How to find cheap flights to Chennai Airport (MAA)
Currently, ₹ 2,384 is the lowest price for a one-way flight to Chennai Airport. Or you can book a return plane ticket to MAA for ₹ 5,060.
Book when the time is right with Price Alerts. You'll receive an email or a notification through the app if the price of tickets to MAA changes.
Score a bargain on tickets to Chennai, where Chennai Airport is located, by booking in advance. You're more likely to find a good deal and have a wider range of flight options.
Widen your search for cheap flights to Chennai by choosing the 'Add nearby airports' filter. This allows you to browse prices for all the nearest airports at your destination and departure points and could help you save money.
If you're not in a hurry to get to Chennai, consider taking a longer or less direct route. You could find cheaper plane tickets to Chennai Airport by booking a flight with one or more stops.
Best time to go to Chennai
The cheapest month to board a flight to Chennai is typically May.
If your travel dates are flexible, try using the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the cheapest month, and even day of the year, for flights to MAA.
Head to Chennai in January if you want to go when it's busy. This is the most popular month for flights to MAA, but also when tickets are likely to cost more.
September is the quietest period of the year to visit if you want a more relaxed pace. You'll typically find cheaper prices on plane tickets to Chennai then.
The weather can make or break a holiday, so consider what kind of conditions you want to get away in. Chennai is warmest in May, with averages of between 28ºC and 37ºC.
Ranging from 21ºC to 28ºC, January is when temperatures are at their lowest.
Want to visit when you're less likely to need an umbrella? February is the driest month in Chennai.
Expect more rain if you're visiting in October, which gets around 12 days of wet weather.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Chennai features a tropical climate with warm temperatures, high humidity, and distinct wet and dry seasons. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: Winter brings cooler, dry conditions with highs around 29°C and lows near 22°C, making these the best times to explore Chennai. Light cotton clothing works perfectly for sightseeing and beach visits during this refreshing season.
March – May: Summer brings intense heat with daytime temperatures reaching 40°C and nights around 27°C. Start your sightseeing early in the morning or after sunset to avoid the midday sun.
June – September: Monsoon season brings frequent showers and humidity, with daytime temperatures around 32°C and nights cooling to 26°C. The refreshing rain makes this ideal for exploring indoor attractions, cultural sites, and covered markets while enjoying the city's vibrant atmosphere.
October – November: Post-monsoon season brings temperatures around 32°C during the day and 24°C at night, making it ideal for exploring outdoor attractions and nature spots. You'll find walking tours and beach activities much more enjoyable as humidity levels drop.
Travelling to Chennai Airport (MAA): What you need to know
Fly to Chennai in one go. These are some of the top airlines offering direct flights to Chennai Airport:
If you want to jet away with the carrier that has the best track record for punctuality, book your MAA plane ticket with Air India Express. Up to 100% of its flights into this airport land according to schedule.
The local timezone at MAA is UTC+5:30.
Whether you're arriving late or just want the convenience of staying close by, you'll find some great hotels near Chennai Airport. Check in to one of these after your flight to MAA:
You can secure a car hire in MAA with top suppliers such as Avis, Europcar and North Car Hire. Grab the keys and get ready to discover Chennai and beyond.
Flights departing from Chennai Airport touch down when expected 76% of the time. This measure shows how the airport performs overall in terms of punctuality.
What is the baggage allowance on flights to Chennai Airport (MAA)?
Most airlines on flights to Chennai Airport (MAA) include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though allowances can vary depending on your airline and ticket type. Baggage policies differ between operators, so it's worth checking the specific terms when you book. Here's what you can typically expect with major airlines:
IndiGo
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
Terminal: Arrives at Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Air India
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (55x35x25cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Terminal: Arrives at Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1 for domestic flights, Terminal 3 for international flights
Air India Express
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (55x35x25cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
Terminal: Arrives at Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Chennai Airport (MAA) offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals, along with numerous dining options and duty-free shopping. You'll find currency exchange counters, ATMs, and medical facilities available 24 hours a day. Chennai Airport (MAA) also provides baby care rooms, prayer areas, and pre-paid taxi counters for convenient onward travel.
Getting to central Chennai from Chennai Airport (MAA)
Central Chennai is about 21 kilometres from MAA.
After landing from your flight to MAA, driving to the centre will take around 35 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in roughly 1 hour.
If you'd like to stay near the action in Chennai, unpack your suitcase at one of these comfortable hotels:
Chennai highlights
Hop off your flight to Chennai and make a beeline for these must-see attractions:
Meenakshi Temple: A memorable preview of everything the city has to offer, this landmark is around 2 kilometres south of the centre.
Botanical Garden (in front of gallery no 2): You'll discover this park roughly 2 kilometres southwest of the centre. It offers a nice change of pace while exploring Chennai.
Marina Beach: This will also make the highlight reel of your holiday. A top landmark, it's around 3 kilometres south of the centre of Chennai.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Things to do in Chennai: Stroll along Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches stretching about 3 kilometres east of the city centre, where you can watch fishermen at work and enjoy sea breezes. Head to T Nagar market, roughly 5 kilometres southwest, to browse textiles and street food stalls. For a quieter coastal walk, visit Elliot's Beach about 15 kilometres south in Besant Nagar, where you can watch the waves and spot local joggers along the promenade.
Cultural experiences: Watch classical Bharatanatyam performances at Kalakshetra Foundation in Thiruvanmiyur, about 12 kilometres south of the city centre. Browse traditional Tanjore paintings and bronze sculptures at Government Museum in Egmore, roughly 3 kilometres northwest. Sample authentic Chettinad cuisine and filter coffee at local eateries in Mylapore district, around 8 kilometres southeast, home to centuries-old Kapaleeshwarar Temple with its towering gopuram.
Seasonal highlights: Experience the Chennai Music Season from December to January when classical performances fill the city's venues. The Pongal harvest festival in January brings street celebrations and traditional feasts. Post-monsoon months from October to February offer the best time to visit Chennai with cooler temperatures perfect for exploring Marina Beach and local temples.
How to get to Avadi from Chennai Airport (MAA)
Starting your trip in Avadi? From MAA, it takes around 1 hour to drive there. The city is about 32 kilometres from the airport.
Allow roughly 1 hour 45 minutes if you're travelling to Avadi on public transport.
Travelling from Chennai Airport (MAA) to Tambaram
Tambaram is another city that's easily accessible from Chennai Airport. It's around 8 kilometres away.
Explore more of India
There's a whole lot more to see and do in India, starting with Bengaluru. Meenakshi Temple, Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) and Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple are must-visits in this city, which is around 274 kilometres west of Chennai. Bengaluru Airport (BLR) is the most convenient airport for Bengaluru.
Salem is another top destination in India and is roughly 257 kilometres southwest of Chennai. Zero in on some of the best places like ISKCON, Paravasa Ulagam Water Theme Park and Kailasanathar Temple.
Say yes to more adventures in Nellore. Roughly 161 kilometres north of Chennai, Badshahi Masjid, Science Museum and Sai Baba Temple are reason enough to go.