Chennai International Airport - MAA

Chennai International Airport is located in the town Tirusulam, 19 kilometres south of Chennai. The airport has two terminals: the Anna International Terminal for international passengers and the Kamaraj Domestic Terminal for domestic passengers.

• The passenger terminal complex has two terminals connected by a link building, which houses offices and a restaurant. Shuttle buses operate between the terminals. The walk from one terminal to another through the link building takes 20 minutes.
• The Anna International Terminal has six boarding gates on the first floor while the Kamaraj Domestic Terminal has nine boarding gates; six are on the ground floor and three are on the first floor.
• Luggage trolleys are free for passengers.
• Food and drink options are mostly comprised of snack kiosks and vending machines. 

Rail

The Southern Railway suburban station is just outside the airport, called Tirusulam. Trains run from here to Egmore Station in Chennai every 20 to 40 minutes from early morning until late evening. The journey time is around 30 minutes. Train stations can get very hectic so buy your tickets from the rail service counter in arrivals.

Location: Terminal Complex, before security, ground level, turn left upon exiting, walk around 500m
Cost: Fares range from INR 12 for second class (not recommended with luggage) to INR 100 for first class

Bus

There is a bus stop outside the gates of the airport—a lengthy walk. Bus 18A makes frequent trips into the city. The ticket costs INR 20. Bus 18B operates along the same route but is air-conditioned and less full. The journey takes around 45 minutes.

Location: Terminal Complex, before security, ground level, proceed to bus stop off airport grounds
Cost: INR 35 for one-way fares to the city in air-conditioned buses

Taxi

Pre-paid taxis are the most commonly used means of transport by international travellers head to Chennai city. Tickets can be booked from a counter in the arrivals area of the terminal buildings. 

Location: Terminal complex, before security, arrivals
Cost: approximately INR 400-500 to Chennai city

Travel Club

The Travel Club lounge offers non-alcoholic beverages, newspapers and magazines, and free Wi-Fi. There are three locations throughout the airport. Guest fee is INR 1600 (USD 23.60). 

Kamaraj Domestic Terminal, airside, third floor, opposite gate 5
Hours: 04:00-21:00 

Anna International Terminal, airside, opposite gates 11-14
Hours: 24 hours

Anna International Terminal, airside, 3rd floor VIP lounge level, opposite gate 7
Hours: 24 hours

Port Lounge

Refreshments, reading materials, free Wi-Fi

Anna International Terminal, airside, 2nd floor, near gate 17
Hours: 24 hours

Le Royal Meridien Lounge

Anna International Terminal, airside

JetAirways Premier Lounge

Mobile charging, Wi-Fi, reading materials

Kamaraj Domestic Terminal, airside
Hours: 03:00-23:00

Anna International Terminal, airside
Hours: 24 hours

Air India Maharaja Lounge

Computers, reading materials, refreshments. Showers available in International terminal lounge.

Kamaraj Domestic Terminal, landside, departure area
Hours: 04:00-last departure 

Anna International Terminal, landside, first floor, before common security
Hours: 04:00-22:00

Sleeping rooms are available at MAA airport. Outside the terminal complex, follow the sign that says Retiring Rooms to a counter where you can book the rooms. Prices were INR 1500 (USD 22) for a family room, a dormitory for INR 700 (USD 10) with air conditioning, or INR 400 (USD 6) without air conditioning (as of September 2014). You must show your onward journey ticket.

Chennai Airport has few power outlets (and many are out of function). There are no mobile charging units.

Showers are available in the Air India lounge in the International Terminal. It is accessible to passengers on that airline and partner airlines.

Air India Maharaja Lounge

Anna International Terminal, landside, first floor, before common security
Hours: 04:00-22:00

There is a car rental booth in the arrivals area of the airport. Avis and Budget are available here. You will be collected by a meet and greet service. They are open 24 hours.

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