Vijayawada to Hyderabad is not just a road trip — it is the most travelled inter-city drive in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Whether you are heading to Hyderabad for a weekend getaway, a family visit, a medical appointment, or a business meeting, driving your own self drive car from Vijayawada on NH65 is the most flexible, comfortable, and often the most economical way to make this journey.
NH65 — the Vijayawada–Hyderabad Expressway — is one of the finest national highways in South India. A 4–6 lane divided expressway for most of its 275 km length, it cuts through the heart of Telangana via Suryapet, Kodad, Choutuppal, and delivers you directly to Hyderabad's Outer Ring Road. This complete 2026 guide covers exact distances, all three toll plazas with updated charges, fuel costs for every car type, the best car for this trip, a detailed 2-day Hyderabad itinerary, and everything else you need before you leave Vijayawada.
🔍 Quick Answer — Vijayawada to Hyderabad by Self Drive Car
Vijayawada to Hyderabad Distance — The Exact Numbers
The road distance from Vijayawada to Hyderabad via NH65 is approximately 275–280 km measured from Gollapudi interchange (Vijayawada ORR) to Hyderabad's Outer Ring Road at LB Nagar or Tolichowki depending on your final destination in Hyderabad. The aerial straight-line distance is about 254 km — but road travel adds around 20–25 km.
NH65 is the only practical road route for this trip — there is no meaningfully shorter alternative that maintains highway-quality roads throughout. The expressway section between Gollapudi (Vijayawada) and Choutuppal (Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri, Telangana) covering 181.5 km was built by GMR Group and opened in October 2012. Since July 2024, NHAI has taken direct control of this stretch. Road quality: excellent throughout. Consistent 4–6 lanes, well-marked, properly lit near toll plazas, and clear Google Maps navigation all the way.
Vijayawada to Hyderabad Toll Charges 2026 — Full Breakdown
There are 3 toll plazas on the NH65 Vijayawada–Hyderabad route. NHAI reduced toll rates from April 1, 2025. Here are the current 2026 rates for cars:
| Toll Plaza | Location | State | Car (One-Way) | Car (Return/24 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chillakallu | ~60 km from Vijayawada | Andhra Pradesh | ~₹75–₹80 | ~₹130–₹140 (25% off) |
| Korlapahad | Nalgonda District | Telangana | ~₹70–₹80 | ~₹120–₁30 (25% off) |
| Pantangi / Choutuppal | Yadadri Bhuvanagiri | Telangana | ~₹75–₹80 | ~₹115–₁25 (25% off) |
| TOTAL | 3 Plazas | AP + Telangana | ~₹220–₹240 | ~₹365–₹395 (round trip) |
Fuel Cost — Vijayawada to Hyderabad by Car (2026)
Here is the exact fuel cost for every car type available at Aman Self Drive Vijayawada for the one-way journey (275 km). Petrol at ₹105/litre and diesel at ₹98/litre (current Vijayawada prices):
| Car | Fuel Type | Mileage | Fuel Needed | One-Way Cost | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WagonR CNG | CNG | ~26 km/kg | ~10.6 kg | ~₹720 | ~₹1,440 |
| Maruti Swift | Petrol | 22 kmpl | ~12.5 L | ~₹1,312 | ~₹2,624 |
| Hyundai i20 | Petrol | 20 kmpl | ~13.8 L | ~₹1,445 | ~₹2,890 |
| Maruti Dzire (CNG) | CNG | ~24 km/kg | ~11.5 kg | ~₹782 | ~₹1,564 |
| Hyundai Creta | Petrol | 15 kmpl | ~18.3 L | ~₹1,925 | ~₹3,850 |
| Toyota Innova Crysta | Diesel | 14 kmpl | ~19.6 L | ~₹1,928 | ~₹3,856 |
Complete Trip Cost — Vijayawada to Hyderabad (2-Day Weekend)
All-in cost for a family of 5 in an Innova Crysta for a 2-day Hyderabad weekend trip from Vijayawada — every rupee accounted for:
💰 2-Day Hyderabad Trip — Family of 5, Innova Crysta
Per person (transport only): ~₹2,854 — for a comfortable, private, AC, fully-insured Innova Crysta round trip. Compare with train (Vande Bharat AC: ₹1,200–₁,600 per person one-way = ₹12,000–16,000 RT for 5 people, no flexibility) or flights (₹3,500–₆,000 per person, plus airport transfer costs). Self drive wins on value for groups of 5+.
