Chennai Central or Egmore to Model School Road: Getting There

What are your options from Central and Egmore?

Chennai has two main railway terminals for long-distance trains. Chennai Central, officially named Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central, is on Poonamallee High Road, and Chennai Egmore is on Gandhi-Irwin Road. Both are linked to the metro, and both have taxi and auto stands outside.

You can reach Hotel Royal Inn by metro, by auto or by cab. The best choice depends on your luggage, the time of day and who is travelling with you. This guide explains each, so you can decide before you step off the train.

The hotel is at 14, Gulam Abbas Ali Khan 9th Street, off Model School Road, Thousand Lights. By the hotel's own figures, Thousand Lights Metro is about 4 minutes on foot and AG-DMS Metro about 5 minutes.

How do you reach the hotel by metro from Central?

Central metro station is the interchange between the Blue and Green Lines, and subways and passageways connect it to the railway station, according to Wikipedia. Follow the signs for the metro and buy a ticket for Thousand Lights.

On the Blue Line, the stations between Central and Thousand Lights are Government Estate and LIC, so Thousand Lights is the third stop towards the airport. Check the direction board so you board the train heading towards the airport.

From Thousand Lights station, exit and walk about 4 minutes to the hotel, using a maps app for the last stretch. If your bags are heavy or it is raining, a short auto ride from the station may be easier.

• Board the Blue Line towards the airport
• Get off at Thousand Lights, the third stop
• Walk about 4 minutes, or take an auto for the last stretch

How do you reach the hotel from Egmore?

Egmore railway station is served by Egmore metro station on the Green Line. The Green Line runs between Central and St Thomas Mount, so from Egmore you ride towards Central, then change to the Blue Line for Thousand Lights.

Interchange means walking between platforms, with stairs, lifts or escalators depending on the station. If you have an elderly relative or a lot of luggage, take your time and look for lifts. Reports from Citizen Matters note that lifts and ramps exist in metro stations, though accessibility is uneven.

If the change feels too much, take an auto or cab from outside Egmore. The railway station has taxi and bus services, and a multi-storey car park.

Should you take an auto or a cab instead?

With two or more bags, a child or an older relative, a cab is usually the least stressful. Central has prepaid auto and taxi stands according to Wikipedia, and app-based cabs also operate in Chennai.

For autos, ask for the meter. Reports in July 2026 said autos still run on fares set in 2013 and that meter and fare changes are being discussed, so confirm the amount before you set off. A prepaid counter, where available, avoids bargaining.

Give the driver the hotel's full address and a landmark, such as Model School Road, and keep the hotel's phone number ready in case they need directions.

What about arriving early or late?

Many trains reach Chennai in the early morning, well before the hotel's check-in at 1 PM. Reception is open 24 hours, so you can arrive at any time, but a room may not be ready. Our post on arriving before check-in explains how to plan the first day.

Chennai Metro runs from about 5 AM to 11 PM according to the published overview, so for a very early or very late arrival a cab is the only option. Check the current timings on the official site.

Check-out at the hotel is at 11 AM, and for your return the same options work in reverse. Allow extra time for the metro or cab, and reach the station well before your train.

What should you carry for the journey?

Keep your bags light and in the order you will need them. Put your phone, ID, ticket and wallet in a pocket or a small cross-body bag, so your hands stay free for the luggage. Keep the hotel's number and address saved in your phone and on a piece of paper.

Water and a small snack help after a long train journey. Carry a thin layer, since metro stations and carriages are air conditioned. If you travel with children, agree a meeting point in the station in case you get separated.

At the station, watch your belongings and avoid handing luggage to strangers who offer help. Use official counters and the stands for autos and taxis. Once you arrive at the hotel, reception will help you with check-in. Please carry the booking confirmation or have it on WhatsApp.

If your train is delayed, send the hotel a message. A short note helps the team plan for your arrival.