Chennai International Airport Guide (MAA)

Airport info
Code: MAA
Address:
Tirisulam, Meenambakkam, Chennai , Tamil Nadu 600027, India
Location:

Chennai International Airport is located in Meenambakkam, 21km (13 miles) southwest of central Chennai.

No. of terminals: 2 Dialling code: +91
Telephone:
+91 44 2256 0551
Map:
Chennai International Airport map

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.

Airport news

A new terminal is under construction and is expected to be complete by 2021. There is also a project underway to connect the metro subway to the passenger terminals, allowing for ease of transfer between arrival and departure areas.

Information

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

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.

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.

Public Transport

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.

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.

Terminal facilities

Money

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

Communication

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

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).

Hotels

There are no on-site hotels at Chennai International Airport, but several can be found within a short distance of the site. Most offer free shuttle transfers to and from the airport.


Trident Hotel

+91 44 2234 4747

Boasting a choice of two restaurants offering both local and international cuisine, the 167-room Trident Hotel is an upmarket hotel just 15 minutes’ drive from Chennai International Airport. This 5-star hotel also offers extensive business and meeting facilities, a spa, and a fitness centre with an outdoor pool.

1/24 GST Road, Meenambakkam, 600027, Chennai, India

Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai

+91 44 2231 0101

This classically styled option near Chennai International Airport has 101 rooms of varying levels of comfort, two restaurants and an English-style bar. Extensive meeting and event facilities are available for use by up to 350 guests and non-guests alike.

531 GST Road, St. Thomas Mount, 600016, Chennai, India

Hotel Mars

+91 44 2264 1523

A modest 2-star hotel with an airport shuttle, Hotel Mars isn’t exactly ‘out of this world’, but does boast a convenient location, air-conditioned rooms and an on-site restaurant. Conference facilities are also available.

768 Pammal Main Road, Pallavaram, 600043, Chennai, India
Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.