M88 Bus Route, Timings & Stops
M88 Bus Route Overview
If you need to travel across the western suburbs of Chennai, the MTC M88 bus route is one of the most efficient transit paths available. Running directly between Vadapalani BT and Kundrathur BT, this route cuts straight through major commercial and residential hubs like Virugambakkam, Valasaravakkam, Porur, and Moulivakkam. It is highly favored by daily commuters, working professionals, and students alike.
Major Stops Along the M88 Bus Route
- Virugambakkam
- Valasaravakkam
- Porur
- Moulivakkam
- Kovur
Full List of Bus Stops: Vadapalani to Kundrathur (Forward Route)
Here is the step-by-step breakdown of the forward journey for the M88 bus route:
- Vadapalani BT
- Avichi School
- Virugambakkam
- Alwar Thiru Nagar
- Kesavardhini
- Valasaravakkam
- Jai Garden
- Porur Lakshmi Nagar
- Karambakkam
- Porur
- EB Office (Porur)
- Vigneswara Nagar
- Madhanandhapuram
- Bai Kadai
- Moulivakkam L&T
- Gerugambakkam
- Periyapanicheri
- Kovur JCC Church
- Chekkady
- Kovur
- EB Office (Kovur)
- Madha College
- Moondram Kattalai
- Parimala Theatre
- Kundrathur Road Junction
- Thandalam Shri Nagathamman Kovil
- Theradi
- Kundrathur BT
- Sikkarayapuram Sigamani Nagar
- Sri Ramachandra Mahal
- Kundrathur Murugan Temple
Return Route Bus Stops: Kundrathur to Vadapalani (Reverse Route)
For your return journey, the M88 bus route follows the exact reverse sequence of stops:
- Kundrathur Murugan Temple
- Sri Ramachandra Mahal
- Sikkarayapuram Sigamani Nagar
- Kundrathur BT
- Theradi
- Thandalam Shri Nagathamman Kovil
- Kundrathur Road Junction
- Parimala Theatre
- Moondram Kattalai
- Madha College
- EB Office (Kovur)
- Kovur
- Chekkady
- Kovur JCC Church
- Periyapanicheri
- Gerugambakkam
- Moulivakkam L&T
- Bai Kadai
- Madhanandhapuram
- Vigneswara Nagar
- EB Office (Porur)
- Porur
- Karambakkam
- Porur Lakshmi Nagar
- Jai Garden
- Valasaravakkam
- Kesavardhini
- Alwar Thiru Nagar
- Virugambakkam
- Avichi School
- Vadapalani BT
Does the M88 Bus Route Connect to DLF IT Park?
No, the M88 bus route does not connect directly to DLF IT Park. If you are traveling to DLF IT Park, you should get down at the Porur Junction stop and board connecting buses such as route numbers 88, 49, 21EET, or 154 to reach your destination.
Smart Commuter Connectivity & Alternatives
The M88 bus route serves as an excellent transit backbone with several convenient connecting routes:
- If you alight at Porur, you can board the 154 bus route to easily reach Poonamallee.
- The ongoing Chennai Metro Rail project runs along a significant portion of this route; once functional, commuters will enjoy seamless multimodal connectivity.
- If you get down at the Kundrathur Junction, you can take the 66P bus route to reach the Kilambakkam Bus Terminus (KCBT).
- Alternatively, dropping off at Kundrathur Junction allows you to catch the 66 bus route to reach Poonamallee via Mangadu.
Summary of the M88 Bus Route Advantages
A unique highlight of the M88 bus route is that it connects two highly prominent spiritual landmarks: starting near the famous Vadapalani Murugan Temple and ending close to the historical Kundrathur Murugan Temple. Because this route passes through heavily populated commercial corridors, passengers are advised to plan their journeys considering standard city traffic.
Furthermore, this route offers excellent access to shopping and institutional hubs. For instance, to visit Porur Saravana Stores, commuters can simply hop off at Porur Junction and take a brief connection on buses 154 or 88 to the very next stop. The M88 bus route also heavily benefits college students, providing straightforward access to major institutions like Madha Medical College, Sri Ramachandra Medical College, and Venkateswara Homoeopathic Medical College via the Kundrathur and Porur junctions. IT professionals frequently use this line to connect easily to major employment hubs like DLF IT Park and L&T Info City.
Practical Travel Tips for the M88 Bus Route
- Avoid Peak Hour Rush: Traffic congestion can spike heavily around the Virugambakkam, Valasaravakkam, Porur, and Moulivakkam stretches. Peak hours typically last from 08:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM. Planning your commute outside these hours can save significant travel time.
- Securing a Seat: Since the M88 bus route is consistently high-demand and prone to crowding, boarding the bus at its respective originating points (Vadapalani BT or Kundrathur BT) is the best way to secure a seat.
- Carry Small Change: MTC bus conductors highly appreciate exact change for cash ticket purchases. Alternatively, you can simplify your journey by purchasing digital tickets and monitoring live vehicle availability via the official Chennai One mobile application.
Important Note: Bus timings, potential route diversions, and service frequencies on the M88 bus route are subject to change due to daily traffic conditions, ongoing road works, public festivals, operational requirements, or standard schedule revisions by the MTC. Passengers are highly encouraged to verify the latest timetables at their nearest bus depot or track live vehicle data via the Chennai One app before commencing their journey.
