How to Reach Chennai

Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu and a bustling hub of economic activity. It is easily accessible from all over the country by different modes of transport. This beautiful city is delighting its visitors with a unique blend of history, culture, arts & architecture, besides the conveniences of a modern city. Chennai has its own international airport, railway station, and bus station which is well-connected with the major cities, towns, and villages. Take a look at the detailed information about how to reach Chennai by air, rail, and road.

Chennai By Air

Chennai International Airport is the primary airport that serves the city. The capital city of Tamil Nadu is well-connected by air with all the major cities of the world and most international airlines operate flights from Chennai’s Anna International Airport. Regular direct and connecting domestic flights are available from the Kamaraj domestic terminal near the international terminal. Both these terminals are located at Meenambakkam, which is about 20 km from the main city.

Chennai By Rail

Chennai is the headquarters of Southern Railway division of the Indian Railways. It is connected to many cities and towns by superfast and express trains. The city has two main railway stations namely Chennai Central, which links north and west India and Egmore, which links South India. Chennai has a recently introduced local electric train network including MRTS (Massive Rapid Transport System) to connect different city points.

Chennai By Road

Chennai is well connected to all the major cities of India by a network of state and national highways. Most government bus services for Tamil Nadu and other states now operate from the newly opened Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminal at Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, Koyembedu. It is claimed to be the largest bus station in Asia. Inter-state buses operate at regular intervals from Chennai. Many private operators are also available for domestic and interstate transportation. Pre-paid taxis and airport coaches are available at airports and railway stations.

There are four national highways connecting Chennai – NH 5 (to Kolkata), NH 4 (to Bangalore, Pune, and Mumbai), NH 45 (to Tiruchirapally), and NH 205 (to Tiruvallur).

Chennai Travel by Ship 

Cruise liners and other passenger ships regularly dock at Chennai port. A passenger liner to Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands connects Chennai to these islands in the Bay of Bengal. The three significant routes are Chennai – Andaman Islands, Chennai- Trincomalee – Colombo – Kochi – Goa – Bombay, and Chennai – High seas – Trincomalee – Chennai. There are government-run passenger ships as well as private ships with which you can enjoy sailing in the middle of the ocean.

Getting Around in Chennai 

Chennai has a good network of suburban trains and a fleet of government-run buses. Auto rickshaws and taxis also make traveling in Chennai hassle-free and comfortable. Here are several options for getting around in Chennai:

Sub-urban Trains

With the four major routes, the suburban train network of Chennai is one of the busiest suburban rail systems in India. The routes of suburban trains in Chennai include Chennai Central to Sullurpeta, Chennai Beach to Vandalur, Chennai Beach to Tiruttani, and Chennai Beach to Velachery. The trains run from 4 AM to midnight and tickets for the trains are nominal. It is one of the best and cheapest ways to travel in Chennai.

Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) Bus:

It is one of the best ways to travel in Chennai as it takes you to places where you cannot reach by train. From deluxe and AC buses to ordinary buses, there is a fleet of buses in which you can travel. You can check the route and schedule of the buses on the official website of MTC. 

Taxi and Autorickshaw:

Private taxis and auto-rickshaws are among the most comfortable, convenient, and fast modes to travel around Chennai.. You can easily book them and travel to the city. Few charge you as per the meter reading, however, some fix the charges in advance. You can negotiate if you can.