Key hubs
Chennai airport and railway station
- Nearest airport
- Chennai International Airport (MAA) at Tirusulam, south of the city; roughly 45 minutes to Mylapore or central areas by road, traffic dependent. Express taxis and app-based cabs available.
- Railway station
- Chennai Central (MAS), one of India's oldest stations, is the main hub. Egmore station serves some suburban and regional trains. Central Station is close to George Town and Parry's Corner.
- Getting around
- A private car and driver is comfortable for sightseeing, especially in heat. Auto-rickshaws are cheap and widespread. Buses are extensive but crowded in peak hours. The city is flat and some neighbourhoods (Mylapore, Besant Nagar) are walkable.
How to reach Chennai by air
Chennai International Airport (MAA) at Tirusulam is roughly 45 minutes from central areas like Mylapore, traffic dependent, with express and app-based cabs widely available.
How to reach Chennai by train
Chennai Central is the main hub for long-distance trains, while Egmore handles suburban and regional services; Central is close to George Town and Parry's Corner.
How to reach Chennai by road
Chennai sits on major national highways to Bengaluru, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh, and serves as a base for onward road travel across Tamil Nadu.
Getting around Chennai
A car and driver is comfortable in the heat; auto-rickshaws are cheap and widespread, buses are extensive but crowded, and areas like Mylapore and Besant Nagar are walkable.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Chennai
- Wear light cotton clothes, a hat, sunscreen (SPF 50+) and good sunglasses. Temple floors get very hot; carry socks or wear sandals that slip off easily.
- Hire a car and driver for sightseeing, at least for the first day. Taxis and autos are chaotic; a driver lets you rest between sights and keeps you cool.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.