Chennai to Puducherry by tempo traveller or bus

Puducherry (Pondicherry) is a beach destination in Puducherry, ≈ 166 km from Chennai. Tell us your dates and group size and verified operators send you itemised quotes to compare.

Chennai to Puducherry is ≈ 166 km by road, 3–4 hours in a tempo traveller or bus. A day trip in a 17-seater tempo traveller costs ₹9,700–12,000, and ₹21,600–29,300 in a 49-seater coach (as of Oct 2026).

Distance
≈ 166 km
estimated
Drive time
3–4 h
group vehicle
Plan for
a day trip
or 2 days to see more
Round trip
~365 km
crosses a state border
Get quotes for Chennai → Puducherry

Chennai to Puducherry fare by vehicle

Round trip with driver over one day, about 365 km in all. Pick a vehicle to get exact quotes.

Chennai to Puducherry: indicative fares by vehicle
VehicleSeatsRound trip, 1 dayQuotes
SUV / Innova6–7₹6,700–9,000Get quotes
Tempo Traveller 12-seater9–12₹8,200–10,500Get quotes
Tempo Traveller 17-seater13–17₹9,700–12,000Get quotes
Tempo Traveller 20–26 seater18–26₹11,300–14,300Get quotes
Force Urbania (luxury van)10–17₹12,800–16,600Get quotes
Mini Bus 28–35 seater27–35₹15,900–21,600Get quotes
AC Coach 40–49 seater36–49₹21,600–29,300Get quotes
AC Coach 50–56 seater50–56₹25,400–33,100Get quotes

Indicative range, updated Oct 2026; actual quotes from verified operators may differ. For a day trip with driver: vehicle hire at the class's ₹/km band (minimum 250 km a day), driver allowance ₹500 a day, night halt ₹300, 5% GST. Tolls and parking are extra, at actual cost. State entry tax for crossing the border is not included yet; operators add it on the quote. Post your trip for exact itemised quotes.

Change the days or stops in the fare calculatorRates per km for every vehicle

On the way

Places close to the route, good for a break or a darshan stop.

  • Mahabalipuram

Add to the trip: around Puducherry

Distances are estimated from the map.

Good to know

  • Beach towns have narrow lanes; a tempo traveller or mini bus parks more easily than a full-size bus.
  • Crossing a state border adds a permit or entry tax for commercial vehicles. Operators with an all-India permit include it; ask for it on the quote.
  • Quotes usually include fuel, driver, and his food and stay. Tolls, parking and state taxes are listed separately. Yippigo shows each quote line by line.

Questions groups ask

How far is Puducherry from Chennai by road?

≈ 166 km one way (estimated from the map), so about 365 km for the round trip with local running. The drive takes 3–4 hours with tea and meal stops.

What is the tempo traveller fare from Chennai to Puducherry?

For a day trip with driver: ₹8,200–10,500 (Tempo Traveller 12-seater), ₹9,700–12,000 (Tempo Traveller 17-seater), ₹11,300–14,300 (Tempo Traveller 20–26 seater), indicative, October 2026. That covers vehicle hire, the driver allowance, night halts and 5% GST; tolls and parking are extra. State entry tax for Puducherry is not in these figures; operators add it on the quote.

How much does a bus from Chennai to Puducherry cost?

For a day trip with driver: ₹15,900–21,600 (Mini Bus 28–35 seater), ₹21,600–29,300 (AC Coach 40–49 seater), ₹25,400–33,100 (AC Coach 50–56 seater), as of Oct 2026. Hotels, food and entry tickets are extra. State entry tax for Puducherry is not in these figures; operators add it on the quote.

How many days should a group plan for Puducherry?

Most groups make it a day trip, or 2 days to see more. With an extra day you can add Cuddalore and Chidambaram.

Which vehicle suits my group?

Up to 7 people fit an SUV or Innova; 9–26 a tempo traveller; 27–35 a mini bus; 36–56 a full-size coach. Leave a seat or two spare for luggage on long trips.

How do I get exact prices?

Post your dates and group size on Yippigo. Up to 6 verified operators near Chennai are invited to quote, aiming for 3 quotes: vehicle, driver, tolls and permits line by line. You compare and pay the operator you choose an advance (20–30%) directly.

To Puducherry from other cities