Introduction
Chennai’s public transportation system is the backbone of the bustling metropolitan city, serving over 12 lakh passengers daily. The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) operates one of India’s most extensive urban bus networks, connecting every corner of the city and its suburbs. This comprehensive guide provides the latest verified information on Chennai bus routes, numbers, timings, and fares for 2025.
About Chennai MTC: Key Statistics 2025
| Parameter | Statistics (As of June 2025) |
|---|---|
| Total Fleet Size | 3,375 buses |
| Daily Services | 3,233 scheduled services |
| Total Routes | 662 routes |
| Bus Stops | 4,490 stops citywide |
| Daily Passengers | 12 lakh passengers |
| Daily Collection | ₹2 lakhs |
| Total Depots | 32 depots |
| Coverage Area | 3,929 square kilometers |
| Total Employees | 12,178 employees |
Source: MTC Official Website
Types of MTC Bus Services in Chennai
1. Ordinary Services (White Board Buses)
- Fleet Size: Over 1,560 buses (50% of total fleet)
- Color Coding: White board with blue lettering
- Service Area: Covers all major routes within Chennai
- Frequency: Most frequent service type
2. Express Services
- Identification: Blue board buses
- Routes: Limited stops, faster connectivity
- Service: Connects major hubs and business districts
3. Deluxe Services
- Features: Enhanced comfort, better seating
- Routes: Premium routes with selected stops
4. Air-Conditioned (AC) Services
- Fleet: 50 AC buses currently operational
- Latest Update: 135 new electric buses launched in August 2025, including 55 AC units
- Routes: Premium routes focusing on IT corridor connectivity
- Monthly Pass: ₹2,000 unlimited travel pass for all buses including AC services
5. Electric Bus Services (E-Buses)
- Total Fleet: 255 electric buses (as of August 2025)
- First Batch: 120 low-floor electric buses launched June 30, 2025
- Second Batch: 135 additional e-buses launched August 2025
- Target: 625 electric buses by February 2026
6. Night Services
- Operation Hours: Limited night services available
- Timing: Generally operate till 11:30 PM
- Note: Very limited frequency after 10:00 PM
7. Small Bus Services (Mini Buses)
- New Routes: 72 new mini-bus routes introduced in 2025
- Fare Structure: ₹4 minimum for up to 4km, ₹10 maximum for 20km (effective May 1, 2025)
Complete MTC Bus Routes List 2025
Major Route Categories
Routes Starting with Numbers (1-599)
Popular Routes:
- Route 1: Broadway ↔ Thiruvotriyur
- Route 2A: Anna Square ↔ Kaviarasu Kannadasan Nagar
- Route 3: Thiyagaraya Nagar ↔ Thiruvanmiyur
- Route 4: Ennore ↔ Broadway
- Route 18A: Broadway ↔ Kilambakkam
- Route 19: T.Nagar ↔ Thiruporur
- Route 23C: Ayanavaram ↔ Besant Nagar
- Route 29C: Perambur ↔ Velachery
- Route 34: Ambattur ↔ Thiruvotriyur
- Route 44: Multiple variants (44A, 44C, 44D, 44L)
- Route 54: High-frequency route
- Route 57: Multiple variants (57X available)
- Route 70: Multiple variants (70A, 70D, 70V)
- Route 77: CMBT ↔ Ambattur Estate (72 trips daily)
- Route 102: Broadway ↔ Kelambakkam (Multiple variants: 102A, 102C, 102CT, 102K, 102M, 102P, 102S, 102X)
- Route 104: Multiple variants (104A, 104C, 104CX, 104F)
- Route 114: Electric bus route
- Route 142: One of the busiest routes (Perambur connectivity)
- Route 150: Multiple variants
- Route 153: MGR Koyambedu ↔ Thiruvallur
- Route 154: Popular route
- Route 164E: Electric bus route
- Route 170TX: Electric bus route
