Key hubs
Salem airport and railway station
- Airport
- Salem Airport (SXV) at Kamalapuram, about 20 km from the city, has had intermittent services; check current flights. Coimbatore (CJB) and Bengaluru (BLR) are the larger alternatives.
- Railway station
- Salem Junction (SA) is the main station; Salem Town is the second station in the city
- Getting around
- Autos, app cabs and city buses in town; a private car and driver is easiest for Mettur, Sankari and Attur
How to reach Salem by air
Salem Airport (SXV) at Kamalapuram is about 20 km from the city, but services have been intermittent, so check current flights. Coimbatore (CJB) is roughly 3 hours by road and Bengaluru (BLR) roughly 4 hours.
How to reach Salem by train
Salem Junction (SA) is the main station, on the Jolarpettai-Shoranur line, with services to Chennai, Coimbatore, Bengaluru and other cities. Salem Town is the second station.
How to reach Salem by road
Salem lies on the Bengaluru-Kanyakumari highway (NH44) and is linked by road to Chennai, Coimbatore, Erode and Dharmapuri. Frequent state and private buses serve the city.
Getting around Salem
Autos, app cabs and city buses run in the city. A private car and driver is the easiest way to reach Mettur, Sankari, Attur and Yercaud.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Salem
- Hire a car and driver for Mettur, Sankari and Attur, since public transport to the forts is limited.
- Carry water and a hat when visiting the lakes, zoo and fort sites, where shade can be limited.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.