Route 66P at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Route Number | 66P (MTC Chennai) |
| From | Tambaram (Tambaram Railway Junction area, South Chennai) |
| To | Pattabiram (North-West Chennai, near Avadi) |
| Route Corridor | Via T.B. Sanatorium, Chromepet, Pallavaram, Pammal, Anakaputhur, Andakuppam, Kundrathur Bus Stand, Kollaicheri, Sikkarayapuram, Mangadu, Kumananchavadi, Poonamallee, Parivakkam, Kolappanchery, Chittukadu, Annambedu, Thandarai |
| Distance | Approximately 34.8 kilometres |
| Total Stops | 19 named stops (one-way) |
| Journey Time (end to end) | Approximately 90 to 110 minutes |
| Daily Trips from Tambaram | Approximately 5 to 6 trips per day |
| Daily Trips from Pattabiram | Approximately 5 to 6 trips per day |
| First Bus from Tambaram | Approximately 5:00 AM |
| Last Bus from Tambaram | Approximately 8:00 PM |
| First Bus from Pattabiram | Approximately 5:00 AM |
| Last Bus from Pattabiram | Approximately 8:00 PM |
| Frequency | Approximately every 3.5 to 4 hours — a low-frequency route |
| Operating Days | All 7 days including Sundays and public holidays |
| Bus Type | Ordinary service |
| AC Bus Available? | No AC service on Route 66P |
| Starting Fare | Rs 6 (Ordinary minimum) |
| Why Route 66P matters | The only direct MTC bus linking the Tambaram railway hub in South Chennai to Pattabiram and the Avadi-area industrial belt in the North-West, crossing the entire GST Road-Kundrathur-Poonamallee belt without a transfer |
Route 66P vs Related Routes: Which Should You Take?
| Your Journey | Best Route | Reason |
| Tambaram to Poonamallee (direct) | 66 or 66P | Route 66 runs every ~7 minutes and terminates at Poonamallee. Route 66P continues beyond Poonamallee to Pattabiram — take 66P only if you need stops beyond Poonamallee |
| Tambaram to Kundrathur | 66 or 66P | Both routes stop at Kundrathur Bus Stand. Route 66 is far more frequent (~65 trips/day vs ~5 trips/day for 66P) |
| Tambaram to Mangadu (Kamakshi Amman Temple) | 66 or 66P | Both serve Mangadu. Route 66 is more frequent. Route 66P is useful if you are continuing to Poonamallee or beyond |
| Tambaram to Parivakkam / Chittukadu | 66P | Route 66 terminates at Poonamallee. For Parivakkam, Kolappanchery, and Chittukadu, Route 66P is the appropriate service |
| Tambaram to Annambedu / Thandarai | 66P | These stops are unique to Route 66P. No frequent alternative MTC service covers this stretch directly from Tambaram |
| Tambaram to Pattabiram | 66P | Route 66P is the direct connection. Alternative: take Route 66 to Poonamallee and transfer to a Pattabiram-bound service |
| Pallavaram to Poonamallee | 66 (more frequent) | Route 66 runs approximately every 7 minutes on this shared section vs Route 66P’s 3.5-hour interval |
| Pattabiram to CMBT / city | 53S or other Pattabiram routes | Route 53S runs Pattabiram to CMBT. Route 66P only connects back to Tambaram, not to the city centre |
All 19 Stops with Landmarks and Local Context
Route 66P is one of Chennai’s most geographically significant cross-city bus services. It stitches together the southern railway hub of Tambaram with the north-western industrial belt of Pattabiram in a single ride, crossing the GST Road corridor, the Kundrathur hills approach, the ancient temple town of Mangadu, and the Poonamallee highway — four very distinct urban-suburban zones — without any transfer. For the communities it serves, it is often the only direct public transport link.
