Triplicane Parthasarathy Temple How To Reach Directions
Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Temple sits in the heart of Triplicane (Thiruvallikeni), central Chennai, roughly one kilometre inland from Marina Beach and the Bay of Bengal. The quickest way to reach it depends on where you start: from within the city, the Thiruvallikeni MRTS suburban station (about a 10-minute walk) and the many MTC buses along Triplicane High Road put you almost at the temple gate; from the airport or an out-of-town train, a taxi or the Chennai Metro Blue Line to Government Estate followed by a short auto ride is the simplest route. This guide walks through every option — air, rail, metro, bus, auto and on foot — with approximate distances so you can plan the last mile with confidence.
Where exactly is the temple?
The temple stands on the Triplicane High Road / Car Street cluster in the Thiruvallikeni neighbourhood of central Chennai. It is one of the city’s oldest shrines and a very well-known landmark, so most auto drivers, bus conductors and map apps recognise it instantly. On Google Maps, search for “Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Temple, Triplicane” to get accurate turn-by-turn directions. The area is dense and historic, with narrow lanes around the temple tank, so the last few hundred metres are usually covered on foot regardless of how you arrive.
Distances at a glance
| Starting point | Approx. distance | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai International Airport (MAA) | ~20 km | 45–60 min by taxi |
| Chennai Central railway station | ~4–4.5 km | 15–20 min by road |
| Chennai Egmore railway station | ~3 km | 12–15 min by road |
| Thiruvallikeni MRTS station | ~0.5–0.8 km | ~10 min walk |
| Government Estate Metro (Blue Line) | ~1.9 km | 8–10 min by auto |
| Marina Beach | ~1 km | ~12–15 min walk |
Distances are approximate straight-line/road estimates and can vary with traffic and the exact drop-off lane; treat them as planning guides rather than exact figures.
From Chennai Airport (Meenambakkam)
Chennai International Airport is about 20 km from Triplicane. You have two practical choices. The most direct is a pre-paid taxi or app cab, which takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic on GST Road and Anna Salai. The budget-friendly alternative uses the Chennai Metro Blue Line, which serves the airport station directly: ride the Blue Line towards the city and get off at Government Estate (or LIC / Thousand Lights), then take a short auto-rickshaw to the temple. This avoids road congestion for most of the journey and is a good option during peak hours.
From Chennai Central and Egmore stations
If you arrive by long-distance train, both major terminals are close. Chennai Central is about 4–4.5 km away — roughly a 15–20 minute ride by auto or cab. Chennai Egmore is even nearer, around 3 km. From either station you can hail a metered auto, book an app cab, or catch an MTC bus heading towards Triplicane / Marina. For suburban (local) train travellers, the far more convenient option is the MRTS, described next.
By suburban train (MRTS) — the closest rail option
The nearest railway station of any kind is Thiruvallikeni MRTS, on the Chennai Beach–Velachery MRTS line. It lies only about 500–800 metres from the temple — a flat 10-minute walk through Triplicane. This is often the fastest and cheapest way to reach the temple from areas along the MRTS corridor such as Chepauk, Chintadripet, Mylapore (Thirumayilai) and Velachery. The same station is also the handiest rail access for Marina Beach, which is a similar short walk away in the opposite direction.
By Chennai Metro
The temple is not directly on the Metro, but the Blue Line passes close by. The nearest stations are Government Estate (about 1.9 km), LIC (about 1.7 km) and Thousand Lights (about 2.1 km). From any of these, complete the last mile by auto-rickshaw or a 20–30 minute walk. Because the Blue Line also connects the airport and several central hubs, metro-plus-auto is a reliable combination when road traffic is heavy.
By MTC city bus
Triplicane is very well served by MTC (Metropolitan Transport Corporation) buses, and the nearest stop on Triplicane High Road is barely a minute’s walk from the temple. Numerous routes pass through, including services such as 21, 21G, 22, 24C, 25, 27B, 29A, 2A and 12B, connecting Triplicane with T. Nagar, Broadway, Saidapet, Adyar, Central and other parts of the city. Ordinary city-bus fares are modest (typically single digits to a few tens of rupees). Route numbers and stops can change, so confirm the current service on a live transit app or with the conductor before boarding.
