The nearest airport to Pondicherry is the Chennai International Airport (MAA), which is approximately 135 km away from the city. On arriving at Chennai airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Pondicherry. Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport (MAA)
Pondicherry has its own railway station called Puducherry Railway Station (PDY). However, not all trains halt here, so you might have to get down at Villupuram Junction (about 35 km from Pondicherry) and take a taxi or local transport to reach the city. Nearest Railway Stations: Puducherry Railway Station (PDY), Villupuram Junction (VM)
Pondicherry is well-connected by road to all major cities in Tamil Nadu. You can take a long-distance bus or drive to Pondicherry. The drive along the East Coast Road (ECR) is scenic and highly recommended if you're driving down to the city.
Note: Distances are approximate and routes suggested are the most commonly taken.
By Air: Fly to Chennai and then proceed by road or local train to Pondicherry. By Train: Take a train to Chennai and then a connecting train to Pondicherry or hire a taxi from Chennai. By Road: 1,360 km via NH48 - stopovers can include Pune, Bangalore, and Vellore.
By Air: Fly to Chennai and then take a road trip or local train to Pondicherry. By Train: Take a train to Villupuram Junction and then a taxi to Pondicherry. By Road: 2,200 km via NH44 with possible stops in Agra, Nagpur, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
By Air: Fly to Chennai and then travel to Pondicherry by road or rail. By Train: Board a train to Chennai and then change for Pondicherry. By Road: 1,850 km via NH16 - key stopovers could be Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.
By Air: Direct flights may be available to Pondicherry; alternatively, fly to Chennai and then proceed by road. By Train: Trains available to Villupuram, from there transfer to Pondicherry. By Road: 310 km via NH77 - a trip without the need for major stopovers.
By Air: Fly to Chennai Airport and then travel by road to Pondicherry. By Train: Direct trains to Pondicherry are limited; travel to Chennai and then take local transport. By Road: 790 km via NH16 - consider stopping in Nellore or Chennai.
By Air: Fly to Chennai and proceed by road or rail to Pondicherry. By Train: Take a train to Chennai and then transfer to a Pondicherry-bound train or a taxi. By Road: 1,800 km via NH48 with potential stopovers in Mumbai, Pune, and Bangalore.
By Air: Short duration flights to Pondicherry may be available, although road transport is preferred due to the close proximity. By Train: Frequent trains are available. By Road: 150 km via ECR - usually a direct drive without stopovers.
By Air: Fly to Chennai and then proceed to Pondicherry by road or local train. By Train: Direct trains to Chennai are available; transfer to Pondicherry from there. By Road: 1,090 km via NH48 - consider a night halt in Bangalore.
By Air: Fly to Chennai and then make your way to Pondicherry by car or bus. By Train: Trains run to Chennai; continue to Pondicherry via train or road. By Road: 2,120 km via NH48 with likely stops at Ahmedabad, Mumbai, or Bangalore.
By Air: Fly to Chennai then travel by road or rail to Pondicherry. By Train: Board a train to Chennai and then proceed to Pondicherry. By Road: 1,560 km via NH48 - stopovers in Mumbai and Bangalore are sensible.
Do bear in mind that this information could change, and it is always advisable to check for the latest travel advisories and transport schedules. Note also that travel times by road can vary greatly depending on current traffic conditions and exact starting locations within each city.