A trip to Chennai should definitely include a visit to the beautiful coastline of Marina Beach, Dakshinachitra Government Museum, and the Arignar Anna Zoological Park. The main artery in Chennai city is the EVR Periyar Salai running from east to west, connecting essential parts of the city such as the Chennai Central Railway Station and the Chennai Mofussils Bus Terminus. While in Chennai, you are also likely to use the Anna Salai, which is considered the most important route in the city, connecting to major attractions such as Kamraj Memorial Hall, Guindy Railway Over Bridge, and the Thousand Lights Mosque. The city has hassle-free parking services with one of the lowest parking costs in the region. You can also use free parking provided by most Chennai hotels for their guests. There are about two car rental locations in Chennai, providing you with options to fit your budget and preferences.
Is it worthwhile to rent a car while visiting Chennai?
Despite the general abundance of parking spaces, the city still faces some localized shortages. However, with the smart parking scheme being enforced in Chennai, locating a parking spot in the city is a breeze. Despite having the highest vehicle density in India, Chennai has the most mobile traffic. However, the arterial roads leading to Chennai's Central Business District are congested, particularly during rush hours. Therefore, you should avoid the Chennai Central junction and Poonamalle High Road during the morning and early evening hours to escape the traffic. Chennai is one of India's least walkable cities making car rentals in Chennai the most convenient means to travel around the city. And with the city's public transportation system's rigid schedule, Chennai car rentals bridge the gap by fitting to your custom schedule and preferred route. Moreover, a cheap car rental in Chennai is an effective means of getting around the city quickly and easily.
What different driving laws should I keep in mind while driving in Chennai?
Before opting for rental cars in Chennai, you need to keep in mind a few regulations to cruise through the city safely. For example, drivers in Chennai always keep to the left side of the road. Furthermore, according to Chennai traffic laws, pedestrians should be respected and given the right of way on designated pedestrian crossings. The city also mandates that you carry your documents at all times, such as your driver's license and vehicle insurance papers. Moreover, drinking while driving is prohibited, and the permissible blood alcohol content is 0.03%. Still, you should consult with the Tamil Nadu Transport Authority for any amendment on driving regulations in Chennai.
What kind of driver’s license do you need to rent a car in Chennai?
Drivers above the age of 21 qualify for car rentals in Chennai. To access rental cars in Chennai, be it an electric car rental or a passenger van rental, you must have a valid driver's license held for at least one year. If you are a foreigner, you require an International Driver's Permit to accompany your driver's license. However, even with the increased use of car rentals in Chennai, foreigners still need to use Indian currency to make payments. Therefore, ensure that you have the local currency to cater for your rental car deposit.