Tirupati is one of India’s most revered pilgrimage destinations, attracting millions of devotees to the sacred Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala. While many still travel by train or road, air travel is increasingly becoming the most convenient and time-saving option—especially for those coming from distant cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Hyderabad.
This guide provides complete and up-to-date information on how to reach Tirupati by air, focusing on Tirupati Airport, also known as Renigunta Airport.
Overview of Tirupati Airport (Renigunta Airport)
Tirupati Airport is a domestic airport located at Renigunta, approximately 15 kilometers from Tirupati city and around 40 kilometers from Tirumala Hills, where the main temple is located.
The airport is officially known as Tirupati International Airport, although international flights are not currently in operation. The IATA code is TIR.
The airport handles a growing number of domestic flights and has all basic passenger facilities, including baggage handling, taxis, car rentals, and a small food court.
Direct Flights to Tirupati
Several Indian cities are connected to Tirupati through direct flights operated by major domestic airlines. Flight duration varies based on location, and daily frequencies differ by season and demand.
Cities with Direct Flights to Tirupati:
Delhi
- Daily direct flights available
- Duration: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
- Airlines: IndiGo, SpiceJet (subject to change)
- Best suited for North India travelers looking to avoid long train journeys
Hyderabad
- Multiple daily flights
- Duration: About 1 hour
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India
- A convenient option for pilgrims from Telangana
Bangalore
- Frequent daily flights
- Duration: 1 hour
- Airlines: IndiGo, SpiceJet
- Also suitable for weekend trips
Chennai
- Several daily flights
- Duration: 45 to 60 minutes
- One of the shortest and most economical routes to Tirupati
Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam
- Select direct flights available
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Flights may operate only on specific days of the week
Mumbai and Pune
- Direct flights are occasionally available depending on season
- More often, one-stop flights with a layover in Hyderabad, Bangalore, or Chennai
Airlines that regularly operate on these routes include IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet. Schedules may change based on demand and weather, so it’s always best to confirm closer to your travel date.
Booking Tips and Fare Information
Flight fares to Tirupati vary depending on the origin city, time of year, and how far in advance you book.
- From Delhi or Mumbai, round-trip fares usually range between ₹7,000 to ₹12,000.
- From Hyderabad, Bangalore, or Chennai, one-way fares can be as low as ₹1,500 to ₹3,000.
- Booking at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance is recommended, especially during festivals and weekends when traffic to Tirupati is high.
Flights tend to fill up quickly during special temple events like Brahmotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and New Year. It’s wise to book your tickets and accommodation early if traveling during these peak times.
Airport to Tirupati City and Tirumala Temple
Once you arrive at Tirupati Airport, you have several options to reach either Tirupati city or head directly to Tirumala Hills.
Reaching Tirupati City
The airport is around 15 kilometers from the city. Travel time is about 30 minutes by road.
Options include:
- Prepaid taxis available at the airport exit
- App-based cabs like Ola (Uber is limited in Tirupati)
- Local auto-rickshaws and private car rentals
Fares typically range from ₹300 to ₹500, depending on your exact location in the city.
Reaching Tirumala
Tirumala is about 40 kilometers from the airport and takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to reach.
Transport options:
- Book a direct cab from the airport to Tirumala. Fares range from ₹800 to ₹1,200 for a one-way trip.
- Travel to Alipiri Gate (the base of the hill) and take a shared taxi, APSRTC bus, or the free shuttle service run by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
Walking pilgrims can also start their foot journey from Alipiri or Srivari Mettu footpaths, but these are usually accessed after reaching Tirupati city, not directly from the airport.
Important Travel Notes
- Tirupati Airport operates from early morning to evening. Late-night arrivals or departures are rare.
- Luggage trolleys, wheelchairs, and assistance for elderly passengers are available on request.
- Always carry a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.) for security checks and darshan registration.
- There is no foreign exchange counter or large food court at the airport, so carry local currency and eat before your flight, if needed.
Advantages of Flying to Tirupati
- Saves significant travel time, especially from cities in North and West India
- Ideal for weekend pilgrimages or short spiritual getaways
- Great option for senior citizens, families, and travelers who want to avoid long train journeys
- Availability of fast, clean transport from the airport to Tirupati and Tirumala
Reaching Tirupati by air is now easier than ever. With regular flights from major Indian cities and a small but efficient airport at Renigunta, air travel to Tirupati is both practical and comfortable. Whether you’re planning a spiritual journey or a quick visit to seek blessings, flying into Tirupati ensures you begin your pilgrimage with ease and peace of mind.
For those traveling from far-off places like Delhi or Mumbai, direct flights to Tirupati offer an ideal way to save time and energy. And once you land, your spiritual journey to the sacred hills of Tirumala is just a short ride away.
Written for Zogyy.com – Trusted Travel Guides for Modern Pilgrims and Explorers
Need help with Tirumala darshan bookings, places to stay near the temple, or walking routes to Tirumala? Let us help you plan the next step of your trip.
