Arriving at Chennai Airport (MAA) can be exciting, but planning your journey to the city is important. You can reach the city center and hotels from the airport in several ways, depending on your budget, time, and comfort. In this article, we will review the most popular options to help you start your stay in Chennai smoothly.
Official taxi stands are usually located near the exits of the airport terminals. It is advisable to choose official taxis and inquire or agree on the fare in advance. It is also worth discussing the estimated travel time and the total amount with the taxi driver before departure. The journey to the city center of Chennai usually takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Private transfers can be booked in advance and offer a comfortable solution. The driver usually waits for you in the arrival terminal with a sign displaying your name. Coordinate the meeting point during the booking process. Prices are usually fixed and determined during booking. Private transfer is ideal if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with a larger group.
Shared transfers and minibuses are a cost-effective solution, especially for solo travelers. These services transport multiple passengers, so the travel time may be longer as they need to stop at multiple locations. Shared transfers are usually pre-bookable and have a fixed schedule. If costs are more important than speed, this can be a good choice.
Chennai Airport is also accessible by public transportation, including train, metro, and bus. These options are generally cheaper than taxi or private transfer, but may take more time and require more transfers. If your budget is tight and you are not in a hurry, public transportation can be a good alternative. Travel time can vary significantly depending on traffic and the chosen route.
The duration of the journey to the city center can be affected by traffic, time of day, and the amount of luggage. Traffic is denser during peak hours, which can result in longer travel times.
| Mode of Transport | Duration (approx.) | Price (EUR, approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 30 mins – 1 hour | 10 – 20 |
| Private Transfer | 30 mins – 1 hour | 20 – 40 |
| Shared Transfer | 45 mins – 1.5 hours | 8 – 15 |
| Train/Metro | 1 – 2 hours | 2 – 5 |
| Bus | 1.5 – 2.5 hours | 1 – 3 |
The above times and prices may vary depending on traffic and the season.
There are many popular destinations around Chennai. You can easily reach the city center, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, and Kanchipuram from the airport.
Official taxi stands are usually located near the exits of the airport terminals.
The journey to the city center usually takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Private transfer must be booked in advance, and the driver will wait for you in the arrival terminal with a sign.
A shared transfer is a cost-effective solution where multiple passengers are transported on the same route.
The taxi fare usually ranges between 10 and 20 EUR, depending on the distance and traffic.
The price of a private transfer usually ranges between 20 and 40 EUR, depending on the vehicle type and distance.
Yes, especially during peak season or if you are traveling with a larger group, it is worth booking a transfer in advance.
Taxis generally accept cash, but some may also accept bank cards.
Yes, Chennai Airport is accessible by train, metro, and bus.
Always check that the taxi driver has turned on the taximeter, or agree on a fixed price in advance.
The driver will wait for you in the arrival terminal with a sign displaying your name. Coordinate the meeting point during the booking process.