Selected Travel Guide:					Adjust Font Size:

Getting There By Air:

Anna International Airport and Kamaraj Domestic Terminal Tirusulam
Tel (for both airports): (044) 2256 0551.
Website: www.chennaiairport.com  

These two adjacent terminals are around 17km (10.5 miles) southwest of the center. Chennai airport is serviced by a collection of international airlines, while its domestic terminal links it to  every major Indian city via a number of domestic carriers.

Facilities include a tourist information counter, money exchange facilities, hotel reservations, snack bars, car and driver hire and pre-paid taxi kiosks.

Transport to the city from both terminals is available by autorickshaw; you can book prepaid taxis from kiosks at  both terminals. A taxi will take around 30 to 40 minutes to the center. The suburban train station of Tirusulam is 500m (550 yards) from the airport, and this line runs to various stations including Egmore.

Getting There By Road:

Because of vast distances, variable road conditions and hair-raising driving, it is advisable to travel long distances by air or train rather than road. Bus journeys can be uncomfortable and tough on the constitution, although a journey of several hours is certainly bearable in a decent air-conditioned coach. It is unwise to attempt to self-drive if you haven’t done it before in a big Indian city; hiring a car with a driver from a reputable company is a much better idea. Distances are vast between other major cities (Kolkata, Mumbai etc) so it is more advisable to catch a  train or fly and hire a car and driver locally. During the rainy season, road travel out of town can be hazardous.

The government bus company operates from the huge Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT), Koyambedu (tel: (044) 2479 4705). Closer destinations include Puducherry (Pondicherry) (4 hours) and Mamallapuram (2 hours). There are also private bus companies operating opposite Egmore train station.

Getting There By Rail:

Traveling by train is one of the delights in India, although for longer trips it is advisable to go first-class and/or air conditioned. You can book tickets at major hotels and some travel agents (these invariably attract a booking fee), or directly from the central computerised booking office at Train Reservation Complex, in Central Station. Tourists can get tickets via the tourist quota; it can get crowded so start queuing early.

Trains are run by Indian Railways (website: www.indianrail.gov.in). If you plan to make many journeys, buy a copy of Trains at a Glance (available at most station newsstands and some city bookshops) and also see www.seat61.com/India.htm for general information on train travel in the country. The Indrail pass, available in many countries, gives you unlimited travel for a certain period (for further details see www.indianrail.gov.in and click on the Information/International Tourist link).

Chennai has two main stations: Central Station (reservations line: 1361) is the arrival and departure point for most major destinations in the country, including trains to Mumbai (26 hours), Bengaluru (Bangalore) (5 hours), Kolkata (28 hours) and Delhi (30-33 hours).

Approximately 1km (0.6 miles) east is Egmore Station, dealing mainly with routes in the southern regions of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, including Madurai (8 hours) and Trichy (5-6 hours).

For more information check out www.southernrailway.org.

Getting Around:

As Chennai is so large and sprawling, it is impractical to get around on foot. The most convenient way of getting around the city is by autorickshaw, which are everywhere and seem to spot a tourist a mile away. The drivers here will rarely agree to putting on the meter and will insist at fixing the rate, that too at an invariably inflated price. Try to check the going rate with a local to get some idea before you start bargaining; never get in until the deal is done and always pay at the conclusion of your trip. Drivers may try to increase the price, mid journey, blaming rain and/or traffic jams. They may also try and drag you into a hard-selling emporium where they receive commission (at your cost); declining is advised. If you find a driver that you like, it is worth hiring him by the day or for the duration of your stay (better rates are usually available the longer your hire period).

Public Transport
The suburban railway (daily 0500-2300) runs approximately every 10 to 15  minutes between Central Railway and the northern suburbs, from east to west, and from the eastern beach to the southern suburbs. Stations include Egmore, the airport (Tirusulam), St Thomas Mount, Lighthouse (Marina Beach) and the fort (Park Town).

Buses (daily 0500-2200) are extremely crowded and best avoided for longer journeys. Signs are mostly in Tamil so ask around for the correct route and destination. It can be a real leap of faith, but this is definitely the cheapest way of getting around.

Taxis
Taxis are mainly seen outside large hotels, local taxi stands and some transport hubs. You can book taxis independently or through hotels and some travel agents (the latter two attract service charges). Fares should be negotiated at the start of each journey; tipping is optional. Taxi companies include Comfort City Cabs (tel: (044) 4214 8555) and Fast Track (tel: (044) 2473 2020).

Car Hire
Hiring a car with a driver is possible at the airport and from most hotels; many major international companies are represented. Avis (tel: (044) 234 4747 or 234 0113; website: www.avis.com) and Hertz (tel: (044) 2235 3113; website: www.hertz.com) are reliable options. Local car hire companies include Praveenn Tours and Travels (tel: (044) 2485 2034; website: www.praveenntravels.com), City Cabs (tel: (044) 2815 7775) and Express Travel Corporation (ETC) (tel: (044) 2827 2279; website: www.expresstravelcorp.com). Rates differ depending on quality of the vehicle and whether you opt for air conditioning or not. It is strongly recommended that you do not try to drive yourself - not only is it difficult to deal with the vagaries of Indian driving, but the cost of the insurance will probably outweigh the cost of a driver.

Related India Content

India Airport Guides: Ahmedabad Airport (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport) Bengaluru International Chennai Madras (Meenambakkam) International Chhatrapati Shivaji International Goa International Indira Gandhi International Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Trivandrum International	India City Guides: Bengaluru (Bangalore) City Guide Calcutta City Guide Chennai (Madras) City Guide Delhi City Guide Mumbai (Bombay) City Guide
India Attraction Guides:
Crown Palace (Taj Mahal) Ellora Temple Caves Ghats at Varanasi (Banaras Ghats) Indian Museum, Calcutta	Kaziranga National Park Khajuraho Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal) Red Fort (Lal Quila)