Getting Around Chennai
Chennai Airport information
Chennai International Airport (also called MAA) is your main gateway to this vibrant city, handling both domestic and international flights with ease. It's super convenient because it's hooked up directly to the metro, plus taxis and buses right outside—perfect for getting your group to event venues or hotels without hassle.
Whether you're landing for a big conference or a quick business trip, knowing these options helps you plan smooth arrivals and keep everyone on schedule.
Name and Location: Chennai International Airport (IATA: MAA), about 20 km from the city center—expect 30-60 minutes by road depending on traffic.
Best Ways to Get to City/Event Spots: Hop on the Chennai Metro's Blue Line from Trisulam station (right at the airport) to Central in 35-40 minutes—fast and cheap for groups. Prepaid taxis are available at counters near exits, or use apps like Ola/Uber for reliability.
Event Planner Tip: Book group shuttles or premium AC buses in advance for 10-20 people; they're comfy and direct to business districts like T. Nagar or Guindy.
Handy Facilities: ATMs, prepaid taxi booths, and metro access make it traveler - friendly - aim to arrive 2 hours early for domestic events.
Whether you're landing for a big conference or a quick business trip, knowing these options helps you plan smooth arrivals and keep everyone on schedule.
Name and Location: Chennai International Airport (IATA: MAA), about 20 km from the city center—expect 30-60 minutes by road depending on traffic.
Best Ways to Get to City/Event Spots: Hop on the Chennai Metro's Blue Line from Trisulam station (right at the airport) to Central in 35-40 minutes—fast and cheap for groups. Prepaid taxis are available at counters near exits, or use apps like Ola/Uber for reliability.
Event Planner Tip: Book group shuttles or premium AC buses in advance for 10-20 people; they're comfy and direct to business districts like T. Nagar or Guindy.
Handy Facilities: ATMs, prepaid taxi booths, and metro access make it traveler - friendly - aim to arrive 2 hours early for domestic events.
Chennai Train Information
Planning to zip around Chennai by train? The suburban rail network is a budget-savvy choice for event crews heading to stations like Egmore or Central, connecting seamlessly from the airport area. It's reliable for larger groups, with frequent locals that stop near key spots—no need for fancy cars when trains get you there quick and cheap.
Just a short walk or rickshaw to the nearest station makes it easy to link up with your itinerary.
Key Station Near Airport: Tirusulam Railway Station, just 2 km away—walk or take a quick auto-rickshaw there.
Main Routes: Take Chennai Beach Local Line from Tirusulam to Park (near Central), Egmore, or Beach—about 40 minutes to city center, stopping at business hubs like Guindy and Nungambakkam.
To Major Stations: Egmore (20 minutes), Chennai Central (45 minutes total with transfer)—great for events at convention centers.
Traveler Suggestion: Buy unreserved tickets on the platform (super cheap, around ₹10-50); check CMRL app for timings if combining with metro.
Just a short walk or rickshaw to the nearest station makes it easy to link up with your itinerary.
Key Station Near Airport: Tirusulam Railway Station, just 2 km away—walk or take a quick auto-rickshaw there.
Main Routes: Take Chennai Beach Local Line from Tirusulam to Park (near Central), Egmore, or Beach—about 40 minutes to city center, stopping at business hubs like Guindy and Nungambakkam.
To Major Stations: Egmore (20 minutes), Chennai Central (45 minutes total with transfer)—great for events at convention centers.
Traveler Suggestion: Buy unreserved tickets on the platform (super cheap, around ₹10-50); check CMRL app for timings if combining with metro.
Chennai Public Transportation Information
Chennai's public transport is like a friendly network ready to whisk you to events or hotels affordably—MTC buses, metro, and upcoming unified apps make it simpler than ever. For planners, it's ideal for cost-effective group moves or last-mile trips to venues, especially with recent upgrades for smoother rides. Stick to these options to avoid traffic snarls and keep your budget happy.
Metro: Blue Line direct from airport to Central (35-40 mins, frequent trains)—use for quick hops to event areas; get the CMRL app for planning.
Buses: MTC buses (including Volvo AC) from airport to CMBT or city center every 2 hours (₹40-50, 30-60 mins); premium shuttles to hotels/business districts.
Taxis and Apps: Prepaid counters at airport, or Ola/Uber—reliable for groups, 30-60 mins to downtown based on traffic.
Pro Tip for Events: Watch for CUMTA's new 25-year plan with QR ticketing and one app for metro/bus/rail—great for coordinating teams.
Metro: Blue Line direct from airport to Central (35-40 mins, frequent trains)—use for quick hops to event areas; get the CMRL app for planning.
Buses: MTC buses (including Volvo AC) from airport to CMBT or city center every 2 hours (₹40-50, 30-60 mins); premium shuttles to hotels/business districts.
Taxis and Apps: Prepaid counters at airport, or Ola/Uber—reliable for groups, 30-60 mins to downtown based on traffic.
Pro Tip for Events: Watch for CUMTA's new 25-year plan with QR ticketing and one app for metro/bus/rail—great for coordinating teams.
