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Transportation Guide: Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has a well-developed transportation system with major airports, an extensive railway network, smooth road connectivity, and efficient local transport options. Whether you're a domestic or international traveler, getting around the state is convenient.

 Major Airports in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has multiple airports, with three key international airports offering excellent connectivity.

1. Chennai International Airport (MAA)
   • Biggest airport in Tamil Nadu and South India’s busiest hub.
   • Direct international flights to Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the US.
   • Domestic connections to all major Indian cities.
2. Coimbatore International Airport (CJB)
   • Well-connected to Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and international routes to Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Gulf countries.
   • Gateway to Ooty and Western Tamil Nadu.
3. Madurai International Airport (IXM)
   • Key airport in southern Tamil Nadu.
   • Flights to Sri Lanka, Dubai, and Malaysia, along with domestic connections.

✅ Other Domestic Airports: Trichy (TRZ), Salem (SXV), Thoothukudi (TCR), and Vellore.

 Airport Transport: Prepaid taxis, Uber/Ola, Metro (Chennai), and airport shuttle services.

 Well-Connected Rail Network

Tamil Nadu has an extensive railway network linking it to all major Indian cities.

 Major Railway Stations:

• Chennai Central (MAS) – Trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad.
• Chennai Egmore (MS) – Connects to southern Tamil Nadu.
• Coimbatore Junction (CBE) – Links to Kerala, Karnataka, Mumbai.
• Madurai Junction (MDU) – Key station for pilgrimage and southern Tamil Nadu.
• Tiruchirapalli (TPJ), Salem (SA), Erode (ED), Vellore (VLR) – Important junctions.

 Scenic Train Journeys

• Nilgiri Mountain Railway – Toy train to Ooty (UNESCO Heritage site).
• Pamban Bridge Train – Stunning sea bridge train to Rameswaram.

 Booking: Use IRCTC (www.irctc.co.in) or railway station counters.

 Road Network & Bus Transport

Tamil Nadu has well-maintained national highways connecting Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

 State & Private Bus Services:

• TNSTC (Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation) – Affordable, connects all districts.
• SETC (State Express Transport Corporation) – AC & luxury buses for long-distance travel.
• Private buses (RedBus, VRL, KPN, Parveen, SRS) – Comfortable intercity and interstate options.

 Best Road Trips

• Chennai to Pondicherry – Scenic East Coast Road (ECR).
• Coimbatore to Ooty – Beautiful drive through the Nilgiri Hills.
• Madurai to Rameswaram – Stunning ride over the Pamban Bridge.

 Car Rentals: Zoomcar, Revv, or local providers available in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai.

 Local Transport Options

Tamil Nadu’s cities have multiple ways to commute.

1.  Chennai Metro Rail: Best for avoiding traffic in Chennai.
2.  Suburban Trains: Cheap, fast transport in Chennai & Coimbatore.
3.  Taxis & Ride-hailing Apps: Uber, Ola, and Rapido are available.
4.  City Buses: Public buses (TNSTC, MTC) operate in major cities.
5.  Bicycle & Bike Rentals: Available in Pondicherry, Ooty, Kodaikanal.