- Route 202X: Avadi ↔ Kilambakkam
- Route 570: CMBT ↔ Kelambakkam
- Route 588: Longest MTC route – Adyar ↔ Mamallapuram (43.4 km, 43 stops)
Alphabetical Routes (A, C, M, S, T Series)
A Series:
- A1: High Court ↔ Tambaram (First bus: 4:50 AM, Last bus: 10:00 PM)
- A51: High Court Bus Terminus ↔ Tambaram East
C Series (Circular Routes):
- C33: Circular route (Electric bus service)
- C64: Circular route (Electric bus service)
M Series:
- M05: Adyar ↔ Kelambakkam
- M27: T.Nagar ↔ MGR Koyambedu
- M147N: 23 bus stops, 6 daily trips
S Series (Small Bus):
- S31: Vadapalani Depot ↔ CMBT (First: 5:00 AM, Last: 8:30 PM)
T Series:
- T29C: Electric bus route
Electric Bus Routes (Latest 2025)
First Batch Routes (120 buses):
- 2B: Circular Route – K. Kannadasan Nagar ↔ K. Kannadasan Nagar (10 buses)
- 18A: Broadway ↔ Kilambakkam
- 37: Electric service
- 46G: Electric service
- 57: Electric service
- 57X: Express variant
- 70V: Electric service
- 114: Electric service
- 164E: Electric service
- 170TX: Electric service
- C33: Circular route
- C64: Circular route
- T29C: Electric service
Second Batch Routes (135 buses – August 2025):
- MAA2: Siruseri ↔ Airport
- 570: CMBT ↔ Kilambakkam
- 102: Broadway ↔ Kelambakkam
- 19: T.Nagar ↔ Thiruporur
- IT Corridor focused routes
Depot-Wise Route Distribution
Major Depots and Their Routes:
1. Koyambedu Depot:
- Operates routes connecting CMBT to various destinations
- Major routes: 77V, S31, M27
2. Vadapalani Depot:
- Routes: S31, M27
- Connectivity: CMBT, T.Nagar area
3. Ambattur Depot:
- Routes: 34, 61A, 70A, 77
- Connectivity: Industrial areas, residential zones
4. Vyasarpadi Depot:
- Electric bus operations
- 120 electric buses operate from this depot
5. Tondiarpet-I Depot:
- 100 buses including 25 AC units on 10 routes
6. Perumbakkam Depot:
- 135 buses including 55 AC units on 11 routes
7. Poonamallee Depot:
- 125 buses including 45 AC units
Bus Timings and Schedules 2025
General Operating Hours:
- First Bus: 4:05 AM – 5:00 AM (route dependent)
- Last Bus: 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM (route dependent)
- Peak Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Off-Peak: Better frequency during off-peak hours
Popular Route Timings:
Route 102 (Broadway ↔ Kelambakkam):
- First Bus: 4:45 AM from Kelambakkam, 4:50 AM from Broadway
- Last Bus: 7:55 PM
Route 23C (Ayanavaram ↔ Besant Nagar):
- First Bus: 4:05 AM from Ayanavaram
- Last Bus: 8:10 PM
Route A1:
- First Bus: 4:50 AM from both terminals
- Last Bus: 10:00 PM
Route 570 (CMBT ↔ Kelambakkam):
- First Bus: 6:20 AM from Kelambakkam, 4:50 AM from CMBT
- Last Bus: 9:15 PM from CMBT, 7:30 PM from Kelambakkam
- Journey Time: 100 minutes
Route 591 (T.Nagar Depot ↔ Parambakkam):
- First Bus: 5:00 AM
- Last Bus: 6:00 PM
How to Check Real-Time Timings:
- Official MTC Website: mtcbus.tn.gov.in
- Moovit App: Real-time tracking for 595 bus routes
- Chennai Travel Route Map App: Available on Google Play Store
- TownBus App: Comprehensive MTC route timings
Chennai MTC Fare Structure 2025
Stage-Wise Fare Chart (Effective from June 30, 2025)
| Service Type | Minimum Fare | Maximum Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Services | ₹5 | ₹23 |
| Express Services | ₹8 | ₹35 |
| Deluxe Services | ₹10 | ₹40 |
| A/C Services | ₹15 | ₹50 |
| Electric Bus Services | ₹5 | ₹23 |
| Night Services | ₹7 | ₹30 |
Note: One stage is approximately equal to 2 kilometers.
