Chennai International Airport (MAA)

International arrivals follow a standard sequence of immigration checks, baggage retrieval, and customs inspection before exiting into the public arrivals area.

• Follow the overhead signage towards International Arrivals after disembarking from the aircraft.
• Proceed to the immigration counters; e-Visa holders must present their printed e-Visa confirmation along with a passport valid for at least six months.
• Collect checked luggage from the assigned baggage carousel in the retrieval hall.
• Pass through Customs clearance; select the Green Channel if you have no goods exceeding duty-free allowances, or the Red Channel if carrying reportable items or currency above threshold limits.
• Exit into the main public arrivals concourse where ground transport, currency exchange, and taxi desks are located.

• Train

  Metro

  Chennai Metro Blue Line offers a direct link from Airport station to central transport hubs including Chennai Central and Egmore.

  Time:

  Typically 35-45 minutes to central stations.

  Typical cost:

  Roughly INR 40-60.

• Taxi

  Prepaid Taxi

  Official prepaid taxi counters inside the arrivals hall provide fixed-fare transport to various city zones.

  Time:

  Typically 45-75 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

  Typical cost:

  Roughly INR 400-800 depending on destination.

• Ride-hailing

  App-based Ride-hailing

  Services such as Uber and Ola operate designated pick-up zones accessible from the terminal arrivals area.

  Time:

  Typically 45-75 minutes depending on traffic.

  Typical cost:

  Roughly INR 350-700 subject to dynamic pricing.

• Train

  Suburban Rail

  Tirusulam railway station is located opposite the airport via a pedestrian subway, offering commuter trains to Chennai Egmore and Chennai Beach.

  Time:

  Typically 40-50 minutes to central locations.

  Typical cost:

  Roughly INR 10-25.

Transferring between international and domestic flights involves walking between adjacent terminals.

• Follow signage for Terminal Transfer to move between Terminal 2 (International) and Domestic Terminals 1 or 4.
• Covered walkways and travelators connect the terminal buildings within a short walking distance.
• Passengers transferring from international to domestic flights must clear immigration, collect baggage, pass customs, and re-check luggage at the domestic departures area.
• Allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours for self-transfers between international and domestic services.

Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the passenger terminals for a limited duration.

• Connect to the official airport Wi-Fi network on your device.
• An Indian or international mobile number capable of receiving SMS is typically required for OTP authentication.
• Complimentary access is provided for a limited duration, after which additional paid packages may be offered.

Basic financial services including ATMs and foreign exchange counters operate in the arrivals hall.

• 24-hour currency exchange counters are available in the international arrivals area.
• ATMs accepting international credit and debit cards are situated near the arrivals exit.
• It is advisable to carry a small amount of Indian Rupees (INR) for small transactions, as card acceptance varies outside major commercial establishments.

A selection of food outlets and beverage kiosks operates in both airside and landside terminal areas.

• Landside arrival areas offer basic coffee shops, local food kiosks, and quick-service outlets.
• Airside departure zones feature a broader selection of South Indian eateries, international fast food, and cafes.
• Vending machines and bottled water points are distributed across terminal halls.

Paid-entry and airline-sponsored lounges operate in the international and domestic departure sectors.

• Lounges provide seating, refreshments, Wi-Fi, and charging facilities.
• Access is granted through premium cabin tickets, eligible credit card lounge programmes, or walk-in payment.
• Lounge facilities are located airside after security and immigration clearance.

Transit accommodation options exist near the airport precinct, with various business hotels along GST Road.

• Retiring rooms and transit resting pods are available within or directly adjacent to the terminal complex for short layovers.
• Numerous international and domestic chain hotels operate within a 2 to 5 kilometre radius along GST Road.
• Hotel shuttle services or short taxi rides connect nearby accommodation to the terminal.

Standard baggage services including luggage wrapping, lost property, and trolley availability are present.

• Baggage trolleys are available free of charge in the arrival baggage retrieval halls.
• Luggage wrapping services operate in the departure check-in areas.
• For items lost within the terminal, report to the Airport Manager's office or the relevant airline ground handling desk.

Facilities for passengers travelling with young children are integrated into terminal buildings.

• Child care rooms and baby changing facilities are located near major restroom blocks.
• Stroller accessibility is maintained throughout terminal halls via elevators and ramps.
• Priority lanes at security and immigration are often extended to families with infants.

• ATMs
• Currency Exchange
• Prepaid Taxi Desk
• Baby Care Rooms
• Medical First Aid Post
• Duty Free Shops
• Wheelchair Assistance
• Smoking Lounges

Local emergency number: National Emergency: 112.

• In any life-threatening or security emergency, call 112 for national emergency services.
• A medical inspection room with trained first-aid personnel operates inside the terminal for medical assistance.
• If you lose your passport, notify the CISF (airport security), the airport manager, and your country's embassy or consulate in India immediately.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Chennai International Airport Official SiteOfficial airport source
• Bureau of Immigration, Government of IndiaGovernment source
• Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)Government source
• Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL)Official transit source
• National Emergency Response System (112 India)Government source