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Chennai International Airport Guide (MAA)

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

Chennai International Airport is located in Tirisulam, 8km (5 miles) southwest of Chennai.

Number of terminals: 2 Dialling code: +91
Telephone:
(044) 2234 1971 (domestic terminal) or 2234 0551 (international terminal)
Timezone: GMT +5:30

Here you'll find essential information on Chennai International Airport, India, including contact details, airport transfer facts, details of airport facilities, and how to get there.

Airport news: 

Considerable expansion is planned for Chennai International Airport, including the construction of a second runway and new terminal complex. There are also proposals for a Metro Rail connection to the city.

Information: 

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

Website: 
www.airportsindia.org.in
Transfer between terminals: 

The two terminal buildings are directly linked and accessible on foot.

Driving directions: 

It is relatively easy to drive from central Chennai to Chennai International Airport, or the other way. Take the GST Road (Mt Road/Anna Salai) leading southwest from the city or northeast from the airport and then just follow the signs.

Public Transport

Public transport rail: 

Rail: There is a Southern Railway (tel: (044) 600 003; www.indianrail.gov.in) suburban railway station just outside Chennai International Airport, called Tirisulam. Trains run from here to Fort George Station and Egmore Station every 20-40 minutes from early morning until late evening. The journey time is around 30 minutes.

Public transport road: 

Bus: There is a bus stop outside the airport gate. Bus 18A departs frequently for central Chennai. The journey takes around 45 minutes.

Taxi: Taxis are available outside the terminals. Pre-paid taxis are the most commonly used means of transport by international travellers heading for Chennai city. The fare is around Rs750. Tickets can be booked from a counter in the arrivals area of the terminal buildings. ‘Auto rickshaws’ are also available.

Terminal facilities

Money: 

Foreign exchange counters are available in both the departure and arrival areas. ATMs are available in the domestic terminal.

Communication: 

Internet access and video phones for conference calls are available at Chennai International Airport's communication centre. Paid-for Wi-Fi access is also available in the terminals. A post office is located on site.

Food: 

There are restaurants in both terminals as well as in the building linking the two buildings. There are also snack bars and vending machines for snacks, drinks and newspapers.

Shopping: 

There is a selection of shops at Chennai International Airport, including duty-free shops, gift shops, a book store and newsagents. A pharmacy is located in the domestic terminal.

Luggage: 

Luggage trolleys are available free of charge. Queries about lost luggage can be directed to the airport information desks or to the airlines.

Other: 

A medical facility is available. Free mineral water is available for travellers through designated water coolers in both terminals. Chennai International Airport also has dormitory accommodation and rest rooms for transit passengers.

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 available at some local hotels, notably the Trident Hotel (tel: (044) 2234 4747; www.tridenthotels.com) and the Radisson Blu (tel: (044) 2231 0101; www.radissonblu.com).

Disabled facilities: 

Chennai International Airport offers special assistance, reserved parking spaces and adapted rest spaces and toilets for physically disabled travellers. The airport also has an ambulift facility to aid with boarding and disembarkation.

Car parking: 

There are 500 car parking spaces at Chennai International Airport, outside the terminal building.

Car rental: 

Car hire counters are located in the arrivals area. Several local companies, including Aviation Express, are represented at the airport.

Airport hotels

There are no hotels at Chennai International Airport, but several can be found within a 3km (2 miles) radius of the terminal. Most offer free shuttle transfers to and from the airport.

Hotel Mars

A reasonably priced hotel offering dining facilities, room service and a conference suite, along with free airport transfers. All rooms have air conditioning.

Telephone: (044) 2264 1286.
Website:
www.hotelmars.net
Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai

This is a luxury option near Chennai International Airport. The Radisson Blu has 101 rooms, of varying levels of comfort, two restaurants and an English-style bar, along with extensive meeting and events facilities.

Telephone: (044) 2231 0101.
Website:
www.radissonblu.com
Trident Hotel

The 167-room Trident Hotel is an upmarket hotel close to Chennai International Airport, offering extensive business and meeting facilities, a spa and fitness centre.

Telephone: (044) 2234 4747.
Website:
www.tridenthotels.com/chennai

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