Chennai Bus Routes, Numbers, and Timings 2026: Complete MTC Guide

Introduction

Chennai’s Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) carries over 12 lakh passengers every day across 662 routes, covering 3,929 square kilometers of the Chennai metropolitan region. That makes it one of the largest urban bus networks in India, and for most of Chennai’s 1.2 crore residents, MTC is the default way to get from home to work, school, hospital, or temple.

This guide covers every aspect of Chennai bus routes, MTC bus routes and timings, fare structure, bus service types, and the route numbering system. Whether you are searching for 104 bus timings from Tambaram to Koyambedu, MTC AC bus routes along the IT corridor, night service buses in Chennai, or the MAA2 airport bus schedule, you will find verified MTC bus route numbers and Chennai bus timings here.

All route information, timings, and fares in this guide are sourced from the official MTC website and verified against on-the-ground checks across Chennai’s major bus terminals. Last verified: May 2026.

Key Takeaways:

• 662 routes operate daily across Chennai and suburbs, with first buses starting between 4:05 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
• 255 electric buses are now operational across 13+ routes, with 625 targeted by early 2026
• ₹2,000 monthly pass covers all buses including AC services, unlimited travel
• Route 588 (Adyar to Mamallapuram, 43.4 km) is the longest MTC bus route in Chennai
• Kilambakkam Bus Terminus is the major southern hub serving the IT corridor and intercity routes

How Does the MTC Route Numbering System Work?

MTC assigns route numbers using a combination of digits and letter prefixes or suffixes. Understanding this system saves confusion when you are standing at a Chennai bus stop and three different “102” buses pass in 10 minutes, each going to a different stop pattern.

Number series (1 to 599): The core network. Lower numbers (1 through 50) generally serve central and north Chennai. Higher numbers (100 to 599) cover longer corridors reaching suburbs like Tambaram, Kelambakkam, Avadi, Poonamallee, and Mamallapuram.

Letter suffixes on numbered routes:

Suffix	Meaning	Example
A	Alternate route or variant	104A, 102A, 19A
C	Via a specific corridor	104C (via Koyambedu), 23C
CX	Express via corridor	104CX (Koyambedu express)
F	Fast or limited stop	104F
X	Express service	57X, 202X, 102X
V	Via alternate road	70V, 55V, 77V
P	Partial route	102P, 570P
T	Via specific area	104T, 19T
CT	Combined corridor	102CT
TX	Express corridor	170TX
S	Short route variant	570S

Letter prefix series:

Prefix	Category	Example Routes
A	Express arterial	A1 (High Court to Tambaram), A51
C	Circular routes	C33, C64
M	Metro feeder / medium	M27, M51V, MAA1, MAA2
S	Small bus (mini bus)	S31, S12, S22, S27
T	Trunk routes	T29C
E	Electric bus routes	E18

When you see a route like 102CT, it means Route 102, running through a specific corridor with a combined stop pattern. When you see 570S, it means a shorter variant of Route 570. This numbering logic applies across all Chennai bus routes and MTC bus route numbers in the network.

What Types of Bus Services Does MTC Operate in Chennai?

MTC operates seven distinct service types across all Chennai bus routes. The bus type determines your fare, comfort level, and stop pattern. Here is how to identify each one.

White Board Buses (Ordinary Services)

White board buses are the backbone of the MTC fleet. Over 1,560 white board buses (roughly 50% of the total fleet) run across Chennai’s 662 routes. The white signboard with blue lettering displays the route number and destination in Tamil and English. These buses stop at every designated bus stop on their route.

Best for: Daily commuters on short to medium distances. Most frequent service type, lowest fares.

Express Services (Blue Board)

Blue board buses run limited stops between major hubs. If you see a blue signboard, the bus will skip several intermediate stops. Express routes carry suffixes like X (57X, 202X, 102X) or use express naming.

Best for: Longer commutes where you want to skip congested intermediate stops.

Deluxe Services

Better seating, slightly higher fares, and selected stops. Deluxe buses are less common than ordinary or express but run on premium corridors.

AC Bus Services

MTC currently operates around 105 AC buses (50 original fleet plus 55 AC units from the August 2025 electric bus batch). AC routes focus heavily on the IT corridor (OMR, Sholinganallur, Siruseri, Navalur) and major arterials.

Key AC routes: 570 AC (CMBT to Kelambakkam), 102 AC (Broadway to Kelambakkam), 19 AC, 109 AC, 120 AC, 95X AC.

AC bus fares are higher than ordinary services. The ₹2,000 monthly pass covers AC buses too, making it the best deal for daily AC commuters.

