Travelling from Imphal (IMF) to Chennai (MAA): what you need to know
Chennai's timezone is UTC+5:30, which is the same as Imphal.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are travel rules to live by. Show up at the airport on time to catch your IMF to MAA flight.
Travelling during a peak time such as July? Major public holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer queues at check-in and security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
If you want to add a stop to your trip, simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for your ticket from Imphal to Chennai. These are the top stopovers between IMF and MAA:
Delhi Indira Gandhi International
Kolkata
Guwahati
How to find the cheapest flights from Imphal (IMF) to Chennai (MAA)
₹ 7,653 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Imphal to Chennai flight. A return flight starts at ₹ 16,205. These fares may change based on availability and demand.
It's usually smart to book in advance if you're looking for cheap tickets from IMF to MAA. That's because flight prices are based on demand, which tends to rise closer to departure.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across each month when looking for a flight from Imphal to Chennai.
You won't have to check every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know the moment there's a better deal on cheap flights from IMF to MAA.
Secure the perfect flight for you with the help of the filters. To see the 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Imphal to Chennai, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter results by arrival and departure times, airline, and journey duration.
Handy information about Imphal (IMF)
70% of flights leaving from Imphal reach their destination on time.
Imphal is about 8 kilometres from central Imphal. If you're driving, catching a taxi or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to arrive, depending on the traffic.
The journey when using public transport takes roughly 30 minutes.
Get your travels off to a leisurely start by staying near IMF. Whether you've booked an early flight from Imphal to Chennai or want to avoid feeling rushed, these stays have you covered:
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Imphal Airport (IMF) to Chennai Airport (MAA)?
Flights from IMF to MAA typically include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though baggage allowances vary by airline and ticket type. Here's what you can expect with the main airlines operating this route:
IndiGo
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Imphal Airport (IMF), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Check-in counters: Open 2 hours before departure
Air India Express
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (55x35x25cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Imphal Airport (IMF), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Check-in counters: Opens 2 hours before departure, closes 45 minutes before departure
SpiceJet
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Imphal Airport (IMF), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Check-in counters: Open 2 hours before departure
You can access essential facilities including free Wi-Fi, dining options, and ATM services at Imphal Airport (IMF). The airport also provides basic medical facilities and parking services for your convenience. Currency exchange and baggage storage services are available to help with your travel needs at Imphal Airport (IMF).
Arriving at Chennai (MAA)
Consider staying in a hotel close to MAA if you're on a late Imphal to Chennai flight. Select one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer after landing:
Get your adventure underway by picking up a Chennai rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Avis, Europcar or North Car Hire to explore Chennai and beyond.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your vehicle from Chennai about three weeks in advance of your trip.
Getting from Chennai (MAA) to central Chennai
From Chennai, Chennai is approximately 21 kilometres away. It takes around 35 minutes to reach the centre by car.
Travelling to the centre on public transport will take you around 1 hour.
When to fly to Chennai (MAA)
It's time to choose your dates for your flight from Imphal to Chennai. January is the busiest month to visit Chennai. If you like a more laid-back vibe, go in January.
Before locking in your flight from Imphal to Chennai, think about the type of weather you enjoy. May is the warmest month in Chennai, with temperatures ranging from 28ºC to 37ºC.
If you want cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from IMF to MAA in January. Average temperatures are between 21ºC and 28ºC then.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Chennai brings tropical warmth year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons that shape the city's rhythm. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: Winter brings Chennai's coolest weather, making it one of the best times to explore Chennai. You'll enjoy mild temperatures and gentle sea breezes. Pack light cotton clothes for daytime and a thin jacket for evenings.
March – May: Summer arrives with rising temperatures and humidity that build through these months. Stay cool by planning outdoor activities for early morning hours when the heat feels more manageable.
June – September: Chennai's monsoon season delivers warm, humid temperatures with refreshing rain showers that cool the city. Light cotton clothing works best for the sticky conditions. Indoor attractions and covered markets become particularly appealing during heavy downpours.
October – November: Post-monsoon season brings relief as humidity drops and temperatures become more manageable. You'll find outdoor sightseeing and walking much more enjoyable during these months. Light cotton clothing works best for exploring the city's attractions.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Chennai combines South Indian tradition with modern city life, famous for its temples, classical music scene, and film industry. The city offers everything from historic neighbourhoods and beachfront areas to contemporary shopping districts and traditional dance performances. Whether you're planning flights to Chennai for business or leisure, you'll discover a place where ancient customs blend seamlessly with urban conveniences.
Things to do in Chennai: Stroll along Marina Beach, about 5 kilometres east of the centre, where you can walk the sandy stretch and watch fishing boats return with their catch. Head to T. Nagar market, roughly 8 kilometres south, to browse local goods and street food stalls. For a peaceful escape, explore the Theosophical Society grounds about 12 kilometres southeast in Adyar, where you can wander through gardens and spot various bird species.
Cultural experiences: Watch classical Bharatanatyam performances at Kalakshetra Foundation, about 12 kilometres south of the city centre, or attend a Carnatic music concert at the Music Academy in Mylapore, roughly 8 kilometres southeast. Sample traditional South Indian breakfast at local eateries in George Town, around 3 kilometres north, and admire Dravidian architecture at Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore.
Seasonal highlights: Experience the Margazhi Music Season from December to January when classical performances fill venues across the city. Join the colourful celebrations of Pongal in January with traditional festivities and cultural events. The cooler months from November to February offer the best time to visit Chennai, providing pleasant weather for exploring beaches and outdoor attractions.
Explore more of India
You've visited Chennai, now it's time to explore more of India. Travel around 290 kilometres west to Bengaluru to tick off its leading attractions. From Meenakshi Temple to Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) and Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Around 434 kilometres south-west of Chennai, Coimbatore is another essential stop in India. Experience major highlights starting with Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Siruvani Falls and Dam and Sri Ranganathar Temple.
