
Onboard Facilities and Amenities
- All classes offer clean toilets and basic bedding for reserved coaches.
- Air-conditioned classes have better seating, charging ports, and catering options.
- Vande Bharat trains are fastest, most comfortable, with onboard catering and modern interiors.
- E-catering services available across most trains; some premium ones offer pantry car service.
Important Stations and Stops
- Tirupati Main / Renigunta Junction (origin)
- Key stops include Gudur, Nellore, Ongole, and Tenali.
- Major junction: Vijayawada Junction (destination).
Stop frequency depends on train type superfast and Vande Bharat have fewer halts compared to regular express trains.
Best Options Based on Preferences
- Fastest: Vande Bharat, followed by Duronto and Kerala SF Express.
- Cheapest: Krishna Express or slow mail/express in sleeper class.
- Balanced Comfort/Speed: Superfast trains with AC coaches.
- Late-night travel: Hyderabad Special, overnight Tirumala Express.
Factors like journey time, ticket price, and schedule help travelers decide based on preference.
Booking Tips and Recommendations
- Book early (60 days ahead) for AC classes and peak seasons.
- Use apps to track PNR status and seat confirmation chances.
- Opt for Vande Bharat for comfort and speed.
- For budget travel, sleeper class on slower trains works well.
- Look for off-peak travel to reduce waitlisted tickets.
The rail connection from Tirupati to Vijayawada is both busy and well-served, with multiple train types catering to different travel styles. Whether you’re in a hurry on Vande Bharat or seeking budget travel in sleeper class, there’s a suitable option. With 50+ trains daily, booking windows, waiting list info, and fare comparisons all accessible via modern digital platforms, the journey is becoming easier and more flexible. Understanding these details ensures you tailor your journey to your time, comfort, and budget needs, making the TirupatiVijayawada rail experience pleasant and well-managed.
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