Chennai International Airport (MAA) - Helpful Guide for Arriving Passengers to Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Pre-Paid Taxi at Chennai Airport :

Usually, Prepaid Taxis are a convenient and economical way to get to your hotel from the Chennai airport. 

Make sure that if you choose to take a taxi, only get a prepaid taxi from one of the counters at the Arrival lobby.

To catch a regular "Black and Yellow" taxi, just walk up to one of the Pre-Paid counter inside the arrival lobby, tell them your destination.

Pre-Paid Taxi counter will let you know the fare. 

You can Pay for your taxi by cash or credit card.  

Usually, the black and yellow taxi cab’s  (Pre-Paid Counter) credit card machine is “broken” most of the time.

Other private Cars counters accept Credit Card, however, their charges are a little bit higher.

Once you pay, then the counter attendant will give you a receipt with a taxi number and will tell you where to catch your taxi. 

If you don't see the taxi number on the receipt then ask the counter attendant.

Not all Black and Yellow top (Pre-paid) taxis are air-conditioned, so ask for Air-conditioned taxis in summer or daytime. 

Please note Ride App Cars and private rental cars have air conditioning. 

We recommend a car with air conditioning if you are coming from an International flight. 

Check before you pay for your taxi at the Pre-paid counter.

To get to your black and yellow cab at Chennai Airport after making payment and receiving receipt:

- follow the prepaid taxi signs,

- exit the arrival hall, and

- walk to the taxi cue attendant opposite to the Terminal in the parking lot area at Chennai Airport,

- Show the attendant your receipt and he will direct you to your taxi. 

Make sure you hold onto the receipt until you safely reach your hotel or destination.

The Receipt is to be handed to the driver at the END of the trip.

The driver requires the receipt to get paid by the taxi office.

Ride App Cars at Chennai Airport :

Ride-App Ola and Uber's counters are at both the domestic and international terminals at Chennai Airport.

Ola cabs counter is right outside the exit doors in the open-air arrival hall at Chennai Airport

Use your mobile if you have data or go to the Ride-App counter to book your car at Chennai Airport.

We recommend taking Ride-App Cars for comfort in Chennai as they are Air-conditioned. 

They are fitted with GPS technology and are much easier to track. 

The fare is based on distance per kilometer.  Ride-App cars are available 24x7 at Chennai Airport.

Hotel Pickup at Chennai Airport :

Most big hotels in Chennai provide Airport pickup services for their guest for an additional charge.

Usually, it is more expensive more than a PrePaid Taxi and Ride-App cars but is very safe.

Check with your hotel for Airport pickup service options.

Usually, Look for your name when entering the open-air arrival hall which is the major hotel pick-up spot.

Hotels in Chennai will also let you know the pickup location in the Arrival halls.

Private Chauffeur Driven Cars at Chennai Airport :

In Chennai, Chauffeur Driven private Rental Cars can be identified by the yellow color Car license plates. 

You can either book this pickup either online or use the Counter at the Arrival lobby.

Usually, it is expensive to book at the Arrival lobby, therefore, we recommend booking a private car online.

They offer 24/7 pickup service at Chennai Airport and provide door-to-door service at a fixed rate. 

The rate will depend on the type of car you choose. 

The fare is US$30- US$60 per pickup for the Chennai area depending on the distance.

Private cars are usually clean, well maintained, air-conditioned and the drivers are professionals and speak English.

Private car drivers will wait for you in the Arrival Hall holding your name board at the Chennai Airport.

Chennai Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs - $14.50
from: Viator, A Tripadvisor Company

Chennai Metro at Chennai Airport :

Chennai Metro blue line has a stop at Chennai Airport.

Chennai Metro blue line connects the Chennai Airport to the City Center area and is the fastest and recommended if you don't have heavy luggage.

Check the Metro stations list at the Chennai metro map on the Chennai Metro Rail website. 

To get to the Chennai Airport metro station at the Chennai airport:
- Follow the METRO or Transfers sign from the Arrival lobby.
- The Metro ride to the center of Chennai will take about 30 minutes from Chennai Airport.

Chennai Airport Blue line Metro runs from about 6 AM to 10 PM daily.

Passengers can purchase tickets or smart card from the ticket counters at the airport station.