TTD Free Bus Timings To Srivari Mettu
Yes, TTD runs completely free buses to the Srivari Mettu footpath, and no booking or fee is involved. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), together with APSRTC, operates free bus services from Tirupati to the two walking-path starting points at Srivari Mettu and Alipiri. According to TTD’s official transport pages, three free buses run to these footpath points, making roughly 18 trips at about 45-minute intervals, from around 5:00 AM to 6:15 PM, with the last trip leaving near 7:15 PM. Pilgrims who wish to climb to Tirumala on foot can simply board these buses free of charge from Tirupati and reach the start of the steps.
TTD Free Bus to Srivari Mettu: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Operated by | TTD / APSRTC (official) |
| Cost | Free of charge — no ticket, no booking |
| Boarding points | Tirupati Railway Station and Central (RTC) Bus Stand |
| Destination | Srivari Mettu footpath (near Srinivasa Mangapuram / Chandragiri) |
| Number of free buses | 3 buses, about 18 trips per day |
| Frequency | Roughly every 30–45 minutes |
| Approx. service window | Around 5:00 AM to 6:15 PM (last trip near 7:15 PM) |
| Also serves | Alipiri footpath (the longer route) |
What the Free Bus Service Covers
TTD arranges these buses specifically for pilgrims who prefer to walk up to Tirumala rather than take a car or paid bus up the ghat road. Per the official TTD website (tirumala.org), APSRTC runs free buses from the Tirupati Railway Station to Alipiri at roughly 30-minute frequency, and a similar free service connects the city to the Srivari Mettu starting point. On the dedicated free-bus schedule, TTD lists three free buses covering about 18 trips at 45-minute intervals through the day.
The buses pick up pilgrims from the main city points — the Tirupati Central Bus Stand (RTC) and the Tirupati Railway Station — and drop them at the base of the steps. There is no charge and no advance booking; you board on a first-come basis. Please note these free buses run from the Tirupati city points and are generally not run from outlying points such as Renigunta or Tiruchanoor, so plan to reach Tirupati city first.
Srivari Mettu vs. Alipiri: Which Footpath?
Both walking paths are served by TTD’s free buses, but they are different in length and difficulty:
- Srivari Mettu — the shorter, steeper route, starting near Srinivasa Mangapuram / Chandragiri. It has around 2,388 steps and most pilgrims complete it in roughly 2–3 hours. It is popular with those who want a quicker climb.
- Alipiri Mettu — the longer, traditional route starting at Alipiri in Tirupati, with about 3,550 steps and a distance of roughly 9–11 km. It typically takes longer but has more shelters, shops and facilities along the way.
Distance figures quoted for these paths vary between sources; treat the step counts and durations above as approximate and confirm current details on the official TTD portal before you travel.
Divya Darshan for Foot Pilgrims
Pilgrims who climb either footpath are eligible for Divya Darshan, a special queue for pedestrians. Biometric registration is done at counters on the footpath. After registering, walking pilgrims receive priority-style darshan of Lord Sri Venkateswara on reaching Tirumala, which usually means a shorter wait than the general free (Sarva Darshan) queue. This facility is provided by TTD at no cost to those who complete the trek on foot.
How to Reach the Srivari Mettu Free Bus
- Arrive at Tirupati — reach the Tirupati Railway Station or the Central (RTC) Bus Stand in the city.
- Look for the TTD/APSRTC free bus bound for Srivari Mettu (staff and signboards at the stands indicate the free-bus bay).
- Board free of charge — no ticket or booking is needed.
- Alight at the Srivari Mettu footpath entrance near Srinivasa Mangapuram and begin your climb.
- Register at the biometric counter for Divya Darshan before you start walking, if available.
If a free bus is not immediately available, pilgrims sometimes take a regular local/APSRTC bus toward Srinivasa Mangapuram (paying the normal fare) and continue to the footpath. The dedicated TTD buses, however, remain free.
Tips for the Climb
- Start early in the day to avoid the afternoon heat on the open steps.
- Carry water and wear comfortable footwear; the climb is barefoot for many devotees, so socks may help.
- Free luggage transport (a token-based service) is available from the footpath for heavier bags — confirm current rules at the counter.
- Keep a valid photo ID for the biometric Divya Darshan registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the TTD bus to Srivari Mettu really free?
Yes. TTD and APSRTC operate these footpath buses free of charge. No ticket or advance booking is required.
Where does the free bus start?
From Tirupati city — mainly the Tirupati Railway Station and the Central (RTC) Bus Stand. Free buses are generally not run from Renigunta or Tiruchanoor.
What are the free bus timings?
TTD’s schedule shows free buses running from roughly 5:00 AM to about 6:15 PM, with the last trip near 7:15 PM, at intervals of about 30–45 minutes. Timings can change, so confirm on the official portal.
How long is the Srivari Mettu climb?
Around 2,388 steps, usually completed in about 2–3 hours depending on your pace and rest breaks.
Do I need to book the free bus in advance?
No. Boarding is first-come, first-served at the Tirupati city points; there is no reservation system for the free footpath buses.
Do foot pilgrims get special darshan?
Yes. Those who climb via Srivari Mettu or Alipiri can register (biometric) for Divya Darshan, a priority queue for pedestrians, at no charge.
See also: Route Map of the Free Bus (Dharma Ratham) in Tirumala
Sources & Last Verified (July 2026)
- TTD Free Bus Service, Tirupati — https://www.tirumala.org/FreeBusServiceTirupathi.aspx
- TTD Transport Facilities — https://www.tirumala.org/TransportFacilities.aspx
- TTD official portal — https://www.tirumala.org
tirumalatirupationline.com is an independent pilgrim-information guide. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with TTD or any temple or government body. Bus timings and facilities can change; always confirm current details on the official TTD portal (tirumala.org) before you travel.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
