Puducherry Puducherry, India Travel Guide
Puducherry Airport (PNY) is a small domestic airport with limited connections, mainly serving domestic routes within India via Alliance Air. Chennai International Airport (MAA), approximately 150 km north, is the nearest major international airport and the primary gateway for international visitors.
PNY offers basic facilities. MAA is a modern airport with comprehensive facilities: duty-free, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange, car rental, and prepaid taxi counters. Wi-Fi access is available. For transfers from MAA to Puducherry, taxis are the easiest, taking 3-4 hours.
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DiscoverCars.com for convenient car rentals.
AirHelp for flight delay/cancellation compensation.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) with your valid national driving license is required for foreign drivers. Ensure your your domestic driver's license is current.
National Highways connecting Puducherry, especially NH32 (East Coast Road/ECR) from Chennai, are generally in good condition. Internal roads in Puducherry vary.
Indian roads may be chaotic. Defensive driving is a good idea. Traffic drives on the left. Expect a mix of vehicles, two-wheelers, pedestrians, and livestock. Night driving is generally not recommended for unfamiliar drivers.
Puducherry does not have regular passenger ferry services or designated cruise ports for tourist arrivals from other cities or countries. Its port mainly handles cargo.
River transportation is not relevant for inter-city travel to Puducherry. The Chunnambar Boat House offers river and backwater boating for recreational purposes and the ability to reach Paradise Beach, but not as a mode of arrival or departure coming from the region.
No international passenger seaports in Puducherry for tourist entry.
Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for tourist entry here.
Puducherry does not operate regular passenger ferry services.
No specific exit fees or taxes are levied upon departure from India for international flights beyond what is already included in your airline ticket price.
MAA (Chennai) offers comprehensive facilities for departing travelers, including lounges, various eateries and stores, and currency exchange services. PNY (Puducherry Airport) has limited facilities. Puducherry Railway Station and Bus Stand provide basic waiting areas, ticketing counters, and small types of food stalls.
Passport, visa, boarding pass, and any necessary travel documents.
Checked luggage, carry-on, and personal items meet airline requirements.
Convert remaining local currency or use for last-minute purchases.
Planning your journey to and from Puducherry effectively Supports focusing on enjoying your trip.
