Bangalore, India → Chennai, India · ✈ 52 min · 🚗 4h 43min
157 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: east
The distance from Bangalore to Chennai is 290 km (180 miles). The fastest way to travel is by car. A direct flight takes approximately 52 min.
The straight-line distance from Bangalore, India to Chennai, India is approximately 290 kilometers (180 miles or 157 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Chennai is located east of Bangalore. Bangalore is in Asia, in the South India region of India, while Chennai is in Asia, in South India, India. Both cities are in Asia.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 290 km | ~52 min | Quick but may not save time with airport procedures |
| 🚗 Drive | ~377 km | ~4h 43min | Convenient and flexible |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~348 km | ~2h 54min | Budget-friendly option |
Our recommendation: car is typically the best way to travel from Bangalore to Chennai. At this distance, driving gives you the most flexibility and avoids airport overhead.
Based on an estimated road distance of 377 km, fuel costs for driving from Bangalore to Chennai are approximately $30–$57 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Bangalore sits at 12.9716°N, 77.5946°E, while Chennai is located at 13.0827°N, 80.2707°E. The initial compass bearing from Bangalore to Chennai is 87° (E), so a great-circle flight path leaves Bangalore heading roughly E. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 0.11° and the longitude difference is 2.68°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Bangalore and Chennai is approximately 13.0306°N, 78.9323°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 145 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Bangalore and Chennai share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Bangalore is a major city in India with a population of approximately 8,443,675. Located in the South India region, it is an important hub in Asia. As one of the largest cities in India, Bangalore is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from Bangalore
Chennai is a notable city in India with a population of approximately 7,088,000. Situated in the South India region, it serves as a key destination in Asia. Chennai is one of India's largest cities, offering major airport hubs, extensive public transport, and a wide range of accommodation options.
→ See all distances from Chennai
290 km is roughly the distance of a short regional flight or a 3-4 hour drive. For comparison, it's about the distance from London to Paris (344 km). At this range, ground transport often competes with flying when you factor in airport time.
The distance from Bangalore to Chennai (290 km) is roughly equivalent to 7 marathon distances laid end to end.
Combined, Bangalore and Chennai have a population of over 15,531,675 people, making this a major urban corridor.
At just 290 km within India, the Bangalore–Chennai corridor is well-suited for a day trip or weekend getaway. Consider driving for flexibility, or check regional rail connections for a hassle-free journey.
See how the Bangalore to Chennai distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Bangalore to Chennai is approximately 290 kilometers (180 miles, 157 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 52 min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 4h 43min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Chennai is approximately Same timezone compared to Bangalore.
The estimated road distance is approximately 377 km, which is about 30% longer than the 290 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.