Flying from Bhopal (BHO) to Chennai (MAA): what you need to know
Chennai's timezone is UTC+5:30, which is the same as Bhopal.
To ensure you get on your BHO to MAA flight, leave plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Travelling during a peak time such as January? School holidays and other high seasons can lead to longer lines and delays at airport checkpoints. Play it safe and get there up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
If you want to include a stop along the way, just deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for your ticket from Bhopal to Chennai. Here are the top stopovers between BHO and MAA:
Delhi Indira Gandhi International
Mumbai
Bengaluru
How to find the cheapest flights from Bhopal (BHO) to Chennai (MAA)
₹ 7,401 is the lowest price for a one-way Bhopal to Chennai flight. Return flights start from ₹ 16,519. These prices can change depending on demand.
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap tickets from BHO to MAA if you book ahead. Airlines often have some terrific early bird deals.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest flights from Bhopal to Chennai across the entire month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your dates are flexible.
Snapping up cheap flights from BHO to MAA is a cinch with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as a lower fare pops up.
Secure the perfect flight for you with the help of the filters. To see the 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Bhopal to Chennai, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter by airline, arrival and departure times, and number of stops.
Handy information about Bhopal (BHO)
When it comes to the on-time performance of Bhopal, 62% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
To reach Bhopal from central Bhopal, it takes about 30 minutes if you're travelling by car. Of course, this depends on traffic. It's approximately 14 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Expect a journey time of about 50 minutes when using public transport.
Need a convenient hotel close to BHO? If you're catching an early flight from Bhopal to Chennai, these accommodation options will put you moments from check-in:
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Bhopal Airport (BHO) to Chennai Airport (MAA)?
Most flights from BHO to MAA include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though baggage allowances vary by airline and ticket type. Here's what you can typically expect with baggage policies on this route:
IndiGo
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Bhopal Airport (BHO), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Check-in counters: Open 2 hours before departure
Air India
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Bhopal Airport (BHO), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Check-in counters: Opens 2 hours before departure
You can find essential facilities including free Wi-Fi, ATMs, and dining options at Bhopal Airport (BHO). The airport also provides parking services, medical assistance, and prayer rooms for passengers. These facilities ensure you have access to basic amenities whilst waiting for your departure from Bhopal Airport (BHO).
Arriving at Chennai (MAA)
If you're landing on a late Bhopal to Chennai flight, few things top the convenience of being near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be resting not long after at one of these accommodation options near MAA:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Chennai rental car. Grab your wheels from Avis, Europcar or North Car Hire to explore Chennai and beyond.
For the lowest price, book your ride from Chennai around three weeks before you set off.
Getting from Chennai (MAA) to central Chennai
Chennai to central Chennai has a drive time of about 35 minutes. It's approximately 21 kilometres away.
Getting there by public transport takes roughly 1 hour.
When to fly to Chennai (MAA)
The quietest month for a flight from Bhopal to Chennai is January, while January is the most popular. Pick the best time to visit Chennai based on whether you prefer a more fast-paced or easygoing experience.
When booking your flight from Bhopal to Chennai, consider the type of weather you enjoy. May is the warmest month in Chennai, with temperatures ranging from 28ºC to 37ºC.
Search for cheap tickets from BHO to MAA in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around then, ranging between 21ºC and 28ºC on average.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Chennai brings tropical warmth year-round, with distinct wet and dry seasons shaping the coastal city's climate. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: Chennai's winter season brings cooler, dry weather that makes these the best times to explore Chennai. Pack light cottons for daytime and a thin jacket for evenings when temperatures drop slightly.
March – May: Summer arrives with hot, dry weather that intensifies as the season progresses. You'll experience blazing sunshine and rising humidity, so plan your sightseeing for early mornings when temperatures are more manageable.
June – September: Chennai's monsoon season delivers warm, humid weather with regular rainfall that refreshes the city. Light, breathable clothing works best for the conditions. Indoor attractions and cultural sites offer comfortable options when showers arrive, while nature spots become beautifully green.
October – November: The post-monsoon season brings welcome relief with moderate temperatures and gentle breezes. You'll find this perfect timing for outdoor attractions, walking tours, and sightseeing around the city's vibrant neighbourhoods.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Chennai combines ancient temples with modern shopping centres and serves up some of the best South Indian food you'll find anywhere. The city moves at its own pace, balancing business districts with quiet residential areas and long stretches of coastline. Booking flights to Chennai opens up Tamil culture, classical music traditions, and street food that locals swear by.
Things to do in Chennai: Head to Marina Beach, about 5 kilometres southeast of the centre, where you can stroll along one of the longest urban beaches and watch fishermen haul in their nets at dawn. Browse the stalls at T. Nagar Market, roughly 7 kilometres south, for everything from silk sarees to street food. Take a walk through Guindy National Park, around 12 kilometres southwest, to spot blackbuck and spotted deer in this urban green space.
Cultural experiences: Attend a classical Carnatic music concert at the Music Academy in Alwarpet, about 6 kilometres south of the city centre, during the December music season. Browse the Government Museum's bronze gallery in Egmore, roughly 2 kilometres northwest, to see centuries-old Chola sculptures. Sample authentic Chettinad cuisine in the traditional restaurants of Mylapore, around 8 kilometres southeast, and watch evening prayers at the ancient Kapaleeshwarar Temple nearby.
Seasonal highlights: Experience the Chennai Music Season during December and January when classical performances fill the city's venues. The cooler winter months from November to February offer the best time to visit Chennai for beach walks along Marina Beach and exploring historic temples without the intense heat. Celebrate Pongal in January with traditional festivities and kolam art displays throughout the neighbourhoods.
Explore more of India
Chennai is always a good idea, but there are so many other corners of India waiting to be discovered. Around 290 kilometres west of Chennai, a trip to Bengaluru will keep your itinerary packed. Don't miss top attractions like Meenakshi Temple, Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) and Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple.
If there's time to check out another major stop in India, consider Coimbatore, roughly 434 kilometres south-west of Chennai. Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Siruvani Falls and Dam and Sri Ranganathar Temple are highlights.