Chennai International — Chennai Metro Blue Line
Chennai International (MAA) to Chennai — Updated 2026
Chennai International (MAA) is 20 km SW of central Chennai. The Chennai Metro Blue Line has served the airport since 2019 — the first Indian airport metro (predating Delhi/Mumbai airport metros). Fare: ₹50 (~$0.60) to Chennai Central Station in 30 minutes. Trains run every 8-15 minutes 05:00-23:00. Alternative: MTC bus route 70 (₹40 = $0.48) via T. Nagar. Uber/Ola run ₹350-600 to CBD; prepaid airport taxis ₹500-800. Chennai Metro Blue Line is one of India's most efficient airport rail links.
Chennai Metro Blue Line stops
| Station / Stop | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai Airport Station | 0 min | 5-min walkway from Terminal 1 |
| Meenambakkam | ~5 min | Southern residential |
| Guindy | ~15 min | Industrial + IT corridor |
| Nandanam | ~22 min | Central Chennai residential |
| Chennai Central | 30 min | CBD + main train station |
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Chennai Metro Blue Line vs alternatives
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai Metro Blue Line | ₹50 | 30 min | Fastest fixed-cost. Every 8-15 min 05:00-23:00. |
| MTC Bus 70 | ₹40 | 55-75 min | Direct to T. Nagar shopping. Every 20 min. |
| Uber / Ola | ₹350-600 | 35-60 min (traffic) | App-based. Cheaper than airport taxi. |
| Prepaid airport taxi | ₹500-800 | 35-60 min | Counter inside arrivals. Fixed rate. |
| Airport shuttle van | ₹200-400 | 45-75 min | Shared van. Cheaper than solo taxi. |
FAQ
How to use Chennai Metro Blue Line from airport?+
Chennai Airport Station is directly connected to Terminal 1 via 5-min walkway. Buy tokens at kiosk (Indian rupees cash accepted) or use Chennai Metro Card. Trains run every 8-15 minutes 05:00-23:00. Journey to Chennai Central: 30 minutes, 12 intermediate stops. Air-conditioned + wheelchair-accessible.
Chennai Metro vs Uber from airport?+
Metro Blue Line wins on cost (₹50 vs ₹350-600) + reliability (predictable 30 min). Uber wins on door-to-door + off-peak (25-40 min). For solo/couple travellers to CBD: Metro clear. For families/hotels not near metro: Uber. Chennai traffic between 08:00-11:00 + 17:00-20:00 favours Metro heavily.
Chennai airport to T. Nagar shopping?+
Metro Blue Line to Nandanam Station + 15-min walk (or ₹80 Uber). Or MTC Bus 70 direct to T. Nagar (₹40, 45 min). Or Uber direct ₹300-500. T. Nagar has India's best-known shopping (Ranganathan Street) + hotels.
Late-night MAA transport?+
Metro runs 05:00-23:00. After 23:00: Uber/Ola 5-15 min wait, ₹350-600 to CBD. Airport prepaid taxi 24/7. Chennai is safe overnight in central + tourist districts. Some late-night airport arrivals can face 25-45 min waits — pre-book Uber before immigration.
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