Getting to Thiruvallur: Bus Numbers, Suburban Trains, and Road Routes
Conveniently situated just 45 kilometers west of Chennai, the historical town of Thiruvallur is a highly accessible destination for pilgrims visiting the sacred Sri Veeraraghava Perumal Temple, leisure travelers, and corporate visitors. Since the town is situated on a major suburban rail corridor and well-connected by State and National highways, traveling here from Chennai's primary transit hubs is straightforward.
In this travel guide, we break down all transport options, including direct bus numbers, suburban train station checkpoints, and driving directions.
1. Chennai Suburban Railway (The Fastest Option)
For most travelers, the Suburban Train network is the fastest, cheapest, and most reliable way to travel from central Chennai to Thiruvallur. The railway line bypasses highway traffic entirely and drops passengers directly at Thiruvallur Station.
- Departure Station: Chennai Central Suburban Station (also known as Moore Market Complex or MMC), situated adjacent to the Chennai Central Main Station (MAS).
- Frequency: Trains run approximately every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the day, starting early morning until midnight.
- Suburban Route: Central (MMC) → Basin Bridge → Vyasarpadi → Perambur → Villivakkam → Korattur → Ambattur → Avadi → Tiruninravur → Putlur → Thiruvallur.
- Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by local passenger trains; "Fast Locals" cover the distance in under 55 minutes.
Pro Tip: The train station in Thiruvallur is located about 3 kilometers from the Sri Veeraraghava Perumal Temple. You can easily hire an auto-rickshaw or take a local town bus from the station to reach the temple area or your hotel.
2. Bus Travel: Koyambedu to Thiruvallur
If you prefer bus travel, the **Koyambedu Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT)** offers direct and frequent bus connectivity to Thiruvallur.
Direct Bus Numbers
- Bus 597: The primary and most frequent government bus running from Koyambedu directly to Thiruvallur Bus Stand.
- Bus 597C & 597G: Express/deluxe versions of the 597 route, making fewer stops and offering a quicker commute.
- Bus 201: Connects Koyambedu with Thiruvallur, passing through Poonamallee bypass.
Alternative Bus Routes from other Chennai areas
- From Broadway / Chennai Central: Bus 596 runs directly from Broadway Bus Terminus to Thiruvallur.
- From T. Nagar: Bus 597B connects T. Nagar Bus stand directly with Thiruvallur.
- From Poonamallee: Poonamallee is a major transit junction midway. Buses 597, 596, and 497 pass through Poonamallee toward Thiruvallur at extremely high frequency (every 5-10 minutes). If you cannot find a direct bus from your location, take any bus to Poonamallee and transfer there.
3. Driving Directions & Road Routes
For self-driving families or those hiring a private cab, there are two primary road routes from Chennai:
-
Poonamallee High Road (NH 716 / Tirupathi Highway):
This is the most direct route. Head west on Poonamallee High Road, pass through Koyambedu, Maduravoyal, and Poonamallee bypass. Take the NH 716 highway passing through Tirumazhisai. The highway is wide and well-lit, leading straight into Thiruvallur town.
Travel Time: 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. - Outer Ring Road (ORR) Route: If you are starting from South Chennai (Tambaram, Vandalur, Chromepet) or the East Coast Road, take the Chennai Outer Ring Road (ORR) northbound. Exit at Nemilichery (near Tiruninravur) and join the NH 716 Tirupathi Highway heading west toward Thiruvallur. This bypasses city traffic completely.
4. Arriving from Chennai Transit Hubs
From Chennai International Airport (MAA)
- Metro + Rail (Highly Recommended): Take the Chennai Metro from the Airport Station to Chennai Central Metro Station. Walk over to Moore Market Complex (MMC) Suburban Railway Station and board a local train to Thiruvallur. Total travel time is around 1.5 hours.
- Taxi: Book a prepaid taxi or App-based cab (Ola/Uber) from the airport terminal. Travel via the Outer Ring Road or Poonamallee bypass. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes during non-peak hours.
From Chennai Central (MAS) / Egmore (MS) Railway Stations
If you arrive by long-distance train at Chennai Central, simply walk to the adjacent Moore Market Complex (MMC) and take a suburban train. From Chennai Egmore, take the Metro or a local train to Central/Park, then board the suburban train to Thiruvallur.
Where to Stay: Veera Group of Hotels
Both properties are highly accessible from the road and train station:
- Veeras Inn (Sannathi Street): Located in the heart of town, just 50 meters from the temple. Ideal for direct pilgrim arrivals via local bus or auto. Phone: +91 73056 86655.
- Veera Residency (Selai Road): Features secure, spacious private parking inside the gates. Ideal for travelers driving in by car via the NH 716 highway. Phone: +91 93639 23623.