How to get to Visakhapatnam

When planning a trip to Visakhapatnam, you are heading to the "City of Destiny," located on the picturesque coast of the Bay of Bengal in the state of Andhra Pradesh. This major industrial hub and popular resort in India attracts tourists with its golden beaches, green hills, and ancient temples. You can reach here by various means: the city boasts excellent transport accessibility, welcoming guests via its own airport, railway junction, and a network of highways.

The fastest way to reach the coast is to take a flight to the international Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ). The air harbour is located within the city limits and receives regular flights from many of the country's metropolises, ensuring convenient connectivity with the outside world. Alternatively, you can consider flying to the neighbouring city of Rajahmundry (about 168 km away), although a direct flight to Vizag will significantly save transfer time.

Contrary to outdated information, Visakhapatnam is a major railway hub of the East Coast Railway zone. The city's main station (Visakhapatnam Junction) receives direct express trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and other key points in India. If tickets for direct trains are unavailable, a convenient transfer point can be the station in the city of Rajahmundry, located 168 km to the south.

Bus services are a popular option for trips from neighbouring states. A convenient route runs from the city of Rajahmundry: the bus covers the distance of 172 km in approximately 4.8 hours. From the town of Jeypore (Odisha state), the 183 km journey will take about 7.6 hours. The road from the city of Bhawanipatna is longer and more tiring — about 15.5 hours on the road (352 km).

Travelling by car or taxi will allow you to enjoy views of the Eastern Ghats. The shortest route lies from the city of Rajahmundry (191 km), which will take about 3.7 hours with light traffic. A trip from the town of Jeypore (213 km) will require about 5.6 hours of driving. If you plan to depart from the city of Bhawanipatna, be prepared to spend about 8.9 hours behind the wheel, covering a distance of 362 km.

A visit to Visakhapatnam will leave only pleasant impressions if you prepare for local peculiarities and the climate in advance.

1. Clothing. The climate here is hot and humid, so prefer loose-fitting items made of natural cotton. When visiting temples, shoulders and knees must be covered.
2. Transport. To move around the city, it is convenient to use taxi apps (Uber, Ola) or auto-rickshaws. It is better to negotiate the price with rickshaw drivers in advance if the vehicle is not equipped with a meter.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Indian Rupee. Major hotels and shopping malls accept cards, but always carry cash for markets, transport, and street cafes.
4. Health. Drink only bottled water and avoid ice in drinks from street vendors. Be sure to use repellents in the evening for protection against mosquitoes.
5. Language. The main language of the region is Telugu. English is widely spoken in the tourism sector, but knowing a couple of greeting phrases in Telugu will be received with respect.
6. Etiquette. When entering any temple or private home, you must remove your shoes. It is customary to pass money or eat food using only the right hand.
7. What to avoid. Visakhapatnam is an important naval base, so strictly avoid photographing the port, bridges, and any military facilities.
8. Submarine Museum. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the museum inside the real submarine "Kursura" on Ramakrishna Beach — this is the city's landmark.

Following these simple recommendations will help you feel confident and safe during your holiday.