Planning a spiritual journey to the holy Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga? Travelling from Hyderabad to Srisailam by bus is the safest, most convenient, and budget-friendly option for devotees. Covering a distance of approximately 213 km, the journey takes about 6 to 7 hours, passing through the incredibly scenic but winding ghat roads of the Nallamala Forest.
Whether you want to catch an early morning Super Luxury bus or prefer the comfort of the newly introduced AC Rajadhani services, this 2026 updated guide covers the exact TGSRTC (formerly TSRTC) bus timings, accurate ticket fares, and boarding points to make your trip absolutely hassle-free.
Also Read: How to Book Srisailam Darshan Tickets Online (Step-by-Step Guide – 2026)
TGSRTC Bus Timings from MGBS to Srisailam
Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS) is the primary starting point for buses heading to Srisailam. The government transport corporation operates a massive fleet on this route, meaning you will easily find a bus departing every 30 to 45 minutes throughout the day.
For the most comfortable darshan experience, taking an early morning bus between 3:00 AM and 5:00 AM is highly recommended, as it allows you to reach Srisailam well before noon.
| Departure Time (MGBS) | Bus Type (TGSRTC) | Estimated Arrival (Srisailam) |
| 03:30 AM | Rajadhani AC Semi-Sleeper | 09:30 AM |
| 04:30 AM | Super Luxury (Non-AC) | 10:45 AM |
| 06:00 AM | Express (Non-AC) | 12:45 PM |
| 07:40 AM | Super Luxury (Non-AC) | 02:40 PM |
| 09:40 AM | Super Luxury (Non-AC) | 04:40 PM |
| 11:30 AM | Rajadhani AC Semi-Sleeper | 06:00 PM |
| 02:30 PM | Express (Non-AC) | 09:15 PM |
| 05:00 PM | Super Luxury (Non-AC) | 11:30 PM |
| 09:30 PM | Super Luxury (Non-AC) | 04:00 AM (Next Day) |
| 11:45 PM (Last Bus) | Super Luxury (Non-AC) | 06:30 AM (Next Day) |
(Pro Tip: If you are travelling during peak festival seasons like Maha Shivaratri or Karthika Masam, it is strictly advised to book your tickets online at least a week in advance via the official TGSRTC portal).
Bus Timings from JBS (Jubilee Bus Station) to Srisailam
If you live in Secunderabad, Alwal, or nearby areas, Jubilee Bus Station (JBS) is your best boarding point. Keep in mind that buses starting from JBS will take an additional 45 minutes to navigate through Hyderabad city traffic before hitting the highway.
| Departure Time (JBS) | Bus Type (TGSRTC) | Estimated Arrival (Srisailam) |
| 03:20 AM | Rajadhani AC Semi-Sleeper | 09:20 AM |
| 05:20 AM | Super Luxury (Non-AC) | 12:20 PM |
| 06:30 AM | Rajadhani AC Semi-Sleeper | 12:30 PM |
| 08:00 AM | Super Luxury (Non-AC) | 02:30 PM |
| 12:45 PM | Express (Non-AC) | 07:30 PM |
| 03:00 PM | Super Luxury (Non-AC) | 09:30 PM |
| 07:45 PM | Super Luxury (Non-AC) | 02:30 AM (Next Day) |
| 10:30 PM (Last Bus) | Super Luxury (Non-AC) | 05:30 AM (Next Day) |
Note: TGSRTC also runs specialized boarding services from BHEL, KPHB, and Beeramguda for IT corridor residents, with early morning buses starting from 4:45 AM.
Also Read: Pilgrimage Made Easy Daily Hyderbad-Srisailam Tour by Telangana Tourism
Hyderabad to Srisailam Bus Ticket Prices (2026)
Historically, only Non-AC buses were allowed on the Srisailam ghat roads due to the sharp hairpin bends. However, TGSRTC has successfully introduced specialized Rajadhani AC Semi-Sleeper buses, bringing immense relief to summer travellers.
Here are the current one-way ticket prices for an adult passenger:
- Express (Non-AC Seater): ₹389 to ₹460
- Super Luxury (Non-AC 2+2 Push Back): ₹449 to ₹600
- Rajadhani (AC Semi-Sleeper 2+2): ₹524 to ₹564
Price Variations to Note:
- Fares vary slightly (by ₹30 – ₹50) depending on your boarding point (MGBS vs. BHEL/KPHB).