Which Car to Choose for Vijayawada to Hyderabad Self Drive
NH65 is a smooth expressway — almost any car handles it well. The choice depends on your group size, budget, and comfort preference. For 7-seater options or luxury cars, see our dedicated pages.
| Car | Best For | Highway Comfort | Fuel Cost RT | Rental/Day | Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Swift | Solo / couple | Good at 100 kmph | ~₹2,624 | ₹1,500 | Budget |
| Maruti Dzire CNG | 2–4 people, economy | Good — CNG trunk space OK | ~₹1,564 | ₹1,800 | Cheapest Run |
| Hyundai Creta | Family of 4–5 | Excellent — SUV stability | ~₹3,850 | ₹3,000 | Best All-Round |
| Kia Carens / Seltos AT | Group of 5–6 | Excellent — 10.25" screen | ~₹3,200 | ₹3,500 | Feature Pick |
| Toyota Innova Crysta | Family of 6–7 | ⭐ Best — 343 Nm diesel | ~₹3,856 | ₹4,500 | 🏆 Family #1 |
| Toyota Fortuner | Premium, corporate | ⭐ Outstanding — 201 bhp | ~₹3,500 | ₹15,000 | Premium |
What to Do in Hyderabad — Best Stops on a Vijayawada Weekend Trip
Hyderabad is one of India's richest cities for history, food, and modern experiences. Here are the best stops for a Vijayawada family arriving with their own car — all accessible without booking separate cabs within the city:
Charminar & Laad Bazaar
The soul of old Hyderabad. The iconic 1591 CE mosque-monument, surrounded by one of India's most vibrant bazaars selling bangles, pearls, and traditional jewellery. Evening light on Charminar is magical.
Golconda Fort
One of South India's finest medieval forts — 16th century Qutb Shahi architecture spread across a massive granite hill. Allow 3 hours. The sound and light show in the evening is worth staying for.
Ramoji Film City
The world's largest film studio complex — a full-day experience for families. Book tickets in advance. 30+ km from the city centre, making a self drive car the only practical way to visit comfortably.
Hussain Sagar Lake & Tank Bund
The 16 m Buddha statue on a rock island in the middle of the lake is iconic. Tank Bund (the lake's bund road) is lined with statues of Telugu literary figures. Beautiful at sunset. Boat rides available.
Birla Mandir
A stunning white marble Venkateswara temple on a hill overlooking Hussain Sagar. Built in 1976, open 7 AM–12 PM and 2–9 PM. Spectacular night views of the city from the hilltop. No vehicle entry on the hill.
Paradise Biryani & Old City Food
No Hyderabad trip is complete without Hyderabadi dum biryani. Paradise Restaurant (multiple branches), Bawarchi in RTC X Roads, and Shah Ghouse Café near Charminar for the authentic Old City experience.
Salar Jung Museum
One of the three national museums of India — a remarkable collection of Indian and international art, antiques, and artefacts. Closed on Fridays. Plan 3–4 hours. Book tickets online to skip queues.
Hitech City & Cyber Towers
The modern face of Hyderabad — India's leading IT hub. Not typically a tourist stop but worth seeing for the scale. Great cafés, malls, and the INORBIT shopping experience. Good for an evening.
2-Day Vijayawada to Hyderabad Self Drive Itinerary
Day 1 — Drive from Vijayawada + Old City Hyderabad
- 5:30 AMCollect car from Aman Self Drive Vijayawada. Full tank confirmed. Set Google Maps to Hyderabad via NH65.