Monthly Pass Options:
Regular Monthly Passes:
- Available for different stage combinations
- Season ticket holders can travel unlimited times
- Valid for Ordinary and Express services
Premium Monthly Pass (₹2,000):
- Launched: March 19, 2025
- Coverage: All MTC buses including AC services
- Benefit: Unlimited travel for one month
- Validity: All 50 AC buses and regular services
Concessions and Special Passes:
- Student Passes: Available with valid ID
- Senior Citizen: Discounted fares
- Differently Abled: Special concessions available
Payment Methods:
- Cash: Traditional payment method
- Singara Chennai Card: Digital payment option (₹50 issuance fee)
- Mobile Apps: Various digital payment options
Major Bus Terminals and Hubs
1. Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) – Koyambedu
- Routes: 570, 77V, S31, M27, 202X
- Connectivity: Major hub for intercity and intracity buses
- Metro Connection: Koyambedu Metro Station
2. Broadway Bus Terminus
- Routes: 1, 4, 18A, 102 (all variants)
- Location: Central Chennai
- Connectivity: Business district, port area
3. T.Nagar Depot
- Routes: 591, M27, 19
- Connectivity: Shopping district, commercial area
4. High Court Bus Terminus
- Routes: A1, A51
- Location: Central Chennai
- Connectivity: Government offices, legal district
5. Kilambakkam Bus Terminus
- Routes: 18A, 102, 570 (terminus)
- Status: Major southern terminal
- Connectivity: IT corridor, suburban areas
Latest Updates and Developments 2025
Electric Bus Expansion
- June 2025: First batch of 120 low-floor electric buses launched
- August 2025: Additional 135 electric buses introduced
- Target: 625 electric buses by February 2026
- Features: Low-floor design, 39 seats, 4 CCTV cameras, wheelchair accessibility
Infrastructure Improvements
- AC Bus Shelters: Four new locations – Kolathur, Royapuram, Wall Tax Road
- New Depots: Plans for 40 new depots by 2032
- Fleet Expansion: Target to increase fleet to 7,600 buses by 2032
Route Renumbering (May 1, 2025)
Seven MTC bus routes were renumbered for passenger convenience as part of zonal reorganization.
Mini Bus Scheme 2025
- New Routes: 72 new mini-bus routes identified
- Fare Revision: New structure effective May 1, 2025
- Coverage: 50% routes start/end at major hubs
Technology Integration
- Real-time Tracking: Enhanced through mobile applications
- Digital Payments: Expanded acceptance of digital payment methods
- Route Planning: Improved online route planning tools
How to Plan Your Journey
Step 1: Route Selection
- Visit MTC Official Website
- Use “Route-wise info” or “Stage-wise info” tools
- Check multiple route options for your destination
Step 2: Timing Verification
- Check first and last bus timings
- Consider peak hour frequency
- Plan buffer time for connections
Step 3: Fare Calculation
- Count the number of stages (approximately 2km each)
- Select appropriate service type
- Consider monthly pass if you’re a regular commuter
Step 4: Real-time Tracking
- Download Chennai bus tracking apps
- Use Moovit for real-time updates
- Check for service disruptions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the longest bus route in Chennai?
A: Route 588 (Adyar to Mamallapuram) is the longest MTC route, covering 43.4 kilometers with 43 bus stops.
Q2: Which is the busiest bus route in Chennai?
A: Route 142 is considered one of the busiest routes, providing access to major locations including Perambur.
Q3: How many electric buses are currently operational?
A: As of August 2025, MTC operates 255 electric buses across 13 routes, with plans to increase to 625 buses by February 2026.
Q4: What are the peak operating hours?
A: Peak hours are 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, with higher frequency during these times.
Q5: Is there a monthly pass for AC buses?
A: Yes, MTC launched a ₹2,000 monthly pass in March 2025 that provides unlimited travel on all buses, including AC services.
Q6: How can I check real-time bus locations?
A: Use the Moovit app, Chennai Travel Route Map app, or TownBus app for real-time tracking and schedules.
Contact Information and Customer Support
MTC Customer Care:
- Phone: +91-9445030516
- Toll-Free: 149
- Email: [email protected], [email protected]
- Office: 044-23455858/23455859
Online Resources:
- Official Website: mtcbus.tn.gov.in
- Route Information: MTC Route Search
- Bus Timings: MTC Timing Search
- Fare Information: MTC Fares
Conclusion
Chennai’s MTC bus network continues to evolve in 2025 with significant improvements in electric bus services, route optimization, and passenger amenities. With 662 routes covering 3,929 square kilometers and serving 12 lakh daily passengers, MTC remains the lifeline of Chennai’s public transportation system.
The introduction of 255 electric buses, expanded AC services, and digital payment options demonstrates MTC’s commitment to sustainable and modern public transportation. Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional traveler, this comprehensive guide provides all the verified information needed to navigate Chennai’s extensive bus network efficiently.
Regular updates and accurate information are available on the official MTC website and mobile applications. Always verify route information and timings before traveling, especially during monsoon season or festival periods when services may be affected.
This guide is based on verified information from official MTC sources and is current as of August 2025. Route numbers, timings, and fares are subject to change. Please check the official MTC website for the most up-to-date information.
