Nearest Airport to Vellore: Vellore, a historic city in Tamil Nadu, is known for its rich cultural heritage, prestigious educational institutions like Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), and top medical facilities like Christian Medical College (CMC). If you’re planning to visit Vellore, the nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (MAA), located approximately 130 km away.
In this article, we’ll cover details about the nearest airport to Vellore, how to reach Vellore from the airport, flight connectivity, and travel tips.
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Nearest Airport to Vellore – Chennai International Airport (MAA)
Chennai International Airport (MAA) is the closest and most well-connected airport to Vellore. It is the fourth busiest airport in India, offering both domestic and international flights.
Key Details of Chennai International Airport:
- Location: Meenambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Distance from Vellore: ~130 km
- IATA Code: MAA
- Type: International Airport
- Terminals:
- T1 (Domestic Terminal) – Handles domestic flights within India.
- T3 & T4 (International Terminals) – Handles international flights.
Since Vellore does not have an airport, Chennai Airport serves as the primary gateway for domestic and international travelers visiting the city.
How to Reach Vellore from Chennai International Airport?
Once you land at Chennai Airport, you have multiple travel options to reach Vellore:
A. Taxi Services
- Private taxis are the most comfortable way to reach Vellore.
- Ride-hailing services like Ola, Uber, and Fast Track operate from Chennai Airport.
- Fare Estimate: ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 for a one-way trip.
- Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours via NH48.
B. Bus Services
- TNSTC (Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation) and private buses operate frequent services from Chennai to Vellore.
- Buses depart from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) and take around 3.5 to 4 hours.
- Fare: ₹300 – ₹600 (depending on the type of bus – government or private AC).
C. Train Services
- Chennai has direct train connectivity to Vellore Cantonment (VLR) and Katpadi Junction (KPD).
- Katpadi Junction (12 km from Vellore city) is the main railway station.
- Popular trains from Chennai to Vellore:
- Brindavan Express
- Yelagiri Express
- Kovai Express
- Lalbagh Express
- Train Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Fare: ₹100 – ₹500 (depending on the class).
D. Self-Drive or Rental Car
- You can rent a car from Chennai Airport for a self-drive journey or hire a chauffeur-driven vehicle.
- Car rental services like Zoomcar and Savaari are available.
Flight Connectivity at Chennai International Airport
Chennai Airport is well-connected to major cities in India and worldwide.
A. Domestic Flight Connectivity
Regular flights operate from Chennai to:
- Delhi – IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet
- Mumbai – IndiGo, Air India, GoFirst, Vistara
- Bangalore – IndiGo, AirAsia, Vistara
- Hyderabad – IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India
- Kolkata – IndiGo, GoFirst, Vistara
- Coimbatore – IndiGo, SpiceJet
- Madurai – IndiGo, Air India
B. International Flight Connectivity
Chennai Airport also has international flights to destinations like:
- Dubai – Emirates, Air India, IndiGo, FlyDubai
- Singapore – Singapore Airlines, Air India, IndiGo
- Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) – Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia
- London – British Airways
- Colombo – SriLankan Airlines
If you’re flying internationally to visit Vellore, you can book a flight to Chennai and take a taxi, train, or bus from the airport.
4. Alternative Airports Near Vellore
While Chennai Airport is the best option, here are two alternative airports:
A. Bengaluru International Airport (BLR) – 205 km from Vellore
- Location: Devanahalli, Bangalore, Karnataka
- Travel Time to Vellore: 4 to 5 hours via NH44
- Best for: International travelers who find better flight options in Bengaluru.
B. Tirupati Airport (TIR) – 100 km from Vellore
- Location: Renigunta, Andhra Pradesh
- Travel Time to Vellore: 2.5 to 3 hours via road.
- Best for: Travelers coming from Tirupati or nearby regions.
- Limited flights are available compared to Chennai.
Best Time to Visit Vellore
Vellore has a hot and dry climate, so the best time to visit is during winter (November to February) when temperatures are comfortable. Summers (March to June) can be extremely hot, making travel less pleasant.
Things to Do in Vellore After Arrival
Once you arrive in Vellore, you can explore some of its top attractions:
A. Vellore Fort (3 km from the city center)
- A historic 16th-century fort with a beautiful moat and temple inside.
B. Sripuram Golden Temple (10 km from Vellore)
- A stunning temple made of gold, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.
C. Jalakandeswarar Temple (inside Vellore Fort)
- A beautiful temple with intricate Dravidian-style carvings.
D. Yelagiri Hills (90 km from Vellore)
- A serene hill station ideal for nature lovers and trekkers.