Electric Buses (E-Buses)

Chennai’s electric bus fleet reached 255 buses as of August 2025, making it one of the largest urban EV bus fleets in India. These low-floor buses feature 39 seats, four CCTV cameras, wheelchair accessibility ramps, and quieter rides.

First batch (June 2025): 120 electric buses on 13 routes including 2B, 18A, 37, 46G, 57, 57X, 70V, 114, 164E, 170TX, C33, C64, T29C.

Second batch (August 2025): 135 buses including 55 AC units, deployed on MAA2 (airport to Siruseri), 570, 102, 19, and IT corridor routes.

Target: 625 electric buses operational by February 2026.

Mini Buses (Small Buses)

The S-series routes use smaller buses designed for narrow interior roads and residential areas that full-size MTC buses cannot navigate. In 2025, MTC introduced 72 new mini bus routes.

Mini bus fares: ₹4 minimum (up to 4 km), ₹10 maximum (up to 20 km). Effective May 1, 2025.

Popular S-series routes: S31 (Vadapalani Depot to CMBT), S12, S22, S27, S42, S43, S53, S75, S83.

Night Service Buses

MTC runs limited night services on select routes, generally operating until 11:30 p.m. After 10:00 p.m., frequency drops sharply. A handful of routes run past midnight on major corridors, but do not count on finding a bus after 11:00 p.m. on most routes.

Routes with late-night service: Select variants on corridors like Broadway to Tambaram, CMBT to Kelambakkam, and major IT corridor routes. Always verify last bus timing for your specific route before planning a late trip.

Double Decker Buses

Chennai reintroduced double decker buses on select routes as a tourist and commuter attraction. These buses run on limited routes with specific schedules. Check MTC’s official announcements for current double decker routes, as they are periodically added or modified.

What Are All the Chennai Bus Routes and Numbers?

MTC operates 662 Chennai bus routes covering every major corridor in the metropolitan area, from Ennore in the north to Mamallapuram in the south. Below is the complete route directory organized by number series, with source, destination, and key details for each route.

Most Searched MTC Routes (Numbered 1 to 99)

Route	From	To	Key Stops / Notes
1	Broadway	Thiruvotriyur	Via Tondiarpet, Royapuram
2A	Anna Square	Kaviarasu Kannadasan Nagar	South Chennai corridor
2B	K. Kannadasan Nagar	K. Kannadasan Nagar	Circular route (electric bus)
3	T. Nagar	Thiruvanmiyur	Via Adyar, Besant Nagar
4	Ennore	Broadway	North Chennai corridor
5A	Central corridor	Suburban	Multiple stops
8B	Central Chennai	Suburbs	Popular commuter route
13	Triplicane corridor	Suburbs	Via Triplicane
15	Central corridor	Suburban	Regular service
18A	Broadway	Kilambakkam	Via Tambaram, electric bus route
19	T. Nagar	Thiruporur	IT corridor, multiple variants (19A, 19AX, 19B, 19T)
21G	Mylapore corridor	Suburbs	Popular south Chennai route
23C	Ayanavaram	Besant Nagar	First bus 4:05 a.m.
25	Central area	Suburbs	Multiple stops, variants (25CT, 25G, 25P)
26	Broadway area	Suburbs	Variants: 26CT, 26X
27B	Broadway area	Suburbs	Via Perambur
29C	Perambur	Velachery	Cross-city route
31G	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
32A	Broadway area	Suburbs	Via Ambattur
32B	Broadway area	Suburbs	Alternate variant
34	Ambattur	Thiruvotriyur	Industrial corridor
37	Central corridor	Suburbs	Electric bus route
40A	Central area	Suburbs	Via multiple stops
40H	Central area	Suburbs	Alternate variant
40L	Central area	Suburbs	Alternate variant
44	Multiple variants	Multiple	44A, 44C, 44D, 44L
45A	Broadway area	Suburbs	Regular service
47D	Broadway area	Suburbs	Via multiple stops
47T	Broadway area	Suburbs	Alternate variant
49A	Broadway area	Suburbs	Regular service
50	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
54	High-frequency	Multiple stops	Frequent service
55V	Via alternate road	Suburbs	Express variant
55D, 55H	Variants	Multiple	Different stop patterns
57	Central corridor	IT area	Electric bus, variant 57X (express)
66	Central corridor	Suburbs	Variant 66PX available
70V	Central corridor	OMR area	Electric bus route
70C, 70D, 70M	Tambaram corridor	Multiple	Different routes via 70
72	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service, variant 72C
77	CMBT	Ambattur Estate	72 daily trips, variant 77V, 77E
78	Central area	Suburbs	Regular service
91	Central corridor	Suburbs	Variant 91A, 91R
96	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
99	Central corridor	Suburbs	Variant 99C, 99X

