Besant Nagar Beach, also fondly known as Elliot’s Beach, is one of Chennai’s most popular and serene coastal retreats. Situated in the southern part of the city, Besant Nagar Beach is famed for its cleaner sands, calmer atmosphere, and scenic surroundings featuring landmarks like the Karl Schmidt Memorial and the Annai Velankanni Church. For tourists and locals alike, knowing the closest railway or metro station to Besant Nagar Beach is essential for convenient travel and easy access to this beautiful spot.
Overview of Besant Nagar Beach Location
Besant Nagar Beach lies along the scenic Bay of Bengal coast in the Besant Nagar neighborhood of Chennai. The beach is approximately 14 kilometers south of Chennai city center. Despite its proximity to the bustling city, Besant Nagar offers a relaxed ambiance with fewer crowds compared to the iconic Marina Beach. This makes it perfect for picnics, morning jogs, meditation, and evening strolls.
Nearest Railway Station: Kasthuri Bai Nagar MRTS Station
The closest railway station to Besant Nagar Beach is the Kasthuri Bai Nagar MRTS Station, part of Chennai’s Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS). It is located about 1.8 to 2 kilometers away from the beach, roughly a 20-25 minute walk depending on your pace.
- MRTS Line: Kasthuri Bai Nagar station sits on the MRTS line that runs between Chennai Beach and Velachery. This makes it easily accessible from several parts of Chennai, including the city core and business districts.
- Accessibility: From Kasthuri Bai Nagar station, visitors can take a short auto-rickshaw ride or bus to reach Besant Nagar Beach comfortably.
- As the MRTS is an elevated railway system, it is less prone to traffic delays and provides a faster commute.
Though Kasthuri Bai Nagar is the closest rail access point, it is recommended to combine rail travel with local autos or buses for the last mile to Besant Nagar Beach.
Other Nearby Stations and Metro Access
Besides Kasthuri Bai Nagar MRTS Station, there are other nearby stations that can serve Besant Nagar Beach visitors:
- Thiruvanmiyur MRTS Station: Located about 2.5 kilometers north of Besant Nagar Beach, this station is a 10-15 minute auto ride away. Thiruvanmiyur is a prominent station on the same MRTS line with good connectivity to other parts of Chennai. It’s also near the IT corridor, making it a convenient stop for office-goers who want to visit the beach afterward.
- Greenways Road MRTS Station: Situated around 2.7 kilometers away, Greenways Road station is a bit farther but still an option depending on your route.
- Chennai Beach Station: While quite a distance away (around 6 km), it is a major railway hub connected to the MRTS line.
For metro rail access (the Chennai Metro Rail, separate from MRTS), the nearest station is the Wimco Nagar Metro Station or Thiruvanmiyur Metro Station, both several kilometers away and requiring additional transport to the beach.
Bus Stops Close to Besant Nagar Beach
For travelers who prefer or need bus access, Besant Nagar Beach is well served by several bus stops:
- The Annai Velankanni Church Bus Stop is just about 250 meters from the beach, a 4-minute walk.
- The Besant Nagar Bus Stop itself is within 3-5 minutes walking distance.
- Other nearby stops include Rajaji Bhavan and Greenways Road bus stops.
The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) runs multiple bus routes that pass near Besant Nagar Beach, including popular lines like 23C, 29C, 5E, and 6D. These buses connect the beach to many parts of the city including areas like Mylapore, Adyar, and central Chennai.
How to Reach Besant Nagar Beach from Major Train Stations
If arriving via Chennai’s main railway stations like Chennai Central or Chennai Egmore, here’s how to get to Besant Nagar Beach:
- From Chennai Central Railway Station (approximately 13 km away), travelers can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw which typically takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Public buses and combination of MRTS trains and buses are also available but may take longer.
- From Chennai Egmore Railway Station, it’s about 12 km by road and similarly served by taxis and buses.
- A common route is to take the MRTS railline from Chennai Central or nearby stations to Kasthuri Bai Nagar or Thiruvanmiyur, then continue by local bus or auto-rickshaw to the beach.
The Chennai International Airport is about 15 km from Besant Nagar Beach and taxi rides typically take about 20 minutes, making it fairly accessible for out-of-town tourists.
What to Expect Walking from the Nearest Railway Stations
Walking to Besant Nagar Beach from the nearest MRTS stations (Kasthuri Bai Nagar or Thiruvanmiyur) is a pleasant experience for those who enjoy a bit of urban walking through neighborhoods with several cafes, shops, and local points of interest. However, Chennai’s tropical weather can be hot and humid, so using an auto from the station might be preferable for comfort, especially during midday.
The routes are reasonably safe, with sidewalks and crossing points, but visitors unfamiliar with the city should remain cautious of local traffic patterns. For families or elderly visitors, taking a short local cab will be more convenient than walking long distances with beach gear.
Summary and Travel Tips
- The nearest railway station to Besant Nagar Beach is Kasthuri Bai Nagar Station on the MRTS line, around 2 km away.
- Thiruvanmiyur MRTS station is a close alternative with good connectivity.
- Metro rail stations are farther but accessible with a short ride.
- Multiple bus stops serve the beach within a few minutes’ walk.
- For last-mile connectivity, auto-rickshaws and taxis are plentiful and affordable.
- From major city railway stations and the airport, the fastest route is often by taxi or a combination of MRTS train + local transport.
- Visitors should plan transportation according to their comfort, time, and budget.
Conclusion
Besant Nagar Beach is very accessible from Chennai’s urban rail network, with Kasthuri Bai Nagar MRTS Station serving as the closest point for rail travelers. Its convenient location near bus stops and auto stands further enhances visitor access, making it a favorite coastal getaway for Chennai residents and tourists alike.
Whether traveling by train, metro, bus, or taxi, options abound to ensure a smooth journey to the tranquil sands and scenic beauty of Besant Nagar Beach. For those seeking the calming embrace of the sea along with cultural landmarks and a laid-back vibe, knowing the nearest railway station and transport routes is key to a pleasant, hassle-free visit.
