Getting to Pondicherry

Pondicherry' airport is planned but not yet operational. It is thus common to arrive by plane to Chennai airport (previously known as Madras) and then by road to Pondicherry- approximately 140km South of Chennai. There are two good motorways linking the two cities; the East Coast Road (ECR) and the Tindivanum- Chennai highway, taxis take approximately 2 and ½ hours. If it is your first time in India, you may be shocked by the local driving, it is quite disturbing- be warned!
There is also a Train but services are infrequent and the journey takes over 5 hours.

At the Airport, you will be welcomed by a crowd of rickshaws and taxi drivers offering their services, it is an option, and of course prices vary between clients and thus it is possible to negotiate, however, be warned that the price charged will be Two way, ie return journey, even though you are only going one way. Just at the exit of the airport, there is a service of prepaid taxis, which is more prudent and prices are fixed.

Bus
Buses can be taken from main bus station (Koyembedu Moffusil Bus Terminus). They run every two hours and are considerably cheaper than taxis. You can take a taxi or autorickshaw from the airport to the bus station- approx 20 mins, depending on traffic! Private buses are more comfortable and have A/C, but there are fewer services than the Public buses.

Taxi
Flights from Europe often arrive in the evening, so it could be a good idea to stay one night in Chennai and go the day after to Pondicherry, with the possibility to take a stop in Mahabalipuram.
If you are coming to Pondichery- for unexplanable reasons, it is better to book a taxi from Pondichery to pick you up, it is less expensive (around 2000 rs) than a taxi from Chennai. 

The travel agencies which you can find on our page on the subject, can advise and send a car according to your needs. You may also be able to get a Taxi Share- through the Actupondy Forum.