| Zone 1: Tambaram to Pallavaram — GST Road Corridor (Stops 1 to 4) |
| Stop 1 Tambaram | |
| What it is | Origin terminus at one of South Chennai’s most important railway junctions and transport hubs |
| Key landmarks | Tambaram Railway Station (one of the busiest suburban junctions on the Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu line), Tambaram bus terminus, Tambaram market area, Vandalur Zoo access road nearby |
| Rail connection | Tambaram Railway Station: suburban trains to Chennai Beach, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Villupuram. Also serves as the junction for the Arakkonam line via Pallavaram and Chrompet |
| Why it matters | Tambaram is the southern anchor of Route 66P. Residents of the entire Kundrathur-Mangadu-Poonamallee belt who need direct access to the Tambaram railway junction depend on this route |
| Tip | At Tambaram, verify the bus board carefully. Route 66P, Route 66, and Route J66 all depart from the same zone toward Poonamallee but have very different destinations and frequencies |
| Stop 2 T.B. Sanatorium (Tambaram Sanatorium) | |
| What it is | Named after the historic Tambaram Sanatorium — now a major government hospital complex. One of the first stops after Tambaram |
| Key landmarks | Government Hospital Tambaram Sanatorium (a large multi-speciality government hospital), Tambaram Sanatorium Railway Station (suburban rail stop on the Chennai-Tambaram line) |
| Medical note | The Tambaram Sanatorium hospital complex is a major healthcare facility for South Chennai. Patients from the Kundrathur and Mangadu belt travelling for medical appointments use Route 66P to reach this hospital |
| Rail connection | Tambaram Sanatorium Railway Station: suburban trains to Chennai Beach and Tambaram |
| Stop 3 Chromepet (Chrompet) | |
| What it is | A major South Chennai suburban hub and industrial locality, named after the historic chrome tanning industry that once dominated this area |
| Key landmarks | Chromepet Railway Station, Chromepet market and commercial zone, St. Thomas Mount approach road nearby, Hasthinapuram residential area |
| Rail connection | Chromepet Railway Station: suburban trains on the Chennai Beach-Tambaram-Chengalpattu line |
| Industry note | Chromepet was historically Chennai’s centre of the leather and chrome tanning industry. Today it is a dense mixed residential-commercial suburb with significant small-scale manufacturing |
| Stop 4 Pallavaram | |
| What it is | Major South Chennai suburb and important transit junction, close to Chennai Airport |
| Key landmarks | Pallavaram Railway Station, Pallavaram bus stand, St. Thomas Mount (a historic hilltop with the oldest church in India housing a relic of St Thomas the Apostle), Chennai International Airport (approximately 4 km) |
| Rail connection | Pallavaram Railway Station: suburban trains on the Chennai Beach-Tambaram line |
| Airport note | Pallavaram is one of the closest MTC bus-served localities to Chennai Airport. Auto-rickshaws connect Pallavaram to the airport terminals |
| Heritage note | St. Thomas Mount, visible from Pallavaram, is a major Catholic pilgrimage site and the spot where St Thomas the Apostle is believed to have been martyred in 72 AD |
| Zone 2: Pammal to Kundrathur — South-West Suburban Belt (Stops 5 to 8) |
| Stop 5 Pammal | |
| What it is | South Chennai residential suburb between Pallavaram and Anakaputhur |
| Key landmarks | Pammal town centre, Pammal-Anakaputhur municipal area, local commercial zone, Thiruneermalai hill and Vishnu temple access (approximately 3 km) |
| Note | Pammal and Anakaputhur form a contiguous residential belt that has grown significantly in recent decades, housing large communities of daily wage workers and small business owners who commute toward both Tambaram and Poonamallee |
| Stop 6 Anakaputhur | |
| What it is | Residential and commercial locality in the Pammal-Kundrathur corridor |
| Key landmarks | Anakaputhur town centre, local markets, Thiruneermalai Ranganathar Perumal Temple approach (a rare tri-level rock-cut Vishnu temple), Andakuppam junction nearby |
| Heritage note | Thiruneermalai, accessible from Anakaputhur, is home to an ancient Vishnu temple carved into a hillside rock face — one of the older rock-cut temples in the Chennai region |
| Stop 7 Andakuppam | |
