Flying from Dublin (DUB) to Chennai (MAA): what you need to know
The timezone in Chennai is UTC+5:30, which is five hours 30 minutes ahead of Dublin.
Give yourself enough time to make your DUB to MAA flight. It's generally best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Travelling during a peak time like July? Public holidays and other popular periods can result in longer queues and delays at check-in and security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
If you want to add a stop to your trip, just deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for your ticket from Dublin to Chennai. These are the top stopovers between DUB and MAA:
London Heathrow
Frankfurt am Main
Zayed International
How to find the cheapest flights from Dublin (DUB) to Chennai (MAA)
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way Dublin to Chennai flight is ₹ 26,099. A round-trip fare right now is ₹ 48,500. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares can change.
To score cheap tickets from DUB to MAA, book as early as you can. Airlines usually offer lower prices when flights are first released.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel plans, use the 'Whole month' search function. It'll find the cheapest price in each month when searching for your flight from Dublin to Chennai.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from DUB to MAA by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Lock in the perfect flight for you with the help of the filters. To see the 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Dublin to Chennai, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter results by airline, arrival and departure times, and journey duration.
Handy information about Dublin (DUB)
Of the departures from Dublin, 77% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
To reach Dublin from central Dublin, it takes about 25 minutes by car. Of course, this depends on traffic. It's approximately 11 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Planning to catch public transport? You can expect a journey time of around 30 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Dublin to Chennai? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these stays close to DUB:
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Dublin Airport (DUB) to Chennai Airport (MAA)?
Most airlines offering flights from DUB to MAA include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though baggage allowances vary by airline and ticket type. Here is what you can expect with the main airlines operating this route:
British Airways
Carry-on allowance: 23kg cabin bag plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Dublin Airport (DUB), Terminal 2
Arrival terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 4
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure
Emirates
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (55x38x25cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Dublin Airport (DUB), Terminal 2
Arrival terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 4
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure
Etihad Airways
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Dublin Airport (DUB), Terminal 2
Arrival terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 4
Check-in counters: Opens 3 hours before departure, closes 60 minutes before
You can access essential facilities including free Wi-Fi, baby care rooms, and prayer rooms at Dublin Airport (DUB). The airport also provides self-baggage drop counters, currency exchange services, and a wide selection of shops and restaurants throughout the terminals. Medical services and baggage storage are available if you need them during your journey.
Arriving at Chennai (MAA)
Consider booking a hotel near MAA if you're catching a late Dublin to Chennai flight. Choose one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer after landing:
Travel at your own speed with a Chennai rental car. Pick up your wheels from Avis, Europcar or North Car Hire and chase adventure across Chennai and beyond.
Reserving your vehicle from Chennai around three weeks ahead can help you get the lowest rate.
Getting from Chennai (MAA) to central Chennai
Chennai to the centre of Chennai has a drive time of about 35 minutes. It's approximately 21 kilometres away.
It takes roughly 1 hour when travelling by public transport.
When to fly to Chennai (MAA)
January is the busiest month for flights from Dublin to Chennai. To skip the crowds, head to Chennai in January.
The warmest month in Chennai is May, with temperatures ranging between 28ºC and 37ºC. Book your flights from Dublin to Chennai in this month if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Search for cheap tickets from DUB 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 features a tropical climate with hot summers, refreshing monsoons, and warm winters year-round. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: Cool winter months make this one of the best times to explore Chennai, with gentle breezes and lower humidity creating ideal conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities throughout the day.
March – May: Summer arrives with hot, dry weather that intensifies as the months progress. Mornings offer the best times to explore Chennai before temperatures climb, so plan your sightseeing early.
June – September: Chennai's monsoon season delivers warm, humid weather with refreshing rainfall that cools the city. Light, breathable clothing works best for the conditions. Indoor attractions and cultural sightseeing offer comfortable escapes during heavier downpours.
October – November: The post-monsoon season brings relief with milder temperatures and lower humidity. You'll find this ideal weather for exploring outdoor attractions, walking through markets, and enjoying extensive sightseeing without the earlier year's intensity.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Chennai blends ancient temples with modern industry, creating a city where tradition and contemporary life exist side by side. Known for its classical dance, music festivals, and distinctive South Indian cuisine, it offers a different perspective on urban life compared to northern cities. Whether you're booking flights to Chennai for business or leisure, you'll find a place where cultural heritage remains strongly rooted in daily routines.
Things to do in Chennai: Stroll along Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches stretching 13 kilometres east of the city centre, where you can watch fishermen at work and catch the sunrise. Head to Kapaleeshwarar Market about 8 kilometres south for fresh produce, textiles and street food, or explore the Government Museum complex roughly 4 kilometres northwest to see bronze sculptures and natural history exhibits in the sprawling grounds.
Cultural experiences: Watch classical Bharatanatyam performances at Kalakshetra Foundation, about 12 kilometres south of the city centre, or admire bronze sculptures and traditional crafts at the Government Museum in Egmore, roughly 3 kilometres northwest. Sample authentic Chettinad cuisine in the neighbourhoods around T. Nagar, about 8 kilometres southwest, and listen to Carnatic music concerts at the Music Academy during the city's renowned December season.
Seasonal highlights: Experience the Chennai Music Season from December to January when classical performances fill venues across the city. The Pongal harvest festival in January brings street celebrations and traditional foods. The post-monsoon months from October to February offer the best time to visit Chennai with cooler temperatures perfect for exploring Marina Beach and cultural sites.
Explore more of India
Bengaluru is just one of the many places in India waiting to be discovered once you've taken in the sights of Chennai. Around 290 kilometres away to the west, check out popular attractions including Meenakshi Temple, Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) and Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple.
If you're interested in discovering another well-known destination in India, head for Coimbatore, about 434 kilometres south-west of Chennai. Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Siruvani Falls and Dam and Sri Ranganathar Temple are the start of reasons to visit.