Busy as it is, Chennai, has plenty of options to get around the city. Buses, trains and rickshaws are most popular, as are cabs. If you're thinking of the self-drive option, know that Chennai is teeming with people who seem to honour 'no' sense of traffic sanity. You will often find a cheeky rickshaw driver taking a short cut in the opposite direction of the general vehicular traffic! Watch out for stray animals on country roads. It's best to ask for directions, use a local driver and stay out of dark and desolate areas.
Chennai Transportation Guide
Chennai is the most important metropolis in South India and is extremely well connected by air, rail and by road. The city has a busy international airport, is a major railway hub and, due to five national highways that run through it, has excellent road connectivity. Chennai is also home to two major ports which are used mainly for commercial purposes. There are regular passenger services to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and for many cruise ships, the city is an important port of call.
Getting to Chennai
By Air
Chennai has air links to many parts of the world and to all the major cities in India. The Chennai International Airport, situated seven kilometres from the city, handles both domestic and international flights and is the third busiest airport in India. It is served by international carriers like Indian Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad, Thai Airways, Gulf Air, Air Arabia, Oman Air and Jet Airways among others and offers direct flights to many cities in Europe, North America, Middle East and South East Asia. All major domestic carriers operate regular flights to Chennai and many use it as a hub for services to small cities.
For transport from the airport to the city (or from the city to the airport), we recommend Green Path Transfers, who offer eco-friendly airport transfers in hundreds of destinations around the world.
By Train
Chennai, the headquarters of Southern Railways, is a major railway hub and trains ply from and to Chennai from all parts of India. There are two train stations – Chennai Central and Egmore. Chennai Central handles most of the long distance trains and there are Chennai transport services to almost all cities in India. Egmore station is used by trains that ply within the state as well as some inter-state trains.
Trains are comparatively slow but most visitors find travelling by train in India a novel experience. It is prudent to secure the luggage and to keep tickets at hand while travelling by train.
By Road
Chennai, being an important metropolis, is conveniently served by five national highways that link it to the rest of India. Private and government operators run regular bus services to Chennai from different states and cities. The main bus station is the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT), which a popular form of Chennai transport. There is usually a heavy rush for tickets to/from important destinations, especially on weekends, so it is wise to book tickets in advance and check the Chennai bus routes.
Travelling by car is a good option but visitors planning to drive around might find driving in India a bit difficult to handle.
Getting Around Chennai
By Train
Chennai has an efficient and reliable suburban railway network and given the option of going by train or by road, most people would prefer the train as roads are usually very congested. There are two terminals – Chennai Central and Chennai Beach – and the train network covers four sectors. There are services to Arakkonam, Gummidipoondi, Sulurpet, Tambaram, Chengalpet, Velachery and other places. A first class ticket is highly recommended as second class sections are generally overcrowded.
By Bus
The government-run Metropolitan Transport Corporation operates a cheap and extensive bus system in the city. It covers an incredible 627 bus routes with its more than 3000 buses and transports around five million passengers every day. The recent fleet modernisation has made travelling on these buses both comfortable and convenient though traffic congestion is increasingly becoming a big problem for the Chennai bus routes.
By Auto-rickshaw
The three wheeled auto-rickshaw is a very common mode of transport in Chennai. It is ideal for travelling short distances and the drivers are experts at weaving through the traffic. They can be hired anywhere and are usually inexpensive, however, beware of rigged meters and drivers who have a tendency to overcharge outsiders. Bargain and fix the amount to be charged before getting into the vehicle.
By Taxi
Metered tourist taxis and “call taxis” (pre-arranged taxis) are available on hire in Chennai. Many companies offer taxi services and they can be hired by the day, half day or by kilometre. Make sure that the car is air-conditioned as travelling in the sweltering heat of Chennai in a non-air-conditioned car can be a harrowing experience particularly with the traffic congestions and frequent stoppages.