| What it is | Small transitional settlement between Anakaputhur and Kundrathur |
| Key landmarks | Andakuppam village junction, approaching the Kundrathur hills area, local residential and agricultural land |
| Stop 8 Kundrathur Bus Stand | |
| What it is | Key junction town with a dedicated MTC bus stand. One of the most important stops on Route 66P |
| Key landmarks | Kundrathur Bus Stand (interchange hub for local and regional buses), Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple — Kundrathur Murugan Temple (a major hilltop Murugan shrine, approximately 2 km from the bus stand), Nageswara Swamy Temple |
| Temple note | The Kundrathur Murugan Temple sits atop a hill and is one of the Arupadai Veedu satellite shrines in the Chennai region. It attracts large numbers of devotees, especially on Skanda Sashti and Thai Poosam. Route 66P is a key transport link for pilgrims from Tambaram and Pallavaram coming to this temple |
| Connections | Kundrathur Bus Stand connects to local autos for the temple climb, and feeder buses to Porur and Iyyapanthangal |
| Zone 3: Kollaicheri to Poonamallee — Mangadu Temple Corridor (Stops 9 to 13) |
| Stop 9 Kollaicheri | |
| What it is | Village settlement between Kundrathur and Sikkarayapuram |
| Key landmarks | Kollaicheri village junction, transitional zone between Kundrathur suburban area and the Mangadu approach corridor |
| Note | Kollaicheri residents have very limited bus options. Route 66P and Route 66 are among the few MTC services that serve this stop, making them essential for daily commuters |
| Stop 10 Sikkarayapuram (Chikkarayapuram) | |
| What it is | Settlement on the Mangadu approach road |
| Key landmarks | Sikkarayapuram village junction, Sri Sai Sarvalayam Temple and Vishwaroopa Panchamugha Anjaneyaswamy Temple (in the surrounding Chikkarayapuram area) |
| Note | Sikkarayapuram is part of the Mangadu panchayat zone. The area has a cluster of small temples and is a primarily residential-agricultural settlement transitioning into suburban Chennai |
| Stop 11 Mangadu | |
| What it is | Ancient temple town and one of the most significant stops on Route 66P. The Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple makes this stop a major pilgrimage destination |
| Key landmarks | Arulmigu Kamakshi Amman Temple, Mangadu — a 2,000-year-old temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi performing penance (Tapas Kamakshi). Features a seven-tiered south-facing Rajagopuram and the Ardhameru Chakram installed by Adi Shankaracharya. Temple open: 6 AM to 1:30 PM and 3 PM to 8:45 PM (Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat); 5 AM to 9:30 PM continuously on Tue, Fri, Sun |
| Temple significance | Mangadu Kamakshi Amman is considered a Parihaara Sthalam (temple for relief from problems). The goddess is depicted with a parrot — uniquely rare among Kamakshi temples. Devotees also worship the Adi Shankara Chakra in the sanctum. Major festivals: Chithirai Thiruvizha (10 days), Navarathri, Masi Magam, Thirukarthigai Deepam |
| Pilgrimage note | Route 66P is one of the direct bus connections from Tambaram and Pallavaram to the Mangadu temple. On Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (most auspicious days), the bus is significantly more crowded with pilgrims |
| Stop 12 Kumananchavadi | |
| What it is | Key suburban junction town connecting the Mangadu belt to Poonamallee |
| Key landmarks | Kumananchavadi junction, Karaiyanchavadi approach road, local commercial area, autos connecting to Iyyapanthangal and Porur |
| Connectivity note | Kumananchavadi is a significant road junction on the Poonamallee highway approach. Multiple bus routes to KK Nagar, Porur, and Iyyapanthangal serve this junction, making it an interchange point for west Chennai residents |
| Stop 13 Poonamallee | |
| What it is | Major west Chennai bus terminus and highway town at the junction of NH-48 (Chennai-Bangalore) and the Poonamallee High Road. The midpoint and highest-boarding stop on Route 66P |
| Key landmarks | Poonamallee Bus Terminus (major interchange hub), Poonamallee Government Hospital, Poonamallee High Road, Poonamallee Railway Station (nearby, on the Chennai-Arakkonam suburban line), Thirumazhisai approach road |
