Your Travel Guide To Pallavaram: Directions And Distances Explained

Pallavaram is a busy and important part of South Chennai, located just below Chennai International Airport. It sits on GST Road (Grand Southern Trunk Road) and connects easily to different parts of the city. Whether you're flying in, catching a train, driving, or planning to live here, this guide helps you understand how to reach Pallavaram and how far it is from key places in Chennai.

1. Why Pallavaram's Location Matters

Pallavaram is more than just another Chennai neighborhood. It's a major travel hub. Here's why:

1. It's very close to Chennai Airport (just 3 to 5 km).
2. It has its own railway station, part of the busy suburban train network.
3. Buses and share autos connect it to almost every corner of the city.
4. The new Chennai Metro Phase 2 is adding a station here, making future travel even faster.

Because of this, Pallavaram works well for commuters, travelers, new residents, and even logistics companies.

2. Distance from Pallavaram to Key Places (June 2025 Update)

Let's break it down by location and travel type:

To Chennai International Airport (MAA)

1. Distance: 3 to 5 km
2. By Car/Taxi: 10–15 min (off-peak), 20–30 min (rush hour)
3. By Train: Take a local train to Tirusulam station – just 5–10 minutes
4. By Bus: Many options from GST Road, takes 10–20 minutes

To Chennai Central Railway Station

1. Distance: 21–22 km
2. By Train: Board from Pallavaram to Park Station (next to Central) – 35–45 minutes
3. By Car: 45–60 minutes (off-peak), up to 90+ minutes during traffic
4. By Bus: Around 1.5 hours; affordable but slower

To Egmore Railway Station

1. Distance: 19–20 km
2. By Train: 30–40 minutes
3. By Car: 40–55 minutes (off-peak), up to 90 minutes during traffic

To Koyambedu (CMBT – Main Bus Terminal)

1. Distance: 18–20 km
2. By Car: 40–60 minutes
3. By Metro (via Airport): Around 50–60 minutes
4. By Bus: 1.5 to 2 hours (includes transfers)

To OMR IT Corridor (like Sholinganallur or Siruseri)

1. Distance: Sholinganallur ~15–20 km, Siruseri ~25–30 km
2. By Car (Radial Road): 30–45 min off-peak, up to 70 minutes in traffic
3. By Bus: 1–1.5 hours
4. Metro (Coming Soon): Will reduce time a lot

3. Upcoming Metro: What to Expect in 2025–2026

1. Pallavaram Station (Corridor 5) is being built now and is likely to open by late 2025 or early 2026.
2. It will link Pallavaram to OMR IT parks and central Chennai in under 30 minutes.
3. A second Airport to Kilambakkam Metro Line has been approved. This will go right above GST Road and include stations at Pallavaram, Chromepet, and Tambaram.

These metro lines will cut travel times, reduce traffic pressure, and raise property values.

4. Roads and Infrastructure Projects (2025 Updates)

Pallavaram is already well-connected by roads, but there's more happening:

Main Roads

1. GST Road (NH 45): The lifeline of South Chennai, connects to airport, Guindy, Tambaram
2. Pallavaram–Thuraipakkam Radial Road: Straight route to OMR IT Corridor
3. Pallavaram–Kundrathur Road: Now being widened to 4 lanes (ongoing land acquisition in 2025)

Why this matters: The Kundrathur stretch currently takes 35–40 minutes for just 4 km. Once widened, this will drop significantly, helping daily drivers and delivery vehicles alike.

Flyovers

1. Flyover projects like the Thiruneermalai junction are being discussed to reduce traffic jams on GST Road.
2. Kathipara flyover near Guindy helps those coming from Central Chennai.

5. Public Transport: Buses, Trains & Share Autos MTC Buses

Pallavaram has a major bus stop with services every 10–20 minutes on busy routes.

1. Route 21G: Tambaram to Broadway via Pallavaram
2. Route 66: Poonamallee to Tambaram via Pallavaram
3. Route 517K: Pallavaram to Kovalam

New services from Kilambakkam (KCBT) to IT areas benefit Pallavaram too.

Suburban Trains

1. Frequent service: Every 8–15 minutes
2. Destinations: Egmore, Chennai Beach, Guindy, Tambaram, etc.
3. Travel Time: Fast and reliable, especially during peak hours

Taxis, Ride-Hailing & Share Autos

1. Ola/Uber: Widely available
2. Share Autos: Cheap and fast for short distances
3. Airport drop/pick-up: Most hotels near Pallavaram offer this service

6. Prestige Pallavaram Gardens: Location Example

If you're considering living or investing here, Prestige Pallavaram Gardens shows how well-connected the area is:

1. To Airport: 5–6 km (10–15 min by cab)
2. To Railway Station: 3–4 km
3. To OMR IT Parks: 15 km (30 minutes via Radial Road)
4. To Chennai Central: 22–24 km (60 minutes by car, less by train)

This project sits right off Radial Road, offering quick access to both GST Road and IT corridors.

7. Tips for Smooth Travel in and out of Pallavaram

1. Use suburban trains if heading to Chennai Central, Egmore, or Beach during peak hours.
2. Avoid GST Road between 8–10 AM and 5–8 PM—use Radial Road or plan early.
3. Download MTC and train apps for real-time bus/train info.
4. Check Google Maps before you leave—Chennai traffic changes quickly.
5. Watch for road diversions near schools or construction zones.

8. FAQ: Common Questions Answered
Q1: How will the upcoming Metro Phase 2 impact travel to and from Pallavaram?

It will make travel faster to IT parks and city centers, cutting down commute time from 1 hour to just 20–30 minutes.

Q2: What is the best way to get to the airport from Pallavaram?

Taxi or auto is fastest (10–15 min), but a local train to Tirusulam station is just 5–10 minutes and connects to the airport easily.

Q3: Are there any big road projects in Pallavaram now?

Yes, the Kundrathur Road is being widened and metro construction on GST Road is expected to start soon. Expect some traffic diversions.

Q4: Is Prestige Pallavaram Gardens well-connected?

Yes. It's near the airport, railway station, and Radial Road—ideal for both daily travel and long-term value.

Final Thoughts: Pallavaram's Travel Advantage

Pallavaram has always been close to the airport, but now it's becoming a full-fledged connectivity hub. With roads, buses, suburban trains, and the upcoming metro lines, travel from Pallavaram will soon be faster, smoother, and more reliable. Whether you're visiting, commuting daily, or thinking of buying a home here, Pallavaram is set to keep you well-connected in South Chennai.