City in Tamil Nadu, India
Getting around Chennai
How to get around Chennai
Chennai Metro is clean and fast on two lines but still short; combine it with suburban trains, Uber and Rapido, and buses for the rest.
Ways to get around Chennai
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai Metro | ₹10–60 | Blue and Green lines; QR tickets in the Chennai One app |
| Suburban (MRTS and EMU) trains | ₹5–20 | Cheap and quick to Mylapore, Guindy and the airport; crowded at peaks |
| MTC city bus | ₹5–30 | Frequent, very cheap, hard to follow in English |
| Auto-rickshaw | About ₹150–300 for 5 km | Often refuses the meter; use apps |
Ride-hailing apps in Chennai
A 5 km ride costs about ₹150–300 ($1.6–3.1).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Cars, autos and bikes; airport pickups |
| Rapido | Cheap bikes and autos for short hops |
| Ola | Still works but with fewer drivers than before |
- App autos beat street autos, which often refuse the meter. Prepaid taxi booths at the airport give fixed fares.
Arriving in Chennai
Chennai International (MAA)
Metro Blue line to Central about ₹40, 40–50 min; app cab ₹500–800, 40–60 min depending on traffic.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rare for visitors; traffic is heavy. Rent in Pondicherry or Mahabalipuram instead.
- Driving: on the left. IDP plus home licence required; scooters are rented in Goa and the Himalaya; most visitors hire a car with driver.
- Onward travel in India: Trains link most cities: book up to 60 days ahead on IRCTC or use the foreign tourist quota at big stations. Cheap domestic flights and sleeper buses fill gaps.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Chennai?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, Rapido, Ola.
What's the best way to get around Chennai?
Chennai Metro is clean and fast on two lines but still short; combine it with suburban trains, Uber and Rapido, and buses for the rest.
How do I get from the airport to Chennai?
Metro Blue line to Central about ₹40, 40–50 min; app cab ₹500–800, 40–60 min depending on traffic.
Is Chennai walkable?
You'll need transport.
More about Chennai
Going to Chennai solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Chennai meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- IRCTC (Indian Railways tickets)
- Chennai Metro Rail
- Chennai Airport (Airports Authority of India)
- Metropolitan Transport Corporation Chennai
- Southern Railway
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.