Flying to Trichy? Tips for a Hassle-Free Trip

The other day, I had to make a last-minute trip to Srirangam, Trichy, for a family event. With little time to plan, I booked a flight and landed at the newly built Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ). Compared to the earlier modest terminal, this one is modern, spacious, and well-designed. There are separate sections for domestic and international flights, making navigation easier.

IndiGo operates more than four daily flights between Chennai and Trichy using their ATR aircraft. The typical return fare hovers around ₹10,000, but depending on demand, it can easily double. For those unfamiliar with Tamil Nadu, Trichy is about 320 km from Chennai. By road, it takes 6 to 7 hours, including pit stops and the inevitable traffic near Chennai. Trains are a better alternative, taking about 5 to 6 hours, but securing a last-minute ticket is tough. A flight, on the other hand, gets you there in under an hour—a no-brainer when time is of the essence!

The new Tiruchirappalli International Airport is easily one of the best-looking non-metro city airports I’ve seen. Given that Trichy is home to the famous Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world, the airport’s interiors have been designed with temple-inspired art. Large, vibrant wall panels depict Hindu deities, saints, and mythological scenes.

One of the most striking features is the massive 50 to 60-foot mural in the main lobby, showcasing scenes from the Srirangam Temple’s mythology, including its grand chariot. Near the entrance, both inside and outside the terminal, are life-sized replicas of a temple gopuram (tower), reinforcing Trichy’s deep-rooted spiritual heritage.

After landing, I booked an Ola cab to Srirangam, which cost ₹394. The driver, however, insisted I pay an additional ₹80, claiming it was the airport toll. This seemed odd because the app already included an airport pickup fee. Sensing something was off, I enquired at the Ola counter outside the arrivals area, where a staff member handed me a voucher—giving it to the driver waived the parking fee, making the extra ₹80 unnecessary. Lesson learned: If you’re booking an Ola from Trichy airport, visit the counter first and collect the voucher to avoid being overcharged!

The return trip from Srirangam to the airport cost ₹422, but once again, the driver demanded an extra ₹50. Given my tight schedule, I just paid up. Ola rides in Trichy don’t seem as seamless as in bigger cities—haggling with drivers appears to be part of the experience! Even getting an auto-rickshaw within Srirangam requires some negotiation, so be prepared if you’re travelling there.

Since the new airport has only been operational for less than a year, food options inside are quite limited. At the domestic departure terminal, there’s just one small shop with a very basic selection of snacks and beverages. If you’re flying out, it’s best to eat before reaching the airport to avoid disappointment. Hopefully, more restaurants and cafes will open soon to cater to travellers.

Despite the quick trip, I was fortunate to get a good darshan of Lord Ranganathaswamy and Sri Ranganayaki Thayar. Since it was a working day, the temple was less crowded, allowing me to take in the divine presence without the usual long queues. No matter how many times I visit, the temple’s grandeur and spiritual energy always make it feel like a blessing.

Have you been to the new Trichy airport or faced similar cab ride experiences in smaller cities? Let me know in the comments!