Getting Around Vijayawada: A Visitor's Guide
Vijayawada, the second largest city in Andhra Pradesh, offers a variety of transportation options for visitors. As a major transportation hub in India, the city has developed multiple networks—from buses and auto-rickshaws to trains and flights—to move people around and beyond the city limits.
Auto-Rickshaws
Auto-rickshaws are motorised three-wheeled vehicles and a practical way to get around the city. However, most auto-rickshaws in Vijayawada do not have meters, so you should negotiate and agree on the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Without bargaining, you risk being charged more with excuses about traffic or directions.
To avoid haggling, use the pre-paid auto kiosks located at the railway station (near the front entrance) and at the bus station. A policeman or clerk will provide you with a printed or written bill showing the agreed fare, and the driver cannot charge more than that amount.
Cycle Rickshaws
Cycle rickshaws were once the most common form of transport in Vijayawada but are now rarely seen. If you do find one, they offer an inexpensive ride to most locations within the city.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Traditional car-taxis are scarce in Vijayawada. For taxi services, you can call a cab hire company such as Jahnavi Car Travels (0866-2474394) to arrange a pickup. Ola Cabs is also available and can be booked through Android, iOS, and Windows applications on your mobile phone.
Car Rentals
Several car rental companies operate in the city if you prefer to drive yourself.
Buses and Public Transport
Buses are the primary mode of public transport and connect most parts of the city and suburbs. The APSRTC (Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) runs the local bus network. Buses are referred to as 'City buses' and can be boarded at bus-stops throughout the city.
When using buses, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Most bus-stops do not display timetables, so identify the bus you need by reading the nameplate on top
- Purchase your ticket when you board; carry the correct change with you
- Avoid travelling during rush hours (around 8:30 AM, 4:30 PM, and continuing until 7:30 PM in the evening), when buses become severely overcrowded
- Board a bus that has adequate space inside if possible
For intercity travel within Andhra Pradesh, the main intercity bus station is located in Krishnalanka. APSRTC operates buses to all corners of the state from this hub. Private bus operators also connect Vijayawada to cities including Guntur, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Bangalore, Pune, and Tirupati, with both night-journey and day-trip options available. Book private bus tickets at the operators' offices.
Train Services
Train transit is a major mode of transportation in Vijayawada. Vijayawada Junction is one of the largest railway junctions on the South Coast Railway and serves the Capital Region. The junction sits at the intersection of the Howrah-Chennai and Delhi-Chennai railway lines.
The city also has several satellite railway stations including Gannavaram, Gunadala, Krishna Canal, Ramavarappudi, Kondapalli, Rayanapadu, Madhura Nagar, and Nidamanuru.
A proposed circular train is being planned that would connect Vijayawada with neighbouring cities of Guntur, Tenali, Mangalagiri, and the state capital, Amaravati, though this service is not yet operational.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Vijayawada International Airport (also known as Vijayawada Airport or Gannavaram Airport) is located approximately 20 km east of the city centre. The airport is served by flights from major cities including Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Visakhapatnam, as well as some international services.
Several hotels operate near the airport, including a guest house provided by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). From the airport, you can arrange a taxi through pre-paid kiosks, use ride-hailing apps like Ola Cabs, or take an auto-rickshaw (using the pre-paid system if available) to reach your destination in the city.
Walkability
While Vijayawada has road networks connecting different parts of the city, specific information about pedestrian infrastructure and walkability of particular neighbourhoods is limited. It is advisable to use public transport or taxis for longer distances within the city rather than relying solely on walking.