How to get from Delhi to Chennai

Cities & Metropolitan Areas · India · Urban & Cultural · Chennai · Delhi

Delhi to Chennai is a long north–south hop across India. Most travelers fly (fastest), rail fans take the classic overnight/sleeper trains, budget travelers stitch together buses, and road-trippers drive or charter a car. Below you’ll find the best routes, prices, and step-by-steps with booking links and map planners.

At A Glance (Delhi to Chennai)

Mode Duration Best For
✈️ Flight (DEL → MAA) ~2h50–3h15 in air (+ airport time) Fastest city-to-city
🏷️ Cost: ~INR 4,500–12,000 one-way (season/date) » compare fares | Trip.com deals
🚆 Intercity Train (Sleeper/Rajdhani) ~28–36h (overnight+) Comfort, scenery, budget
🏷️ Cost: ~INR 900–3,500 (Sleeper/3A/2A) » compare trains
🚌 Long-Distance Bus (Multi-leg) ~40–50h+ (2 nights) Shoestring, flexible travelers
🏷️ Cost: ~INR 3,000–6,500 total (via Hyderabad/ Bengaluru) » search legs
🚐 Private Car/Driver / 🚘 Self-Drive ~36–42h driving (2–3 days) Door-to-door, road trips
🏷️ Cost: Charter ~INR 25k–55k+ (vehicle/route) » get quotes | Rentals ~INR 2.5k–5k/day » compare rentals

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

  • Fastest & simplest: Fly DEL→MAA (frequent nonstops, good fares if booked early).
  • Most atmospheric on a budget: Overnight train (book AC classes for comfort; arrive city-center).
  • Absolute cheapest (time-rich travelers): Multi-leg buses via Hyderabad/Bengaluru.
  • Door-to-door & sightseeing: Private car/driver or self-drive with stops in Nagpur/Hyderabad.

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Buy early for weekends/holidays: Flights and higher train classes sell out—check Booking.com Flights, Trip.com, and 12Go (trains).
  • Local rides: Use Uber/Ola for station/airport links. For fixed intercity quotes in English, compare GetTransfer.
  • Luggage storage: Sightseeing before departure? Park bags via Radical Storage New Delhi or Radical Storage Chennai.
  • Seats & classes (trains): Prioritize 2A/3A over Sleeper for AC and security; bring a light chain/lock for bags.
  • Driving: Plan 2–3 days with daylight segments; highways are good but long—avoid fatigued night driving.

✈️ Option #1 — Flight (Delhi DEL → Chennai MAA)

Fastest Frequent nonstops Airport transfers

  • Overview: Nonstop flights connect Indira Gandhi International (DEL) and Chennai International (MAA) all day. Expect ~3 hours flight time, then 30–60 minutes into the city.
  • How to book (with price): ~INR 4,500–12,000 one-way depending on season/advance. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. For airport transfers, browse Klook (Chennai transfers) or request a fixed car on GetTransfer.
  • Pros: By far the quickest; wide schedule. Cons: Airport formalities; checked-bag fees on some fares.

Step-by-step: Flight DEL → MAA

  1. Get to DEL T3 via Delhi Metro Airport Line, taxi, or Uber/Ola.
  2. Compare fares and book on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; check in online and arrive 2–3 hours early.
  3. Fly ~3 hours to MAA; collect bags and follow signs for Metro (Blue Line), prepaid taxis, or your prebooked transfer.
  4. Ride 30–60 minutes to central Chennai (Egmore/T. Nagar/Mylapore) depending on traffic.

Getting to the main embarking points (DEL & MAA)

  • Delhi (DEL): Metro Airport Line from New Delhi Station; taxis and ride-hails widely available.
  • Chennai (MAA): Metro to city interchanges; taxis/ride-hails curbside. Many hotels offer paid pickups.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚆 Option #2 — Intercity Train (Overnight+; Rajdhani/Express)

Comfortable Budget-friendly Long duration

  • Overview: Direct trains connect New Delhi (NDLS) or Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) to Chennai Central (MAS) or Chennai Egmore (MS). AC 2-Tier/3-Tier sleepers are the sweet spot for comfort and value.
  • How to book (with price): ~INR 900–3,500 depending on class/train/date. Check timetables and book on 12Go (Delhi→Chennai trains). Official booking is via IRCTC (link found on your ticket/provider page).
  • Pros: City-center arrival, scenery, low cost. Cons: 28–36 hours; popular berths sell out early.

Step-by-step: Train (Delhi → Chennai)

  1. Choose your station: NDLS (New Delhi) or NZM (Hazrat Nizamuddin) based on proximity.
  2. Compare trains/berths and book on 12Go (or IRCTC via official portal) 2–4 weeks ahead in peak season.
  3. Arrive 45–60 minutes early; find your platform/coach. Keep ID, e-ticket, a light chain/lock for luggage, and snacks/water.
  4. Arrive Chennai Central (MAS) or Egmore (MS); connect by Metro, suburban rail, taxi, or Uber/Ola.

