Koyambedu Bus Stop — officially the Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G.R. Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) — is one of the largest, busiest, and most architecturally ambitious bus terminals in all of Asia. Spread across 36 acres in the Koyambedu neighbourhood of Chennai, the CMBT serves as the nerve centre of Tamil Nadu’s road transport network — a multi-operator terminus where TNSTC, SETC, MTC, private omni buses, KSRTC, and interstate operators converge to connect Chennai with every corner of the state and with neighbouring Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
Following the opening of the Kilambakkam Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus in December 2023, southbound services from CMBT were shifted to Kilambakkam, and northbound services shifted to Madhavaram. CMBT at Koyambedu now primarily handles westbound routes — continuing to serve an enormous passenger volume daily on routes to Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Salem, Erode, Tirupur, and the western corridors of Tamil Nadu.
Location and Address
Koyambedu Bus Stop (CMBT) is located in the Koyambedu area of western Chennai — approximately 12 kilometres from Chennai Central Railway Station and directly adjacent to the Koyambedu Wholesale Market Complex.
Address: Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT), Koyambedu Market East Road, Koyambedu, Chennai — 600107, Tamil Nadu
Coordinates: 13.0675°N, 80.2057°E
The terminus is approximately 1 kilometre from Koyambedu Metro Station on the Chennai Metro Green Line, 3 kilometres from Vadapalani, 5 kilometres from Anna Nagar, and 10 kilometres from Chennai Airport.
How to Reach Koyambedu Bus Stop
| Mode of Transport | Details | Approx. Time |
| Chennai Metro — Green Line | CMBT Metro Station — 1 km walk or feeder auto | 15 — 25 minutes from Central |
| MTC City Bus | Routes 15, 15B, 15E, 15G, 500, 500C and many others | Frequent from all zones |
| Suburban Train | Kodambakkam Station — 3 km | 10 — 15 min by auto |
| Auto-Rickshaw | Available throughout the day at terminal | Readily available |
| App-Based Cab | Ola, Uber active at CMBT | 20 — 40 minutes from various zones |
| Private Vehicle | Direct access via Arcot Road / Poonamallee High Road | Well-connected arterial roads |
CMBT Koyambedu Bus Stop Timings
| Service | First Departure | Last Departure | Notes |
| MTC City Buses | 4:50 AM | 10:00 PM | Every 15 — 20 minutes |
| TNSTC — Westbound Routes | 4:30 AM | 11:00 PM | Coimbatore, Salem, Erode, Tirupur |
| SETC — Long Distance | 5:00 AM | 11:30 PM | AC Express and Sleeper |
| Private Omni Buses | 6:00 AM | 11:59 PM | Multiple operators |
| KSRTC — Karnataka Routes | 5:30 AM | 11:00 PM | Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru |
| CMBT — Contract Carriage (CCCBT) | 5:00 AM | 11:30 PM | 350+ buses on peak days |
| MTC Route — Anna Square (Koyambedu) | 4:50 AM | 9:30 PM | Every 15 — 20 minutes |
| Chennai Metro — Green Line | 5:00 AM | 11:00 PM | CMBT Metro Station |
Note: As of December 2023, southbound TNSTC and SETC services operate from Kilambakkam Bus Terminus. Northbound services operate from Madhavaram MMBT. CMBT Koyambedu handles westbound and select other services. Verify current route allocation before travel on the CMDA or TNSTC website.
