Flying from Chennai (MAA) to Mactan-Cebu International (CEB): what you need to know
Cebu's timezone is UTC+8, which makes Cebu two hours 30 minutes ahead of Chennai.
Get to the airport on time so you don't miss your MAA to CEB flight. Be there at least two hours ahead for international flights and an hour early for domestic departures to avoid the stress of rushing.
You can expect longer queues during popular months such as January. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for domestic departures is a good idea.
If you want to break up your flight, simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for your ticket from Chennai to Mactan-Cebu International. These are the most popular stopovers between MAA and CEB:
Dubai
Singapore Changi
Hong Kong Intl
How to find the cheapest flights from Chennai (MAA) to Mactan-Cebu International (CEB)
The cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Chennai to Mactan-Cebu International flight is ₹ 13,998. A round-trip plane ticket right now is ₹ 24,711. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares may change.
To score cheap tickets from MAA to CEB, book early. Airlines usually offer the most competitive fares when flights are first made available.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest flights from Chennai to Mactan-Cebu International throughout the entire month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your travel plans are flexible.
Save time searching for cheap flights from MAA to CEB by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your results by 'Cheapest' to get the best deals on flights from Chennai to Mactan-Cebu International.
Handy information about Chennai (MAA)
76% of flights that leave from Chennai reach their destination on time.
Chennai is about 21 kilometres from central Chennai. If you're ride-sharing, catching a taxi or driving from the centre, it'll take 35 minutes or so to arrive, depending on the traffic.
You can expect a journey time of around 1 hour on public transport.
Searching for a convenient hotel close to MAA? If you've booked an early flight from Chennai to Mactan-Cebu International, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from your departure lounge:
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Chennai Airport (MAA) to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB)?
Most airlines operating flights from MAA to CEB 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 on this route:
Emirates
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 4
Arrival terminal: Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), Terminal 2
Check-in counters: Opens 3 hours before departure
Singapore Airlines
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag up to 56x36x23cm plus personal item
Checked baggage: 30kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 4
Arrival terminal: Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), Terminal 2
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure, close 1 hour before departure
Cathay Pacific
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag up to 56x36x23cm plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), Terminal 2
Check-in counters: Opens 3 hours before departure, closes 1 hour before departure
Chennai Airport (MAA) provides essential facilities including free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals, prayer rooms for all faiths, and baby care rooms for families travelling with young children. You can also access numerous shops and restaurants, currency exchange services, and ATMs across both domestic and international terminals. Medical services and baggage storage facilities are available at Chennai Airport (MAA) to assist passengers during their journey.
Arriving at Mactan-Cebu International (CEB)
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a Chennai to Mactan-Cebu International flight. Stay at one of these accommodation options near CEB instead:
Travel at your own speed with a Mactan-Cebu International rental car. Book your wheels from Alamo, National or Enterprise and discover more of Cebu and beyond.
Lock in the best deal by reserving your ride from Mactan-Cebu International about three weeks before your departure date.
Getting from Mactan-Cebu International (CEB) to central Cebu
Mactan-Cebu International to central Cebu has a drive time of around 30 minutes. It's approximately 11 kilometres away.
It'll take around 50 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
When to fly to Mactan-Cebu International (CEB)
It's time to pick your trip dates for your flight from Chennai to Mactan-Cebu International. January is the busiest month to head to Cebu. If you like a quieter vibe, go in September.
When booking your flight from Chennai to Mactan-Cebu International, think about the kind of weather you like. May is the warmest month in Cebu, with temperatures ranging from 25ºC to 33ºC.
February has average temperatures of between 23ºC and 30ºC. Search for cheap tickets from MAA to CEB sometime then if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Cebu stays warm and tropical year-round, with distinct wet and dry seasons shaping the climate. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: Cebu's dry season brings warm days and gentle breezes, making these the best times to explore Cebu. Pack light cotton clothes and remember sunscreen for your island adventures.
March – May: Cebu's dry season delivers warm, sunny days with minimal rainfall. You'll enjoy clear skies and steady temperatures, so stay hydrated and seek shade during the hottest midday hours.
June – September: Cebu's wet season delivers warm temperatures with frequent afternoon showers and high humidity. You'll want light, quick-dry clothing and a compact umbrella for sudden downpours. Indoor attractions and covered markets offer excellent shelter, while nature walks between rain breaks reveal lush, vibrant landscapes.
October – November: The wet season winds down, bringing more sunshine and fewer showers to make this an excellent time for outdoor attractions and sightseeing around the city.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Cebu is a coastal city known for its historic Spanish colonial sites, lively festivals, and easy access to tropical beaches and diving spots. The city combines old churches and monuments with modern shopping areas and restaurants, making it a popular base for exploring the central islands. Whether you're interested in history, island hopping, or sampling local cuisine, flights to Cebu offer a practical starting point for your adventures.
Things to do in Cebu: Explore the powder-soft sands of Mactan Island beaches about 15 kilometres east of the city centre, where you can snorkel in clear waters or try water sports. Head to Sirao Flower Garden roughly 20 kilometres northwest in the Temple of Leah area to walk through colourful celosia blooms with mountain views. Browse the weekend night market at Larsian BBQ around 3 kilometres south for local street food and grilled specialities.
Cultural experiences: Watch traditional Filipino dance performances at the Heritage Monument in Parian District, about 2 kilometres southwest of central Cebu, or sample local delicacies like lechon and dried mangoes at Larsian BBQ in the downtown area. Head to the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, roughly 1 kilometre south in Parian, to see centuries-old religious murals and learn about local Spanish colonial history through guided tours of this preserved family home.
Seasonal highlights: Join the colourful Sinulog Festival in January with street dancing and parades celebrating the Santo Niño. Experience the Flores de Mayo flower festival in May with processions and cultural displays throughout the city. The dry season from December to May offers the best time to visit Cebu for outdoor celebrations and island hopping adventures.
