Flying from Riyadh (RUH) to Chennai (MAA): what you need to know
The timezone in Chennai is UTC+5:30, which is two hours 30 minutes ahead of Riyadh.
Your RUH to MAA flight won't wait if you're late, so be at the airport on time. Arrive up to one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours ahead when you're flying internationally.
Flying during a peak month such as January? Public holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer lines and delays at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
We make it a piece of cake to book a flight with a stopover. To see all your options for tickets from Riyadh to Chennai, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight that has a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Worthwhile stopovers between RUH and MAA include:
Dubai
Mumbai
Hyderabad
How to find the cheapest flights from Riyadh (RUH) to Chennai (MAA)
₹ 13,444 is the lowest price for a one-way Riyadh to Chennai flight. A return flight starts from ₹ 23,260. These fares may change based on demand and availability.
To find cheap tickets from RUH to MAA, book ahead. Airlines generally offer the most competitive fares when flights are first made available.
Getting cheap flights from Riyadh to Chennai is easier if you're flexible with your travel dates. Use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest fares across every month and land a great deal.
Save time looking for cheap flights from RUH to MAA by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Select 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 Riyadh to Chennai.
Handy information about Riyadh (RUH)
Riyadh maintains a strong on-time performance, reducing your chances of a delayed flight. Departures from RUH make it to their destination as scheduled 85% of the time.
To get to Riyadh from central Riyadh, it takes about 35 minutes by car. Of course, this depends on traffic conditions. It's approximately 32 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Taking public transport? Expect a journey time of around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Got an early flight from Riyadh to Chennai? Stay somewhere near RUH, like Riyadh Airport Marriott Hotel. Makarem Riyadh Hotel will also put you moments from your departure gate.
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Riyadh Airport (RUH) to Chennai Airport (MAA)?
Most airlines operating flights from RUH 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 on this route:
IndiGo
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag up to 55x35x25cm plus personal item
Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Riyadh Airport (RUH), Terminal 5
Arrival terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure
Air India
Carry-on allowance: 8kg cabin bag up to 55x35x25cm plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Riyadh Airport (RUH), Terminal 5
Arrival terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
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: Riyadh Airport (RUH), Terminal 5
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, prayer rooms, and numerous shops and restaurants at Riyadh Airport (RUH). The airport also provides currency exchange services, ATMs, and medical facilities for your convenience. Riyadh Airport (RUH) offers lounges, baggage storage services, and reliable transport connections to help make your departure experience smooth.
Arriving at Chennai (MAA)
Book a hotel close to MAA if you're on a late Riyadh to Chennai flight. Settle into one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer after landing:
Grab a Chennai rental car and discover Chennai and beyond with your own wheels. Avis, Europcar and North Car Hire are well-known companies to choose from here.
Get the best deal by booking your ride from Chennai around three weeks before your departure date.
Getting from Chennai (MAA) to central Chennai
From Chennai, Chennai is approximately 21 kilometres away. It takes around 35 minutes to drive to the centre.
It takes around 1 hour when travelling by public transport.
When to fly to Chennai (MAA)
The quietest month for a flight from Riyadh to Chennai is January, while January is the busiest. Choose the ideal time to go to Chennai based on whether you prefer a more fast-paced or easygoing experience.
The warmest month in Chennai is May, with the temperature ranging between 28ºC and 37ºC. Book your flights from Riyadh to Chennai in this month if this is the kind of weather you like.
Look for cheap tickets from RUH to MAA in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 21ºC and 28ºC on average.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Chennai features a tropical climate with warm temperatures, high humidity, and distinct wet and dry seasons. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: Winter brings cooler, drier conditions that make these months among the best times to explore Chennai. You'll enjoy mild temperatures and lower humidity, perfect for sightseeing with light cotton clothing and a thin layer for evenings.
March – May: Summer arrives with hot, humid weather that builds steadily through the season. Early mornings and evenings offer the best times to explore Chennai, so plan your outdoor activities accordingly.
June – September: Chennai's monsoon season delivers warm, humid weather with regular rainfall that refreshes the city. You'll want lightweight, quick-dry clothing and waterproof layers for exploring indoor attractions and covered markets during this lush, green period.
October – November: The post-monsoon season brings welcoming weather that's perfect for exploring outdoor attractions and wandering through the city. You'll find sightseeing much more enjoyable as humidity levels drop and gentle breezes make walking tours ideal.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Chennai blends ancient temples with modern industries, creating a city where tradition meets contemporary life. This coastal destination offers classical dance performances, spice-filled markets, and beaches perfect for evening strolls. With its film studios and tech companies alongside centuries-old monuments, Chennai attracts travellers seeking both cultural experiences and urban conveniences, making flights to Chennai increasingly popular.
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 fishing boats return with their catch or take an evening walk along the promenade. Head to T. Nagar market, about 8 kilometres south, to browse textiles, jewellery, and street food stalls that spill onto every corner. For a quieter escape, explore the Theosophical Society gardens roughly 6 kilometres southeast, where century-old trees create shaded pathways perfect for afternoon walks.
Cultural experiences: Attend a classical Carnatic music concert at the Music Academy in Teynampet, about 3 kilometres south of the city centre. Browse traditional Tanjore paintings and bronze sculptures at the Government Museum in Egmore, roughly 2 kilometres northwest. Sample authentic Chettinad cuisine and filter coffee at local eateries throughout Mylapore district, around 4 kilometres southeast, home to the centuries-old Kapaleeshwarar Temple with its towering gopuram.
Seasonal highlights: Experience the Chennai Music Season from December to January when classical performances fill the city's venues. The cooler months also bring Pongal celebrations in January with traditional festivities and local delicacies. Winter offers the best time to visit Chennai as temperatures drop and humidity decreases, making it perfect for exploring temples and beaches comfortably.
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, top sights here include Meenakshi Temple, Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) and Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple.
If you want to check out another well-known destination in India, head for Coimbatore, roughly 434 kilometres south-west of Chennai. Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Siruvani Falls and Dam and Sri Ranganathar Temple are among its highlights.
