TrypDeals
Home › Destinations › Chennai › How to Reach Chennai

How to Reach Chennai

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, lies on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. Founded by the British East India Company around Fort St. George in 1639–1644, it is now a bu

Overview

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, lies on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. Founded by the British East India Company around Fort St. George in 1639–1644, it is now a bustling metropolis known for its 13-km Marina Beach, the 7th-century Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and the San Thome Basilica. As the cultural capital of South India, it hosts the December Margazhi music and dance season and is also a major automobile hub, often called the 'Detroit of India'.

Transport Options

✈️

By Air

Chennai International Airport (MAA) is one of India's busiest airports, with domestic and international connections. The airport is located in Tirusulam, about 20 km from the city center, and offers easy access to the city via taxis, metro, and buses.

International and Domestic Terminals

The airport has separate terminals for domestic and international flights, with a common pre-security area. International flights arrive at the new integrated terminal, while domestic operations use the older terminal.

  • •International Terminal (T1) and Domestic Terminal (T2) are connected by a walkway and shuttle bus.
  • •Free Wi-Fi is available for 30 minutes at the airport.
  • •Prepaid taxi counters are available outside both terminals; fares to the city are approximately ₹500–₹700.
  • •The airport metro station (Tirusulam) on the Blue Line provides direct connectivity to central Chennai.

Getting to the City

From the airport, you can take a prepaid taxi, app-based cabs (Uber/Ola), the Chennai Metro, or local buses to reach your destination. Travel time to the city center is about 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.

  • •Chennai Metro's Blue Line connects the airport to Egmore and Central, with trains every 10–15 minutes.
  • •AC Volvo buses operated by MTC run from the airport to various parts of the city.
  • •The drive to Marina Beach takes about 40 minutes without traffic.
  • •Airport taxis have fixed fares; ensure you use the official prepaid counter to avoid scams.
🚆

By Train

Chennai has two major railway stations: Chennai Central (MAS) and Chennai Egmore (MS). The city is well-connected to all parts of India via the Indian Railways network, including prestigious trains like the Chennai–Mumbai Rajdhani and the Chennai–Delhi Tamil Nadu Express.

Chennai Central (MAS)

The main station for long-distance trains to northern, western, and eastern India. It is a historic building and a major hub for the Southern Railway, with suburban services also operating from here.

  • •Chennai Central is located on Park Town, about 3 km from Fort St. George and 6 km from Marina Beach.
  • •The station has multiple platforms and is connected to the Chennai Metro (Central Metro station) on the Blue and Green lines.
  • •Prepaid auto and taxi stands are available outside the main entrance.
  • •For real-time train status, use the official NTES app or the IRCTC website.

Chennai Egmore (MS)

Serves mainly trains to southern Tamil Nadu and some long-distance routes. It is closer to the Government Museum and the city's southern neighborhoods.

  • •Egmore station is about 2 km from the Government Museum and 5 km from Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore.
  • •It has a separate suburban terminal for local trains.
  • •The station is well-connected by city buses and the Chennai Metro (Egmore station on the Green Line).
  • •Many express trains to Rameshwaram, Madurai, and Tirunelveli depart from Egmore.
🚌

By Road

Chennai has an extensive road network, with four major national highways converging on the city. State-run and private buses connect Chennai to major South Indian cities, and driving is feasible via well-maintained highways.

Bus Services (Government and Private)

The Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) at Koyambedu is one of the largest bus stations in Asia, with services to all parts of Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. Private luxury buses also operate from various points in the city.

  • •CMBT is located about 10 km from the city center and is connected by metro (Koyambedu station on the Green Line).
  • •Government buses (SETC) operate premium AC services to Bangalore, Hyderabad, and other cities.
  • •Private operators like KPN, SRS, and VRL offer online booking via RedBus and other platforms.
  • •The drive from Bangalore to Chennai takes about 6–7 hours via NH 44 and NH 48.

Driving and Self-Drive

Chennai is accessible by car via several national highways. The city has a ring road and the East Coast Road (ECR) that connects to Pondicherry and other coastal towns.

  • •NH 16 (formerly NH 5) connects Chennai to Kolkata along the east coast.
  • •NH 48 connects Chennai to Bangalore via Vellore and Krishnagiri.
  • •Toll charges apply on most highways; keep cash or FASTag for electronic toll collection.
  • •Parking in central Chennai can be challenging; use park-and-ride facilities or public transport within the city.

Practical Tips

  • •Chennai is hot and humid year-round; carry water and light cotton clothing.
  • •The best time to visit is from November to February when the weather is cooler.
  • •Use the Chennai Metro for quick travel between the airport, Egmore, and Central.
  • •Be cautious with auto-rickshaws; insist on meter or pre-agreed fares.
  • •Taste authentic South Indian cuisine at local eateries, but avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach.

