By air. Chennai International Airport (MAA) at Tirusulam is about 20 km from the city centre and is one of India's busiest airports, with direct international connections across Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Sri Lanka, plus comprehensive domestic coverage. The airport has separate domestic and international terminals.
Getting into the city: the Chennai Metro Blue Line connects the airport directly to the centre and is the cheapest and often fastest option, typically taking around 35–45 minutes to Chennai Central with fares capped at a modest flat rate. Prepaid taxis and app cabs (Ola, Uber) are readily available and take 45 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic. Airport buses also run to key points.
By train. Chennai is a major rail hub with two main stations:
Both are centrally located and well connected by metro, suburban rail and road. Book long-distance trains well ahead through IRCTC, especially around Pongal and the December season.
By road. Chennai sits at the junction of several national highways, including NH 32 (to Kolkata via the coast), NH 48 (to Bengaluru) and NH 45/32 southward. State-run and private buses connect it to every major city in South India.
The main long-distance bus terminus is the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus at Kilambakkam, on the southern edge of the city, which has taken over most intercity services from the older Koyambedu terminus (CMBT). Check which terminus your ticket specifies — they are far apart.
Typical road journeys: Bengaluru around 6 hours, Pondicherry around 3 hours, Mahabalipuram around 1.5 hours.