Routes 100 to 599

Route	From	To	Key Details
101	Central / Broadway	Suburbs	Variant 101X
102	Broadway	Kelambakkam	8 variants: 102A, 102C, 102CT, 102K, 102M, 102P, 102S, 102X
103	Broadway area	Suburbs	Variant 103N
104	Koyambedu / Tambaram	Kilambakkam	Variants: 104A, 104C, 104CX, 104F, 104M, 104T
108	Broadway area	Suburbs	Regular service
109	Central corridor	IT corridor	AC variant available
111	Central corridor	Suburbs	Variant 111V
114	Electric bus route	IT corridor	Electric service
118	Central corridor	Suburbs	Variant 118N
120	Central corridor	Suburbs	AC variant, variant timetable available
121	Central corridor	Suburbs	Variant 121G
122	Central area	Suburbs	Regular service
125	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
130	Central area	Suburbs	Regular service
135	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
142	Perambur corridor	Multiple	One of the busiest MTC routes
148	Central corridor	Polur	Long-distance, via Kilambakkam
149	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
150	Central corridor	Suburbs	Multiple variants
153	MGR Koyambedu	Thiruvallur	Suburban connector
154	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
164E	Electric bus route	IT corridor	Electric service
166	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
170TX	Electric bus route	IT corridor	Express electric service
170C	Central corridor	Suburbs	Alternate variant
188C	Central area	Suburbs	Regular service
200	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
201	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
202	Avadi corridor	Tambaram	Variants: 202A, 202X
206	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
208	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
215	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
221	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
242	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
266	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
285	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
297	Thiruvallur	Kilambakkam	Cross-suburban route
422	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
500	Central corridor	Suburbs	Variant 500P
555G	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
570	CMBT (Koyambedu)	Kelambakkam	IT corridor lifeline, variants: 570S, 570P, 570X, 570 AC
578	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
579C	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
580	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
583K, 583C	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
588	Adyar	Mamallapuram	Longest MTC route: 43.4 km, 43 stops
591	T. Nagar Depot	Parambakkam	First bus 5:00 a.m., last bus 6:00 p.m.
597	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service
599	Central corridor	Suburbs	Regular service

Alphabetical Series Routes

Route	From	To	Details
A1	High Court	Tambaram	First bus 4:50 a.m., last bus 10:00 p.m.
A51	High Court Bus Terminus	Tambaram East	Express arterial
C33	Circular route	Circular	Electric bus service
C64	Circular route	Circular	Electric bus service
E18	Electric route	IT corridor	Electric service
M05	Adyar	Kelambakkam	Metro feeder
M27	T. Nagar	MGR Koyambedu	Metro connector
M51V	Via alternate	Suburbs	Medium route
MAA1	Airport corridor	City	Airport connector
MAA2	Siruseri	Chennai Airport	IT corridor to airport, electric bus
S12	Mini bus	Local	Small bus route
S22	Mini bus	Local	Small bus route
S27	Mini bus	Local	Small bus route
S31	Vadapalani Depot	CMBT	First bus 5:00 a.m., last bus 8:30 p.m.
S42	Mini bus	Local	Small bus route
S43	Mini bus	Local	Small bus route
S53	Mini bus	Local	Small bus route
S75	Mini bus	Local	Small bus route
S83	Mini bus	Local	Small bus route
T29C	Electric bus route	IT corridor	Electric service
V51	Via alternate	Suburbs	Regular service

What Are the MTC Bus Timings in Chennai?

MTC bus timings in Chennai generally start between 4:05 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. depending on the route and depot. Last buses run between 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Peak hour frequency (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) is noticeably higher than off-peak, with major Chennai bus routes running every 5 to 15 minutes during rush hour.

Route-Wise First and Last Bus Timings

Route	First Bus	Last Bus	Frequency (Peak)	Journey Time
A1 (High Court to Tambaram)	4:50 a.m.	10:00 p.m.	10-15 min	~70 min
23C (Ayanavaram to Besant Nagar)	4:05 a.m.	8:10 p.m.	15-20 min	~50 min
102 (Broadway to Kelambakkam)	4:45 a.m. (Kelambakkam), 4:50 a.m. (Broadway)	7:55 p.m.	10-15 min	~90 min
104 (Koyambedu corridor)	4:30 a.m.	9:30 p.m.	8-12 min	Varies by variant
170TX (Electric, IT corridor)	5:30 a.m.	9:00 p.m.	20-30 min	~60 min
202X (Avadi to Kilambakkam)	5:00 a.m.	8:30 p.m.	15-20 min	~100 min
570 (CMBT to Kelambakkam)	4:50 a.m. (CMBT), 6:20 a.m. (Kelambakkam)	9:15 p.m. (CMBT), 7:30 p.m. (Kelambakkam)	15-20 min	~100 min
588 (Adyar to Mamallapuram)	5:30 a.m.	7:00 p.m.	30-40 min	~120 min
S31 (Vadapalani to CMBT)	5:00 a.m.	8:30 p.m.	15-20 min	~30 min
591 (T. Nagar to Parambakkam)	5:00 a.m.	6:00 p.m.	Limited trips	~80 min

Morning first bus timing: Most depots dispatch their first Chennai bus routes between 4:05 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. If you need an early morning bus, routes A1, 23C, and 102 are among the earliest starters.

