How to Reach?

Arrival by Air

Puducherry Airport (PNY) is a vital aviation hub located around 11 km from the Pondicherry University. This airport primarily serves domestic flights, connecting Puducherry with major Indian cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.

Nearest Major Airport:
The closest major airport is Chennai International Airport (MAS), located at Meenambakkam, Chennai, approximately 150 kilometers from Pondicherry University. Visitors can travel from Chennai to Puducherry by train or bus.

By Train (from Chennai Airport)

  • The Tirusulam Railway Station is located within walking distance of the airport.

  • You can board the MS PDY EXPRESS (Train No. 16115) at 6:30 PM from Tirusulam Station. The train arrives at Puducherry at approximately 10:15 PM daily.

By Bus (from Chennai Airport)

Puducherry can be reached via two main bus routes from Chennai: Bypass Route and East Coast Road (ECR) Route.

  • Direct bus service to Puducherry is not available from the airport itself. You will need to reach one of the following bus terminals to board a Puducherry Bus:

    • Kilambakkam Bus Terminal (17 km from the airport) for Bypass Route buses.

    • Koyambedu Bus Terminal (13 km from the airport) for ECR Route buses (recommended).

  • Both terminals are accessible by Chennai Metro or MTC city buses.

  • Alternatively, you may board ECR route buses from Guindy Bus Stop (approximately 7 km from the airport); however, seat availability may be limited at Guindy.

Note: Buses operating on the ECR route are recommended, as all of them provide direct drop-off at Pondicherry University Campus. NeuGo Electric Premium AC Bus services are available in ECR route (Pre-booking may be done).

Travel time from Chennai International Airport to Pondicherry University is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Arrival by Train

Reaching Pondicherry University by Train (Pan-India Connectivity)

Puducherry is well connected by rail to several major cities across India, offering a convenient option for travelers coming from different parts of the country. All trains to Puducherry will come only through Villupuram Junction which is one of major Railway Junction in Tamilnadu.

Major Train Routes to Puducherry

Several long-distance trains connect Puducherry Railway Station (station code: PDY) to major cities including:

  • New Delhi

    • Puducherry Express (Train No. 22404)

  • Mumbai

    • Puducherry Express (Train No. 11005)

  • Bangalore

    • Weekly and daily trains including Puducherry Express and Yesvantpur – Puducherry trains

  • Chennai

    • Multiple daily passenger and express trains such as MS PDY Express (Train No. 16115)

  • Kolkata

    • Connectivity via Chennai and further connection to Puducherry

  • Hyderabad

    • Weekly and bi-weekly services connecting to Chennai or directly to Puducherry via special trains

Passengers from other regions can also travel via Chennai or Villupuram Junction, which serves as a major connecting station for trains coming from different parts of India.

Last-Mile Connectivity to Pondicherry University

  • From Villupuram Junction (for trains not terminating at Puducherry):

    • Villupuram Junction is approximately 40 km from Puducherry.

    • Taxis and frequent bus services are available from Villupuram Railway Junction to Puducherry city, and onward to the University campus.

  • From Puducherry Railway Station:

    • After arriving at Puducherry Railway Station, you can hire a taxi (OLA, Uber), auto-rickshaw, or take a local bus to reach Puducherry Bus Terminal.

    • From the bus terminal, board a Kalapet-bound bus which will drop you directly at the Pondicherry University Campus.

  • From Puducherry Airport:

    • After arriving at Puducherry Airport, you can hire a taxi (OLA, Uber), auto-rickshaw, or take a local bus to reach Puducherry Bus Terminal.

    • From the bus terminal, board a Kalapet-bound bus which will drop you directly at the Pondicherry University Campus.

  • From Puducherry Bus Terminal:

    • From the bus terminal, board a Kalapet-bound bus which will drop you directly at the Pondicherry University Campus.

You may also hire a cab / Auto Rickshaw from anywhere around Puducherry to Pondicherry University where you shall be charged approximately around Rs.500 to Rs.700 to reach the Pondicherry University campus.

Travel Tip:
Advance reservation is recommended for long-distance trains, especially during peak seasons and holidays.