IIT Madras is situated on Sardar Patel Road and is flanked by localities called Guindy, Adyar, Taramani and Velachery. The campus is half-way between the Raj Bhavan and the Adyar bus terminus. Other landmarks around the campus include the Guindy Snake Park, the Cancer Institute (Adyar) on one side of the IIT main gate and the Madhya Kailash temple on the other side. The campus is situated opposite to the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) campus and close to the Anna University - Guindy campus.
The following are the ways to reach IIT from railway stations, airport, and bus terminus
Chennai receives trains mainly at the Chennai-Central station (from North and West) and Chennai-Egmore station (from South).
If you are traveling with light luggage, you can take a city bus to IIT. The bus stop is opposite to the Central Station. The direct buses to the campus are 19B and 5C . You can always take any 18 to Saidapet and from there a bus that goes to Adyar (5B, 47, 47A, 47D, 147, 23C etc.) will drop you in front of the IIT gate. Or else you can take a bus to Adyar Signal (1LSS, 4LSS, 1A, 1C, 1D, 6A) and then get to IIT easily by another one (5B, 47, 47A, 47D, 147, 23C)
If you have heavy luggage, it would be convenient for you to hire an auto or a taxi. The Chennai Central Railway Station has a system of pre-paid autos and taxis. Mention at the counter that you need to go to IIT Campus. Inside the campus, you may have to travel about 3 kms. Mention this if required. Else, you can travel by call taxi. There is a token booth for call taxis outside the station. Alternatively, you may also choose to hire an auto or taxi by yourself. The fare, depending on your bargaining skills, can be between Rs. 150 - Rs. 200 for auto and Rs. 200 - Rs. 300 for taxi.
There are two train lines from Chennai central. If you do not have heavy luggage, the MRTS Station called "Park" on the Beach-Velachery line, opposite to Chennai-Central station, is a good option. From there, you can take a train to Kasturba Nagar (Adyar) and walk to campus. Be ready to climb several stairs.
Another EMU (local) train station (also called "Park" station) is on the Beach-Tambaram line. From there, you can take a train to Guindy and reach the campus from Guindy station by bus or auto. We advise you not to use this mode if you are traveling with heavy luggage.
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You can take 23C to IIT or a 23E, 23A, 23G to Adyar signal from where there are a number of buses to IIT. Current auto and taxi fares from Egmore are around Rs. 150/- and Rs. 200/- respectively. You can also make use of Call-Taxi service mentioned below. Alternatively, a local train to Guindy station on the Beach-Tambaram line can be taken.
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If you arrive at the Chennai Airport, you can make your way to the Institute in a Pre-paid Taxi. Mention at the pre-paid counter that you need to go to IIT campus.
There are three or four counters:
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Chennai interstate/intercity bus terminus is called Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus, commonly known as CMBT. From CMBT, you can come to institute by taking city bus 23M or by Call-Taxi. Check out the maps below for directions from the above mentioned places to IITM.
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After reaching IITM, click here for directions within the IITM campus.