About Chennai International Airport (MAA)

Chennai International Airport serves the city of Chennai (formerly Madras) in southern India and is one of the busiest in the country. Our Chennai International Airport guide provides detailed information relating to airport facilities, transport routes and accommodation options nearby.

Information:

Information desks are available in both terminals. Tourist information is also available.

Website:

Driving directions:

It is relatively easy to drive from central Chennai to Chennai International Airport, or the other way. Drive to Poonamallee high Road then turn onto Gandhi Irwin Bridge Road. When you reach the roundabout, continue straight onto Marshalls Road, turn left onto Ethiraj Salai, then right onto patullos road. Follow Chennai - Trichy Highway and Chennai - Nagapattinam Highway towards Tirusulam to reach the Airport Terminal Link in Meenambakkam. If poosible, follow the signs directing motorists to the airport.

Transfer between terminals:

Access between the two terminal buildings, which are quite far apart, is currently either by golf carts or a 20-minute walk along the walkway. The redevelopment of moving walkways between the terminals is yet to be completed.

Public Transport

Public transport road:

Bus: There is a bus stop outside the airport gate, which is a relatively long walk from the terminals. Bus 18A departs frequently for central Chennai. The journey takes around 45 minutes. Many buses rarely stop at the designated stops so it’s best to do some signals to get their attention and make them stop.

Taxi: Taxis are available outside the terminal building at the taxi lines. Pre-paid taxis are the most commonly used means of transport by international travellers heading for Chennai city (journey time: 40-50 minutes depending on traffic). Tickets can be booked from a counter in the arrivals area of the terminal buildings. Taxi companies that serve Chennai and the surrounding areas include Fast Track (+91 44 2888 9999) and Aviation Express Taxis (+91 44 2256 2193). ‘Auto rickshaws’ are also available; fares are INR 25 for the first 18km (11 miles), then INR 12 per additional km.

Public transport rail:

Rail: There is a Southern Railway suburban railway station just outside Chennai International Airport, called Tirusulam. Trains run from here to Chennai Park Station in Chennai every 20 to 40 minutes from early morning until late evening. The journey time is around 30 minutes and fares vary depending on the train and class chosen.

Terminal facilities

Money:

Foreign exchange counters are available in the departure and arrival areas of both terminals. ATMs are available in the both terminals.

Food:

There is a good selection of food in the lounges in both terminals. There are also snack bars and vending machines for nibbles and drinks.

Shopping:

The choice of shops at Chennai International Airport is relatively good and includes duty-free outlets, gift shops offering locally-made and luxury goods, bookstores and newsagents.

Luggage:

Luggage trolleys are available free of charge. Queries about lost luggage can be directed either to the airport information desks or to the relevant airline. Luggage wrapping is available in the check-in area of international departures.

Other:

A medical facility is on hand to assist with minor and major emergencies. Free mineral water is available for travellers through designated water coolers in both terminals. Chennai International Airport has dormitory accommodation and rest rooms for transit passengers. Child care rooms are throughout both terminals along with changing and feeding areas. A pharmacy is located in the domestic terminal and multi-faith prayer rooms are available in both terminals.

Airport facilities

Conference and business:

An executive lounge is available, and the airport's communication centre provides internet access and video phones for conference calls.

Meeting and conference facilities are provided by some local hotels, notably the Trident Hotel (tel: +91 44 2234 4747; www.tridenthotels.com) and the Radisson Blu (tel: +91 44 2231 0101; www.radissonblu.com).

Communication Facilities:

Telephones are available at Chennai International Airport's communication centre. Free Wi-Fi access is also available in the terminals.

Disabled facilities:

Chennai International Airport offers special assistance, reserved parking spaces, adapted rest areas, wheelchair rental and toilets for physically disabled travellers. Passengers requiring assistance should notify their airline and the airport before travelling.

Car parking:

There are car parking spaces directly outside the terminal buildings. There are options for short-stay and long-stay parking.

Car rental:

Car hire counters for several local companies can be found in the arrival areas of the airport. It is normal in India to hire a vehicle with a driver. Local car hire companies include Chennai Airport Car Rental (+91 98404 00777), Mary Matha Cabs Car Rentals (+91 98844 69469) and Aviation Express Airport Car Rental (+91 44 2435 4073). International companies include Avis (+91 44 4221 2800) and Hertz (+91 95 1234 1234).