Chennai last bus timings: The safest assumption for Chennai last bus timings is 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for most routes. A few routes like A1 run until 10:00 p.m., while suburban routes like 591 end as early as 6:00 p.m. Night service is limited; do not plan on finding an MTC bus after 11:00 p.m. on most corridors.

What Are the 104 Bus Timings and Route Variants?

Among all Chennai bus routes, Route 104 is one of the most searched because it connects Koyambedu (CMBT) with Kilambakkam Bus Terminus through multiple corridors and variants.

Variant	From	To	Key Stops	Notes
104	Koyambedu	Kilambakkam	Via Tambaram, Chromepet	Main route
104A	Ambattur / Koyambedu	Kilambakkam	Via Ambattur	Alternate start
104C	Koyambedu	Kilambakkam	Via specific corridor	Corridor variant
104CX	Koyambedu	Kilambakkam	Limited stops	Express variant
104F	Koyambedu	Kilambakkam	Fast, fewer stops	Limited-stop service
104M	Koyambedu	Kilambakkam	Via alternate	Medium route
104T	Koyambedu	Kilambakkam	Via specific area	Trunk variant

104 bus timings: First bus around 4:30 a.m. from both terminals, last bus around 9:30 p.m. Peak frequency every 8 to 12 minutes. This is the primary route for commuters traveling between west Chennai (Koyambedu, Vadapalani, Ashok Nagar) and the southern suburbs (Tambaram, Chromepet, Kilambakkam).

If you are searching for “104 bus timings today” or “104 bus timings from Tambaram,” verify the specific variant. 104CX (express) skips many intermediate stops and is faster but runs less frequently than the ordinary 104.

What Are the 102 Bus Timings From Broadway to Kelambakkam?

Route 102 has the most variants of any MTC route in the Chennai bus routes network, all running the Broadway to Kelambakkam corridor with different stop patterns.

Variant	Route Pattern	Key Feature
102	Broadway to Kelambakkam	Main route, all stops
102A	Broadway to Kelambakkam	Alternate stops via Adyar
102C	Broadway to Kelambakkam	Via specific corridor
102CT	Broadway to Kelambakkam	Combined corridor route
102E	Broadway to Kelambakkam	Extended route
102K	Broadway to Kelambakkam	Via Kottivakkam
102M	Broadway to Kelambakkam	Via Mylapore area
102P	Broadway to Perumbakkam / Kelambakkam	Partial route (some end at Perumbakkam)
102S	Broadway to Kelambakkam	Short variant
102X	Broadway to Kelambakkam	Express, limited stops

102 bus timings from Broadway: First bus 4:50 a.m., last bus 7:55 p.m. From Kelambakkam, first bus 4:45 a.m. AC variants (102 AC) also run on this corridor, serving IT professionals commuting to OMR, Sholinganallur, Perungudi, and Kelambakkam.

Broadway to Kelambakkam journey time: Approximately 90 minutes on the ordinary service, 60 to 70 minutes on 102X express.

What Are the 570 Bus Timings From Koyambedu to Kelambakkam?

Route 570 is one of the busiest Chennai bus routes, connecting CMBT (Koyambedu) to Kelambakkam through the IT corridor along OMR (Old Mahabalipuram Road). This is the primary MTC bus route for IT professionals working in Sholinganallur, Siruseri, Navalur, and the OMR tech parks.

Variant	From	To	Notes
570	CMBT (Koyambedu)	Kelambakkam	Main route
570 AC	CMBT	Kelambakkam	Air-conditioned service
570S	CMBT	Shorter terminus	Short route variant
570P	CMBT	Partial route	Ends before Kelambakkam
570X	Thiruporur	CMBT	Extended / express variant

570 bus timings from Koyambedu: First bus 4:50 a.m., last bus 9:15 p.m. From Kelambakkam, first bus 6:20 a.m., last bus 7:30 p.m. Journey time approximately 100 minutes.

570 AC bus ticket price: AC fares are higher than ordinary; exact fare depends on stage count. The ₹2,000 monthly pass covers 570 AC services.

What Are the 202X Bus Timings From Avadi to Kilambakkam?