| Rail connection | Poonamallee Railway Station on the Chennai Egmore-Arakkonam suburban line (via Nungambakkam, Park, Pattabiram). This makes Poonamallee a key rail-bus interchange point on Route 66P |
| Connections | Poonamallee Bus Terminus: CMBT via Route 70, Guindy, Porur (Route 54), Avadi, Tiruvallur, Sriperumbudur (Route 80), Ambattur, multiple city routes |
| Why it matters | Poonamallee is the functional midpoint of Route 66P. Passengers from Tambaram who only need to reach Poonamallee should consider taking the much more frequent Route 66 (every 7 minutes) instead of waiting for 66P |
| Zone 4: Parivakkam to Pattabiram — North-West Industrial Corridor (Stops 14 to 19) |
| Stop 14 Parivakkam | |
| What it is | Industrial and residential locality north-west of Poonamallee on the Sriperumbudur road |
| Key landmarks | Parivakkam Road junction, Thirumazhisai town approach (2 km), approaching the SIDCO and Sriperumbudur industrial belt |
| Industrial note | The Parivakkam-Thirumazhisai corridor is a growing industrial zone with manufacturing units and warehouses serving the broader Chennai-Sriperumbudur auto industry cluster. Several factory workers use Route 66P from Tambaram to reach this zone |
| Stop 15 Kolappanchery | |
| What it is | Village settlement between Parivakkam and Chittukadu on the Pattabiram approach road |
| Key landmarks | Kolappanchery village junction, local residential area, agricultural plots transitioning to industrial land use |
| Note | Kolappanchery and the surrounding area have seen rapid land use change as the Pattabiram-Avadi industrial belt expands. Route 66P is among the very few MTC services connecting this area to Tambaram |
| Stop 16 Chittukadu | |
| What it is | Settlement on the Pattabiram approach road |
| Key landmarks | Chittukadu village junction, local temples and residences, approaching the Thandarai-Pattabiram zone |
| Note | Chittukadu marks the beginning of the Pattabiram zone. The stop is important for workers in the Pattabiram military and SIDCO estates who live in surrounding villages |
| Stop 17 Annambedu | |
| What it is | Village settlement in the Pattabiram belt, notable for its proximity to defence and industrial establishments |
| Key landmarks | Annambedu village, Pattabiram Military Station approach area, local residential lanes |
| Defence note | Pattabiram Military Station (an Indian Army cantonment) is in the broader Pattabiram zone. The area has a significant population of defence personnel and their families who use Route 66P for connectivity to Tambaram and Poonamallee |
| Stop 18 Thandarai | |
| What it is | Village settlement immediately before Pattabiram on Route 66P |
| Key landmarks | Thandarai village junction, Thiruverkadu approach area, local agricultural and residential zone, approaching SIDCO Pattabiram |
| Connectivity note | Thandarai residents have very few direct bus options toward Tambaram. Route 66P provides the only direct MTC link from this village to Tambaram without changing at Poonamallee |
| Stop 19 Pattabiram (Final Stop) | |
| What it is | Northern terminus of Route 66P. A north-west Chennai industrial and defence town at the edge of the Greater Chennai Corporation limits |
| About Pattabiram | Pattabiram is home to the SIDCO Industrial Estate, Pattabiram Military Station, and multiple manufacturing units. It is also the railway station for the Chennai-Arakkonam suburban line, providing connectivity to Avadi (Heavy Vehicles Factory) and Thirunindravur |
| Rail connection | Pattabiram Railway Station on the Chennai Egmore-Arakkonam suburban line. Trains to Chennai Egmore (via Park, Nungambakkam, Poonamallee), Avadi, Thirunindravur, and Arakkonam |
| Industrial note | SIDCO (Small Industries Development Corporation) Pattabiram Estate houses hundreds of small and medium manufacturing units. Factory workers commuting from Tambaram, Pallavaram, and Chromepet use Route 66P for this purpose |
| Defence note | Pattabiram Military Station houses several Indian Army units. Military personnel and their families commuting to Tambaram for shopping, schools, and services use Route 66P |
| Connections | Autos to SIDCO estate, Avadi (6 km), HVF (Heavy Vehicles Factory, 8 km), Thirunindravur; Route 53S to CMBT; other Pattabiram-origin routes to city |
Bus Fare Chart for Route 66P
Route 66P operates as an ordinary service. The minimum starting fare is Rs 6. All fares include a cess of Rs 1.
