Chennai Airport Guide

Whether you are on a tight connection, facing an overnight delay or planning an extended layover, the Travel Code Chennai Airport Guide is the perfect starting point. Inside you’ll find practical advice on facilities and services—everything from lounges and airport hotels to Wi-Fi, mobile-device charging and 24-hour dining.

MAA Airport Overview

Chennai International Airport (IATA code: MAA) currently operates three passenger terminals—Terminal 1 and Terminal 4 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international traffic—while a satellite concourse is under construction. An elevated travelator links the buildings, yet passengers still describe the complex as dated, with slow security queues and occasionally brusque staff. Dining and shopping are widely available on both the public and secure sides, although prices skew high. Complimentary Wi-Fi helps pass the time, and additional comfort can be secured in pay-per-use lounges.

Sleeping in Chennai Airport

Because security normally refuses entry more than three hours before departure, many travelers doze on the landside. The International Arrivals baggage claim offers padded chairs with armrests; floor sleepers recommend a mat or thin sleeping bag. Past security in the international concourse, a handful of free reclining chairs await lucky passengers. For guaranteed rest, Sleepzo capsules can be rented by the hour, and nearby hotels are five-to-ten minutes away by taxi or shuttle.

Airport Hours

Open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

Travellers report a cluster of recliners straight after international transit security. (Last checked September 2022.)

Cots

The airport does not distribute cots during disruptions. If this changes, please let Travel Code know.

Airport Hotels

Sleeping pods inside the terminal

• Sleepzo – Four capsules inside Domestic Arrivals (Belt 1). Each pod includes reading lights, power, USB and a small luggage hold. One adult plus a child can share. Hourly pricing on request.
• Retiring Rooms – Currently shut for renovation.

Hotels near the airport

• Hotel Southern Comfort – 1 km away. No shuttle.
• Hotel Mount Manor – 2 km away. Free shuttle service.

For additional choices, visit Tripadvisor for a sortable list of properties near MAA.

Airport Lounges

Domestic Terminal

• Travel Club – Airside, 3rd floor opposite Gate 5. 24/7. Access: lounge pass or membership.
• Travel Club – Airside, 3rd floor toward Gate 1. 24/7. Membership only.

International Terminal

• Travel Club – Airside near Gate 16. 20:00–10:00.
• Travel Club – Airside 1st floor near Gate 11. 20:00–03:00.
• Travel Club – Airside 3rd floor VIP level opposite Gate 17. 24/7.

Drinking Water

Filtered water fountains operate landside and airside; paper cups are supplied.

Food & Drinks

Concessions run to different schedules, but you’ll find options on both sides of security. The new Aerohub Mall, connected to the terminals, hosts a 24-hour food court on the public side.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

No locker service at present.

Mobile Charging

Complimentary charging stations are scattered throughout both terminals.

Showers

Unavailable while the Retiring Rooms are closed; use hotel or pod facilities instead.

Wi-Fi/Internet

MAA supplies 45 minutes of free Wi-Fi. An Indian mobile number is required for SMS verification. Additional time can be purchased.

Security & Safety

Overnight airport stays carry inherent risks, so follow these tips:

• Locate security personnel and cameras before settling down.
• Avoid isolation. Stick near fellow travelers or staffed zones.
• Conceal valuables and padlock bags if you sleep deeply.
• Remain alert if you feel uneasy; rest once aboard your flight.

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do

ATMs / Cash Machines – Domestic and International halls.
Baby Care Rooms – Available in both terminals.
Currency Exchange – Two desks domestic side, five desks international side.
Duty-Free & Retail – Duty-free on departure and arrival, plus souvenir and tea shops airport-wide.
Luggage Porters – Rs 200–500 depending on service.

Luggage Trolleys – Free.
Luggage Wrapping – Check-in area, International Departures. INR 399 per item.
Massages & Spa – Syona Spa, Domestic Airside.
Medical Aid – Apollo Hospital first-aid room; ask any staff member.
Pharmacy – Apollo Pharmacy, Domestic Departures, open 24/7.
Post Office – Landside Domestic Arrivals, Mon–Sat 10:00–18:00.
Prayer Room – Airside International Terminal.
SIM Cards – Location info needed; update us if you know.
Smoking Lounges – Airside in both terminals.

Airlines Serving Chennai Airport

Air Arabia, AirAsia, Air France, Air India, AIX Connect, Akasa Air, Alliance Air, Batik Air, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Ethiopian, Etihad, Fitsair, flydubai, Gulf Air, IndiGo, Jazeera, Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Scoot, Singapore Airlines, SpiceJet, SriLankan, Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways, Vistara.

Ground Transportation

Inter-Terminal Shuttle

Free buses link Terminal 1/4 and Terminal 2.

Commuter Train

The suburban line stops at Tirusalam Station, 500 m from the terminal, reaching Chennai Park and Egmore.

Hotel Shuttles

Hablis Hotel, Hotel Mars Deluxe, Hotel Southern Comfort and The Mount Manor run complimentary or paid transfers.

Metro

The Blue and Green Metro lines originate at Airport Station. Blue reaches Washermenpet via Chennai Central in 30 min; Green takes a 60-min detour via CMBT. Service: 04:30–23:00 (Mon–Sat) and 08:00–22:00 (Sun).

Taxis & Ride-Share

Prepaid taxis can be ordered in Arrivals. Ola and Uber are authorised; reserve through the respective app.

Plan & Book With Travel Code

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Information is subject to change without notice. Travel Code gathers data from airlines, airports, hotels and third-party providers but does not act on their behalf. To report errors or contribute new details, please contact us.