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Bangalore to Salem

Traveling from Bangalore to Salem covers about 180 km and takes roughly 3.5 hours by road via NH-44 (also known as the Hosur-Salem highway). This route is one of the most popular c

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180 kmDistance

3.5 hrsDuration

Tentative Fare Estimate

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Car / Taxi

Swift Dzire₹6,233

Ertiga₹7,934

Innova₹8,275

Innova Crysta₹10,201

Tempo Traveller (12)₹14,058

Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST

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Bus

Non-AC Seater₹200

AC Seater₹320

Non-AC Sleeper₹290

AC Sleeper₹410

Volvo / Multi-Axle₹550

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Train

Sleeper₹140

Economy₹210

Third AC₹280

Second AC₹390

First AC₹530

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Tentative estimate only, based on typical Indian public-transport tariffs (state transport bus fares, IRCTC sleeper/AC class rates, standard outstation taxi per-km rates) — not a live quote from any operator.

Overview

Traveling from Bangalore to Salem covers about 180 km and takes roughly 3.5 hours by road via NH-44 (also known as the Hosur-Salem highway). This route is one of the most popular corridors in South India, passing through the industrial town of Hosur, the scenic Krishnagiri district, and the Dharmapuri region. The highway is largely four-lane with excellent road conditions, making it a quick and comfortable journey. Salem, with its ancient temples like Sri Sugavaneswarar and the serene Yercaud hills nearby, is a favored weekend getaway and pilgrimage destination. The route offers a blend of urban outskirts, rural landscapes, and the occasional glimpse of the Eastern Ghats, ensuring a pleasant drive.

Route Map

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By Car: Bangalore to Salem

180 km · ~3h 36m · About 4h of driving, plus stops.

Start from Bangalore
An early start keeps you ahead of city and highway traffic.
180 km · 3h 36m drive from previous stop
Arrive in Salem
Salem, Tamil Nadu

Stops are typical for this road, not a fixed itinerary. Timings assume about 50 km/h on average — traffic, tolls and road conditions vary.

By Bus: Bangalore to Salem

180 km · ~4h · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.

Board at Bangalore
Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Bangalore. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.
Bangalore → Salem
Non-AC or AC Seater · ~180 km
~4h|Tentative fare ₹200–₹550
Search buses Bangalore to Salem
Arrive in Salem
Salem, Tamil Nadu
Hotels in Salem

Halts and change points are typical for this route, not a specific operator’s schedule — check live availability and timings when booking.

By Train: Bangalore to Salem

Nearest railway stations: Bangalore City Jn for Bangalore, Salem Jn for Salem.

Direct trains

VASCO DA GAMA - VELANKANNI Weekly Exp#17315 · Express

12:11 AMBaiyyappanahali

3h 44m34 stops

03:55 AMSalem Jn

2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Bangalore City - Ernakulam Intercity SF Express#12677 · Superfast

06:27 AMBangalore Cant

3h 35m20 stops

10:02 AMSalem Jn

CCRunning days & live status ↗

Yesvantpur-Coimbatore SF Special#06622 · Superfast

02:48 PMBaiyyappanahali

3h 32m30 stops

06:20 PMSalem Jn

CCRunning days & live status ↗

HUBLI - TRIVANDRUM KOCHUVELI SF Exp#12777 · Superfast

03:38 PMBaiyyappanahali

4h 7m35 stops

07:45 PMSalem Jn

2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

BANGALORE - KOCHUVELI Exp#16315 · Express

05:19 PMBangalore Cant

4h 1m36 stops

09:20 PMSalem Jn

2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Train details come from a 2015 railway timetable snapshot — newer trains, changed timings and running days are not included, so confirm on IRCTC before you plan around a train.

Stops & Places Along the Route

Good places to break the journey from Bangalore to Salem.

Hosur40 km from Bangalore from Bangalore
A bustling industrial town with several temples and good eating options. A popular breakfast stop for travelers.
Multi-cuisine restaurants (A2B, Saravana Bhavan)Fuel stations and ATMsShopping malls and supermarkets
Krishnagiri90 km from Bangalore from Bangalore
Known for its historic fort and the Krishnagiri reservoir. A scenic spot for a short break and photography.
Viewpoint and park near the reservoirLocal food stalls and tea shopsPublic restrooms

Hotels in Salem

Treebo hotels in Yercaud, about 14 km from Salem. Tell us your dates and we'll get you a rate.

Treebo Golden Paradise

Yercaud

Things to Do in Salem

Seek Blessings at Kottai Mariamman Temple

Visit the goddess Mariamman's shrine within the historic Salem Fort. The temple is especially vibrant during the Tamil month of Adi (July-August) when devotees perform…

1-2 hours

Explore Sugavaneswarar Temple

Admire the ancient Shiva temple's stone architecture and intricate carvings. According to legend, the sage Sugavana worshipped Lord Shiva here, giving the temple its…

1-2 hours

Drive the Hairpin Bends to Yercaud

Take the scenic 20-hairpin-bend ghat road up to Yercaud, a separate hill station. Enjoy panoramic views of the plains and the Shevaroy Hills as you ascend.

Half-day

Discover Industrial Heritage

Visit the Salem Steel Plant's information center or simply drive through the industrial area to see the massive infrastructure. Understand how Salem earned its 'Steel…

2-3 hours

Savor Local Mangoes

During the summer months (April-June), visit local markets to taste Salem's famous mangoes, including the prized Malgova variety. It's a seasonal treat not to be missed.

1-2 hours

Walk Along the Thirumanimuthar River

Take a peaceful stroll along the banks of the river that flows through the city. Early mornings are ideal for observing daily life and the serene environment.

1 hour

See all places in Salem →

Suggested Salem Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Salem

Travel from Bangalore to Salem (about 3.5 hrs by road) and check in
Visit Kottai Mariamman Temple

Day 2Explore Salem

Visit Sugavaneswarar Temple
Visit Kolli Hills
Visit Namakkal

Day 3Last sights and departure

Visit Krishnagiri
Head back to Bangalore

Suggested from Salem's top sights.

Travel Tips

Leave Bangalore by 7 AM to avoid peak-hour traffic on Hosur Road.

Carry cash for tolls if you don't have Fastag, though Fastag is recommended.

For train travel, the KSR Bengaluru–Salem Express is the fastest and most convenient.

If taking a bus, choose AC Volvo for a comfortable ride on the slightly bumpy stretches.

Check traffic updates near Electronic City before starting.

Keep a light jacket for air-conditioned buses and trains.

Budget Estimate

road

Total toll: ₹180-₹220 for a car (one-way)

Petrol cost approx ₹2,500-₹3,000 for the round trip (assuming 15 km/l)

Drive via NH-44, a well-maintained four-lane highway. The route is straightforward, with minimal traffic except near Hosur and Krishnagiri. Ideal for a day trip or a short pilgrimage.

train

Sleeper class: ₹145-₹180

AC 3-Tier: ₹385-₹420

Direct trains from Bangalore (KSR Bengaluru or Cantonment) to Salem Junction are available daily. The journey is quick and comfortable, with several express trains.

bus

Ordinary KSRTC bus: ₹150-₹200

KSRTC AC bus: ₹350-₹450

KSRTC and private operators run frequent buses from Bangalore (Kempegowda Bus Station) to Salem. Both ordinary and AC Volvo services are available, with departures every 15-30 minutes.