Cheap flights to Chennai International Airport (MAA)

Chennai International Airport information

The Chennai International Airport, formerly known as Madras International Airport is located about 20 km southwest of central Chennai. Chennai Airport is the third busiest airport in India after Delhi and Mumbai and will also the third airport in India connected to the cities subway system after Delhi and Kolkata (to be opened in 2014).

The airport has separate terminals for domestic and international flights. The domestic terminal is called Kamaraj Terminal and the international one Anna Terminal (both are named after chief ministers of Tamil Nadu) The two terminals are located adjacent to each other and are connected by a link building, used for offices and restaurants.

Chennai Airport is the main gateway into southern India but not as many foreign airlines fly to Chennai as they do to Mumbai or Delhi.

Transport to and from Chennai to the airport International

A Chennai Metro Rail station at the airport is currently under construction and will open this year (2014). The Metro Rail station will be close to the current Tirusulam Railway station and will include a direct underground connector from the airport to these stations.

Taking the suburban train from the airport is cheap (Rs 12) and a quick way into the city but currently you need to exit the airport and walk 500 meters to the station, which may be quite impractical if you carry lots of luggage. Also the train may be very crowded which is also not ideal if you have lots of suitcases. The Metro will have first class carriages and a ticket will cost Rs 70.

Taxis into the city are best booked at one of the many prepaid taxi booths just outside the arrival area. The FastTrack taxis have the best reputation and would cost about Rs 600 to get you into Chennai city center. It is best not to take a metered taxi or accept one of the offers of the many drivers outside.