Tour Packages for Chennai

Explore More of Chennai

Destination Hub

Chennai Overview

Spiritual & Temple Guides

History

Explore guide

Temple Guide

Explore guide

Colonial Heritage Guide

Explore guide

Carnatic Music & Dance Guide

Explore guide

Religious Significance

Explore guide

Festivals

Explore guide

Beaches Guide

Explore guide

Places to Explore

Marina Beach

Discover attraction

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Discover attraction

Fort St. George

Discover attraction

San Thome Basilica

Discover attraction

Government Museum, Egmore

Discover attraction

DakshinaChitra

Discover attraction

Elliot's Beach

Discover attraction

Guindy National Park

Discover attraction

Poondi Reservoir

Discover attraction

Parthasarathy Temple

Discover attraction

Vadapalani Andavar Temple

Discover attraction

Ashtalakshmi Temple

Discover attraction

Marundeeswarar Temple

Discover attraction

Queenship Mary Church

Discover attraction

St. Andrew's Church

Discover attraction

Zion Church

Discover attraction

Sir Thomas Munro

Discover attraction

The Island

Discover attraction

Periyar Bridge

Discover attraction

Aysha Masjid

Discover attraction

Hynmers Obelisk

Discover attraction

Armenian Church of the Virgin Mary

Discover attraction

Victory War Memorial

Discover attraction

Triplicane Big Wallajah Mosque

Discover attraction

Kachaleeswarar Temple

Discover attraction

Napier Bridge

Discover attraction

Sri Kaalikambal Kamadeswarar Temple

Discover attraction

Chepauk Palace

Discover attraction

Triumph of Labour

Discover attraction

Perarignar Anna Memorial

Discover attraction

MGR Memorial

Discover attraction

Triplican Lebbai Mosque

Discover attraction

Kannagi

Discover attraction

Mahakavi Subramania Bharati Memorial

Discover attraction

Sri Parthasarathy Koil

Discover attraction

Thousand Lights Mosque

Discover attraction

Vivekanandar Illam

Discover attraction

St George's Cathedral

Discover attraction

St Peters Church

Discover attraction

Semmozhi Poonga

Discover attraction

Anna Flyover

Discover attraction

Valluvar Kottam

Discover attraction

Thiruvalluvar Koil

Discover attraction

Chennai Lighthouse

Discover attraction

Church of Our Lady of Light (Luz Church)

Discover attraction

Thiru Vi Ka Park

Discover attraction

Nageswara Rao Park

Discover attraction

St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica

Discover attraction

Ramakrishna Math Universal Temple

Discover attraction

Kesava Perumal Temple

Discover attraction

Anna Nagar Arch

Discover attraction

Panagal Park

Discover attraction

Anna Nagar Tower Park

Discover attraction

Natesan Park

Discover attraction

Tholkappiar Ecological Park

Discover attraction

Chennai Railway Museum

Discover attraction

Quibble Island

Discover attraction

Ambedkar Memorial

Discover attraction

Brodie Castle

Discover attraction

Sivaji Ganesan Memorial

Discover attraction

Madhavaram Botanical Garden

Discover attraction

Sri Kalyana Varadaraja Perumal Temple

Discover attraction

Birla Planetarium

Discover attraction

Madhya Kailash

Discover attraction

Tiruvalidhayam Tiruvalleswarar Temple

Discover attraction

Kaj Schmidt Memorial

Discover attraction

Snake Park

Discover attraction

Chennai Snake Park

Discover attraction

MGR Film City

Discover attraction

Arulmigu Santana Srinivasa Perumal Temple

Discover attraction

Marudeeswarar Temple

Discover attraction

Trinity Church

Discover attraction

St Patricks Church

Discover attraction

Chennai Trade Center

Discover attraction

St. Thomas Mount

Discover attraction

Viswaroopa Anjaneya Temple

Discover attraction

Kodi Baba Sai Baba Temple

Discover attraction

Secretariat Colony Govt Park

Discover attraction

Thrisulanathar Temple

Discover attraction

Full Gospel Telugu Baptist Church

Discover attraction

Cholamandal Artists' Village

Discover attraction

ISKCON Temple, Chennai

Discover attraction

Thirumalai Nagar Park

Discover attraction

Ranganatha Perumal Temple

Discover attraction

Tambaram Sanatorium Manavalakalai Mandram (Temple of consciousness)

Discover attraction

Annai Anjugam Ammaiyar Park

Discover attraction

Sri Skandashramam Temple

Discover attraction

Valli Devasena Subramaniyam Kovil Park

Discover attraction

Lord Shiva Temple - Navaleswarar and Akilandeswari Temple

Discover attraction

White Tiger

Discover attraction

Arignar Anna Zoo Park

Discover attraction

MGR Statue

Discover attraction

Vandalur Zoo

Discover attraction

Nitya Kalyana Perumal Temple, Tiruvidanthai

Discover attraction

Rajiv Gandhi Memorial

Discover attraction

Fort Geldria

Discover attraction

Crocodile Bank

Discover attraction

Veeraraghava Swamy temple

Discover attraction

Padaladhri Narasimhar Temple

Discover attraction

Tiger Cave

Discover attraction

Retro Surf Club

Discover attraction

Krishna's Butterball

Discover attraction

Ganesh Ratha

Discover attraction

Mamallapuram Shore Temple

Discover attraction

Sthalasayana Perumal Temple

Discover attraction

Arjuna's Penance

Discover attraction

Varaha Mandapam / Cave

Discover attraction

Shore Temple Complex, Mahabalipuram

Discover attraction

Krishna Mandapam

Discover attraction

Mahishamadhini Cave

Discover attraction

Mahabalipuram Lighthouse

Discover attraction

Five Rathas

Discover attraction

Thiruvalangaadu Vadaranyeshwarar Temple

Discover attraction

Vedhagirishwarar Temple

Discover attraction