Getting Around Eluru: A Practical Transport Guide
Eluru, a city in Andhra Pradesh, offers several practical ways to move around for visitors. The city has developed a multi-modal transport system combining traditional and modern options, making it relatively easy to navigate once you understand the main options available.
Arriving at Eluru
By Air
The nearest airport is Vijayawada Airport (VGA), which is less than an hour away by bus from Eluru. If you arrive by air, you can take a bus from the airport to reach the city.
By Train
Eluru Railway Station is the main railway station and serves as a hub in the South Central Railway zone. Local trains connect Eluru with Rajahmundry and Vijayawada, making rail a convenient option for visitors arriving from these cities. The station receives halts from trains passing through the route, giving you multiple arrival options.
By Bus
State-run APSRTC buses and numerous private operators provide long-distance connections to other cities within Andhra Pradesh and beyond, including services to Hyderabad and Bangalore.
Moving Around the City
Walking
Walking is a viable option for exploring Eluru. Almost all locations in the city are accessible on foot, and the roads are pedestrian-friendly with most featuring footpaths. This makes the city quite walkable for visitors exploring neighborhoods and local attractions.
Auto-Rickshaws
Auto-rickshaws are one of the major transportation modes in Eluru and are widely available throughout the city and suburban areas. They are a practical and affordable option for getting around, though motorbiking or cycling may be quicker in busy downtown areas.
Buses
Two functional bus stations operate in Eluru: the Eluru New Bus Station and the Eluru Old Bus Station. Buses depart from these stations based on destinations, and frequent intermediate buses operate between them. APSRTC, the state-run service headquartered in Eluru, operates these buses along with additional services like Palle Velugu for rural areas and CNG buses for long-distance routes. Private buses also travel across the region, covering city center, suburban, and rural areas.
Taxis and Four-Wheelers
Taxis are available throughout the city. All roads in Eluru have a minimum width of 3.7 metres, making car travel relatively easy. Parking is improving in the city—two-wheeler parking is generally easy to find, though finding car parking can be more challenging. The city government and business owners provide parking facilities.
Bicycles and Motorbikes
For those comfortable with two-wheelers, motorbiking or cycling in downtown and busy areas can often be quicker than taking an auto-rickshaw or taxi. This can be an efficient way to navigate congested areas.
Understanding Traffic Patterns
Eluru has experienced significant traffic growth over the years, particularly around railway gates in areas like Vatluru, Venkatraopet, Powerpet, and Eastern Locks. To manage this, the government has constructed bypass roads and a mini-bypass road connecting Eastern Locks and Vatluru on both ends of the city. The main bypass road (National Highway 16) and the GNT Road are major routes that carry traffic away from the city center. When traveling through or around the city, these bypass routes may help you avoid congestion in the narrow lanes of the old city.
Key Transport Hubs
The main bus terminus is located in the south-western part of the city. Eluru Railway Station is centrally important for train travel. Several other railway stations serve the city, including Powerpet, Vatluru, Sitampet, Denduluru, and Bhimadole stations, which may be useful depending on your travel needs.