Facilities at Koyambedu Bus Stop
| Facility | Status | Details |
| Bus Bays | ✅ Available | 160+ platforms across the 36-acre campus |
| Passenger Waiting Hall | ✅ Available | 14 spacious waiting halls — 120 total seating |
| TNSTC Ticket Counters | ✅ Available | Multiple government booking windows |
| Private Operator Kiosks | ✅ Available | 51 travel agency offices within CCCBT |
| Food Courts and Restaurants | ✅ Available | Multiple restaurants and snack counters |
| Dormitory | ✅ Available | Overnight accommodation for passengers |
| ATM | ✅ Available | Multiple bank ATMs inside terminal |
| Washrooms | ✅ Available | Well-maintained separate facilities |
| Wheelchair Access | ✅ Available | Ramps and accessibility features |
| Cloak Room | ✅ Available | Luggage storage facility |
| CCTV Surveillance | ✅ Active | Security cameras throughout premises |
| Parking | ✅ Available | Vehicle parking for private cars |
| Metro Access | ✅ Available | CMBT Green Line Metro — 1 km |
| Shops | ✅ Available | 22 commercial shops inside terminal |
Major Bus Routes From Koyambedu CMBT
| Destination | Operator | Frequency | Approx. Fare |
| Bengaluru — Various types | TNSTC / KSRTC / Private | Very frequent | ₹350 — ₹1,200 |
| Coimbatore | TNSTC / SETC / Private | Every 30 min | ₹250 — ₹600 |
| Salem | TNSTC / Private | Every 15 — 30 min | ₹200 — ₹450 |
| Erode | TNSTC / Private | Frequent | ₹200 — ₹400 |
| Tirupur | TNSTC / Private | Frequent | ₹230 — ₹450 |
| Tiruvannamalai | TNSTC | Regular | ₹150 — ₹300 |
| Vellore | TNSTC / Private | Regular | ₹120 — ₹250 |
| Mysuru | KSRTC | Daily | ₹350 — ₹700 |
| Mangaluru | KSRTC / Private | Daily | ₹600 — ₹1,200 |
| Anna Square — MTC | MTC City Bus | Every 15 — 20 min | ₹10 — ₹25 |
Nearby Area
Koyambedu Wholesale Market Complex — One of Asia’s largest wholesale produce markets sits directly adjacent to CMBT — a sprawling market complex handling thousands of tonnes of vegetables, fruits, and flowers daily. The market’s presence fills the entire Koyambedu area with a perpetual, productive energy — lorries, vendors, buyers, and consumers creating an intensely alive commercial ecosystem that operates around the clock.
CMBT Chennai Metro Station — Green Line — Approximately 1 kilometre from the terminal, the CMBT Metro Station provides rapid transit connectivity along the Green Line — connecting Koyambedu to Central Station, Guindy, St. Thomas Mount, and Airport in the south, and to Washermanpet in the north.
Vadapalani — One of Chennai’s most important commercial and religious zones, Vadapalani is approximately 3 kilometres from Koyambedu — home to the famous Vadapalani Murugan Temple, a major shopping hub, and significant film industry office presence.
Anna Nagar — One of Chennai’s most planned and most prosperous residential zones, Anna Nagar is approximately 5 kilometres from CMBT — accessible directly by MTC bus from the terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is CMBT Koyambedu still the main bus terminus in Chennai?
A: After the opening of Kilambakkam (KCBT) in December 2023, southbound services shifted there and northbound to Madhavaram. CMBT now primarily handles westbound routes to Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Salem, and western Tamil Nadu.
Q2. Which Metro station is nearest to CMBT Koyambedu?
A: CMBT Metro Station on the Chennai Metro Green Line is approximately 1 kilometre away — a 12-minute walk or 3-minute auto ride.
Q3. Where do buses to Bengaluru depart from?
A: Buses to Bengaluru continue to depart from CMBT Koyambedu — one of the most frequent and most commercially significant routes still operated from this terminal.
Q4. Is a dormitory available at CMBT for overnight stays?
A: Yes. CMBT has a dormitory facility for passengers requiring overnight accommodation — particularly useful for travellers arriving late or departing early.
Q5. How many buses operate from CMBT daily?
A: Approximately 2,000 buses operate daily from CMBT, rising to 2,500 or more on peak days and festival seasons.
Q6. What is the best way to reach CMBT from Chennai Central?
A: Take the Chennai Metro Green Line from Chennai Central (Washermanpet direction at Park Town) to the CMBT Metro Station
