Chennai has just added a brand-new way to see the city, and it’s charming, affordable, and delightfully old-school. The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has introduced Chennai’s first-ever vintage-styled Hop-On Hop-Off Heritage City Tour Bus, called the Chennai Ula Bus, and it’s already being called the smartest and most affordable way to explore the city.
Chennai Ula, The City’s First-Ever Hop-On Hop-Off Heritage City Tour Bus
At its heart, the Chennai Ula Bus is a city sightseeing experience on wheels. Inspired by hop-on hop-off buses you see in global tourist cities, this service lets you travel across Chennai’s most iconic locations on a single circular route. What makes it even more special is the vintage-style heritage bus design, which instantly gives the ride a nostalgic, festive feel.
The idea is simple and brilliant: you get on the bus at any stop, get off wherever you like, spend as much time as you want exploring, and hop back on the next bus and continue your journey. There’s no fixed schedule to follow. You simply explore Chennai at your own pace.
The Chennai Ula Bus connects 16 important landmarks that together paint a beautiful picture of the city. The route covers:
- Chennai Central Railway Station
- Park Station
- Egmore Station
- Egmore Museum
- Valluvar Kottam
- Anna Flyover
- Luz Corner
- Santhome
- Lighthouse
- Vivekananda House
- Kannagi Statue
- Marina Beach
- War Memorial
- Secretariat
- High Court
- Pallavan Illam
The actual starting point is Chennai Central Bus Stop, making it super convenient for tourists and locals alike. From museums and monuments to beaches and bustling city junctions, the route lets you experience many sides of Chennai in one day.
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The Easiest Way To Fall In Love With The City Again
The service is designed to fit easily into your day, whether you’re planning a relaxed weekend outing or an evening city ride. The bus service works from 4 pm – 10 pm on Weekdays (Monday to Friday) and from 10 am – 10 pm on weekends & public holidays.
A bus arrives roughly every 30 minutes, so you never have to wait too long to continue your journey. You can get a Full-day Hop-On Hop-Off Pass for ₹50 only, and it’s Valid for the entire day. If you’re not planning to explore all the stops, stage-wise tickets are also available, priced according to MTC’s Deluxe bus fares.
You can get your ticket at all major bus terminal counters, get it directly on the bus from the conductor, or book it digitally through the Chennai One App. So whether you prefer cash, cards, or apps, you’re covered.
With the Chennai Ula Bus, MTC has shown how public transport can be joyful, cultural, and inclusive.
Cover Image Courtesy: MTC Chennai/Instagram
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