Getting Around Kurnool
Kurnool is a mid-sized city in Andhra Pradesh, spread along the banks of the Tungabhadra River and crossed by major national highways. For a visitor, the practical reality is simple: there is no metro, no tram, and no local train service within the city. Getting around relies on buses, auto-rickshaws, taxis, and your own two feet, with the city bus network doing most of the heavy lifting for locals.
Buses and Public Transport
The primary way people move around Kurnool is by bus, operated by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC). The network is extensive, linking residential neighbourhoods, commercial areas, and points of interest across the city.
- Main hub: The Kurnool APSRTC Bus Stand is the central node, with routes connecting it to the railway station, markets, and landmarks.
- Tickets: Fares are paid in cash onboard to the conductor and are distance-based, making them inexpensive.
- Hours and frequency: Buses generally run from around early morning until roughly 9:00–10:00 PM, with services every 10–20 minutes on the main roads.
- Route information: Formal route maps are not readily available, so conductors and locals are your best source for which bus to take. Google Maps can help with general direction but not with specific bus routes.
- Accessibility: Public buses are generally not wheelchair accessible.
Beyond city buses, APSRTC also runs services from Kurnool bus station to other parts of the state, which is useful if you plan to continue your journey onward.
Rail
Kurnool City railway station sits on the Bengaluru–Hyderabad line and is classified as an A-category station in the Hyderabad railway division of the South Central Railway zone. Another station, Kotla, lies in the middle of the city. Rail is best thought of as a way to arrive in or leave Kurnool rather than a way to move around within it — there is no local train network serving the city itself.
Taxis, Auto-Rickshaws, and Ride-Hailing
For point-to-point trips, auto-rickshaws and taxis fill the gap left by the absence of a metro or local rail service.
- Auto-rickshaws: Ubiquitous green-and-yellow three-wheelers. They are cash-based, so agree on the fare before you set off. They are readily available outside the railway station, and both autos and pre-arranged private taxis can be found at the bus stand.
- Taxis: Private taxis are unmetered and typically arranged through your hotel or by negotiation. Some accept UPI payments.
- Ride-hailing: App-based services such as Ola and Uber have a limited or inconsistent presence in Kurnool, so check availability in the app before relying on them.
Renting a Car or Two-Wheeler
Self-drive car rental is uncommon and not recommended. If you do drive yourself, you would need an International Driving Permit alongside your home licence; Zoomcar is listed as a possible operator. A far more practical option is hiring a car with a driver, available through hotels and local agencies, with fuel and the driver's allowance usually included.
Two-wheelers can be rented from informal local shops, but you will need a valid motorcycle licence and an IDP. Helmets are legally required for both rider and pillion. Driving in India is on the left, front seatbelts and two-wheeler helmets are mandatory, and road conditions vary widely — highways are generally good, while city and rural roads can be congested, potholed, and dotted with unmarked speed breakers. Parking is limited in busy areas, and night driving brings extra hazards such as poor lighting, unlit vehicles, and stray animals. Toll plazas on national highways accept cash or FASTag.
Walking and Cycling
Walking is viable in less congested areas, in parks, and around attractions such as Konda Reddy Fort and Jagannatha Gattu. Main market areas, however, are crowded and often lack consistent footpaths, so plan your walking routes accordingly. There are no formal guided walking tours commonly advertised.
Cycling is best confined to quiet residential or rural roads. There are no dedicated bicycle lanes, and cycling on main roads is hazardous — avoid busy national highways and congested market areas.
Other Options and Practical Notes
- There are no hop-on-hop-off services, cable cars, or funiculars in Kurnool.
- Tour buses are intended for pre-arranged group or inter-city travel, not local sightseeing.
- Boat rides on the Tungabhadra River are informal leisure activities, not public transport.
- Accessibility infrastructure is generally very limited; a private car with a driver is the recommended option for visitors with mobility needs.
- Emergency numbers: Police 100, Ambulance 108.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Kurnool Airport, officially Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy Airport and also known as Orvakal Airport, is located at Orvakal on National Highway 40. IndiGo is the only airline flying directly to Kurnool, with services from Bangalore, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam.
For the onward trip into the city, taxis are available at the airport, either through a pre-paid counter or by negotiation. Given the limited presence of ride-hailing apps in Kurnool, arranging a taxi on arrival — or in advance through your hotel — is the most dependable approach.