| Stage | Ordinary (Rs) | Express (Rs) | Deluxe (Rs) | Night Service (Rs) |
| 1 | 6 | 8 | 12 | 10 |
| 2 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 12 |
| 3 | 8 | 11 | 16 | 14 |
| 4 | 9 | 13 | 18 | 16 |
| 5 | 10 | 14 | 20 | 18 |
| 6 | 11 | 16 | 22 | 20 |
| 7 | 12 | 17 | 24 | 22 |
| 8 | 13 | 19 | 26 | 24 |
| 9 | 14 | 20 | 28 | 26 |
| 10 | 15 | 22 | 30 | 28 |
| 11 to 12 (Full route) | 16 | 23 | 32 | 30 |
| Practical Fare Guide | Tambaram to Pallavaram (approx. 7 km): Rs 7 to Rs 9 Tambaram to Kundrathur B.S. (approx. 13 km): Rs 9 to Rs 12 Tambaram to Mangadu (approx. 20 km): Rs 11 to Rs 15 Tambaram to Poonamallee (approx. 25 km): Rs 12 to Rs 17 Tambaram to Pattabiram (34.8 km, full route): Rs 15 to Rs 22 Monthly pass: Rs 2,000 unlimited MTC pass (from March 2025) covers Route 66P |
Interchange and Connectivity Guide
| Stop | Connect To | Mode | Destination |
| Tambaram | Tambaram Railway Station | Walk / Auto | Chennai Beach, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram lines |
| Tambaram | Multiple MTC routes | Bus interchange | Velachery, Saidapet, Adyar, Kelambakkam, Broadway |
| T.B. Sanatorium | Tambaram Sanatorium Railway Stn | Walk | Suburban trains on Chennai-Tambaram line |
| Chromepet | Chromepet Railway Station | Walk | Chennai Beach-Tambaram suburban rail |
| Pallavaram | Pallavaram Railway Station | Walk / Auto | Chennai Beach-Tambaram suburban rail; Chennai Airport area |
| Kundrathur B.S. | Kundrathur Murugan Temple | Auto / Walk | Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple, 2 km from bus stand |
| Mangadu | Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple | Walk | Major pilgrimage temple; on-foot from Mangadu bus stop |
| Kumananchavadi | Karaiyanchavadi / Porur routes | Auto | Porur junction, Iyyapanthangal, KK Nagar connections |
| Poonamallee | Poonamallee Bus Terminus | Bus interchange | CMBT (Route 70), Guindy, Porur, Avadi, Tiruvallur |
| Poonamallee | Poonamallee Railway Station | Walk / Auto | Chennai-Arakkonam suburban rail (via Avadi, Pattabiram) |
| Parivakkam | Parivakkam Rd junction autos | Auto | Thirumazhisai, Sriperumbudur industrial zone |
| Thandarai | Thandarai village autos | Auto | Thiruverkadu area, Pattabiram approach |
| Pattabiram | Pattabiram Railway Station | Walk / Auto | Chennai-Arakkonam suburban rail; Avadi, Thirunindravur |
| Pattabiram | SIDCO Industrial Estate | Auto / Walk | Industrial units in Pattabiram-Avadi belt |
Who Uses Route 66P
Factory and Industrial Workers: Tambaram to Pattabiram SIDCO
The SIDCO Industrial Estate at Pattabiram employs thousands of workers in small and medium manufacturing units. Workers who live in Tambaram, Chromepet, Pallavaram, and Pammal use Route 66P to reach the Pattabiram industrial zone without a transfer at Poonamallee. The alternative would require taking Route 66 to Poonamallee, then a separate bus or auto to Pattabiram — a much slower option.
Pilgrims to Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple
The Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple is one of Chennai’s most prominent Amman temples, drawing thousands of devotees daily and lakhs during major festivals. Pilgrims from Tambaram, Chromepet, and Pallavaram use Route 66P as a direct bus to the temple, especially on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays when the temple is open continuously from 5 AM to 9:30 PM.
Pilgrims to Kundrathur Murugan Temple
The Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple at Kundrathur is a significant hilltop Murugan shrine. Devotees from the Tambaram belt board Route 66P at Tambaram and alight at Kundrathur Bus Stand, then take autos or walk to the temple. During Skanda Sashti and Thai Poosam, Route 66P carries considerably heavier pilgrim loads.
Defence Personnel and Families: Pattabiram Military Station
Pattabiram Military Station houses several army units. Military personnel and their families who need to travel to Tambaram for schools, hospitals, shopping, or onward rail connections use Route 66P. The infrequent schedule (every 3.5 to 4 hours) means they plan their travel carefully around the bus timings.