- Private bus operators (like GGT Travels and Sri Gummala Travels) also run AC Sleeper buses on this route. Their prices generally range between ₹699 and ₹1,500 depending on the weekend rush.
Hyderabad to Srisailam by Car (Distance, Route Map & Conditions)
If you are travelling with family or simply love road trips, driving from Hyderabad to Srisailam is an unforgettable experience. The total distance is approximately 213 to 230 kilometers (depending on your starting point in Hyderabad) and takes about 4.5 to 6 hours of non-stop driving.
The most popular, safest, and fastest route recommended by regular travellers and Google Maps is via National Highway 765 (NH 765).
The Best Route Map: Hyderabad → Shamshabad (Outer Ring Road Exit 14) → Kadthal → Amangal → Kalwakurthy → Dindi → Mannanur (Forest Checkpost) → Domalapenta → Srisailam.
Road Conditions for 2026: The highway from Hyderabad up to the Mannanur forest checkpost is a smooth, well-laid, two-lane toll road that allows for comfortable cruising. Once you cross Mannanur, you enter the Nallamala Forest and the Amrabad Tiger Reserve. From here, the terrain shifts into a ghat road with sharp hairpin bends. The roads are well-maintained by the forest department, but driving requires caution due to blind curves, steep drops, and occasional wildlife crossings (deer, monkeys, and wild boars).
Best Pitstops Along the Way:
- Dindi Reservoir (Approx. 110 km from Hyd): A beautiful mid-way stop. You can stretch your legs, take some fantastic photos by the water, and grab a quick snack at the local Haritha Hotel.
- Octopus Viewpoint (Inside the forest): Located just before you reach the main Srisailam dam, this stunning vintage point offers a panoramic, bird’s-eye view of the Krishna River backwaters wrapped around the green hills.
Also Read: Hyderabad-Srisailam-Nagarjuna Sagar: A Perfect 2-Day Road-Cum-River Tour
Srisailam Ghat Road & Nallamala Forest Gate Timings (Crucial Alert)
Warning: If you are driving your own car or hiring a private taxi, you must plan your trip around these timings, or you will be stranded on the highway.
To protect the rich wildlife of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve and prevent night-time accidents on the dangerous ghat sections, the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Forest Departments strictly regulate vehicle entry.
Mannanur Toll Gate (Forest Checkpost) Timings:
- Gates Open: 6:00 AM
- Gates Close: 9:00 PM (Strictly enforced)
What does this mean for your trip?
- Going to Srisailam: You must cross the Mannanur checkpost (about 130 km from Hyderabad) before 9:00 PM. If you reach the gate at 9:05 PM, the guards will not let you enter. You will have to sleep in your car at the checkpost until 6:00 AM the next morning.
- Returning to Hyderabad: The exit gate from the Srisailam side (near Domalapenta/Sikharam) also closes at 9:00 PM. You must cross it before the cutoff time.
- Toll Fees: The forest department collects a minimal eco-toll (around ₹50 for cars) at the entry gate. Keep loose cash handy to avoid delays.
Also Read: 11 Best Places to Visit Near Srisailam – Complete Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: Currently, TGSRTC does not operate AC full-sleeper buses due to the sharp hairpin bends on the Srisailam ghat road, which make maneuvering large sleeper coaches dangerous. However, TGSRTC does operate comfortable “Rajadhani AC Semi-Sleeper” buses. A few private operators run AC sleepers, but tickets are limited and highly priced.
A: A standard TGSRTC Express or Super Luxury bus takes around 6 to 7 hours to reach Srisailam from Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS), accounting for a 30-minute food/restroom break midway near Dindi or Kalwakurthy.
A: No, night travel through the Nallamala forest is strictly prohibited. The Mannanur forest checkpost closes at 9:00 PM and reopens at 6:00 AM. You cannot cross the ghat road during these hours.
A: No, Srisailam does not have a railway station due to its location high up in the hills. The nearest major railway stations are Markapur Road (85 km away) and Kurnool (190 km away). Travelling directly by bus or car from Hyderabad remains the most practical option.
 to Srisailam. Check AC/Non-AC ticket prices, route maps, and strict forest gate rules.){kind=link}