Travelling from Shillong (SHL) to Chennai (MAA): what you need to know
- Shillong and Chennai follow the same timezone, UTC+5:30.
- For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This way, you'll have plenty of time to catch your SHL to MAA flight.
- Be prepared for longer lines in popular months such as June. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for a domestic departure is a wise move.
- Opt for a stopover if you prefer to break up your flight. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' to see your options for tickets from Shillong to Chennai. Delhi Indira Gandhi International is a top stopover on the SHL to MAA route.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shillong (SHL) to Chennai (MAA)
- ₹ 7,417 is currently the best price for a one-way Shillong to Chennai flight. A return flight starts at ₹ 14,893. These prices can change depending on demand.
- Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap tickets from SHL to MAA if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some terrific early bird discounts.
- Finding cheap flights from Shillong to Chennai is more likely if you can be flexible with your trip dates. Use the 'Whole month' search function to see the best prices across each month and bag a great deal.
- Finding cheap flights from SHL to MAA is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when a new deal comes up.
- Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Shillong to Chennai.
Handy information about Shillong (SHL)
- 77% of flights leaving from Shillong land at their destination on schedule.
- Central Shillong to Shillong is around 31 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take about 45 minutes to get there if you're driving, catching a taxi or ride-sharing.
- The journey on public transport usually takes 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Get your holiday off to a leisurely start by staying near SHL. Whether you've booked an early flight from Shillong to Chennai or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are ideal:
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Shillong Airport (SHL) to Chennai Airport (MAA)?
Most airlines operating flights from SHL to MAA 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 serving this route:
- IndiGo
- Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (55x35x25cm) plus personal item
- Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
- Departure terminal: Shillong Airport (SHL), Terminal 1
- Arrival terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
- Check-in counters: Open 2 hours before departure
You can access essential facilities such as free Wi-Fi, basic dining options, and ATM services at Shillong Airport (SHL). The airport also provides taxi and bus connections to help you reach the city centre, along with parking facilities for those arriving by private vehicle. Medical assistance and information desks are available to support your travel needs at Shillong Airport (SHL).
Arriving at Chennai (MAA)
- The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late Shillong to Chennai flight. Book one of these accommodation options near MAA instead:
- Get your adventure underway by picking up a Chennai rental car. Grab your wheels from Avis, Europcar or North Car Hire and experience the lesser-explored corners of Chennai and beyond.
- Lock in the best rate by booking your ride from Chennai around three weeks before your travel date.
Getting from Chennai (MAA) to central Chennai
- From Chennai, Chennai is approximately 21 kilometres away. It takes around 35 minutes to get to the centre driving.
- If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey of about 1 hour.
When to fly to Chennai (MAA)
- January is the busiest month for flights from Shillong to Chennai. To escape the crowds, visit Chennai in January.
- The warmest month in Chennai is May, with temperatures ranging between 28ºC and 37ºC. Lock in your flights from Shillong to Chennai in this month if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
- Search for cheap tickets from SHL to MAA in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around 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 monsoon rains. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
- December – February: Winter brings cooler, dry weather that makes these the best times to explore Chennai. You'll enjoy mild daytime temperatures and gentle evening breezes, perfect for sightseeing with light cotton clothing.
- March – May: Summer brings intense heat and humidity that builds steadily through these months. Start your sightseeing early in the morning to avoid the afternoon sun.
- June – September: Chennai's monsoon season delivers warm, humid days with refreshing rain showers that cool the air. Light, breathable clothing works best for exploring indoor attractions and covered markets during this lush, green period.
- October – November: Post-monsoon season brings welcome relief with humidity dropping and temperatures becoming more manageable. You'll find this perfect timing for exploring outdoor attractions, wandering through markets, and enjoying extended sightseeing without the earlier year's intensity.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Chennai blends traditional Tamil culture with modern industry, making it a fascinating destination for travellers booking flights to Chennai. The city is home to beautiful temples, colonial architecture, and Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches globally. Street food, classical music, and film culture define daily life here, whilst the nearby town of Mahabalipuram offers ancient stone carvings and shore temples.
- Things to do in Chennai: Walk along Marina Beach's sandy coastline, about 4 kilometres southeast of the centre, where you can watch fishermen at work and catch the sunrise over the Bay of Bengal. Head to T. Nagar market, roughly 6 kilometres south, to browse textiles, jewellery, and street food stalls. For a peaceful escape, stroll through the Theosophical Society grounds around 8 kilometres south, where century-old trees create natural canopies over winding paths.
- Cultural experiences: Watch classical Bharatanatyam performances at Kalakshetra Foundation, about 12 kilometres south of the city centre, or admire Dravidian architecture at Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, roughly 8 kilometres southeast. Browse contemporary art galleries in the Alwarpet neighbourhood, around 6 kilometres south, then sample authentic Chettinad cuisine at local restaurants. Each area showcases Chennai's deep-rooted traditions and evolving cultural scene.
- Seasonal highlights: Experience the Chennai Music Season from December to January when classical concerts fill the city's venues. Join the colourful Pongal celebrations in January with traditional festivities and local delicacies. The cooler months from November to February offer the best time to visit Chennai for comfortable temple visits and beach walks along Marina Beach.
Explore more of India
- Chennai has plenty to offer, but there are so many other parts of India waiting to be discovered. About 290 kilometres west of Chennai, a trip to Bengaluru will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with leading sights like Meenakshi Temple, Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) and Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple.
- Around 434 kilometres south-west of Chennai, Coimbatore is another essential stop in India. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Siruvani Falls and Dam and Sri Ranganathar Temple.
