Travelling from Colombo to Chennai International Airport (MAA): What you need to know
- Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is Colombo's main airport. Check out your options for booking a flight from Colombo to Chennai International Airport (MAA) leaving from here.
- The average duration of a direct Colombo to Chennai International Airport flight is 1 hour 25 minutes.
- Colombo and Chennai (where Chennai International Airport is located) share the UTC+5:30 timezone. That means you won't have to adjust your watch once you arrive.
- Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Chennai International Airport (MAA) is the most popular route. There are 45 direct weekly flights to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, take the last flight with IndiGo at 8:55pm. Choose the first CMB to MAA departure with IndiGo at 3am if you're aiming for an earlier start.
- To ensure you get on your flight from Colombo to MAA, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
- You'll want to head there even earlier during popular months like February. Aim for two hours before a domestic departure and up to four hours for an international flight. Once you've checked in, you can use any extra time to finalize your plans or simply relax.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Bandaranayake (CMB)
- Colombo Bandaranayake (CMB) will have you travelling directly to your destination. Nonstop flights from Colombo to Chennai (MAA) take off from this terminal.
- Popular airlines that have direct flights from Colombo to Chennai leaving from CMB include:
- The majority of travellers choose to book seats with IndiGo between CMB and MAA.
- Among carriers on this route, IndiGo is the most consistent for on-time landings.
- The journey from central Colombo to CMB takes about 50 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 40 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
- Have an early flight from Colombo to Chennai? Avoid the mad dash to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by picking one of these stays near Colombo Bandaranayake:
- When it comes to the on-time performance of Colombo Bandaranayake, 69% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Colombo to Chennai Airport (MAA)?
Most airlines operating flights from Colombo to Chennai Airport (MAA) include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though allowances can vary depending on the airline and your ticket type. Here's what you can expect with the major airlines serving this route:
- IndiGo
- Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag up to 55cm x 35cm x 25cm plus personal item
- Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
- Departure terminal: Colombo Bandaranayake Airport (CMB), Terminal 1
- Arrival terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
- Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure, close 45 minutes before departure
- SriLankan Airlines
- Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
- Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
- Departure terminal: Colombo Bandaranayake Airport (CMB), Terminal 1
- Arrival terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
- Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure
- Air India
- Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
- Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
- Departure terminal: Colombo Bandaranayake Airport (CMB), Terminal 1
- Arrival terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 4
- Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure
You can access essential facilities including free Wi-Fi, currency exchange services, and a variety of shops and restaurants at Colombo Bandaranayake Airport (CMB). The airport also provides baggage wrapping services, ATMs, and comfortable seating areas throughout the terminals. Prayer rooms and medical facilities are available for passengers who require them during their journey.
About Chennai International Airport (MAA)
- If you're arriving on a late flight from Colombo to Chennai International Airport, nothing tops the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your luggage at baggage claim and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these options near MAA:
- Booking your ride around three weeks ahead of your Colombo to Chennai International Airport flight can help you secure the lowest rate.
Getting from Chennai International Airport (MAA) to central Chennai
- Central Chennai is roughly 16 kilometres from Chennai International Airport. Journey times by taxi or car hire will vary based on traffic conditions, so do some research before you go.
- It takes around 1 hour if you're travelling by public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Colombo to Chennai International Airport (MAA)
- ₹ 11,280 is currently the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Colombo to Chennai International Airport. Return flights start at ₹ 18,750. These prices can change depending on demand and availability.
- Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap flights from Colombo to MAA if you book early. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird rates.
- The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest Colombo to Chennai International Airport tickets across the month. It's a great way to snap up a bargain if your trip dates are flexible.
- There's no need to search every day to find out if prices have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know the moment a new deal shows up on plane tickets from Colombo to MAA.
- Find a cheap flight from Colombo to Chennai International Airport by using filters. Choose your preferred times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
The best time to fly from Colombo to Chennai International Airport (MAA)
- November is the busiest month for flights from Colombo to Chennai International Airport (MAA). Visit Chennai in January for a more laid-back experience.
- Before locking in your Colombo to MAA plane ticket, consider the kind of weather you prefer. May is the warmest month in Chennai, with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 37°C.
- Look for cheap tickets from Colombo to Chennai International Airport in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 21°C and 28°C.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Chennai is tropical with warm temperatures, high humidity, and distinct wet and dry seasons throughout the year. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
- December – February: Winter brings Chennai's most agreeable weather, making these the best times to explore Chennai. Cool sea breezes and mild temperatures create ideal conditions for sightseeing. Pack light cottons for the day and a thin layer for evening strolls.
- March – May: This pre-monsoon season brings rising heat and humidity that builds through the months. Stay cool with loose cotton clothing and schedule outdoor exploration for early mornings when temperatures remain manageable.
- June – September: Chennai's monsoon season delivers warm, humid conditions with frequent rainfall that refreshes the city. Light, quick-dry clothing works best for exploring indoor attractions and covered markets during this wet period.
- October – November: Post-monsoon season brings refreshing weather that's perfect for exploring outdoor attractions and sightseeing around the city. You'll find walking tours and nature activities particularly enjoyable during these months.
More about Chennai
- Once you've booked your flight from Colombo to Chennai, find a hotel that puts you in a great location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Chennai:
- Meenakshi Temple and Marina beach are just a couple of the big attractions to put on your Chennai itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Marina Beach.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
- Things to do in Chennai: Walk along Marina Beach, stretching 13 kilometres northeast of the centre, where you can watch fishing boats return at dawn or enjoy evening sea breezes. Head to Covelong Beach, about 40 kilometres south, for surfing lessons and quiet stretches of sand. Explore Pondy Bazaar, roughly 8 kilometres southwest in T. Nagar, where narrow lanes overflow with silk sarees, street food, and local crafts.
- Cultural experiences: Watch classical Bharatanatyam performances at the Music Academy in Mylapore, about 8 kilometres south of the city centre. Learn traditional Carnatic music at Kalakshetra Foundation in Thiruvanmiyur, roughly 15 kilometres southeast, or take cooking classes focusing on authentic Chettinad cuisine in T. Nagar, around 5 kilometres southwest. The city's cultural institutions preserve centuries-old art forms alongside culinary traditions passed down through generations.
- Seasonal highlights: Experience the Chennai Music Season during December and January, when classical performances fill venues across the city. The Pongal harvest festival in January offers authentic cultural celebrations and traditional feasts. The cooler months from November to February provide the best time to visit Chennai, with comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring temples and beaches.
Explore more of India
- Chennai has its own special appeal, but there are so many other corners of India just waiting to be explored. About 274 kilometres west of Chennai, a trip to Bengaluru will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with leading attractions like Meenakshi Temple, Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) and Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple.
- Around 257 kilometres southwest of Chennai, Salem is another favourite stop in India. Start your sightseeing at ISKCON, Paravasa Ulagam Water Theme Park and Kailasanathar Temple.
