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There are two well-laid,
all-weather, asphalt ghat roads between Tirupati
and Tirumala.
 The
old ghat road was laid in 1944, and is for
vehicles returning from Tirumala. It is 19 km in length.
The new ghat road, which was opened in 1974,
is for vehicles proceeding towards Tirumala.
The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport
Corporation (APSRTC) runs a regular bus service between
Tirupati and Tirumala, from 0300 hrs to 2400 hrs, with
a frequency of just two minutes. Bus fares are:
- Express - Rs. 15.00 per
head
- Ordinary - Rs. 11.00 per
head
You can save time by buying your
Tirumala-Tirupati return tickets at Tirupati itself.
These tickets are valid for three days from the date
of purchase and ticket-holders can board any of the
APSRTC buses returning to Tirupati within these three
days .
During Brahmotsavam and on important
occasions like New Year's Day, buses ply round the clock
with a frequency of one bus every minute.
 For the convenience
of pilgrims arriving in groups, APSRTC provides contract
carriages. Each carriage or bus can be hired for Rs.
900.00. It seats 45 persons.
The bus can either be booked then
and there, or reserved in advance.
At Tirupati there are four bus-stations
located in different corners of the town.
- Sri
Venkateswara Bus Station (SVBS): Pilgrims arriving
by train can use SVBS, which is located just opposite
the Tirupati Railway Station. Whenever trains arrive,
buses are stationed right in front of the main gate
of the railway station, for the convenience of pilgrims.
- Balaji
Link Bus Station (BLBS): For the convenience
of pilgrims arriving from Bangalore, BLBS is situated
at Alipiri, at the foot of the hills. Here,
there is ample space for parking tourist buses and vans.
- Sapthagiri
Link Bus Station (SLBS): SLBS serves pilgrims
who arrive from Chennai, Hyderabad and Vijayawada
sectors. SLBS is located in the Central Bus
Station Complex.
- Sri
Padmavathi Bus Station (SPBS): SPBS is located
at the rear of the Tirupati Railway Station, and caters
mainly to the needs of pilgrims arriving in tourist
buses.
For a safe journey to Tirumala,
it is recommended that you travel by APSRTC buses only.
APSRTC uses well-maintained vehicles that are fitted
with power steering equipment, and driven by experienced
drivers. Safety inspectors ensure that driving rules
are followed.
However, if you are using your own
vehicle, do negotiate the hair-pin bends on the ghat
roads carefully.
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