Our experts have curated a list of the 5 best bus services between Chennai and Puducherry based on user ratings and research, so you can travel stress‑free.
Puducherry is among the top weekend getaways from Chennai. And buses are a very convenient and economical option to travel from Chennai to Puducherry.
Chennai to Puducherry buses are available throughout the day. However, not all buses offer the same comfort and reliability.
While regular passengers are aware of the best buses between Chennai and Puducherry, it might be challenging for first-timers or foreign tourists.
So, in order to ensure that you have a happy journey, we have done the legwork for you. After thorough research, our editorial team has identified the five best bus services between Chennai and Puducherry.
The selection has been made on a slew of factors, including passenger reviews, ratings on redBus, and our own criteria, the details of which are listed below.
Based on our findings, here are the five best bus services between Chennai and Puducherry.
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Chennai to Puducherry Bus Journey: Key Information
- Distance: Approximately 160 km
- Time Taken By Bus: 3.5–4.5 hours (average)
- Fare Range: ₹300–₹600
- Bus Types Available: Seater, Semi‑Sleeper in both 2×1 and 2×2 layouts
- Online Booking Platforms: Available across all OTAs
5 Best Bus Services Between Chennai and Puducherry
| Operator | Rating on redBus |
| Rathimeena Travels A | 4.8 |
| YBM Travels (BLM) | 4.7 |
| Deltaking Travels | 4.7 |
| R.S. Mani Knight Riders | 4.5 |
| Vinoth Travels | 4.4 |
Our Selection Criteria
- All operators have a RedBus rating of 4.4 and above, making them trusted names on the route. These reviews were posted by real passengers on a slew of factors like:
- Punctuality
- Staff behaviour
- Seating comfort
- Diving style, etc.
- Moreover, our team did their own research to ensure that these operators provide reliable bus services between Chennai and Puducherry but in other routes as well.
Our Suggestions for a Safe and Relaxing Journey
Choose Daylight Travel for Scenic Views
If it’s your first time on this route, our advice would be to pick a morning or afternoon bus. The drive along the East Coast Road (ECR) is truly worth it, with beautiful stretches of coastline, small fishing villages, and plenty of greenery.
Book Early for Weekends
The Chennai–Puducherry route is a very popular one, especially on weekends and holidays. So, it is advisable to book your tickets well in advance to secure a comfortable seat and avoid last‑minute price surges.
Plan for Variable Travel Times
The trip generally takes 3.5–4.5 hours. But delays can occur due to traffic at OMR and during festivals. So, our advice will be to always take an extra 30–60 minutes into consideration when making decisions about connections.
Choose the Right Bus Layout
If you have motion sickness, you should opt for a seater or semi‑sleeper bus. That’s because the winding sections of the ECR can be challenging for some.
Pick a Reliable Pickup Point
For added safety, our advice will be to always stick to popular and well‑lit boarding spots like Koyambedu, Guindy, or Madhya Kailash in Chennai. These points are better connected and generally safer, especially if you’re traveling alone.
Be Mindful of Late‑Night Travel
For women and first‑time travelers, it is advisable to take an afternoon or early evening bus so that you do not reach your destination too late at night. Also, if you are travelling alone, it is always advisable to book a single seat.
With the right bus operator and a bit of planning, your journey from Chennai to Puducherry can be as enjoyable as the destination itself.
Choose one from our list of the best bus services between Chennai and Puducherry, and be assured that you will have a happy journey.