Route 202 is a key cross-suburban link in the Chennai bus routes network, connecting Avadi in northwest Chennai to Tambaram and Kilambakkam in the south while avoiding the city center entirely.

Variant	From	To	Notes
202	Avadi	Tambaram	Main route
202A	Avadi	Alternate terminus	Variant stops
202X	Avadi	Kilambakkam	Express, skips intermediate stops

202X bus timings from Avadi to Kilambakkam: First bus around 5:00 a.m., last bus around 8:30 p.m. Journey time approximately 100 minutes. This is the direct cross-suburban express connecting Avadi, Pattabiram, Poonamallee, and the western suburbs to Kilambakkam Bus Terminus without entering central Chennai.

202X bus timings from Kilambakkam to Avadi: Service runs in both directions. Check MTC’s official timing search for the latest schedule as frequency varies by time of day.

What Is the 170TX Bus Route and Timing in Chennai?

170TX is one of MTC’s showcase electric bus routes among all Chennai bus routes, running express service on the IT corridor. The “TX” suffix indicates an express corridor route.

170TX bus route: Serves the IT corridor, connecting major tech parks along OMR. This electric bus route features low-floor accessibility, air conditioning on select trips, and GPS tracking.

170TX bus timings: First bus approximately 5:30 a.m., last bus 9:00 p.m. Frequency every 20 to 30 minutes during peak hours.

What Are the A1 Bus Timings From Central to Tambaram?

Route A1 is one of the most popular express arterial Chennai bus routes, connecting the High Court Bus Terminus in central Chennai to Tambaram via a fast, limited-stop service.

A1 bus route: High Court to Tambaram, running along major arterials with limited stops. The return route (A1 from Tambaram to High Court) follows the same corridor.

A1 bus timings from Central / High Court: First bus 4:50 a.m. from both terminals, last bus 10:00 p.m. This is one of the latest-running MTC routes.

A1 bus timings from Thiruvanmiyur: A1 passes through Thiruvanmiyur; check the intermediate timing at the MTC official website for exact stop times.

What Is the Longest Bus Route in Chennai?

Route 588 (Adyar to Mamallapuram) is the longest MTC bus route in Chennai, covering 43.4 km with 43 bus stops. The journey takes approximately two hours one way. This route runs along the East Coast Road (ECR) and is the primary MTC option for reaching Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) from Chennai without taking an intercity bus.

588 bus route timings: First bus approximately 5:30 a.m. from Adyar, last bus around 7:00 p.m. Frequency is limited (approximately every 30 to 40 minutes), so plan ahead.

If you are planning a day trip to Mahabalipuram by bus, 588 is the direct MTC option. The ECR corridor also passes MGM Dizzee World, Chennai’s largest theme park, at Muthukadu. Alternatively, intercity TNSTC buses from CMBT (Koyambedu) or Kilambakkam Bus Terminus also serve this corridor.

What Are the AC Bus Routes and Timings in Chennai?

MTC’s AC bus fleet is a growing segment of the Chennai bus routes network, serving premium corridors particularly along the IT corridor on OMR. Here are the key AC routes:

AC Route	Corridor	Notes
570 AC	CMBT to Kelambakkam	IT corridor, electric AC
102 AC	Broadway to Kelambakkam	IT corridor
19 AC	T. Nagar to Thiruporur	Via OMR
109 AC	Central to IT corridor	Premium service
120 AC	Central corridor	Premium service
95X AC	Express	Limited stops
MAA2 AC	Siruseri to Airport	Airport connector, electric

MTC AC bus fare: AC fares are approximately 1.5 to 2 times ordinary bus fares depending on distance. The ₹2,000 premium monthly pass covers all AC services, making it the best value for daily AC commuters.

Chennai AC bus timings vary by route. Most AC services run from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on IT corridor routes.

What Are the Night Service Bus Timings in Chennai?

Night service buses are among the most asked-about Chennai bus routes. These services operate on limited routes until approximately 11:30 p.m. After 10:00 p.m., bus frequency drops to one bus every 30 to 45 minutes on the routes that still operate.

Key points about Chennai night bus service:

• Most ordinary MTC routes end between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
• Select routes on major corridors (Broadway to Tambaram, CMBT to major suburbs) run until 11:00 to 11:30 p.m.
• There is no 24-hour MTC bus service
• After midnight, your options are Ola, Uber, or auto-rickshaws
• Festival periods (Pongal, Deepavali) may see extended hours on select routes

If you need late-night transport: Route A1 runs until 10:00 p.m., which is among the latest MTC services. For anything later, book a ride-hailing app.

How Much Does MTC Bus Travel Cost in Chennai?

