The bus stop to ask for when going to Marina Beach is Anna Square, at the northern end of the beach near Chepauk. Our route hub for Anna Square lists 59 MTC route numbers that serve it, and the stop is the terminus for routes from places as far apart as Avadi, Thiruverkadu, K.K. Nagar and the Guindy industrial estate (route hub).
Marina runs for about 13 km from Fort St George to the northern part of Besant Nagar, according to Tamil Nadu Tourism, so the right stop depends on which part you want. This guide covers the main routes, the stops along Kamarajar Salai, and how to choose by starting area.
The beach-road stops
Along the beach road the route data uses these stops from north to south: Secretariat, Anna Square or Chepauk, Triplicane, Queen Mary’s College (QMC), V. House (Vivekanandar Illam), and then V.M. Street before buses turn inland towards Mylapore and Mandaveli. Anna Square is the stop for the northern end of the beach. QMC and V. House serve the middle stretch.
The gaps quoted here are averages from MTC route data published on our route pages; they may be dated and real waits vary by time of day, so check live timings on the official MTC site or the Chennai One app before you set out.
Routes by starting area
| Starting from | Route | Beach stop | Route length | Average gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadway; or Tambaram, Guindy, Adyar Gate, Mandaveli | 21G | Secretariat, Chepauk, QMC | 33.6 km | 7 min |
| K.K. Nagar, Ashok Nagar side, Pondy Bazaar, Luz | 12G | V.M. Street, V. House, Anna Square | 18.4 km | 6 min |
| Avadi, Ambattur, Anna Nagar, Nungambakkam | 27H | Triplicane, Anna Square | 29.9 km | 10 min |
| Thiruverkadu, Maduravoyal, Aminjikarai, Egmore | 127B | Triplicane, Anna Square | 23.4 km | 1.3 hrs |
| Guindy TVK Estate, Adyar Gate, Mandaveli | 45G | QMC, Chepauk, Anna Square | 16 km | 1.8 hrs |
| Thiru.Vi.Ka.Nagar, Perambur, Central | 138C | V. House | 18.5 km | 41 min |
Source: MTC route data via Spirit of Chennai route pages (linked). Gaps are averages and may be dated.
From the south
Route 21G is the backbone. It runs from Tambaram through the airport, Guindy, Kotturpuram and Mandaveli and then along the beach to Broadway, stopping at QMC, Chepauk and the Secretariat. The route data shows 60 trips a day in each direction, with the first bus at 5:45 am and the last at 9:25 pm. From the Guindy estate and Adyar Gate, 45G is a direct but infrequent option.
From the west
From K.K. Nagar, 12G averages a bus every six minutes and comes through Pondy Bazaar and Luz before reaching the beach at V.M. Street. From Avadi, Ambattur and Anna Nagar, 27H runs every ten minutes on average through Nungambakkam and Triplicane to Anna Square. From Thiruverkadu and Maduravoyal, use 127B.
From the north
Route 138C links Thiru.Vi.Ka.Nagar and Perambur station with the beach via Central, ending at V. House. From Broadway itself, any southbound 21G runs along the beach.
Route 21G runs 60 trips a day in each direction between Broadway and Tambaram, passing the full Marina stretch, according to the route data.
Before you go
- Ask for Anna Square for the northern end, or QMC and V. House for the middle stretch.
- Swimming is not advised at Marina because of strong undercurrents, Tamil Nadu Tourism says; walk the sand instead.
- Evening crowds peak on weekends and holidays, and return buses fill fast after sunset. Allow extra time.
- Check live timings and buy tickets on the Chennai One app or the official MTC site.
Quick answers
Which bus stop is nearest to Marina Beach?
Anna Square, near Chepauk, is the main terminus. QMC and V. House stops on Kamarajar Salai serve the middle of the beach.
Which bus goes from Tambaram to Marina Beach?
Route 21G runs from Tambaram through Guindy and Mandaveli to the beach road and Broadway, averaging a bus every seven minutes.
Is there a bus from Avadi to Marina?
Yes. Route 27H runs from Avadi to Anna Square via Ambattur, Anna Nagar and Nungambakkam, every ten minutes on average.
How many buses go to Anna Square?
Our Anna Square route hub lists 59 route numbers, including variants.
Information checked against official sources on 19 October 2026. Fees, dates and rules can change; confirm on the linked official pages before acting.
Sources
- Marina Beach, Tamil Nadu Tourism
- Buses to Anna Square, Spirit of Chennai route hub
- Route 21G: Broadway to Tambaram, MTC route data via Spirit of Chennai route page
- Route 27H: Avadi to Anna Square, MTC route data via Spirit of Chennai route page
- Route 12G: K.K. Nagar to Anna Square, MTC route data via Spirit of Chennai route page
- Route 127B: Thiruverkadu to Anna Square, MTC route data via Spirit of Chennai route page
- Route 45G: Guindy Tvk Estate to Anna Square, MTC route data via Spirit of Chennai route page
- Route 138C: Thiru.Vi.Ka.Nagar to Anna Square, MTC route data via Spirit of Chennai route page
- Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai) Ltd, official website
- TN launches Chennai One app for single QR ticket across public transport (PTI via The Week, 22 Sep 2025)
