Flying from Chennai (MAA) to Penang (PEN): what you need to know
The average duration of a direct flight from Chennai to Penang is 3 hours 45 minutes.
George Town's timezone is UTC+8, which makes George Town two hours 30 minutes ahead of Chennai.
Take your pick of seven weekly Chennai to Penang flights. The 02:15 departure with IndiGo is the earliest flight available. IndiGo operates the latest service of the day at 02:15.
Arrive at the airport on time so you don't miss your MAA to PEN flight. Be there at least two hours ahead for international flights and an hour early for domestic departures to prevent a last-minute sprint to your gate.
You'll likely experience longer lines during popular months like January. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
Travelling to George Town (and then discovering more of Malaysia!) is a cinch with IndiGo. This popular carrier offers direct flights from Chennai to Penang.
IndiGo is the most frequently booked airline on this route.
With a reliable 88.14% of services arriving as planned, IndiGo is the most punctual carrier operating MAA to PEN flights.
If you want to include a stop along the way, just deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for your ticket from Chennai to Penang. These are the top stopovers between MAA and PEN:
Kuala Lumpur International
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi
Singapore Changi
How to find the cheapest flights from Chennai (MAA) to Penang (PEN)
₹ 10,851 is the best price for a one-way Chennai to Penang flight. A return flight starts at ₹ 20,243. These prices can change based on availability.
To get cheap tickets from MAA to PEN, reserve your journey two months ahead of your departure.
Plan your trip for July. That's the cheapest month for flights from Chennai to Penang. If you're flexible with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest airfare across each month.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from MAA to PEN by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a lower fare pops up.
Find the perfect flight for you with the help of the filters. To see the 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Chennai to Penang, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter results by airline, departure and arrival times, and number of stops.
Handy information about Chennai (MAA)
When it comes to the on-time performance of Chennai, 76% of flights arrive within the scheduled timeframe.
Central Chennai to Chennai is around 21 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take about 35 minutes to get there if you're ride-sharing, catching a taxi or driving.
You can expect a trip time of roughly 1 hour on public transport.
Need a convenient hotel near MAA? If you're boarding an early flight from Chennai to Penang, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure lounge:
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Chennai Airport (MAA) to Penang Airport (PEN)?
Most airlines operating flights from MAA to PEN include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though baggage allowances vary by airline and ticket type. Here is what you can expect with baggage policies on this route:
IndiGo
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (55x35x25cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Penang Airport (PEN), Main Terminal
Check-in counters: Opens 2 hours before departure, closes 1 hour before
AirAsia
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (56x36x23cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 20kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Penang Airport (PEN), Main Terminal
Check-in counters: Opens 3 hours before departure, closes 1 hour before departure
Malaysia Airlines
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (56x36x23cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 30kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Penang Airport (PEN), Main Terminal
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure, close 1 hour before departure
You can access a range of facilities at Chennai Airport (MAA) including free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, numerous shops and restaurants, and currency exchange services. The airport also provides baby care rooms, prayer rooms, and medical facilities for your convenience. Chennai Airport (MAA) offers self-baggage drop counters, lounges, and reliable transport connections to help make your journey smoother.
Arriving at Penang (PEN)
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a Chennai to Penang flight. Check in to one of these accommodation options near PEN instead:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Penang rental car. Grab your wheels from ASIA CAR, Paradise or Hawk and experience the lesser-explored corners of George Town and beyond.
For the best deal, book your vehicle from Penang about four weeks ahead.
Getting from Penang (PEN) to central George Town
Penang to the centre of George Town has a drive time of around 25 minutes. It's approximately 16 kilometres away.
It'll take around 55 minutes if you're using public transport.
When to fly to Penang (PEN)
The quietest month for a flight from Chennai to Penang is March, while January is the most popular. Pick the ideal time to go to George Town based on whether you prefer a faster pace or a more relaxed vibe.
Lock in your flight from Chennai to Penang for March if you want to visit George Town during its warmest month. Expect temperatures of between 23ºC and 33ºC.
If you want cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from MAA to PEN in January. Average temperatures are between 23ºC and 31ºC then.
Weather snapshot
The weather in George Town remains warm and tropical year-round, with high humidity and regular rainfall creating a consistently steamy atmosphere. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: The northeast monsoon brings George Town's dry season, making these some of the best times to explore George Town with lower humidity and minimal rainfall keeping you cool and dry.
March – May: The hot season brings consistently warm weather with high humidity and frequent afternoon showers. Stay cool by planning indoor activities during midday heat and exploring early mornings when temperatures feel more manageable.
June – September: George Town's southwest monsoon season delivers warm, humid days with afternoon showers that cool the air. Light, breathable clothing works best for exploring the heritage district and covered markets during this refreshing period.
October – November: The transitional season brings warm, settled weather as the monsoon winds down. Rainfall becomes lighter and less frequent, making it ideal for exploring outdoor attractions and sightseeing around the heritage city.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
George Town brings together colonial architecture, street art, and heritage shophouses in a walkable city centre that feels both historical and contemporary. The UNESCO World Heritage site draws people for its food scene, cultural mix of Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences, and preserved buildings from different eras. Planning flights to George Town means stepping into a place where traditional trades continue alongside modern cafes and galleries.
Things to do in George Town: Wander through the street art trails in the UNESCO World Heritage core zone, where murals and installations cover building walls just 1 kilometre from the city centre. Head to Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, about 3 kilometres northwest, to sample local street food alongside the waterfront promenade. For a coastal escape, visit Batu Ferringhi Beach roughly 11 kilometres north, where you can swim in calm waters or try parasailing and jet skiing.
Cultural experiences: Sample traditional Nyonya cuisine at local cooking classes in the Armenian Street area, about 1 kilometre northeast of the city centre, or attend Chinese opera performances at clan houses throughout the Heritage Quarter. The street art scene comes alive along Armenian Street and Lebuh Armenian, just east of central George Town, featuring murals that blend local history with contemporary artistic expression.
Seasonal highlights: Join the George Town Festival in July for street performances and cultural showcases across the heritage quarter. Chinese New Year celebrations in January or February bring lion dances and temple festivities throughout the old town. The cooler months from December to February offer the best time to visit George Town, with comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage streets and outdoor night markets.
Explore more of Malaysia
Kota Bharu is just one of the many cities in Malaysia waiting to be explored after you've experienced George Town. Around 225 kilometres away to the east, its best attractions include Istana Negeri Kelantan, Museum Of Islamic Culture and Siti Khadijah Market.
Kuala Lumpur is another must-experience destination in Malaysia and is around 290 kilometres south-east of George Town. No trip is complete without experiencing Petronas Twin Towers, Sky Terrace KL Tower and Warisan Merdeka Tower.
