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Chennai International Airport is the fourth busiest airport in India and is equipped with world-class facilities. Operating out of 3 terminals, it receives daily flights from all over the country and the world. Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru enjoy the most air connectivity with Chennai. Internationally, Chennai handles direct flights from destinations like London, Singapore, Dubai, Frankfurt, Sharjah and Mauritius.
Chennai, being the capital of Tamil Nadu, serves as a convenient jump-off point to the rest of the state. The airport is 21km away from the city and enjoys good connectivity. You can either hire a taxi or catch one of the mini buses that are available outside the terminal. Though there is no rail connectivity yet, the upcoming Metro will connect the airport with the city.
Once you reach Chennai, it is easy to travel to any part of the state by road or railways. From Chennai, you can travel to any part of the state via road or rail. Rail travel is the fastest way to get around while buses are the cheapest. But renting a car or hiring a taxi to get around is the most convenient way to explore Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu is largely interconnected by a substantial network of Southern Railways. Chennai Central, now renamed as Puratchi Thalaivar Dr M G Chandran Central Railway Station, is the city’s main railway station. In addition to receiving trains from all over India, it also connects railway stations, big and small, across the state. Chennai’s railway station is located close to the city’s major attractions like the Kapalesara Temple, Marina Beach, Egmore and Elliot’s Beach.
Chennai station is well-equipped with amenities like medical shops, tourist information centres, retiring rooms, waiting rooms, refreshment stalls and book stalls. Once you reach Chennai, you can continue on to your ultimate destination by rail or road. The Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation’s (TNSRTC) bus stand is located very close to the station. If you are looking for a brief stopover before continuing your journey, there are a number of clean and affordable hotels in the station’s vicinity.
Tamil Nadu is serviced by an intricate and well-maintained network of roads. The roads make a road trip around Tami Nadu a real joy. Renting a car or driving down your own are the most convenient options for a pleasurable road journey. If you’d rather travel like the locals, you can tour the state through a series of buses operated by two operators. Between them they have most of the state covered.
National Highway (NH) 47, NH 49, NH 208 and NH 220 will take you into Tamil Nadu from Kerala. If you’re driving in from Andhra Pradesh, you can choose between NH 205, NH 219 and NH 234 to arrive into the state. Those driving in from Bengaluru or anywhere within Karnataka, have the options of NH 67, NH 207 and NH 209. There’s one more road, the idyllic East Coast Road, that connects Chennai to Cuddalore via Pondicherry.
A road trip around Tamil Nadu will give you a chance to explore the state’s beauty that changes with each region.
By Bus
Tamil Nadu is serviced by two state operators, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation and State Express Transport Corporation, in addition to a good number of private operators. You have an array of choices between air-conditioned sleeper coaches, deluxe and semi-deluxe coaches and regular buses. Travel around in comfort without having to worry about roads and navigation.
By Taxi
A taxi is faster, and more expensive, than getting around in a bus. Practical for short distances, a taxi is not an ideal option to travel over long distances around the state. If possible, pre-book your taxi to avoid haggling at the end of your journey.
By Car
A car, by far, seems to be the best option to explore Tamil Nadu. While driving your own car makes more sense, you can hire a self-driving car if the situation calls for it. However, your personal car will work out to be much cheaper than hiring one. With digital navigation and clearly marked roads and road signs, it is almost impossible to lose your way.
While booking your hotel in advance, always enquire about the road’s condition and accessibility. It will be easier for you to choose your mode of travel.
By Autorickshaws
Though autorickshaws cannot take you around the state, they’re a very convenient travel option for short distances. Autorickshaws will take you where buses won’t or can’t. Decide on the fare before you get in as the autorickshaws here do not charge you by the meter. Be ready to haggle for a sensible fare.
Thomas Cook’s Tamil Nadu holiday packages are designed to showcase the best of the state. Drop in at our nearest branch or book your holidays online. Either way, you simply must not miss a holiday in Tamil Nadu.
