Complete transport guide: flights, trains, buses, and local transport. Trip Planning travel planning.
arrow_back Back to main guideAirport: Chennai International Airport (MAA), 20km from city
Chennai Central (MAS)
Main railway station for long-distance trains. Located in the city center.
Chennai Egmore (MS)
Handles trains from South India. Located near Egmore.
Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia
Note: Trains more comfortable
₹10-60 per ride
Best for: Traveling between major areas quickly and affordably
Purchase a travel card for convenience. The metro can get crowded during peak hours.
₹50-200 depending on distance
Best for: Short distances and navigating narrow streets
Bargain for the fare before starting the ride. Use ride-hailing apps like Ola or Uber Auto for fixed prices.
₹10-30 per ride
Best for: Budget travel and reaching areas not covered by the metro
Buses can be crowded and confusing. Ask locals for help with routes and destinations.
Smart strategies to beat the rush and travel peacefully
Visit Northeast India - spectacular and chronically under-touristed
alternativesLadakh shoulder season (May or October) offers fewer tourists, open roads
seasonExplore North India in summer when most tourists flee to hill stations
seasonAvoid Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur) if crowds bother you
alternativesMonsoon season (July-September) offers empty attractions in most regions
seasonWeekdays have 50-70% fewer visitors than weekends at popular sites
timingSunset visits are less crowded than sunrise at most attractions
timingAvoid: Weekends, Indian holidays (Jan 26, Aug 15, Diwali), school vacations (May-June, Dec-Jan).
Best: Weekday mornings, monsoon season for most destinations, opposite shoulder seasons.
Remove shoes before entering temples - Always. Look for shoe racks outside or follow what others do. Some places offer paid shoe storage.
Take a houseboating trip in Kashmir - Dal Lake houseboats in Srinagar offer unique floating accommodation (check current safety situation first).
Cover your head in Sikh gurdwaras - Free scarves are usually provided at the entrance. This applies to both men and women.
Oral rehydration salts save lives - When Delhi Belly strikes (and it might), ORS packets help prevent dangerous dehydration. Buy them at any pharmacy.
ATMs frequently run out of cash - Especially on weekends and holidays, ATMs can be empty. Withdraw money during weekday mornings and always keep backup cash.
Be polite but firm if you don't want photos
Consider an eSIM as an alternative
Take probiotics before arriving to prep your digestive system
Trek in the Thar Desert (world's 20th largest)
eVisas cannot be activated at land borders - plan accordingly
Malai tikka is a must-try grilled chicken dish
Credit cards aren't widely accepted outside cities - Many smaller restaurants, shops, and guesthouses only accept cash. Don't rely solely on cards.
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