Getting to the main embarking points (NDLS/NZM & MAS/MS)

  • Delhi stations: NDLS beside Paharganj/Connaught Place; NZM south of center—both have metro/taxis.
  • Chennai stations: MAS (Central) downtown; Egmore slightly west—both well connected.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #3 — Long-Distance Bus (Multi-leg via Hyderabad/Bengaluru)

Cheapest no-flight Adventure Very long

  • Overview: There’s rarely a single through-bus. Most travelers ride Delhi→Hyderabad or Bengaluru (2 nights), then connect to Chennai. Use reputed operators with AC sleepers.
  • How to book (with price): Delhi→Hyderabad/Bengaluru ~INR 2,000–4,000 + onward to Chennai ~INR 800–2,500. Search segments on 12Go (try via cities) or curated picks on Trip.com Activities.
  • Pros: Lowest cost with flexibility. Cons: Long hours; sleep quality varies; connections required.

Step-by-step: Bus (Delhi → Chennai via Hyderabad)

  1. From central Delhi, reach Kashmere Gate ISBT or operator pickup by Metro/taxi.
  2. Book leg 1: Delhi→Hyderabad (overnight+); leg 2: Hyderabad→Chennai next day on 12Go.
  3. Arrive Hyderabad MGBS/pickup; rest, then board your second bus to Chennai.
  4. Reach Chennai CMBT (Koyambedu) or operator stop; connect by Metro/taxi/Uber/Ola to your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Delhi ISBT & Chennai CMBT)

  • Delhi ISBT (Kashmere Gate): On Metro Red/Yellow/Violet; follow signs to platforms and private operator bays.
  • Chennai CMBT: Metro Green Line to city; prepaid taxis and ride-hails at the forecourt.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Private Car/Driver (Door-to-Door, Custom Stops)

Door-to-door Family-friendly Costly vs. train/bus

  • Overview: A chauffeured sedan/MPV takes you Delhi→Chennai over 2–3 days with overnight stops (e.g., Nagpur/Hyderabad). Great for bulky luggage or mobility needs.
  • How to book (with price): Quotes from ~INR 25,000–55,000+ depending on vehicle/duration/overnights. Compare on GetTransfer. For airport/hotel local legs, use Uber/Ola.
  • Pros: Maximum flexibility; hotel pick-ups; sightseeing stops. Cons: Long hours; higher cost; plan driver rest stops.

Step-by-step: Private Car/Driver

  1. Request quotes with pickup address/time, luggage count, and preferred overnight cities on GetTransfer.
  2. Confirm inclusions (tolls, parking, state taxes), driver accommodation, and child seats if needed.
  3. Day 1 Delhi→Nagpur/Hyderabad; Day 2 to Chennai (or add a third day). Arrange hotels on Booking.com.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)

  • Pickup: Any Delhi address or DEL arrivals—share a precise pin and contact number.
  • Arrival: Drop at your Chennai hotel or MAA/rail station as requested.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #5 — Self-Drive (Road Trip via NH44/NH48/NH16)

Freedom Scenic & foodie detours Fatigue risk

  • Overview: Roughly 2,200+ km depending on route (NH44 via Nagpur/Hyderabad or coastal swings). Plan 2–3 days with daylight driving and prebooked hotels.
  • How to book (with price): Rentals from ~INR 2,500–5,000/day. Compare cars and one-way policies on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire. For two-wheel fun at destination, check BikesBooking Chennai.
  • Pros: Total control; detours to historic cores and food stops. Cons: Long haul; tolls; city traffic on arrival.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

  1. Pick up your car in Delhi (airport or city). Ensure documents, FASTag (tolls), and a charged dash phone mount.
  2. Plan the route: Delhi→Nagpur→Hyderabad→Chennai, with hotel stops booked on Booking.com.
  3. Drive 8–12 hours per day max; fuel at major stations; arrive Chennai by daylight if possible.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Depots & Chennai)

  • Delhi pickup: Airport/city depots—confirm Sunday/holiday hours and one-way fees.
  • Chennai drop: Downtown or airport depot; confirm return inspection timing.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Delhi to Chennai)

Flight or train—which is better?
Flights win on time; trains win on price/comfort without airports. If you value your day, fly; if you enjoy classic Indian rail, book AC berths.

Which Delhi station should I start from?
NDLS is most central; NZM is convenient for southbound routes—pick the one your chosen train departs from.

How far is MAA from central Chennai?
About 15–20 km; Metro and taxis/ride-hails take 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.

Are there single through-buses?
Rare; expect to connect via Hyderabad or Bengaluru. Trains are generally better for this distance.

Is it safe to self-drive this route?
Yes if you pace it across 2–3 days, avoid night driving, and rest well. Highways are busy; keep to speed limits and use FASTag lanes.

Where should I stay on arrival?
Egmore/T. Nagar/Mylapore for city sights; OMR/Guindy for business parks. Compare options on Booking.com Chennai.

Can I book local tours in Chennai?
Yes—temple walks, food tours, and day trips (Mahabalipuram/Kanchipuram) on GetYourGuide or Klook.

Related posts:

  1. How to get from Mysore Jn to Chennai
  2. How to get from Delhi to Jaipur
  3. How to get from Bangalore to Delhi
  4. How to get from Delhi to Gorakhpur