Barely 400 years old, the cultural melting pot of Chennai, in southern India, is nevertheless a fascinating and vibrant city that’s full of surprises. Fly to Chennai with Qatar Airways and discover this rich cultural diversity for yourself.

To describe a city as a “melting pot” or “potpourri” might be a bit of a cliché, but when you take a trip to Chennai, you’ll see that even the most hackneyed sayings can sometimes have special relevance. Book your ticket to Chennai with Qatar Airways and discover a unique location with a captivating character at the edge of the Bay of Bengal. 

Check the price of flights to Chennai further below and book Economy or Premium Class flights to Chennai with Qatar Airways. Every part of Chennai has its own story to tell, making the capital of the eastern state of Tamil Nadu a memorable destination. The French, Dutch, British and Portuguese have all knocked on its doors, each leaving its own imprint.

Listed as one of the top 30 busiest airports in the world, the George Bush Intercontinental Airport serves Houston and the southeast area of Texas.

It is Texas' second largest air facility, after Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and offers flights with a number of carriers, including Qatar Airways, to Canada, Central and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. Modern and well-organized, the airport is one of the easiest to navigate your way around, thanks to friendly and helpful staff.

Transportation and parking

Because the airport is situated some 26 miles from Houston, the best way to reach the airport is via taxi, limousine service or the regular bus services.

Catch the bus from the Downtown Transit Center station of the METRORail. Buses run every 30 minutes. An underground inter-terminal train outside of the sterile zone connects all five terminals, and a shuttle-bus service also runs from Terminal A to Terminals B and C.

The airport has over 25,000 parking spaces as well as the ecopark, which provides economy parking at the corner of Greens Road and John F. Kennedy Blvd. A free shuttle service connects to the terminals.

Arriving at Houston

International flights including flights from Houston with Qatar Airways depart from Terminal D, also known as the Mickey Leland International Terminal. This state-of-the-art terminal is undergoing re-development to give it a fresh and airy feel.

Terminal D has 12 gates and several international lounges, including an exclusive lounge for the use of Qatar Airways passengers only.

Facilities and amenities

The Terminal D food court is located in the departures area and is home to a selection of eateries, serving snacks, quick meals and coffee.

Several exclusive outlets in Terminal D also sell locally-made Texan products and souvenirs, such as hats, boots and Western apparel. A wellness centre also offers massage and treatments.

Barely 400 years old, the cultural melting pot of Chennai, in southern India, is nevertheless a fascinating and vibrant city that’s full of surprises. Fly to Chennai with Qatar Airways and discover this rich cultural diversity for yourself.

Chennai may not have as many ancient temples and monuments as some of the older Indian cities, but it still manages to surprise and delight visitors nonetheless. A patchwork of districts come together to create a uniquely quirky city that offers visitors an incredibly warm and friendly welcome.

Tourist attractions

Every culture that has had a say in the development of Chennai has left behind a legacy of monuments, architecture and cultural nuances that make this destination so interesting.

However, despite its relatively recent establishment as a city, Chennai has a few little gems of older architecture, such as Kapaleeswarar Temple, which is said to date as far as the 8th century.

European influences (and in particular the English Raj) have also left their architectural mark with a clutch of churches and buildings that are typically Victorian in design.

The main thing that draws visitors to Chennai, though, are its beaches. Marina Beach, is 12-kilometres long and lined with flower beds and colonial buildings, while Covelong – once a small fishing village – is now a luxury resort.

The Wallajah Mosque, located on Wallajah Road in Triplicane, is a historically important building constructed by the Wallajah family in 1795.

Travel considerations

Flights to Chennai with Qatar Airways land at Chennai International Airport. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure.

Before you fly to Chennai please check the visa and passport requirements.