Residents of Thandarai, Chittukadu, and Kolappanchery
Villages along the Poonamallee to Pattabiram stretch — Parivakkam, Kolappanchery, Chittukadu, Annambedu, and Thandarai — have extremely limited public transport. Route 66P is often their only direct MTC bus to Tambaram, Poonamallee, or any of the suburban railway stations on this route.
Inter-city Passengers via Tambaram Rail
Passengers from Pattabiram, Poonamallee, and surrounding areas who need to catch trains from Tambaram (to Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Kancheepuram, or Chennai Beach) rely on Route 66P for the final leg of their journey, especially for early morning trains.
Route 66P Operating Timetable Overview
With approximately 5 to 6 trips per day in each direction, Route 66P is a very low-frequency route with a headway of approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Planning your journey around the bus timings is essential. Always verify current timings at mtcbus.tn.gov.in.
Direction 1: Tambaram to Pattabiram
First bus: approx. 5:00 AM | Last bus: approx. 7:30 PM | Approx. 5 trips/day
| Stop | Trip 1 (~5:00 AM) | Trip 2 (~8:30 AM) | Trip 3 (~12:30 PM) | Trip 4 (~4:30 PM) | Trip 5 (~7:30 PM) |
| Tambaram | 5:00 AM | 8:30 AM | 12:30 PM | 4:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
| T.B. Sanatorium | 5:07 AM | 8:37 AM | 12:37 PM | 4:37 PM | 7:37 PM |
| Chromepet | 5:12 AM | 8:42 AM | 12:42 PM | 4:42 PM | 7:42 PM |
| Pallavaram | 5:18 AM | 8:48 AM | 12:48 PM | 4:48 PM | 7:48 PM |
| Pammal | 5:24 AM | 8:54 AM | 12:54 PM | 4:54 PM | 7:54 PM |
| Anakaputhur | 5:29 AM | 8:59 AM | 12:59 PM | 4:59 PM | 7:59 PM |
| Andakuppam | 5:34 AM | 9:04 AM | 1:04 PM | 5:04 PM | 8:04 PM |
| Kundrathur B.S. | 5:40 AM | 9:10 AM | 1:10 PM | 5:10 PM | 8:10 PM |
| Kollaicheri | 5:46 AM | 9:16 AM | 1:16 PM | 5:16 PM | 8:16 PM |
| Sikkarayapuram | 5:51 AM | 9:21 AM | 1:21 PM | 5:21 PM | 8:21 PM |
| Mangadu | 5:57 AM | 9:27 AM | 1:27 PM | 5:27 PM | 8:27 PM |
| Kumananchavadi | 6:05 AM | 9:35 AM | 1:35 PM | 5:35 PM | 8:35 PM |
| Poonamallee | 6:14 AM | 9:44 AM | 1:44 PM | 5:44 PM | 8:44 PM |
| Parivakkam | 6:22 AM | 9:52 AM | 1:52 PM | 5:52 PM | 8:52 PM |
| Kolappanchery | 6:28 AM | 9:58 AM | 1:58 PM | 5:58 PM | 8:58 PM |
| Chittukadu | 6:34 AM | 10:04 AM | 2:04 PM | 6:04 PM | 9:04 PM |
| Annambedu | 6:40 AM | 10:10 AM | 2:10 PM | 6:10 PM | 9:10 PM |
| Thandarai | 6:47 AM | 10:17 AM | 2:17 PM | 6:17 PM | 9:17 PM |
| Pattabiram | 6:55 AM | 10:25 AM | 2:25 PM | 6:25 PM | 9:25 PM |
Direction 2: Pattabiram to Tambaram
First bus: approx. 5:00 AM | Last bus: approx. 7:30 PM | Approx. 5 trips/day
| Stop | Trip 1 (~5:00 AM) | Trip 2 (~8:30 AM) | Trip 3 (~12:30 PM) | Trip 4 (~4:30 PM) | Trip 5 (~7:30 PM) |
| Pattabiram | 5:00 AM | 8:30 AM | 12:30 PM | 4:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Thandarai | 5:08 AM | 8:38 AM | 12:38 PM | 4:38 PM | 7:38 PM |
| Annambedu | 5:15 AM | 8:45 AM | 12:45 PM | 4:45 PM | 7:45 PM |
| Chittukadu | 5:21 AM | 8:51 AM | 12:51 PM | 4:51 PM | 7:51 PM |
| Kolappanchery | 5:27 AM | 8:57 AM | 12:57 PM | 4:57 PM | 7:57 PM |
| Parivakkam | 5:33 AM | 9:03 AM | 1:03 PM | 5:03 PM | 8:03 PM |
| Poonamallee | 5:41 AM | 9:11 AM | 1:11 PM | 5:11 PM | 8:11 PM |
| Kumananchavadi | 5:50 AM | 9:20 AM | 1:20 PM | 5:20 PM | 8:20 PM |