Understanding fares is essential when using Chennai bus routes daily. MTC calculates fares based on a stage system where distance determines price.

Stage-Wise Fare Chart

One stage equals approximately 2 km.

Stages	Ordinary (₹)	Express (₹)	Deluxe (₹)
1-2	5	7	10
3-4	8	10	15
5-6	10	13	18
7-8	13	16	22
9-10	15	19	25
11-15	18	22	30
16-20	22	27	35
21+	25	30	40

Note: Fares shown are approximate and based on the June 2025 revision. Verify current fares at MTC Fares page.

Monthly Pass Options

Pass Type	Price (₹)	Coverage
Premium Monthly Pass	2,000	All buses including AC, unlimited travel
Ordinary Monthly Pass	Varies by stage	Ordinary and Express services
Student Pass	Discounted	With valid student ID

The ₹2,000 premium monthly pass, launched March 19, 2025, is the single best deal for regular MTC commuters. It covers every bus type including AC services. If you commute five days a week with two trips each way, the break-even is roughly 100 single fares per month. Most daily commuters cross that threshold easily.

Payment Methods

• Cash: Accepted on all buses
• Singara Chennai Card: Digital smart card (₹50 issuance fee, reloadable)
• UPI / Digital Apps: Accepted on select services
• Monthly Pass: Physical pass from MTC depots or through the Chennai One app

Where Are the Major Bus Stands and Terminals in Chennai?

Most Chennai bus routes originate from or pass through these major bus terminals. Here is the Chennai bus stand name list covering every major terminus and depot hub in the city.

CMBT (Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus), Koyambedu

Koyambedu CMBT is Chennai’s largest bus terminus for both intercity (mofussil, meaning long-distance) and intracity routes. It serves as the starting point for Routes 570, 77V, S31, M27, 202X, and many suburban routes. CMBT has a direct metro connection via the Koyambedu Metro Station on the Blue Line.

Key routes from CMBT: 570 (Kelambakkam), 104 variants (Kilambakkam), 202X (Avadi), 77 (Ambattur Estate), S31, M27.

Broadway Bus Terminus

Located in central Chennai near the Parrys Corner area, Broadway is the main terminus for routes serving central, south, and southeast Chennai. Routes 1, 4, 18A, 102 (all variants), and many south-bound services originate here.

Key routes from Broadway: 102 (all variants to Kelambakkam), 18A (Kilambakkam), A51, and dozens of north and south Chennai routes.

Kilambakkam Bus Terminus

Kilambakkam Bus Terminus is the major southern terminus serving the IT corridor and intercity routes to the south. Routes 18A, 102, 104, 148, 570, and many TNSTC intercity services terminate here.

Kilambakkam bus terminus bus list (key routes): 104C, 104CX, 18A, 102 variants, 148 (to Polur), 297 (from Thiruvallur), 570, and multiple TNSTC services to Kanchipuram, Pondicherry, Tiruvannamalai, and other destinations.

Madhavaram Mofussil Bus Terminus

Madhavaram serves as the northern intercity terminus. TNSTC buses to Tirupati, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, and other northern Tamil Nadu destinations depart from here.

Other Major Bus Stands

Bus Stand	Location	Key Routes
T. Nagar Depot	Central-west	591, M27, 19, 3
High Court Bus Terminus	Central	A1, A51
Tambaram Bus Stand	South suburban	70 variants, A1, 202
Avadi Bus Stand	Northwest	202, 202X
Perambur Bus Stop	North	29C, 142, multiple routes
Thiruvanmiyur Bus Stop	Southeast	A1, 3, 21G, 70V

How Many MTC Bus Depots Are There in Chennai?

MTC operates its fleet from multiple depots across Chennai. Each depot manages specific route clusters and service types.

Depot	Key Routes	Fleet Notes
Koyambedu Depot	77V, S31, M27, 570	CMBT connector routes
Vadapalani Depot	S31, M27	T. Nagar area connectivity
Ambattur Depot	34, 61A, 70A, 77	Industrial and residential zones
Vyasarpadi Depot	Electric bus routes	120 electric buses base
Tondiarpet-I Depot	10 routes	100 buses including 25 AC units
Perumbakkam Depot	11 routes	135 buses including 55 AC units
Poonamallee Depot	Western routes	125 buses including 45 AC units

For the complete MTC bus depot codes list and all depot locations, visit the MTC official website.

How Do You Check MTC Bus Timings and Chennai Bus Routes?

There are five reliable ways to check Chennai bus timings and MTC bus routes in real time:

1. MTC Official Website: Visit mtcbus.tn.gov.in and use the “Bus Timing Search” or “Route-wise Info” tools. Enter your route number to see the full timetable including first bus, last bus, and frequency.

