If you’re arriving at Chennai Airport in southern India, several transportation options are available to help you reach your hotel or accommodation. If you’re keen to start exploring as soon as possible, a Chennai Airport taxi or private transfer is your most convenient choice. Some of the extra perks of booking a private Chennai Airport transfer include fixed fare prices and English-speaking drivers.
For those seeking cost-saving alternatives that allow you to travel like a local, you have three different options to get from Chennai Airport to the city center: by bus, train, or metro. Taking the bus is the slowest option, but it is also the cheapest. The train and the metro are often quicker than traveling by car and are also very affordable. They take around the same time to reach the downtown area, so you can choose whichever suits your needs and final destination.
5 ways to get from Chennai Airport to the City Center
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €23 | 50min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Although the most expensive option, a private transfer is still very affordable, and provides the most flexibility and convenience, which is ideal for families and large groups. | ||||||
Taxi | €5 | 45min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| The cost of a Chennai taxi is very low so it's still a good option even if you're traveling alone or on a budget. If you're not in a hurry and you wish to travel like a local, then taking the bus can offer a more adventurous experience. | ||||||
Metro | €0.80 | 35min | 04:50–23:08 | Convenience | Read more | |
| If you're a solo traveler and you're not carrying many pieces of luggage, taking the metro can be a good option to reach the city center. For larger groups or families, the cost will be more or less the same as taking an airport taxi, which will be more comfortable. | ||||||
Train | €0.90 | 30min | 04:08–00:12 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Taking the train may not be the best transport option for families with kids, or those with heavy luggage, as you'll need to walk a bit to reach the train station in Tirusulam. If you prefer to avoid walking, it's best to take an airport taxi as soon as you reach the exit. | ||||||
Bus | €0.30 | 60min | 04:50–19:30 | Convenience | Read more | |
| For solo travelers, the bus can be a good option both as a way to stay within budget and to meet locals or other travelers during the ride. For families with young children, taking the bus can be stressful, so it's best to take a taxi and reach your destination directly. | ||||||
Taking a local taxi from Chennai Airport to the city is the easiest and most convenient way to reach your hotel or destination. The journey by taxi typically takes around 45 minutes, although if you encounter heavy traffic, it may take up to 1 hour. To avoid passengers being overcharged, the airport only allows prepaid taxis to operate from the Arrivals area.
How much is a taxi from Chennai Airport to the city?
Official Chennai Airport taxis operate under a prepaid ticketing system. This means you’ll need to pay for your ride before traveling at the Prepaid Taxi booth in the Arrivals Hall. You can then hand your ticket to the driver. From Chennai Airport to the city, the taxi fare should be about €5 (INR 530) for up to 4 passengers.
Where do I get a taxi from?
Regardless of the time your flight arrives, you’ll find local Chennai taxis available at Chennai Airport 24 hours a day. They’re parked in front of the main terminal building in the ground transportation area. Don’t forget to pay for your ticket as you pass through the Arrivals Hall!
Convenience
Depending on traffic, the travel time by taxi may vary, but it’s still one of the best ways to reach your accommodation quickly and comfortably. Buses tend to get overcrowded, so if you’re carrying a lot of luggage or traveling with young children, you’ll have a much smoother journey with a private ride.
If you want to skip the line at the taxi rank and have a driver waiting for you as soon as you land, you can even pre-book your Chennai airport taxi for the ultimate stress-free travel experience, which bumps it up to 5-star convenience.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreUsing the metro to get from Chennai Airport to the city is a great budget-friendly option that is often quicker than taking a taxi. The Blue Line towards Wimco Nagar Depot departs regularly to Downtown, stopping at Highcourt Station near Parry’s Corner. You can expect a journey time of 35 minutes, excluding any waiting time.
How much does the metro ticket from Chennai Airport to Downtown cost?
The metro ticket fare is calculated based on the distance traveled. From Chennai Airport to Highcourt or Puratchi Thalaivar Dr M.G. Ramachandran Central Metro Station, the cost of a ticket is €0.40 (INR 40) per traveler. You can either purchase your tickets online in advance or from the ticket counters next to the turnstiles using cash.
The metro departs daily between 04:51 and 23:08.
Where do I get the metro from?
You can reach the metro platform through the main terminal building at Chennai Airport; follow the respective signs and head to Level 2 at the station. There is also a complimentary shuttle service that departs from each terminal to the metro station.
Convenience
Catching the metro can be very convenient if your accommodation is located near one of the metro stations downtown. It’s one of the cheapest transportation options from Chennai Airport, and also one of the fastest, particularly if you’re traveling during peak traffic. However, keep in mind that the metro is also a very popular means of transport for locals, and it can become incredibly crowded during peak hours.
Timetables
Chennai Metro Timetable
Chennai Airport – Downtown
Chennai Metro Ticket Prices
Chennai Metro Tickets
Online ticket purchase
Useful Tips
Another quick transportation option to get from Chennai Airport to the city center is by train. The train station is located at Trisulam, which is less than 10 minutes away, and you can reach it either on foot or by the shuttle buses that connect the airport to the train station. Board the line to Chennai Beach and the train will take you to the Egmore, Park, or Central Train Station in roughly 30 minutes. From there, you can get to your accommodation by taxi, bus, or on foot.
