Most people pick this route for business trips, family visits, or weekend breaks. The highway stays smooth most of the way. You’ll cross two states and see how landscapes change from Karnataka’s tech hubs to Tamil Nadu’s industrial heartland.
Quick Facts About This Route
The NH48 highway connects both cities directly. Traffic moves well except during festival seasons and long weekends. You’ll pass through Hosur, Krishnagiri, and Vellore before reaching Chennai’s outskirts.
Distance: 347 kilometers
Driving time: 5 to 6 hours without stops
Tolls: Around ₹350 for cars
Fuel cost: ₹1,800 to ₹2,500 depending on your vehicle
Best months: November through February
Border checkpoints between states usually move quickly. Keep your documents ready just in case.
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Route Breakdown and What to Expect
Electronic City to Hosur (45 km)
The journey starts on Bangalore’s outer ring road. Traffic clears up after Electronic City. Hosur marks your entry into Tamil Nadu. The town has decent restaurants for breakfast.
Hosur to Krishnagiri (85 km)
Good four-lane highway with regular service stations. Krishnagiri sits in hilly terrain with mango orchards on both sides. The town center gets busy but the bypass keeps you moving.
Krishnagiri to Vellore (105 km)
This stretch includes some gentle hills. Road conditions stay excellent. Vellore is famous for its fort and medical college. You can take a quick detour if you have time.
Vellore to Chennai (112 km)
The final stretch takes you into Chennai’s extended metropolitan area. Traffic increases as you approach the city. Multiple flyovers help avoid local congestion.
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Vehicle Costs and What You’ll Pay
Mini Cars (₹10 per km)
Works for 1-2 people with light luggage. Total round trip comes to around ₹7,000 plus extras like tolls and driver charges. Cars like Alto or Eon handle highways fine but feel cramped on longer trips.
Regular Sedans (₹12 per km)
Most families pick sedans for the comfort and trunk space. Round trip costs about ₹8,500 all included. Swift Dzire, Amaze, and similar models work well for this distance.
SUVs (₹14 to ₹16 per km)
Better for families with kids or lots of luggage. You’ll pay ₹10,000 to ₹12,000 for the complete trip. Innova remains the most popular choice. Higher seating gives better road visibility.
Tempo Travellers (₹18 to ₹30 per km)
Groups of 8-12 people find these most economical. Costs split among passengers bring individual shares down to ₹1,500-2,500 per person. AC versions cost more but worth it for comfort.
Prices include fuel and driver allowance. Tolls, meals for the driver, and parking get added separately.
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Where to Stop Along the Way
Breakfast in Krishnagiri
Hotel Selvam serves good South Indian breakfast. Their filter coffee tastes authentic. The place fills up with travelers, so service can be slow during peak hours.
Lunch Options in Vellore
Multiple restaurants near the bypass serve both North and South Indian food. A2B (Adyar Ananda Bhavan) offers reliable vegetarian meals. Non-vegetarians can try Hotel Saravana.
Fuel and Rest Stops
Indian Oil and HP stations appear every 50-60 km. Most have clean washrooms and small shops. Avoid stopping at isolated stations late at night.
Emergency Services
Ambulances and breakdown services operate along this highway. Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone. Network coverage stays good throughout the route.
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What Chennai Offers Visitors
Marina Beach stretches for 13 kilometers. Evening walks here are pleasant, though swimming isn’t recommended due to strong currents. Street food vendors sell local snacks after sunset.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore showcases Dravidian architecture. The colorful tower (gopuram) is visible from far away. Visit early morning to avoid crowds and heat.
Fort St. George houses India’s first British fort. The museum inside displays colonial artifacts. Entry fees are minimal. Government Museum nearby has impressive bronze collections.
T. Nagar becomes shopping heaven for silk sarees, jewelry, and textiles. Prices range from budget to premium. Bargaining is expected except in branded stores.
Express Avenue and Phoenix MarketCity offer modern shopping with AC comfort. International brands, multiplex cinemas, and food courts make these popular with families.
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Food You Must Try
Filter coffee in Chennai tastes different from other cities. They use chicory and serve it in steel tumblers. Every restaurant makes it slightly differently.
Idli and sambar form the standard breakfast. The texture should be soft and spongy. Coconut chutney comes as a side dish. Street vendors often sell these from pushcarts.
Chettinad cuisine features heavy spices and complex flavors. Chicken and mutton preparations are particularly famous. Ponnusamy Hotel serves authentic versions.