By auto-rickshaw or taxi
Autos and app cabs are the simplest door-to-door option and are widely available across Chennai. Because the temple is a famous landmark, you can simply name it as your destination. For autos, either insist on the meter or agree the fare before starting; app-based cabs and autos show the fare upfront, which many visitors find more predictable. During major festival days the immediate lanes around the temple can be closed to vehicles, so you may be dropped a short distance away and walk the rest.
Parking
Triplicane is an old, densely built neighbourhood, and dedicated parking at the temple is limited. On-street parking near the temple tank and along the surrounding roads fills up quickly, especially on weekends and festival days. If you are driving, arrive early, be prepared to park a little away and walk in, and follow the directions of local traffic wardens during busy periods. Given the congestion, many regular visitors prefer the MRTS, bus or auto over bringing a private car.
Walking from Marina Beach
If you are already at Marina Beach, the temple is an easy walk of roughly one kilometre (about 12–15 minutes) inland through Triplicane’s lanes. This makes it simple to combine a morning or evening beach visit with darshan. The same Thiruvallikeni MRTS station sits between the two, so beach-and-temple day trips pair naturally on foot.
See also
For the temple’s office and general visitor details — address, timings, contact channels and things to know before you go — see our companion guide: Triplicane Parthasarathy Temple: Office, Address & Visitor Information. For anything official (administration, special arrangements or notices), the temple is managed under the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department; refer to the HR&CE portal for authoritative information.
Frequently asked questions
What is the nearest railway station to Parthasarathy Temple?
The nearest station is Thiruvallikeni MRTS, about 500–800 metres away — roughly a 10-minute walk. For long-distance trains, Chennai Egmore (~3 km) and Chennai Central (~4–4.5 km) are the closest terminals.
Which is the nearest Chennai Metro station?
Government Estate on the Blue Line is the closest, about 1.9 km away, followed by LIC (~1.7 km) and Thousand Lights (~2.1 km). Complete the last stretch by auto-rickshaw or a short walk.
How far is the temple from Chennai airport?
Chennai International Airport is about 20 km away. A taxi takes roughly 45–60 minutes; alternatively, take the Metro Blue Line from the airport to Government Estate and an auto from there.
Which MTC buses go to Triplicane Parthasarathy Temple?
Several routes serve Triplicane High Road within a minute’s walk of the temple, including services such as 21, 21G, 22, 24C, 25, 27B, 29A, 2A and 12B. Confirm current route numbers on a live transit app, as services change.
Is parking available at the temple?
Parking is limited in this dense, historic locality. On-street spaces near the temple fill up fast on weekends and festival days, so arriving early or using the MRTS, bus or auto is often easier than driving.
Can I walk to the temple from Marina Beach?
Yes. The temple is about one kilometre inland from Marina Beach, an easy 12–15 minute walk through Triplicane, making it convenient to combine both in one visit.
Sources & last verified (July 2026)
- Trawell.in — Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Chennai (how to reach / distances): https://www.trawell.in/tamilnadu/chennai/sri-parthasarathy-temple
- Holidify — Parthasarathy Temple Chennai, timings and how to reach: https://www.holidify.com/places/chennai/parthasarathy-temple-sightseeing-121152.html
- Moovit — Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane (bus/metro/train access): https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-Parthasarathy_Temple_Triplicane-Chennai-site_39136988-4612
- Wikipedia — Thiruvallikeni railway station: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiruvallikeni_railway_station
- Tamil Nadu HR&CE Department (temple administration): https://tnhrce.gov.in/
Note: This site is an independent pilgrim-information guide. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Tamil Nadu HR&CE Department, the Arulmigu Parthasarathyswamy Temple, TTD or any temple or government body. Distances, fares, bus routes and timings can change; please confirm current details through official channels before travelling.
Last reviewed: July 7, 2026
