Chennai/Madras Madras International Airport Terminals and Arrivals
Chennai International Airport has two passenger terminals: Terminal 1 handles domestic flights, and Terminal 2 handles international flights. Check your airline confirmation before you travel, as the terminal determines where you will collect your bags and where your driver or pick-up point is.
After you land at MAA, follow the signs to baggage reclaim. International arrivals pass through immigration and customs first. Once you have your luggage, you move into the arrivals hall, where taxi desks, bus stops and ride-hailing pick-up areas are located.
How to Get from Chennai/Madras Madras International Airport to Chennai/Madras
The quickest way from Chennai International Airport into central Chennai/Madras is usually the Metro or a taxi, though the best choice depends on your destination, your luggage and the time of day. Journey times vary with traffic, so allow extra time during busy periods.
Chennai Metro from the airport
The Chennai Metro Blue Line has an Airport station that serves the terminals at Chennai International Airport. The line runs into central Chennai, so check the route map for your stop before you travel. The Metro is a practical choice if you are travelling light and your destination is on the line.
Suburban train and local buses
A suburban railway station is located near the airport, and you may need a short onward journey to reach it. Local buses run from the terminal area into different parts of the city. Check the route number and destination displayed at the bus stop, as routes change and not every bus goes to the centre.
Taxis and auto-rickshaws
Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available outside the arrivals area, and some terminals have pre-paid taxi desks where you pay before you travel. If you take an auto-rickshaw, ask for the meter to be used or agree the fare before you set off. Confirm the fare with the driver first if the meter is not used.
Chennai/Madras Madras International Airport Private Transfer and Taxi
A private transfer from Chennai International Airport is a pre-booked car with a driver who takes you directly to your address in Chennai/Madras. Vonaride offers private transfers from MAA, and you can check prices or request a quote for your journey on the website.
Because flights into Chennai/Madras can arrive early, late or after queues at immigration, Vonaride tracks your flight and adjusts the pick-up time to suit. The driver waits in the arrivals area with a name sign, and drivers speak English. The fare is agreed at booking, so traffic or delays do not change the price. Free cancellation applies up to 24 hours before pick-up, free waiting time is included, and 24/7 customer support is available.
Arriving in Chennai/Madras: What to Know
Chennai/Madras is a coastal city on the Bay of Bengal, and most visitors find it straightforward to navigate with some planning. The city is hot and humid for much of the year, so carry water and plan outdoor sightseeing for the cooler parts of the day. The northeast monsoon, from roughly October to December, can bring heavy rain and flooding in some areas.
Tamil is the main language in Chennai/Madras, but English is widely spoken in hotels, offices and transport hubs. Traffic is heavy at peak times, particularly around the city centre and main roads. Popular places to visit include Marina Beach and the temples of Mylapore.
Facilities and Services at Chennai/Madras Madras International Airport
Chennai International Airport offers a range of services for arriving passengers, including currency exchange counters and ATMs. Cafés, restaurants and shops are available in both terminals, and information desks can help with onward travel. Baggage trolleys are provided, though you may need a coin or token to use them.
Services vary between domestic and international terminals, so check the signs or ask staff if you need something specific. Passengers who need help with mobility can request assistance through their airline before they travel.
Ready to plan your journey? Check prices or request a quote for your Chennai/Madras transfer with Vonaride, and choose the option that suits your luggage, timings and destination.
Questions about Chennai/Madras Madras International Airport transfers
Is there a metro from Chennai airport to the city centre?
Yes, the Chennai Metro Blue Line has an Airport station that serves Chennai International Airport. The line runs into central Chennai, so check the route map for your destination. Confirm current service times before you travel, as late-night options can be limited.
How do I get from MAA airport to Chennai Central railway station?
You can take the Metro to a station on the Blue Line that connects with central Chennai, or take a taxi or private transfer directly. A taxi is usually quicker if you have heavy luggage. Ask the driver to confirm the route and fare before you set off.
Which terminal is for international flights at Chennai airport?
Terminal 2 handles most international flights at Chennai International Airport, while Terminal 1 serves domestic flights. Check your booking confirmation to be certain. Your terminal decides where you collect your luggage and where you should meet your driver.
Do I need to speak Tamil to take a taxi in Chennai/Madras?
You do not need to speak Tamil to take a taxi, as English is widely understood in airports, hotels and many transport services. It helps to have your destination address written down or saved on your phone. Confirm the fare before you start the journey if the meter is not used.
Is a private transfer from Chennai airport a good option for late arrivals?
A private transfer can suit late arrivals because you do not need to find public transport at night. Vonaride lets you request a quote for a transfer from MAA, and the fare is agreed at booking. Check current availability for your arrival time on the website.
Updated November 2, 2026