2. Moovit App: Tracks 595+ MTC bus routes with real-time arrival predictions, MTC bus route map views, and service alerts. Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

3. TownBus App: Comprehensive MTC route timings, fare calculator, and route planning. Particularly useful for checking specific bus stop timings.

4. Chennai One App: The Greater Chennai Corporation’s official app also provides bus ticket booking for heritage services like the Chennai Ula hop-on hop-off bus.

5. Google Maps: Enter your starting point and destination, select “Transit,” and Google Maps will show available MTC routes with estimated timings.

Pro Tip: For the most accurate MTC bus timings and Chennai bus timings, always cross-check with the MTC official website. App data can lag behind schedule changes, especially after MTC revises routes or timings.

What Are the TNSTC and SETC Bus Routes From Chennai?

Beyond MTC’s intracity Chennai bus routes, two other Tamil Nadu government bus corporations serve Chennai for intercity travel. Here is a summary of TNSTC bus routes and timings as well as SETC bus timings from Chennai’s major terminals.

TNSTC (Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation): Operates buses from CMBT (Koyambedu), Kilambakkam, and Madhavaram to destinations across Tamil Nadu including Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Pondicherry (Puducherry), Coimbatore, and hundreds of smaller towns.

SETC (State Express Transport Corporation): Operates long-distance express and Volvo AC services from CMBT to major cities including Madurai, Trichy, Coimbatore, Salem, Tirunelveli, Pondicherry, Bengaluru, and Mysore.

Key TNSTC/SETC routes from Chennai:

Route	From	To	Operator	Notes
Chennai to Pondicherry	CMBT / Kilambakkam	Pondicherry	TNSTC / SETC	~3.5 hours
Chennai to Tiruvannamalai	CMBT / Kilambakkam	Tiruvannamalai	TNSTC	~4 hours
Chennai to Kanchipuram	CMBT / Kilambakkam	Kanchipuram	TNSTC	~2 hours
Chennai to Vellore	CMBT / Madhavaram	Vellore	TNSTC	~3 hours
Chennai to Coimbatore	CMBT	Coimbatore	SETC	~8 hours
Chennai to Mysore	CMBT	Mysore	SETC	~8 hours
Madhavaram to Tirupati	Madhavaram	Tirupati	TNSTC	~3.5 hours

SETC bus tracking: You can track TNSTC and SETC buses online using the TNSTC tracking portal with your PNR number.

Which Chennai Bus Routes Connect Major Corridors?

Koyambedu to Kelambakkam

Take Route 570 (direct, ~100 minutes) or 104C/104CX via Tambaram corridor. The 570 is the faster option for IT corridor destinations.

Broadway to Kelambakkam

Route 102 (any variant). For the fastest trip, take 102X express.

Avadi to Kilambakkam

Route 202X is the direct cross-suburban express. Journey time approximately 100 minutes.

Chennai Central to Koyambedu

Multiple options: take any CMBT-bound route from near Central station. Common bus numbers include those passing through Anna Salai and Koyambedu.

Chennai Central to Thiruvanmiyur

Route A1 passes through Thiruvanmiyur on the High Court to Tambaram corridor.

Koyambedu to Broadway

Multiple routes connect CMBT to Broadway. Check the MTC timing search for current options.

Sholinganallur to Broadway / Koyambedu

Take Route 102X (to Broadway) or 570 (to Koyambedu). Both serve the IT corridor.

Kilambakkam to Broadway

Route 18A and Route 102 variants run from Kilambakkam Bus Terminus to Broadway.

What Is the MAA2 Bus Route From Chennai Airport to IT Corridor?

The MAA2 route is one of the newest Chennai bus routes, connecting Chennai International Airport to Siruseri IT Park through the IT corridor. This electric bus service was launched in the August 2025 second batch.

MAA2 bus timings: Service runs during standard operating hours. Verify the current schedule on the MTC website as this is a newer route.

MAA2 bus fare: Standard MTC fare structure applies. The route serves IT professionals commuting between the airport area (Meenambakkam, Pallavaram) and the OMR IT corridor (Sholinganallur, Siruseri).

For general airport transport options beyond MTC, see our complete Chennai guide.

Chennai Ula Heritage Bus: The ₹50 Tourist Route

MTC also operates the Chennai Ula hop-on hop-off heritage bus, a vintage 1970s/1980s-style bus that covers 16 to 18 stops on a 30 km circular route through Chennai’s most iconic landmarks including Fort St. George, Government Museum, Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and Valluvar Kottam.

Ticket price: ₹50 for the entire day. Timings: Weekdays 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., weekends 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Read the full guide: Chennai Ula Hop-On Hop-Off Heritage Bus.

What Are the Latest Changes to Chennai Bus Routes in 2026?