Dosas come in countless varieties. Masala dosa remains most popular. Paper dosa looks impressive but tastes similar. Rava dosa has a crispy texture.
Marina Beach street food includes sundal (boiled legumes), bhel puri, and fresh coconut water. Hygiene standards vary, so choose busy stalls with high turnover.
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Where to Stay
Budget Options (₹1,000 to ₹2,500)
YMCA International House offers clean rooms with basic amenities. Multiple lodge options exist near Central Railway Station. Book in advance during festival seasons.
Mid-Range Hotels (₹2,500 to ₹5,000)
Hotel Savera provides good service and central location. Residency Towers caters to business travelers. Both have restaurants and 24-hour room service.
Luxury Properties (₹5,000+)
The Leela Palace sits right on the beach with ocean views. ITC Grand Chola offers business facilities and multiple restaurants. The Park Chennai has stylish interiors and rooftop dining.
Location matters more than star ratings. T. Nagar keeps you close to shopping areas. Mylapore puts temples and culture within walking distance.
Weather and Best Times to Visit
November to February brings pleasant weather with temperatures around 20-28°C. This is peak tourist season, so book hotels early. Beaches become crowded on weekends.
March to June gets hot and humid. Temperatures can hit 40°C. Hotel rates drop significantly. Early morning or late evening sightseeing works better.
July to October sees monsoon rains. Roads occasionally get waterlogged. Tourist crowds thin out. Carry umbrellas and rain protection.
Cyclones sometimes affect the coast between October and December. Check weather forecasts before traveling during these months.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to a Golden Temple Road Trip (From Delhi & Chandigarh)
Safety and Practical Tips
Highway driving stays safe if you follow basic rules. Don’t overtake on curves or near hills. Maintain safe following distance from trucks and buses.
Chennai traffic moves differently from Bangalore. Auto rickshaw drivers can be aggressive. Use ride-sharing apps for short distances within the city.
Temple visits require removing shoes. Carry socks if you’re sensitive to hot stone floors. Photography rules vary by location.
Beach activities should be limited to walking and sitting. Swimming can be dangerous due to strong undercurrents. Lifeguards aren’t always present.
ATMs work reliably in both cities. Carry some cash for small vendors and street food. Credit cards work at most restaurants and shops.
Making Your Trip Smooth with Professional Cab Services
Planning a Bangalore to Chennai trip involves multiple decisions about routes, stops, and timing. Professional outstation cab services handle these details while you focus on enjoying the journey.
N Seater operates from Bangalore with transparent pricing that includes fuel and driver allowance. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying before the trip starts. Tolls and driver meals get added based on actual costs.
Our mini cars work well for solo travelers or couples wanting an economical option. The ₹10 per km rate makes it affordable for short trips or business travel.
Sedans at ₹12 per km provide the best balance of comfort and cost for families. Most people choose this option for weekend trips or family visits.
SUV service costs ₹14-16 per km but offers more space and comfort. Good choice if you’re carrying lots of luggage or traveling with elderly family members.
Tempo travellers become economical for groups of 8 or more people. When you split the ₹18-30 per km cost among passengers, individual shares drop to very reasonable amounts.
All drivers go through background checks and document verification. They know the Bangalore-Chennai route well and can suggest good stopping points for meals or fuel.
You can see photos of your actual vehicle before booking. No surprises when the car arrives. Payment happens directly with the driver after your trip ends.
24-hour customer service helps if you need route changes or face any problems during travel. The support team can coordinate with your driver for schedule adjustments.
Most vehicles stay under 5 years old and get regular maintenance. Breakdown risks remain minimal, but emergency support is available if needed.
Ready to Explore Chennai?
The Bangalore to Chennai route offers an easy introduction to interstate highway travel in South India. Good roads, regular facilities, and interesting stops along the way make it enjoyable rather than just transportation.
Chennai rewards visitors with beaches, temples, colonial history, and excellent food. The city works as a base for exploring Tamil Nadu’s cultural attractions or simply as a weekend escape from Bangalore’s pace.
Professional cab services take the stress out of planning and driving. You arrive refreshed and ready to explore instead of tired from highway navigation and traffic management.
Book your Chennai adventure through reliable outstation cab services. Let experienced drivers handle the road while you enjoy the journey and destination.
Contact N Seater for vehicle availability, route planning, and transparent pricing. Our Bangalore-based service covers this route regularly with professional standards you can count on.
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