✈ How to get from Chennai Airport to Pondicherry

Pondicherry is an old French colonial settlement in south India and is a popular destination for travellers that explore the country. Its combination of spiritual ambience, unspoilt stretch of beaches, and exceptional cuisine offer exciting activities to all types of travellers.

If you’re arriving at Chennai Airport, you can easily reach Poncicherry either by taxi or train. Airport taxis are available at the airport 24/7 but pre-booking your private airport transfer in advance will help you skip the lines and have a driver waiting for you. The journey takes about 3 hours and you’ll reach your destination in comfort. If you’re travelling on a budget and you’re looking for the cheapest option, then you can also take the train connecting Pondicherry to Chennai Airport. The journey takes about 4 hours, depending on if it’s the express route or the one that goes through a nearby city; either way, you can enjoy the unique scenery along the way.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Chennai at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€30	180min	24/7
Train	€2	235min	06:36–18:30

How to get from Chennai Airport to Pondicherry by taxi

Choosing an airport taxi to get from Chennai Airport to Pondicherry is the most convenient transportation option for a very reasonable fare. Depending on traffic, the travelling duration might differ but it’s still the fastest way to reach your accommodation quickly and comfortably. The cost can also vary depending on the operator; if you prefer a fixed, competitive rate that you’ll know in advance, you can pre-book your Chennai Airport taxi.

How much is the fare for a taxi from Chennai Airport to Pondicherry?

Taxis in Chennai aren’t metered but the taxi service is still safe and reliable. The average fare from Chennai Airport to Pondicherry for up to 4 passengers is about €‎30 (INR 2500); it’s always best to ask how much the ride will cost before you get in.

Photos (1)

Chennai airport taxi

Cost

€30

Trip Duration

3 h

The total fare might vary depending on the operator; make sure to ask before you enter the taxi.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available for on-demand service at Chennai Airport 24/7.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Official taxis are available at Chennai Airport 24/7 for on-demand service; you’ll find them parked in front of the main terminal building as you reach the exit.

Convenience

Taking a Chennai airport taxi to reach your destination in Pondicherry is by far the fastest and most comfortable option. Despite the lower fare, the alternative options are much slower so if you value both comfort and speed, then you should definitely opt for an airport taxi for a much smoother experience. If you want to skip the line at the taxi rank and have a driver waiting for you as soon as you land, you can even pre-book your Chennai airport taxi and enjoy peace of mind.

Editor’s Note

For a three-hour trip to Pondicherry, the cost of a Chennai taxi is very low; you should consider taking one even if you're travelling alone or on a budget and have a comfortable ride to your destination.

Useful Tips

Chennai taxis don’t use taximeters; make sure to ask how much the ride will cost before you get in.

Make sure to always carry cash in the local currency and in small bills to ensure you’ll get change if needed.

Tipping your taxi driver isn’t expected but it's appreciated, especially for longer routes.

It’s common in Chennai to come across taxis that seem old and don’t have A/C; there’s no reason to be alarmed as to whether they’re official taxis or not.

How to get from Chennai Airport to Pondicherry by train

There is a direct connection from Pondicherry to Chennai Airport by train. The train station closest to the airport is located at Tirusulam, which is less than 10 minutes away; you can reach it either on foot or by the shuttle buses that connect the airport to the train station. There is an express train in the afternoon that will take you directly from Tirusulam to Pondicherry. Alternatively, you can take the morning train that goes to Pondicherry via Chengalpattu, where you’ll have to switch trains.

How much does the train ticket from Chennai Airport to Pondicherry cost?

The cost of the train ticket from Chennai Airport to Pondicherry varies depending on the ticket class you’ll choose. The second-class adult fare for the express train is €1 (INR 90) per traveller.

Photos (1)

Train from Chennai Airport

Cost

€1

Trip Duration

3 h 55 min

The ticket fare can vary depending on the train type and the class selection.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The train from Tirusulam to Pondicherry via Chengalpattu departs daily at 06:36. The express train from Tirusulam to Pondicherry departs daily at 18:30.

Where do I get the train from?

The train station closest to Chennai Airport is Tirusulam, which is about a 10-minute walk away. Just exit the arrivals terminal, walk to the right and pass under a concrete crossing until you see the entrance of the pedestrian subway.

Convenience

Getting from Chennai Airport to Pondicherry by train is the cheapest transportation option. Like all public transport in Chennai, the train can get rather crowded and the express train runs only once daily, you need to book your ticket in advance. To avoid the stress of finding available seats, you can choose an airport taxi or personalised pre-booked transfer instead.

Timetables

Indian Railways

Availability and fare search

Indian Railways

Train schedules

Editor’s Note

Taking the train is a good transportation option if you're travelling alone and don't wish to pay for the whole taxi ride. If you prefer comfort and speed, it's best to take an airport taxi as soon as you reach the exit.

Useful Tips

Regular-sized luggage is included in the ticket price and can be carried in the train compartment as personal belongings.

You can book your ticket online through the available mobile application; that way you won't need a hard copy of your ticket.

If you book your ticket online, there can be a reservation fee and supplementary charge depending on the train type.

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

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20 minute gap between transfers
Regular Car Sanitisation
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Sanitiser in every car

How do I get from Chennai Airport to Pondicherry?

Pondicherry is well connected to Chennai Airport and you can easily get there during your trip. You can take a taxi that will cost approximately €‎30 (INR 2,500) for up to 4 passengers and will take you there in about 3 hours. The cheapest option is to take the train from Tirusulam station; the journey is about 4 hours but it only costs €‎1 (INR 90) per traveller.

What’s the distance from Chennai Airport to Pondicherry?

The distance from Pondicherry to Chennai Airport is about 143 kilometres; a car ride takes about 3 hours in light traffic and includes tolls.

What will it cost to go from Chennai Airport to Pondicherry by taxi?

The cost of a Chennai Airport to Pondicherry taxi can differ depending on the operator. The average taxi fare for up to 4 passengers is about €‎6 (INR 2500); it’s always best to ask how much the ride will cost before you get in.

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How to get from Chennai Airport to Pondicherry by taxi

How much is the fare for a taxi from Chennai Airport to Pondicherry?

Photos (1)

Cost

€30

Trip Duration

3 h

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available for on-demand service at Chennai Airport 24/7.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Chennai Airport to Pondicherry by train

How much does the train ticket from Chennai Airport to Pondicherry cost?

Photos (1)

Cost

€1

Trip Duration

3 h 55 min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The train from Tirusulam to Pondicherry via Chengalpattu departs daily at 06:36. The express train from Tirusulam to Pondicherry departs daily at 18:30.

Where do I get the train from?

Convenience

Timetables

Indian Railways

Availability and fare search

Indian Railways

Train schedules

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Chennai Airport to Pondicherry?

What’s the distance from Chennai Airport to Pondicherry?

What will it cost to go from Chennai Airport to Pondicherry by taxi?

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