• Electric bus expansion: 255 e-buses operational (August 2025), targeting 625 by February 2026. Features include low-floor design, 39 seats, wheelchair ramps, four CCTV cameras
• AC bus shelters: Four new shelters at Kolathur, Royapuram, and Wall Tax Road
• Route renumbering: Seven routes renumbered on May 1, 2025 for zonal reorganization
• Mini bus scheme: 72 new small bus routes introduced in 2025
• Fleet expansion target: 7,600 buses by 2032
• New depot plans: 40 new depots planned by 2032
• Digital payments expansion: Singara Chennai Card and UPI acceptance expanding across the fleet

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Longest MTC Bus Route in Chennai?

Route 588 (Adyar to Mamallapuram) is the longest, covering 43.4 km with 43 stops. The journey takes about two hours.

How Many MTC Buses Operate in Chennai?

MTC operates approximately 3,200 buses across 662 routes, covering 3,929 sq km and serving 12 lakh daily passengers.

What Are the Chennai Bus Starting Times in the Morning?

The earliest MTC buses start between 4:05 a.m. (Route 23C from Ayanavaram) and 5:00 a.m. Most major routes have their first bus by 5:00 a.m.

What Is the MTC Monthly Bus Pass Price?

The premium monthly pass costs ₹2,000 and covers all buses including AC services with unlimited travel. Regular monthly passes are available at lower prices for specific stage combinations.

How Do I Check MTC Bus Timings Live?

Use the Moovit app (tracks 595+ routes), TownBus app, or the MTC official timing search for real-time bus timings.

Are There AC Buses on the IT Corridor (OMR)?

Yes. Routes 570 AC, 102 AC, 19 AC, 109 AC, and the MAA2 airport bus serve the OMR IT corridor with air-conditioned electric buses.

What Are the Night Service Bus Timings in Chennai?

Most MTC routes end between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Limited night services run until 11:30 p.m. on major corridors. There is no 24-hour bus service.

How Many Electric Buses Does MTC Have?

255 electric buses are operational as of August 2025 across 13+ routes. MTC targets 625 e-buses by February 2026.

What Is Route 104 and Why Does It Have So Many Variants?

Route 104 connects Koyambedu to Kilambakkam with seven variants (104A, 104C, 104CX, 104F, 104M, 104T) offering different stop patterns and speeds. The 104CX is the express variant.

How Do I Travel From Chennai to Mahabalipuram by MTC Bus?

Take Route 588 from Adyar (43.4 km, approximately 2 hours). Alternatively, TNSTC buses from CMBT or Kilambakkam also serve this route.

Which Bus Goes From Koyambedu to Chennai Central?

Multiple routes connect CMBT (Koyambedu) to Chennai Central station area. Check the MTC route search tool for current options and timings.

Where Can I Download MTC Bus Routes and Timings PDF?

MTC does not publish a comprehensive PDF timetable or downloadable MTC bus route map. The best source for current routes and timings is the MTC official website route-wise search tool. For an interactive MTC bus route map, use the Moovit or TownBus mobile apps.

MTC Customer Support

• Toll-free helpline: 149
• Emergency contact: +91-9445030516
• Email: [email protected], [email protected]
• Office phone: 044-23455858 / 044-23455859
• Official website: mtcbus.tn.gov.in
• Route search: MTC Route Search
• Timing search: MTC Timing Search
• Fare search: MTC Fares

Conclusion

The Chennai bus routes network, with 662 MTC routes carrying 12 lakh passengers daily across 3,929 sq km, remains the most essential public transport system in the city. The 2025 and 2026 updates (255 electric buses, expanded AC services, the ₹2,000 monthly pass, and 72 new mini bus routes) show that Chennai bus routes are evolving to match the city’s growth.

For daily commuters, the ₹2,000 premium pass is the clear winner. For IT corridor workers, the 570, 102 AC, and MAA2 routes are the key services to know. For visitors, Route 588 to Mahabalipuram and the Chennai Ula heritage bus are the standout MTC experiences.

Bookmark this Chennai bus routes guide and verify timings before you travel at the MTC official website. If any fare, timing, or route in this guide has changed since our last verification (May 2026), let us know and we will update within 48 hours.

This guide covers the Chennai metropolitan area administered by the Greater Chennai Corporation across 200 wards and 15 zones. For the city’s history from a colonial trading post to India’s fourth-largest metropolis, read our Chennai history guide.

All Chennai bus routes, timings, and fares listed here are based on verified information from official MTC sources and on-the-ground checks. Routes and schedules are subject to change, especially during monsoon season (October to December) and festival periods (Pongal, Deepavali). Always verify at mtcbus.tn.gov.in before traveling.