Chennai Transport Guide: Metro, Buses, Autos & More

Relevant Apps:

• Planning – Google Maps & Moovit (Route Planning), Chalo (Live Status)
• Tickets – Chennai One

Key Things to Know:

• Routes are extremely extensive — buses reach places where Metro does not
• Route numbers can be confusing for first-time visitors
• Exact change is preferred while paying by cash
• Peak hour buses can get very crowded, especially in central areas
• Useful for short hops within neighbourhoods

Relevant Apps:

• Planning – Google Maps & Moovit (Trip Planning), Where is my Train (Live Status)
• Tickets – Chennai One

Key Things to Know:

• Very fast for long suburban distances
• Stations can be busy and chaotic during office hours
• Stations are not easily accessible; platform displays vary
• Not ideal for short inner-city trips
• Time arrivals properly; missing a train can mean a 20-minute wait

Relevant Apps:

• Planning – Google Maps & Moovit (Trip Planning), Where is my Train (Live Status)
• Tickets – Chennai One

Key Things to Know:

• Elevated stations give good city views
• Less crowded than regular suburban trains
• Limited route coverage (mainly Velachery–Beach corridor)
• Very convenient for IT corridor side travel
• Reliable travel times compared to buses

Relevant Apps:

• Planning – Google Maps & Moovit
• Tickets – Chennai One, CMRL, Uber, Rapido

Key Things to Know:

• Fully air-conditioned, clean, and tourist-friendly
• Stations have clear English signage
• Connectivity is limited in South Chennai (OMR, IT Corridor)

Relevant Apps:

• Planning – N/A
• Tickets – Uber, Ola, Rapido, Red Taxi

Key Things to Know:

• Cash or UPI is usually mandatory; app credits often rejected
• Drivers may call to negotiate fares higher than shown in-app
• Prices spike during peak hours and rain
• Pickups take longer in crowded tourist spots
• Bike taxis are cheapest and fastest for short distances