Onam travel rush: Interstate private bus fares soar above flight prices

Chennai: As Onam approaches, travellers from Chennai to Kerala are finding that private bus fares now exceed the cost of flights. On September 13, a peak travel day for Onam, private buses from Chennai to Ernakulam are charging up to Rs 4,999. A flight to Kochi on the same day costs around Rs 4,200 only, and an Air India Express flight to Kochi the next day is priced at under Rs 4,000.

Travellers heading from Chennai to Thiruvananthapuram are facing even higher costs, with private bus tickets exceeding Rs 5,000. Meanwhile, flights with IndiGo are available for Rs 4,180 to Rs 4,700. For those travelling to Kannur, the only available flight from Chennai is priced at Rs 4,966, while the bus fare is only slightly lower at Rs 4,850. However, the bus journey takes about 16.5 hours compared to just 1.5 hours by plane.

The inexpensive Air India Express flight from Chennai to Ernakulam, even though not a direct service, reaches its destination in 6.5 hours, while buses require double the time.

The disparity in fares is partly due to high demand for travel during Onam, leading to inflated bus prices. With train tickets selling out quickly, many private buses are charging two to three times the usual fare.