Flying from Colombo to Chennai Airport (MAA): What you need to know
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is Colombo's main airport. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Colombo to Chennai Airport (MAA) departing from here.
Chennai's timezone is UTC+5:30, which is the same as Colombo. Chennai Airport is located in Chennai.
Give yourself plenty of time to catch your flight from Colombo to MAA. As a rule of thumb, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
With more travellers during peak seasons, it's a good idea to get to your terminal even earlier. Two hours for domestic flights and up to four for international trips will allow for additional wait times.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
RML is around 16 kilometres from central Colombo. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take you 40 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Want a relaxed start to your travels? Stay near Colombo Ratmalana Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Colombo to Chennai Airport or aren't a fan of being rushed, these hotels offer the perfect solution:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Catching a flight out of Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)? Direct Colombo to Chennai Airport (MAA) flight tickets can be booked from this popular hub.
You can pick from a variety of airlines that offer direct flights from Colombo to MAA departing from CMB. Jet off with any of these carriers and take a direct route to your destination:
IndiGo is the most popular choice for passengers flying from CMB to MAA.
FitsAir ranks as the most punctual carrier operating flights between Bandaranaike International Airport and Chennai Airport.
CMB is around 32 kilometres from central Colombo. It'll take you 40 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
Flying off with the first light? Think about staying at one of these hotels near Bandaranaike International Airport the day before your Colombo to MAA flight:
75.71% of flights departing Bandaranaike International Airport arrive according to schedule.
About Chennai Airport (MAA)
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Colombo to Chennai Airport. Make yourself comfy at one of these accommodation options near MAA instead:
Pick up a Chennai Airport rental car and discover Chennai and beyond with your own wheels. Avis, Europcar and North Car Hire are popular providers you can book with here.
To get the lowest price, reserve your vehicle around three weeks ahead of your Colombo to Chennai Airport flight.
Getting from Chennai Airport (MAA) to central Chennai
Chennai Airport is about 16 kilometres from central Chennai. How long it takes to get to the centre by car hire or cab depends on the time of day. Do a little research before you go.
It'll take around 50 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Colombo to Chennai Airport (MAA)
$125 is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from Colombo to Chennai Airport. A return flight starts from $193. These fares may change depending on demand.
Don't leave everything to the last moment. You're more likely to walk away with cheap flights from Colombo to MAA if you book in advance. Airlines often have some excellent early bird deals.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest Colombo to Chennai Airport tickets throughout the entire month. It's a great way to snap up a bargain if your travel dates are flexible.
Never miss a deal on flight tickets from Colombo to MAA by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Save on your flight from Colombo to Chennai Airport by using filters. Select your ideal duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
The best time to fly from Colombo to Chennai Airport (MAA)
April is the quietest month for flights from Colombo to Chennai Airport (MAA), while July is the busiest. Work out the best time to go to Chennai based on whether you want a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Before locking in your Colombo to MAA flight ticket, consider the weather you're most comfortable in. May is the warmest month in Chennai, with temperatures ranging from 28ºC (82ºF) to 37ºC (99ºF).
If you want cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from Colombo to Chennai Airport in January when temperatures are between 21ºC (70ºF) and 28ºC (82ºF).
More about Chennai
Once you've booked your flight from Colombo to Chennai Airport, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Chennai:
Meenakshi Temple and Marina beach are just a couple of the big attractions to put on your Chennai itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Wildlife photography tours -Naturographers.
Explore more of India
You've seen Chennai, now it's time to explore more of India. Travel around 274 kilometres west to Bengaluru to tick off its leading sights. From Meenakshi Temple to Museum of Art & Photography and Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Around 257 kilometres south-west of Chennai, Salem is another favourite stop in India. Start your sightseeing at Meenakshi Amman Kovil, ISKCON and Eco Trekking (Starting Point).
