Flying from Chennai (MAA) to Riyadh (RUH): what you need to know
Riyadh is two hours 30 minutes behind Chennai and is in the UTC+3 timezone.
Give yourself plenty of time to make your MAA to RUH flight. Generally, it's best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months such as January, it's best to get to the airport earlier. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're flying during peak periods in general.
Consider adding a stopover when booking your ticket from Chennai to Riyadh. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' to break up your journey, or enjoy a detour to a new and interesting place. Here are some options between MAA and RUH:
Dubai
Hyderabad
Zayed International
How to find the cheapest flights from Chennai (MAA) to Riyadh (RUH)
₹ 15,864 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Chennai to Riyadh flight. Return flights start at ₹ 26,278. These fares may change based on demand.
To score cheap tickets from MAA to RUH, book in advance. Airlines typically offer the most competitive fares when flights are first released.
Getting cheap flights from Chennai to Riyadh is more likely if you can be flexible with your trip dates. Use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest fares across every month and snap up a great deal.
Save time searching for cheap flights from MAA to RUH by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Secure the ideal flight for you by using the filters. To see the 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Chennai to Riyadh, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter by airline, departure and arrival times, and number of stops.
Handy information about Chennai (MAA)
When it comes to Chennai's on-time performance, 76% of flights arrive within the expected timeframe.
Central Chennai to Chennai is around 21 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take about 35 minutes to get there if you're driving, catching a taxi or ride-sharing.
The trip when using public transport takes roughly 1 hour.
Have an early flight from Chennai to Riyadh? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by picking one of these hotels close to MAA:
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Chennai Airport (MAA) to Riyadh Airport (RUH)?
Most flights from MAA to RUH 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 (55x35x25cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Riyadh Airport (RUH), Terminal 5
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure
Air India
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (55x35x25cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Riyadh Airport (RUH), Terminal 1
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure
Etihad Airways
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (50x40x25cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Riyadh Airport (RUH), Terminal 1
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure, close 60 minutes before departure
You can access essential facilities including free Wi-Fi, prayer rooms, and medical services at Chennai Airport (MAA). The airport also provides baggage storage, currency exchange services, and a variety of shops and restaurants for your convenience. Chennai Airport (MAA) offers lounges, baby care rooms, and reliable transport connections to help make your departure smooth and comfortable.
Arriving at Riyadh (RUH)
Getting in late on a Chennai to Riyadh flight? Grab your bags and head straight to the comfort of a nearby hotel. Two good options close to RUH are Riyadh Airport Marriott Hotel and Makarem Riyadh Hotel.
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a Riyadh rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Sixt, Alamo or Final Rentals and explore beyond Riyadh's usual tourist stops.
To lock in the lowest price, reserve your ride from Riyadh around four weeks ahead.
Getting from Riyadh (RUH) to central Riyadh
Riyadh is approximately 32 kilometres from central Riyadh. Driving there takes about 35 minutes.
It'll take around 1 hour 15 minutes to get there using public transport.
When to fly to Riyadh (RUH)
The quietest month for a flight from Chennai to Riyadh is March, while January is the busiest. Pick the best time to go to Riyadh based on whether you prefer a more fast-paced or easygoing experience.
Lock in your flight from Chennai to Riyadh for July if you'd like to explore Riyadh during its warmest month. Expect temperatures of between 26ºC and 44ºC.
January has average temperatures of between 7ºC and 23ºC. Search for cheap tickets from MAA to RUH sometime then if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Riyadh features a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters, bringing sunshine year-round. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: Winter brings the best times to explore Riyadh with mild, sunny days perfect for sightseeing. Pack light layers for daytime warmth and a jacket for cooler evenings.
March – May: Spring brings warm, dry weather that heats up significantly as summer approaches. Mornings start mild but afternoons can get quite hot, so plan outdoor activities for earlier in the day.
June – September: Riyadh's summer season delivers intense heat and dry conditions, making early morning and evening hours ideal for outdoor sightseeing. Lightweight, breathable clothing keeps you comfortable while exploring the city's cultural attractions and shopping areas during cooler parts of the day.
October – November: Autumn brings relief as scorching summer heat fades into milder weather perfect for exploring outdoor attractions and wandering through the city's sights without feeling overwhelmed by intense temperatures.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Riyadh combines traditional culture with rapid modernisation, creating a city where ancient souks sit alongside gleaming skyscrapers and luxury shopping centres. The city hosts impressive museums, expansive parks, and a growing arts scene, making it an increasingly popular choice for travellers booking flights to Riyadh.
Things to do in Riyadh: Explore the traditional Souq Al-Zal market about 2 kilometres northeast of the centre, where you can browse carpets, antiques and local crafts in covered alleys. Head to King Abdullah Park roughly 8 kilometres north for walking trails, fountains and green spaces that provide relief from the desert climate. Visit the Edge of the World escarpment approximately 90 kilometres northwest of the city for dramatic cliff-top views across the desert plains.
Cultural experiences: Browse traditional crafts at the National Museum in the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre, about 3 kilometres north of downtown, then catch performances at the King Fahd Cultural Centre roughly 8 kilometres northeast in the Olaya district. Sample traditional Najdi cuisine like kabsa and mutabbaq at heritage restaurants in Al Balad, the old quarter just 2 kilometres west of the city centre.
Seasonal highlights: Experience the Riyadh Season entertainment festival from October to March, featuring concerts, cultural events, and outdoor activities. The cooler months bring perfect weather for exploring Al Janadriyah Heritage Festival in February, where you can discover traditional crafts and local cuisine. Winter offers the best time to visit Riyadh for comfortable sightseeing and enjoying the city's expanding cultural calendar.
Explore more of Saudi Arabia
Riyadh is easy to fall in love with, but there are so many other parts of Saudi Arabia just waiting to be explored. About 386 kilometres north-east of Riyadh, a visit to Dammam will keep you on the go. Start with popular sights like Ithra, Adventure World and Al Bayan Mosque.
Thinking about other well-known places to visit in Saudi Arabia? Set off 137 kilometres south-east of Riyadh to Al Kharj. King Abdulaziz Grand Mosque is among the highlights in the area.
