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How to Get to Ambattur

How to Get to Ambattur

Ambattur Tamil Nadu, India Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Chennai International Airport (MAA) serves as the main aerial gateway. It has two main terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights. A travellator connects them.

Airlines & Routes

  • Domestic: IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Vistara, Akasa Air connect to major Indian cities.
  • International: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, Dollar Flight Club, Skyscanner, and more.
  • Direct flights from Middle East, Southeast Asia, some European cities. Connections via hubs of North America.

Airport Services & Transfers

MAA offers dining, shopping, lounges, ATMs, currency exchange, medical aid, baggage services, and Wi-Fi. Plan for elevated prices in peak tourist season (Jan-Mar) and major festivals.

Transfers to City

  • Chennai Metro Rail: Dedicated Airport Metro Station (Blue Line) to city.
  • Pre-paid Taxis: Counters outside terminals offer fixed fares.
  • Ride-hailing Apps: Ola and Uber via their apps for transparent pricing.

Booking Advice

Book flights 3-6 months in advance for better fares.

Price Fluctuation

Prices are higher during peak season and major festivals.

Flight Search

Use Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for best deals.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

  • Chennai Central (MAS): Main station for long-distance trains across India.
  • Chennai Egmore (MS): Serves trains within Tamil Nadu and neighboring states.
  • Book tickets in advance, especially for popular routes and higher classes.
  • Indian Railways offers various classes, from unreserved to AC sleepers.

Bus Services & Self-Driving

  • Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT): One of Asia's largest, connects to cities across Tamil Nadu and neighboring states.
  • Self-Driving: Requires International Driving Permit (IDP). Not recommended for first-time visitors due to chaotic traffic.
  • Road conditions vary; traffic is dense and unpredictable.
  • Consider services like DiscoverCars.com for car rentals.

Sea/River Arrivals

Port Function

The Port of Chennai mainly functions as a cargo port. Passenger ferry services are not a regular mode of transport for tourists.

Cruise Ship Calls

Cruise ship calls are inregular and do not serve as a main means of arrival or departure for visitors.

River Transport

River transportation is not applicable for internal city transit or arrival in Chennai.

Departure Information

Departure Timing

No separate exit fees or taxes are typically levied on departing from India; these are usually included in the air ticket price.

Recommended Arrival Times

  • International Flights: Arrive at MAA at least 3 hours before departure.
  • Domestic Flights: Arrive at MAA at least 2 hours before departure.
  • Train/Bus: Arrive at the station/terminus at least 30-60 minutes before departure.

Airport & Station Facilities

Chennai International The airport provides standard facilities for departing travelers, including check-in, security, immigration (international), duty-free shopping, restaurants, and lounges.

Available Services

  • Check-in counters and bag check areas.
  • Various food and beverage options.
  • Lounges for passenger comfort.

Additional Departure Tips

Allow extra time for security checks, most importantly for international flights. Account for potential traffic delays on your way to your point of departure.

Checklist

  • Confirm flight/train/bus schedule beforehand.
  • Have all travel documents readily accessible.
  • Ensure adequate local currency for immediate needs.

Railway Station Facilities

Major rail depots like Chennai Central and Egmore provide waiting rooms, food stalls, and vendors for departing passengers.

Station Amenities

  • Waiting rooms are available.
  • Food stalls and various vendors.
  • Metro connectivity for easy access to stations.

Important Reminder

  • Ensure all required entry documents for your next destination are in order.
  • Check baggage weight limits to avoid excess baggage fees.
  • Confirm any specific airline or train regulations for prohibited items.
  • Carry a small amount of Indian Rupees for last-minute purchases or tips.
  • Fully charge your phone for boarding passes or ride-hailing.
  • Double-check your departure time against any time zone changes if applicable.

Border Crossing Info

Direct Border Crossings

Chennai is not a border city. Therefore, crossing borders by land are not relevant for direct arrival or departure from the city itself.

Point

  • Chennai is an interior city regarding international land borders.
  • No direct international land border checkpoints are associated with Chennai.
  • Entry and exit for international travelers are mainly via air or sea ports.

Regional Borders

While Chennai does not have international land borders, it borders other Indian states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Inter-state Travel

  • Travel to neighboring states is by road or rail.
  • No special documentation beyond standard travel ID is needed for inter-state travel within India.
  • Verify if there are any temporary state-specific travel advisories.

Air Entry

Main arrival and departure point for international travelers.

Sea Entry

Infrequent cruise ship calls, not a main arrival method.

No Land Borders

Chennai does not share an international land border.

Tips for Smooth Travel

Traffic Awareness

Chennai's traffic can be dense and unpredictable. Factor in extra time for travel within the city, particularly during rush hour.

Navigate Wisely

  • Anticipate delays due to congestion.
  • Be mindful of two-wheelers weaving through lanes.
  • Expect frequent horn usage.

Staying Updated

Local news and advisories offer important information, in particular on the subject of weather or public transport changes.

Information Channels

  • Follow local English news channels/websites.
  • Your the concierge at the hotel often provides valuable local insights.
  • Check app updates for ride-hailing services and public transport.

Departure Preparation

Digital Documents

Have boarding passes and e-tickets on your phone and as printed copies.

Local Currency

Retain some small denomination Indian Rupees for any last-minute needs.

Reconfirm Travel

Confirm your flight or train schedule 24-48 hours before departure.

Final Recommendation

Allocate ample time for travel getting to and from the airport or major stations to avoid stress.