Your Location

A bus is often the simplest way to reach Vijayawada, whether you are coming from Hyderabad, Guntur, Visakhapatnam or a smaller town. Here is how to plan it well for the busiest ten days of the year. 

Your gateway: Pandit Nehru Bus Station (PNBS) 

PNBS is the main hub. APSRTC runs its Amaravati, Deluxe, Express, Garuda, Indra and Super Luxury services from here, and TSRTC buses from Telangana also use the station. The City Bus Port, for local buses, sits just north of PNBS. Hyderabad is about 275 km from Vijayawada. 

What to expect from special buses 

In 2024, APSRTC announced 6,100 special buses from October 4 to 20 across the state, including services for devotees heading to the Kanaka Durga Temple, and said it would not charge extra fares. 

A recent APSRTC listing mentions 500 special buses for the Vijayawada region during Dasara, with free travel for women under the Stree Shakti scheme. 

These are earlier or listing-based details. Confirm the 2026 special bus plan and whether free travel applies to the festival specials before you travel. 

Private buses 

Private operators run overnight services between Vijayawada and Guntur, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Bangalore, Pune and Tirupati. Tickets for these generally have to be booked with the operator, so compare timings, fares and cancellation terms. 

Best days to travel 

Weekdays are usually calmer than weekends. 

Aim to arrive by October 15 for a relaxed start. Mula Nakshatram (October 16) draws students and parents in large numbers. 

Expect heavy crowds on October 18 and 19 (Durgashtami and Mahanavami) and on October 20 for Vijayadashami and the evening Teppotsavam. 

If you plan to leave right after Vijayadashami, book your return ticket early, because demand for buses out of the city is likely to be high. 

Booking tips 

Book on the APSRTC website or the AbhiBus app as soon as tickets open. 

Keep a photo ID and your ticket on your phone and, if possible, a printout. 

Pick a bus that reaches Vijayawada in the morning, so you have time to check in and rest before darshan. 

Carry water, light snacks, a power bank and a light shawl for AC buses. 

Keep your luggage light and your valuables close. 

Frequently asked questions

Do special buses cost extra?

In 2024 APSRTC said it would not charge extra for its Dasara specials. Check the current notification for this year.

Where do I book APSRTC tickets?

On the APSRTC reservation website, or through AbhiBus.

Where do I catch local buses after I arrive?

The City Bus Port is just north of PNBS. Ask at the enquiry counter for buses towards the temple.