How much does the train ticket from Chennai Airport to downtown cost?
The cost of the train ticket from Chennai Airport to downtown varies depending on the ticket class you opt for. The cheapest adult fare is €0.45 (INR 45), which you can pay for in cash at the station or book online in advance.
The train service from Tirusulam to the central station in Chennai is available daily from 04:08 until 00:12 every 10 minutes.
Where do I get the train from?
The closest train station to Chennai Airport is Tirusulam Station. You’ll need about 10 minutes on foot to reach it; just exit the arrivals terminal, walk to the right, and pass under a concrete crossing until you see the entrance of the pedestrian subway.
Convenience
Riding the train from Chennai Airport to the city center is a fast and budget-friendly option. Keep in mind that, like all public transportation in Chennai, the train can get rather crowded. Additionally, Tirusulam Station is a 10-minute walk away; if you’re carrying more than one piece of luggage or traveling with young children, you might be better off taking a taxi instead.
Timetables
Indian Railways
Availability and fare search
Indian Railways
Train schedules
Useful Tips
Covering the distance from Chennai Airport to the city by bus is the cheapest way to reach your accommodation. Several bus lines service Chennai Airport, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs, depending on the exact location you’re heading to. Bus lines 52B, 18A, and E18 are the most popular routes, as they travel directly to the downtown area in around 1 hour, with a stop at the Central Bus Stand.
How much does the bus from Chennai Airport to the city cost?
At €0.15 (INR 14) per passenger, the bus fare from Chennai Airport to the city certainly won’t break the bank, but you will need to pay using Indian rupees. The total fare is calculated based on the distance traveled and is collected with a cess, which is a type of tax charged at €0.01 (INR 1) per person.
Bus lines run daily from 04:50 until 19:30.
Where do I take the bus from?
The bus station at Chennai Airport is located on ground level, to your left as you exit the terminal building. You’ll need to cross Airport Road and head onto Service Road.
Convenience
The bus service from Chennai Airport to the city is incredibly affordable. However, keep in mind that it is also the slowest transport option, and not all buses are air-conditioned, which can make the ride hot and uncomfortable. Finally, if you’re arriving at night, you likely won’t be able to find a bus still running. In this instance, if you’re in a hurry or you prefer to travel comfortably, it’s best to take an airport taxi or pre-book a personalized Chennai Airport transfer.
Timetables
MTC Bus Timetables
Airport – Chennai City Center
MTC Bus Fares
Useful Tips
If you value comfort and speed, arranging a private transfer from Chennai Airport to the city is definitely your best option. Private transfer companies like Welcome offer 24/7 door-to-door services in the privacy of your own vehicle, for a competitive fixed-rate price.
On top of that, you’ll enjoy:
Designed with travelers in mind, you’ll also receive a mini tour of the city on the way to your accommodation to help you get your bearings.
How much is a private transfer from Chennai Airport to the city?
Knowing the cost of your travel before you fly can help you plan and budget for your trip. When you book with Welcome, you’ll receive a bespoke quote that includes all charges, which you can pay online in advance. The rates for your private transfer will depend on the size of your vehicle. For instance, the cost for up to 4 people traveling in a sedan will be €23 (INR 2,411), or you’ll pay €32 (INR 3,355) for up to 5 people in an SUV, and €46 (INR 4,823) for up to 12 people in a minibus.
Booking is easy; either head to the website or download the Welcome app, pop in a few personal details, your flight information, and then select a pickup time.
Private transfers can be arranged 24/7 from Chennai International Airport.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
Whether you’re visiting India for the first time or you’re a frequent visitor, landing at Chennai Airport can sometimes be an overwhelming experience. Having someone there to greet you when you land is just one of the personal touches you’ll experience when you arrange a Chennai Airport transfer with Welcome. After meeting you in the Arrivals Hall, your driver will then lend a hand with your bags and show you to your private vehicle, so that you can be on your way.
Convenience
A private transfer is the only transport option where you’ll feel like you have a friend on the ground. Whether you’re traveling solo or with your family, you’ll be taken care of from start to finish, with an English-speaking driver, guaranteed on-time pickups, and 24/7 customer support that really sets the service apart from a regular taxi service.
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Chennai Airport to the city?
There are several ways to transfer from Chennai Airport to the city. A fast and comfortable option is to take a Chennai Airport taxi or pre-book your private airport transfer. Alternatively, if you prefer to use public transport, you can take a bus, train, or metro. Bus lines 52B, 18A, and E18 directly connect Chennai Airport to the city center, while the railway and the metro can also both take you directly downtown from Tirusulam Station.
Can you take the train from Chennai Airport to the city?
Yes, the train and metro both offer an affordable and efficient way to cover the distance from Chennai Airport to the city. Both options take around 30 minutes with several stops along the way, and tickets cost less than a euro.
How much is a taxi from Chennai Airport to the city?
The taxi service in Chennai is regulated and safe; however, there are no set rates for airport transfers. Taxis aren’t metered; instead, you’ll prepay for your ride at the taxi booth and hand your ticket/receipt to the next available driver. On average, when you take a taxi from Chennai Airport to the city, the price will be about €5 (INR 530) for up to 4 passengers.
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