Arrival Guide
This guide will assist you with navigating Chennai Airport upon your arrival.
International Arrival (T2): Chennai Airport
Airport Health Organisation (APHO)
Through the implementation of health checks, vaccination guidelines, public health education, and cooperative efforts with partners, APHO assures the safety of passengers. Their job is to make the environment safe and healthy, reducing the chance of disease transmission and putting travellers’ health first.
Immigration
Go to Immigration after disembarking. Show the immigration officer your passport, visa, and any other necessary paperwork to be cleared. Passengers’ hand luggage will be inspected upon arrival at the customs area.
Luggage
After retrieving your bags from the baggage claim area, head to customs. Kindly be advised that the International Arrival area has six baggage belts.
Customs
Before disembarking, passengers must complete a customs declaration form provided by the airline with information about the items they are carrying. The Red Channel is for people carrying forbidden things or sums over the free allowance; the Green Channel is for travellers who don’t have any prohibited items or items that need to be paid for with duty. Those who are classified as Red Channel may be subject to further screening or additional fees.
Exchange of currencies
There are currency exchange booths at the airport. Prior to completing the trade, be careful to verify the current exchange rates and associated costs.
Duty-Free Purchasing
Visit the duty-free stores located at the International Terminal (T-2) to indulge in a first-class shopping experience with premium brands.
Transportation
From the airport, there are various ways to get about, including as public buses, taxi services, and pre-paid taxis. When arriving, passengers can reserve prepaid cabs at the booth. Make sure you reserve via the official app if you’d rather take a taxi. In addition to suburban trains and MTC buses that transport passengers to their destinations, the airport metro station is reachable from both the domestic and international terminals.
Mobile SIM Card Store
The airport has kiosks for mobile network providers. To obtain a SIM card, travellers must present identity documentation.
Facilities at Chennai Airport
Chennai Airport provides a wide range of amenities for the convenience of travellers, including lounges, dining options, duty-free stores, airline ticket counters, lost and found, kid care rooms, recliner chairs, smoking areas, large retail spaces, money exchange, ATMs, meet and greet services, special assistance, emergency medical assistance, free Wi-fi, free phone, and calculators.
Domestic Arrival: Chennai Airport
Baggage
When you arrive at the domestic arrival area, take your bags from the assigned carousel and head towards the exit. There are four bag belts in the domestic arrival area.
Transportation
From the airport, there are various ways to get about, including as public buses, taxi services, and pre-paid taxis. When arriving, passengers can reserve prepaid cabs at the booth. Make sure you reserve via the official app if you’d rather take a taxi. In addition to suburban trains and MTC buses that transport passengers to their destinations, the airport metro station is reachable from both the domestic and international terminals.
Lodging at Chennai Airport
Travellers can spend a pleasant brief stay in the Sleeping Pods available for domestic travel. For a brief rest, the facility with four bed-sized capsules is most appropriate.
Facilities at Chennai Airport
A wide range of amenities are available to passengers at Chennai Airport, including lounges, sleep pods, restaurants, ticket counters for airlines, lost and found, child care rooms, recliner chairs, smoking areas, large retail spaces, money exchange, ATMs, meet and greet services, special assistance, emergency medical assistance, free Wi-fi, free phone, and calculators.
Other Facilities and Services
- Left Luggage: The airport provides a left luggage facility to store your belongings for a fee if you have onward travel or need to explore the city unencumbered by luggage.
- Information Booths: Seek assistance or information from the airport information booths located in both terminals.
- Free Wi-Fi: Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the airport terminals to stay connected.
Traveling Onward from Chennai
Chennai International Airport serves as a hub for several domestic airlines connecting major Indian cities. If you have a connecting flight, proceed to the designated departure terminal after collecting your luggage and clearing customs (if applicable). Refer to the information screens or inquire at the information booth for your specific departure gate.
Contact Information of Chennai Airport
- Chennai International Airport Helpline: +91 44 2256 0551
- Website: Chennai International Airport
Additional Tips for a Smooth Arrival Experience
- Familiarize yourself with visa requirements and customs regulations in advance.
- Download offline maps or utilize a mobile app with offline functionality to navigate the airport and city.
- Carry some Indian Rupees in cash for initial expenses like airport taxis or public transport.
- Be aware of peak arrival times, which are generally early mornings for domestic flights and evenings for international flights. Plan your onward travel accordingly.
FAQs
How early should I arrive at the airport?
For international flights, it’s recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before departure for a seamless immigration and boarding process. Domestic flights typically require a minimum of 2 hours.
Which terminal will I arrive at (Domestic or International)?
Terminal 1 handles domestic arrivals, while Terminals 3 and 4 cater to international arrivals and departures, respectively.
What documents do I need for arrival?
Always carry your valid passport and boarding pass. For international arrivals, ensure you have the necessary visa and completed customs declaration form (provided by the airline).
How do I get Wi-Fi access at the airport?
Free Wi-Fi is available for 45 minutes upon verification with a valid Indian phone number. Paid Wi-Fi options are also available for extended use.
What is the process for immigration clearance?
After disembarking, follow signs to immigration counters. Present your passport, visa, and any other requested documents to the officer.
Do I need to declare anything at customs?
Yes, declare all dutiable items you are carrying at the customs counters. Refer to Chennai Airport’s website or customs department website for detailed guidelines on duty-free allowances.
