Key hubs
Puducherry airport and railway station
- Nearest airport
- Puducherry Airport (PY) at Lawspet, about 10 km north; roughly 20–30 minutes by road. Major connections via Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Chennai airport (about 150 km, 3 hours by road) is the nearest major hub.
- Railway station
- Puducherry Junction is the main station; trains connect to Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi and other major cities. Villupuram Junction, about 39 km inland, is another option on some routes.
- Getting around
- The old city is best explored on foot, especially the French Quarter. For Auroville and nearby temples, a private car or auto-rickshaw is practical. Taxis and app-based cabs are available.
How to reach Puducherry by air
Puducherry Airport (PY) at Lawspet is close to the city, about 10 km, roughly 20-30 minutes by road, though Chennai Airport, about 150 km and 3 hours away, has far more flight options.
How to reach Puducherry by train
Puducherry Junction is the main station, with trains to Chennai, Bengaluru and Delhi; Villupuram Junction, about 39 km inland, offers additional connections on some routes.
How to reach Puducherry by road
Puducherry is roughly 3 hours by road from Chennai via the coastal East Coast Road, a scenic and generally well-maintained route.
Getting around Puducherry
The French Quarter and old city are best explored on foot; a private car or auto-rickshaw is the practical choice for Auroville and outlying temples, and app-based cabs are widely available.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Puducherry
- Hire a car and driver for half a day (roughly 4–6 hours) to visit Auroville and a nearby temple. Walking the old city is pleasant but a vehicle saves energy for sightseeing.
- Carry a wide hat and sunscreen. The reflected heat off the seawall at midday is strong, even in winter.
- 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.