How to Reach Chennai

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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.

Travel by Flight

Travel Time

Distance

Airport

Delhi to Chennai

3 hours 05 minutes

1760 km

Indira Gandhi International Airport

Mumbai to Chennai

1 hour 50 minutes

1028 km

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

Bengaluru to Chennai

1 hour 05 minutes

284 km

Kempegowda International Airport

Pune to Chennai

1 hour 40 minutes

912 km

Sri Guru Ram Das Ji Pune International Airport

Kolkata to Chennai

2 hours 25 minutes

1366 km

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport

Ahmedabad to Chennai

2 hours 20 minutes

1371 km

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport

Kochi to Chennai

1 hour 20 minutes

526 km

Kochi Airport

Indore to Chennai

2 hours 10 minutes

1172 km

Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport

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.

Travel by Train

Destination Station

Travel Time

Distance

Train Name

Delhi to Chennai

Chennai Central Railway Station

33 hours 10 minutes

2169 km

Tamil Nadu Express

Mumbai to Chennai 

Chennai Central Railway Station

21 hours 35 min

1337 km

LTT MAS Express

Bengaluru to Chennai

Chennai Central Railway Station

5 hours 10 minutes

347 km

Shatabdi Express

Pune to Chennai

Chennai Central Railway Station

18 hours 20 min

1194 km

LTT Chennai Express

Ahmedabad to Chennai

Chennai Central Railway Station

30 hours 20 min

1846 km

ADI MAS Humsafar Express

Kolkata to Chennai

Chennai Central Railway Station

27 hours 05 minutes

1646 km

HWH MAS SUF Express

Ranchi to Chennai

Chennai Central Railway Station

31 hours 15 minutes

1611 km

DHN Alappuzha Express

Agra to Chennai

Chennai Central Railway Station

32 hours 05 minutes

1966 km

NDLS PDY SUF Express

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).

Location

Distance

Time

Route

Bengaluru to Chennai distance

346 km

7 hours 10 min

NH 44 & NH 48

Pondicherry to Chennai distance

151 km

3 hours 10 min

East Coast Road

Coimbatore to Chennai distance

512 km

9 hours 10 min

NH 544 & NH 32

Madurai to Chennai distance

468 km

8 hours 15 min

NH 38 & NH 32

Kochi to Chennai distance

698 km

13 hours 20 min

NH 544 & NH 32

Goa to Chennai distance

911 km

16 hours 20 min

NH 48 & NH 67

Hyderabad to Chennai distance

626 km

11 hours 40 min

NH 16

Vijaywada to Chennai distance

454 km

8 hours 10 min

NH 44 & NH 16

Mumbai to Chennai distance

1338 km

22 hours 40 minutes

NH 48

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.