| Mangadu | 5:58 AM | 9:28 AM | 1:28 PM | 5:28 PM | 8:28 PM |
| Sikkarayapuram | 6:04 AM | 9:34 AM | 1:34 PM | 5:34 PM | 8:34 PM |
| Kollaicheri | 6:09 AM | 9:39 AM | 1:39 PM | 5:39 PM | 8:39 PM |
| Kundrathur B.S. | 6:15 AM | 9:45 AM | 1:45 PM | 5:45 PM | 8:45 PM |
| Andakuppam | 6:21 AM | 9:51 AM | 1:51 PM | 5:51 PM | 8:51 PM |
| Anakaputhur | 6:26 AM | 9:56 AM | 1:56 PM | 5:56 PM | 8:56 PM |
| Pammal | 6:31 AM | 10:01 AM | 2:01 PM | 6:01 PM | 9:01 PM |
| Pallavaram | 6:37 AM | 10:07 AM | 2:07 PM | 6:07 PM | 9:07 PM |
| Chromepet | 6:43 AM | 10:13 AM | 2:13 PM | 6:13 PM | 9:13 PM |
| T.B. Sanatorium | 6:48 AM | 10:18 AM | 2:18 PM | 6:18 PM | 9:18 PM |
| Tambaram | 6:55 AM | 10:25 AM | 2:25 PM | 6:25 PM | 9:25 PM |
| Timetable Notes | 1. All times are estimated. Route 66P is not publicly scheduled at a fine-grained level. Verify exact departure times at mtcbus.tn.gov.in or the Tambaram or Pattabiram depot. 2. Route 66P has approximately 5 trips per day in each direction (~3.5 to 4 hour intervals). Missing a bus means a very long wait. Plan your journey carefully. 3. Peak hour delays: The Tambaram to Pallavaram section on GST Road can add 15 to 30 minutes to journey times during morning (7 AM to 10 AM) and evening (5 PM to 8 PM) peak hours. 4. The Kundrathur to Poonamallee section via Mangadu can be congested on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays due to temple traffic at Mangadu. 5. Always confirm at the Tambaram depot or by calling MTC customer care before travelling on this route. |
Traveller Tips for Route 66P
Know the Route Before Boarding
- Route 66P extends Route 66 by continuing beyond Poonamallee to Pattabiram. If your destination is only Poonamallee, Mangadu, Kundrathur, or Pallavaram, use the far more frequent Route 66 (every 7 minutes) rather than waiting for 66P.
- At Tambaram, Route 66P departs from the same general zone as Route 66 and J66. Check the destination board on the front of the bus carefully — 66P will show Pattabiram as the destination.
- Route 66P does not serve the city centre (Broadway, Central, T. Nagar, or CMBT). For those destinations from Pattabiram, use Route 53S (Pattabiram to CMBT) or board a train from Pattabiram Railway Station.
- At Poonamallee, you may transfer from Route 66 to another service toward Pattabiram if you miss Route 66P — check with MTC for applicable routes.
Frequency and Planning
- Route 66P runs approximately every 3.5 to 4 hours. This is one of the lowest-frequency MTC routes in Chennai. Always check the schedule before leaving home.
- Moovit app and mtcbus.tn.gov.in are the best sources for current Route 66P timings. The Tambaram depot can also provide confirmed departure times.
- If you are travelling for pilgrimage to Mangadu, check that a return trip on 66P aligns with your temple visit duration. Missing the last bus back means hiring an auto or taxi.
- For the Tambaram to Poonamallee section, if you miss 66P, take Route 66 (runs every 7 minutes) to Poonamallee and then arrange onward transport to Pattabiram.
Temple Days and Pilgrim Rush
- Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays are the most auspicious days for Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple. The bus is significantly more crowded on these days, particularly on the Tambaram to Mangadu section.