- 6:00 AMDepart Vijayawada via Gollapudi ORR interchange onto NH65. Early start completely avoids city traffic and ensures you beat Hyderabad's ORR entry congestion.
- 7:30 AMCross Chillakallu toll plaza (first toll, ~60 km mark, AP side). Keep FASTag lane. No need to stop except for the toll.
- 9:30 AMSuryapet / Kodad (~130 km) — proper breakfast stop. Multiple South Indian restaurants at the highway junction. Korlapahad toll plaza is nearby. Refuel here if needed.
- 11:00 AMChoutuppal / Pantangi toll area (~190 km) — last fuel stop before Hyderabad. Petrol pumps just before and after the toll plaza.
- 12:00 PMEnter Hyderabad via LB Nagar / ORR. Check into hotel. Freshen up. Leave car at hotel — use metro or auto for Old City.
- 2:30 PMCharminar — explore on foot. Laad Bazaar for bangles and pearls. Budget 2 hours in this area.
- 5:00 PMSalar Jung Museum (closes at 5 PM — arrive by 2:30 PM if prioritising this. Swap with Charminar on Day 2 if needed).
- 6:30 PMHussain Sagar Lake and Tank Bund — sunset walk. Boat ride to Buddha statue if time permits.
- 8:30 PMDinner — Paradise Biryani, Secunderabad or Bawarchi, RTC X Roads. Legendary Hyderabadi dum biryani.
- 10:00 PMReturn to hotel. Early night — Day 2 starts with Golconda.
Day 2 — Modern Hyderabad + Drive Back to Vijayawada
- 8:00 AMGolconda Fort — arrive early (opens 9 AM, but queue earlier). Morning light on the fort walls is beautiful. Allow 3 hours. Acoustics demonstration at the Fateh Darwaza gate is not to be missed.
- 11:30 AMBirla Mandir — just 6 km from Golconda. Marble temple with panoramic city views. Allow 45 minutes.
- 1:00 PMLunch — Hitech City area. Good North Indian and South Indian options in Kondapur and Gachibowli.
- 2:30 PMShilparamam Arts Village (Hitech City) — traditional crafts, pottery, weaving demonstrations. Shopping for authentic handicrafts. Family-friendly.
- 4:30 PMDrive to Ramoji Film City if not visited on Day 1 (confirm with hotel whether Sunday evening is accessible). Otherwise — INORBIT Mall shopping or iMax at a Hyderabad cinema.
- 5:30 PMDepart Hyderabad for Vijayawada via NH65. Evening traffic on ORR exit manageable if leaving before 6 PM.
- 7:00 PMChoutuppal fuel stop and a quick snack. Return toll discount applies (return within 24 hrs from Day 1 first toll = 25% off at Pantangi).
- 8:30 PMSuryapet — dinner stop. Cool evening, comfortable restaurant stop before the final stretch.
- 10:30 PMArrive Vijayawada. Return car to Aman Self Drive. Trip complete. 🎉
10 Tips for Vijayawada to Hyderabad Self Drive
Depart Before 6 AM
Leaving Vijayawada at 5:30–6:00 AM gives you a clear city exit and ensures you reach Hyderabad before noon. Avoid 8–10 AM departure — Vijayawada ORR congestion adds 45 minutes.
Load FASTag — Min ₹500
Three toll plazas on NH65. FASTag is mandatory — cash users pay double. Load at least ₹500 for one-way and ₹900 for a round trip. ICICI, HDFC, and Paytm FASTag all accepted.
Fill Tank at Vijayawada
No reliable fuel stations for the first 60 km on NH65 after Vijayawada city. Fill your tank completely before entering the expressway. Next reliable fuel stop is Suryapet at 130 km.
Download Offline Maps
Network signal can drop briefly between Suryapet and Choutuppal. Download Vijayawada–Hyderabad route offline on Google Maps before departure to avoid navigation blackouts.
Book Hotel in Advance
Hyderabad is a business city — good hotels in Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, or near Hitech City book up on weekends. Reserve at least 5 days in advance for a comfortable stay.
