Puducherry, also known as Pondicherry, is a charming coastal town in Southern India that attracts travelers with its unique set of features. Particularly, it attracts people in large numbers from Bangalore and Chennai. The reason is that it is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore and Chennai. If you’re planning a visit to this delightful city, it’s important to know the various transportation options available to reach Puducherry. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to reach Pondicherry by train, flight, bus, or car, providing you with the necessary information to plan your journey conveniently.
How to Reach Pondicherry By Train?
Puducherry has own railway station, known as Puducherry Railway Station (PDY), which is well-connected to major cities in India. Here’s how you can reach Puducherry by train:
From Chennai to Pondicherry:
From Chennai Central, a few trains operate to take you to Puducherry Railway Station. Here is the list of trains that connect Chennai and Puducherry:
- MS PDY Express
- NDLS PDY Superfast Express
- BBS PDYS Superfast Express
However, remember that some of these trains operate from Chennai Egmore and not MGR Chennai Central. So, you will have to plan your visit to the Railway Station accordingly.
From Bangalore to Pondicherry:
With a travel time ranging from 7 to 8 hours., you can take trains from Yesvantpur Junction in Bangalore to reach Puducherry by train. The name of the only train that connects Bengaluru and Puducherry is Puducherry Express. So, you will have to be proactive if you wish to travel by train from Bangalore to reach Pondicherry.
From other cities to Pondicherry:
Puducherry is also connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad through direct trains. Check the availability and schedule of trains from your city to Puducherry and book your tickets accordingly.
How to Reach Pondicherry by Flight?
Puducherry has the Pondicherry Airport which serves as a domestic airport. SpiceJet is the only airline operating flights from and to Bangalore and Hyderabad from Puducherry.
If you are traveling from other cities and wish to know how to reach Pondicherry by flight, you should reach only the Chennai International Airport, which is 150 km away from Puducherry.
- From Chennai: After landing at Chennai International Airport, you can take a taxi or a pre-booked cab to reach Puducherry. The journey from Chennai to Puducherry takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on the traffic conditions.
- From other cities: If you’re traveling from other cities in India, you can book a flight to Chennai International Airport and then follow the aforementioned route to reach Puducherry.
Traveling from Bangalore and Hyderabad makes it easy for you to reach Puducherry. So, you will have a lot of time to engage in the best things to do in Puducherry.
How to Reach Pondicherry By Bus?
Puducherry is well-connected to major cities in South India by an extensive network of state-run and private buses. Here’s how to reach Pondicherry by bus:
From Chennai to Pondicherry:
Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) operates regular buses to Puducherry. The journey takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the traffic and the type of bus you choose (regular or deluxe).
From Bangalore to Pondicherry:
Several bus operators offer services from Bangalore to Puducherry. The journey time varies between 6 to 8 hours, depending on the type of bus and traffic conditions.
From other cities to Pondicherry:
Puducherry is well-connected to cities like Hyderabad, Madurai, Coimbatore, and Trichy by regular bus services. Check the availability of buses from your city and book your tickets accordingly. Some private bus operators also stop their buses at the best hotels in Puducherry so that you can finish your dining even before you land at one of the best hotels in Puducherry for your accommodation needs. Upon arrival, you can complete your dining at one of the best restaurants in Puducherry before reaching your accommodation.
How to Reach Pondicherry by Car?
Traveling to Puducherry by car allows you the flexibility to explore scenic routes and enjoy a comfortable journey. Also, when you travel from your hometown by car, you can explore the places to visit near Puducherry apart from the local attractions. Here’s how to reach Pondicherry by car:
From Chennai to Pondicherry:
Puducherry is approximately 160 kilometers away from Chennai. You can take the East Coast Road (ECR) or the Chennai-Villupuram-Puducherry Road (NH32) to reach Puducherry. The journey takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
From Bangalore to Pondicherry:
Puducherry is approximately 320 kilometers away from Bangalore. You can take the Bangalore-Chennai Highway (NH48) and then connect to the Chennai-Villupuram-Puducherry Road (NH32) to reach Puducherry. The journey takes around 6 to 7 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
From other cities to Pondicherry:
If you’re traveling from other cities, you can plan your route to connect to the nearest highways and then follow the directions toward Puducherry. Check the road conditions, carry the necessary documents, and adhere to traffic rules while driving. When you travel by your car, you can use it completely to explore places in your 5-day Puducherry itinerary.
Conclusion:
Reaching Pondicherry is convenient and accessible, thanks to its well-connected transportation options. Whether you prefer traveling by train, flight, bus, or car, there are several routes and services available to suit your needs. Consider factors such as travel time, budget, and convenience while choosing the mode of transportation. With proper planning and information, you can easily reach Puducherry and embark on a memorable journey in this beautiful coastal town. Now, you know how to reach Pondicherry by different modes. Share this post with your friends planning a trip to this union territory so they can also plan things accordingly.
Also, check out my post on Exploring the Enchanting Beauty of Daman and Diu.