- During major festivals at Mangadu (Chithirai Thiruvizha, Navarathri) and Kundrathur Murugan Temple (Skanda Sashti, Thai Poosam), MTC may run additional trips. Verify with MTC before festival travel.
- On festival days at Mangadu, board the bus at Tambaram early. By the time the bus reaches Pallavaram and Pammal, standing room may already be limited.
Bus Tracking and Information
- MTC official website: mtcbus.tn.gov.in for current schedules and service status
- Moovit app for real-time Route 66P tracking in Chennai
- Tambaram bus depot: can provide confirmed departure times for Route 66P
- MTC complaint registration: mtcbus.tn.gov.in portal or any MTC depot
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Route 66 and Route 66P?
Route 66 runs between Tambaram and Poonamallee, covering 36 bus stops at a frequency of approximately every 7 minutes (65 trips per day) — one of the most frequent routes on this corridor. Route 66P extends the same corridor beyond Poonamallee through Parivakkam, Kolappanchery, Chittukadu, Annambedu, Thandarai, and all the way to Pattabiram. Route 66P runs only 5 to 6 times a day. The P in 66P stands for Pattabiram.
Can I use Route 66P to visit Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple?
Yes. Route 66P stops directly at Mangadu. The Kamakshi Amman Temple is within walking distance of the Mangadu bus stop. The temple is most auspicious on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (open 5 AM to 9:30 PM without break on those days). Plan your return trip carefully given the infrequent schedule of 66P — if you miss the bus back, Route 66 from Mangadu toward Tambaram is available more frequently.
How do I get from Pattabiram to CMBT (Koyambedu) by bus?
Route 66P does not go to CMBT. From Pattabiram, board Route 53S (Pattabiram to CMBT via Thiruverkadu and Kundrathur) or take a train from Pattabiram Railway Station to Chennai Egmore or Park Station, from where CMBT is accessible by metro. Verify current 53S timings at mtcbus.tn.gov.in.
Is Kundrathur Murugan Temple accessible by Route 66P?
Yes. Alight at Kundrathur Bus Stand (Stop 8 on Route 66P). The Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple is approximately 2 km from the bus stand — accessible by auto-rickshaw or a 25-minute walk uphill. The temple is on a hillock and requires a climb.
What is the last bus from Pattabiram to Tambaram?
The last trip from Pattabiram toward Tambaram on Route 66P is approximately at 7:30 PM. If you miss this, take a train from Pattabiram Railway Station toward Chennai Egmore or Tambaram (check Southern Railway suburban schedules), or hire an auto or taxi to Poonamallee where more options are available.
Is the monthly MTC pass valid on Route 66P?
Yes. The Rs 2,000 unlimited MTC monthly pass (from March 2025) covers Route 66P as it is an ordinary MTC service.
Does Route 66P stop at Chennai Airport?
No. Route 66P does not serve Chennai Airport directly. However, it stops at Pallavaram (Stop 4), which is approximately 4 km from the airport. From Pallavaram, auto-rickshaws are available to the terminal. For direct airport buses, look for MTC airport shuttle services or CMBT-Airport routes.
Useful Links and Resources
- MTC Official Website: mtcbus.tn.gov.in
- Route 66 (Tambaram to Poonamallee, every 7 minutes, 65 trips/day) — use for Poonamallee, Mangadu, Kundrathur, and Pallavaram if you do not need to continue to Pattabiram
- Route 53S (Pattabiram to CMBT via Thiruverkadu and Kundrathur) — for onward city connections from Pattabiram
- Pattabiram Railway Station — suburban trains on Chennai Egmore-Arakkonam line (via Poonamallee, Park, Nungambakkam)
- Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple timings: 6 AM to 1:30 PM and 3 PM to 8:45 PM (Mon/Wed/Thu/Sat); 5 AM to 9:30 PM continuously (Tue/Fri/Sun)
- Monthly pass: Rs 2,000 unlimited MTC pass covers Route 66P (from March 2025)
- MTC complaint registration: mtcbus.tn.gov.in portal or Tambaram / Pattabiram MTC depot
Last updated: April 2026. MTC may change route timings, stops, and fares without notice. Timetable figures are estimated based on official trip counts and first bus timings. Always verify current information at mtcbus.tn.gov.in before travel.
