Get around chennai

Getting around in Chennai often takes a long time, due to traffic and heavy congestion; plan accordingly. Travel within Chennai is expensive by Indian standards, but still extremely cheap by typical Western standards.

By train
Chennai has a suburban train [4] network. There are four routes - Chennai Central - Arakkonam, Chennai Beach - Tambaram and Chengalpet, Chennai Beach - Thiruvanmyur, Chennai Central - Gummidipoondi . There are plans to link the last line to the Tambaram line. The suburban trains are generally reliable and fast. However, tourists are strongly advised to take first class (it is not expensive to the average tourist) as second class suburban trains are notorious for overcrowding and having passengers hang off the edge of the train while it is moving.

By bus
Metropolitan Transport Corporation [5] buses ply throughout the city. These are government-run and extremely cheap. You can buy bus tickets online at redBus [6] or realIndia [7] or RathiMeena [8]. Extreme caution is advised in using these buses as they are often out of shape, will begin moving before passengers are fully boarded, and are, like second class suburban trains, notorious for passengers having to hang off the edge or outside of the bus while in motion.

By auto-rickshaw
Auto-rickshaw drivers in Chennai are notorious for overcharging, rigged meters, and general harrassment of foreign passengers, although they are ubiquitous and possibly the easiest form of transportation to locate. Use Auto-rickshaw's only for short distances (If you know exactly how far you are going).

If you do want to travel by the auto, stick to these rules

* Don't go by the meter (if they have one), the meter is rigged to show a higher fare.
* Negotiate a rate with the driver beforehand. Try to stick to the agreed price, though the driver may attempt to ask for more. Consult local friends beforehand to find out reasonable market prices for the distance you intend to go.
* Try to hail individual rickshaws in traffic which are heading in the general direction of your destination and avoid those parked in groups as they may try to gang-up on you.
* Make sure you hold on tight and keep all parts of your body inside the vehicle. If you have asthma, allergies to smoke, or generally do not fair well under traffic pollution, it is highly unrecommended to take an auto-rickshaw.

As a general rule, expect to pay about Rs.10 for every kilometre you travel. Some auto-rickshaws will also try to tell you that you have to pay for the return trip. You don't have to pay for any return trips.

The call taxis are better regulated and can be ordered air-conditioned, although unlike auto-rickshaws, advance reservations are needed and they cannot usually be flagged on the street.

Visit this link for an idea of pre-paid auto fares from Chennai Central to various parts of the City.

* http://www.hindu.com/nic/centralprepaidauto.pdf

By taxi

Taxis (locally called "call-taxis" since they must be pre-arranged) are available by phone. They are mostly reliable, can be ordered air-conditioned, and have digital fare meters, although time-based hire is also possible with some companies.

* Bharati Call Taxi, +91 44 2814 2233
* Chennai Call Taxi, +91 44 2598 4455
* Fast Track, +91 44 2473 2020
* Rajesh Call Taxi, +91 98408 15058
* Sruthi Call Taxi, +91 44 4211 0044

There are several other call taxi companies operating in Chennai, which send taxis to your place, on a phone call. They charge by the distance. The minimun fare is Rs. 100/-, which is for 5 km and for every subsequent km they charge Rs. 10/-. It is advisable to book your taxi a few hours in advance and call shortly before your trip to confirm, if your trip is time-sensitive.

The only places where taxis can be hired directly on the street are Chennai Central Railway Station and Chennai Airport.

Tourist Cabs - Are the best choice in case you want to tour the city all day or visit nearby places like Mahabalipuram etc. Costs about INR 10/-Rs per KM and 50 Rs per hour as hire charges. Also generally there is special price if you need to go Chennai Central or Chennai Airport.

* Bala Tourist, +91 44 2822 4444
* Tiruvalluvar Travels, +91 44 2474 5807
* Sharmila Tours and travels, +91 44 2827 4177

By car
Driving in Chennai is even more of a nightmare than the average Indian city because the two-wheelers and autos have no fear of death and no knowledge of rules. It is a common sight to see an auto-rickshaw go in the wrong direction on highways, large trucks making dangerous double-passes on narrow streets at high speeds, motorcycles with four people, and pedestrians across when you least expect them. That said, the roads are better maintained than the average Indian road. The main highway is Anna Salai also known as Mount road. Driving is highly unrecommended for tourists unless you come from a country with similar traffic nightmares!

Car rental

* Hertz, Counter at the Petrol Bunk (Gas Filling station) next to Spencers Plaza

Acting Driver Service - If you have a vehicle, but are not sure about how to get around the city, you can avail the service of an acting driver. Charges are about Rs.150/- for an 8 hour shift, if you use the services beyond 8 hours, you are charged Rs.25/- per additional hour.

* Manpower Services, +91 44 2825 2526

By Share Auto

This has emerged in the recent years as an alternative mode of transport in Chennai. They are three or four wheelers running on diesel and charge slightly more than the bus. Travelling in them is quite a risky thing, as they often overload.