Use Metro in Hyderabad
Park your car at the hotel and use Hyderabad Metro for Old City and central Hyderabad areas. Driving in Old City around Charminar is stressful and parking is difficult. Metro is fast and cheap.
Eat at Suryapet on Route
Suryapet at 130 km has some excellent highway restaurants. Try Telugu thali or South Indian breakfast here — far better than the small dhabas between Vijayawada and Suryapet.
Know Your Hyderabad Entry
NH65 enters Hyderabad from the east via LB Nagar. For Banjara Hills / Jubilee Hills, take the ORR west. For Secunderabad / HITEC City, follow Google Maps carefully — Hyderabad ORR has multiple exits.
Return Within 24 Hrs = 25% Toll Discount
If you return from Hyderabad within 24 hours of paying the first toll, you get 25% off at all three plazas on the return journey. Plan accordingly to save ₹60–₈0 on tolls.
Speed Limit is 100 kmph
NH65 speed cameras are active. The legal limit for cars is 100 kmph. Drive at 90–100 kmph — comfortable, legal, and gives excellent fuel efficiency in the sweet spot of most engines.
Frequently Asked Questions — Vijayawada to Hyderabad Self Drive
What is the distance from Vijayawada to Hyderabad by road?
The road distance from Vijayawada to Hyderabad via NH65 is approximately 275–280 km. The drive takes 4–4.5 hours without major stops. Via NH65 is the only practical highway route — well-maintained 4–6 lane expressway throughout.
How many toll plazas are there between Vijayawada and Hyderabad?
There are 3 toll plazas on the NH65 Vijayawada–Hyderabad route — Chillakallu (Andhra Pradesh), Korlapahad (Nalgonda, Telangana), and Pantangi near Choutuppal (Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Telangana). Total one-way toll for a car: approximately ₹220–₹280. Vehicles returning within 24 hours receive a 25% discount on toll fees.
Is NH65 a good road for self drive from Vijayawada?
Excellent. The Vijayawada–Hyderabad Expressway is a 247 km long, 4/6 lane wide tolled expressway opened in October 2012. It is now maintained by NHAI and is one of the best maintained national highways in South India. Consistent road surface, clear signage, good lighting near toll plazas, and proper lane discipline. Perfectly suited for self drive.
What is the cheapest self drive car for Vijayawada to Hyderabad?
The cheapest option is the Maruti Swift at ₹1,500/day from Aman Self Drive Vijayawada. One-way fuel cost on NH65 in a Swift is approximately ₹1,312. Add ₹240 in tolls. For a couple or family of 4, the total one-way transport cost (car share + fuel + toll) is under ₹700 per person. See our full self drive cars under ₹2,000 in Vijayawada.
What is the best car for a family trip from Vijayawada to Hyderabad?
For a family of 5, the Toyota Innova Crysta at ₹4,500/day is the best choice — 7 seats, 300-litre boot, 343 Nm diesel engine that handles 275 km of NH65 effortlessly. The Kia Carens at ₹3,500/day is an excellent alternative with a panoramic sunroof and modern features. For a family of 4, the Hyundai Creta (₹3,000/day) is the most versatile choice.
Can I take the self drive car from Vijayawada to Hyderabad on an all-India permit?
Yes — all cars in Aman Self Drive Vijayawada's fleet carry all-India permits and are cleared for interstate travel including Telangana. No additional permit or documentation is needed. Mention your Hyderabad trip when booking on WhatsApp so we can confirm the car and dates.
What are the best places to visit in Hyderabad on a 2-day weekend trip from Vijayawada?
The essential list for a 2-day Hyderabad trip from Vijayawada: Charminar + Laad Bazaar (Old City), Golconda Fort, Hussain Sagar Lake, Birla Mandir, Salar Jung Museum, Ramoji Film City (full-day — worth it for families), and Shilparamam arts village. For food: Paradise Biryani, Bawarchi, or Shah Ghouse Café near Charminar. See our complete 2-day itinerary above.
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