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$196 Cheap Flights from Colombo (CMB) to Chennai (MAA)

View $196 flight on Fri, Aug 28, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Bandaranaike Intl. Airport (CMB) to Chennai International Airport (MAA)

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Cheap Flights from Colombo to Chennai (CMB-MAA)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $196 for one-way flights and $266 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

IndiGo
Sat, Sep 19 - Thu, Sep 24
CMB
Colombo
MAA
Chennai
$266 Roundtrip, found 8 hours ago
$266
Roundtrip
found 8 hours ago
Select IndiGo flight, departing Sat, Sep 19 from Colombo to Chennai, returning Thu, Sep 24, priced at $266 found 8 hours ago
IndiGo
Wed, Sep 2 - Sun, Sep 6
CMB
Colombo
MAA
Chennai
$268 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$268
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select IndiGo flight, departing Wed, Sep 2 from Colombo to Chennai, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $268 found 10 hours ago
IndiGo
Sun, Sep 6 - Mon, Sep 7
CMB
Colombo
MAA
Chennai
$273 Roundtrip, found 16 hours ago
$273
Roundtrip
found 16 hours ago
Select IndiGo flight, departing Sun, Sep 6 from Colombo to Chennai, returning Mon, Sep 7, priced at $273 found 16 hours ago
IndiGo
Sat, Sep 5 - Mon, Sep 14
CMB
Colombo
MAA
Chennai
$274 Roundtrip, found 22 hours ago
$274
Roundtrip
found 22 hours ago
Select IndiGo flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from Colombo to Chennai, returning Mon, Sep 14, priced at $274 found 22 hours ago
IndiGo
Sat, Aug 29 - Thu, Sep 3
CMB
Colombo
MAA
Chennai
$275 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$275
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select IndiGo flight, departing Sat, Aug 29 from Colombo to Chennai, returning Thu, Sep 3, priced at $275 found 1 day ago
SriLankan Airlines
Wed, Aug 12 - Sun, Aug 16
CMB
Colombo
MAA
Chennai
$279 Roundtrip, just found
$279
Roundtrip
just found
Select SriLankan Airlines flight, departing Wed, Aug 12 from Colombo to Chennai, returning Sun, Aug 16, priced at $279 just found
IndiGo
Sat, Aug 29 - Thu, Sep 3
CMB
Colombo
MAA
Chennai
$280 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$280
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select IndiGo flight, departing Sat, Aug 29 from Colombo to Chennai, returning Thu, Sep 3, priced at $280 found 1 day ago
IndiGo
Fri, Aug 14 - Mon, Aug 17
CMB
Colombo
MAA
Chennai
$281 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$281
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select IndiGo flight, departing Fri, Aug 14 from Colombo to Chennai, returning Mon, Aug 17, priced at $281 found 1 day ago
IndiGo
Fri, Aug 28 - Sat, Sep 12
CMB
Colombo
MAA
Chennai
$284 Roundtrip, found 20 hours ago
$284
Roundtrip
found 20 hours ago
Select IndiGo flight, departing Fri, Aug 28 from Colombo to Chennai, returning Sat, Sep 12, priced at $284 found 20 hours ago
Air India
Fri, Sep 18 - Sat, Oct 10
CMB
Colombo
MAA
Chennai
$393 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$393
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Air India flight, departing Fri, Sep 18 from Colombo to Chennai, returning Sat, Oct 10, priced at $393 found 1 day ago

Alternative airports near Chennai

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Chennai Intl. MAA. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 9 minutes. Flights from $287
MAA
Chennai Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center9 min
Flights from $287

What you need to know for your flight from Bandaranaike Intl. to Chennai Intl.

Colombo (CMB) to Chennai (MAA) at a glance

Experience a variety of options for Chennai flights as you travel from Colombo (CMB) to Chennai (MAA) on this international short-haul route. Whether you prefer full-service airlines or low-cost carriers, you can easily compare flights from Colombo to Chennai to find the itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule. Discover essential details about flight prices and routes available from Bandaranaike International Airport to Chennai International Airport as you plan your exploration of Chennai's vibrant attractions and neighborhoods.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 1h 15m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 400 miles (645 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $100–$230, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Chennai International Airport (MAA)

According to recent traveler bookings, the top airlines flying non-stop from Colombo to Chennai are favored for their flexibility. You can easily mix and match options based on price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary for your journey.

  • SriLankan Airlines: This comprehensive airline provides non-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices usually between $105 and $375. It represents about 47% of the departures along this route, taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach your destination.
  • IndiGo: As a budget-friendly airline, IndiGo offers non-stop services with one-way fares generally falling between $100 and $235. It makes up around 32% of the departures on this route, with a total travel time of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • Air India: A full-service option, Air India provides non-stop flights with one-way rates typically ranging from $155 to $205. It accounts for roughly 17% of the departures on this route, with a journey time of 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Travelers flying from Colombo to Chennai can opt for an upgrade, as SriLankan Airlines provides business class service on this route.

How to find the best prices for flights from Colombo (CMB) to Chennai (MAA)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Colombo to Chennai is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are generally available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures (6 PM to 12 AM) often offer lower prices, while afternoon flights (12 PM to 6 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Thursday provides both cheaper rates and popularity among travelers.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Chennai International Airport from Bandaranaike International Airport

Chennai welcomes travelers from Colombo with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Bandaranaike International Airport is roughly a 30-minute drive (covering about 24 miles) from central Colombo. Here's how to reach Chennai efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Chennai, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Chennai International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Chennai International Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • Public transportation: From Chennai International Airport, you can find several transport options nearby. The Chennai International Airport Metro Station, a metro station, is located about 0.1 miles from the airport, while Chennai Tirusulam Station, a train station, is about 0.2 miles away on foot. For those needing to reach the water, Chennai Seaport, a seaport, is approximately 5.8 miles from the airport by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $196 and cheap return flights from $266 Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $110 and $821, and roundtrip flights usually range from $194 to $522. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from CMB to MAA is September when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
There are 3 airlines offering direct flights from CMB to MAA:

  • IndiGo operates around 28 direct flights from CMB to MAA every week
  • SriLankan Airlines operates around 21 direct flights from CMB to MAA every week
  • Air India operates around 7 direct flights from CMB to MAA every week

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
Air India is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB) to Chennai Intl. (MAA), with round-trip tickets starting from around $275. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Colombo (CMB) to Chennai (MAA) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Air India offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, IndiGo typically offers the lowest fares. Air India offers the most daily flights from CMB to MAA, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
You can find approximately 7 nonstop flights per day from Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB) to Chennai Intl. (MAA). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Chennai International Airport (MAA) typically departs at around 12:05 AM. This flight is operated by Malaysia Airlines. An early departure can help you maximize your time in Chennai. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Colombo (CMB) to Chennai (MAA) are between 12pm and 3pm. About 33% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including IndiGo and SriLankan Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to travel after a leisurely morning.
How long does it take to fly from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from CMB to MAA takes around 1 hour 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 402 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 8 hours 30 minutes longer than direct options. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the CMB to MAA route with Air India and SriLankan Airlines.
How much is a business class flight from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
A non-stop, one-way business class flight from Colombo (CMB) to Chennai (MAA) is usually around $378 - $441. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Chennai from Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB)?
If you're planning to travel to Chennai from Bandaranaike Intl. (CMB), you can fly into Chennai Intl. (MAA) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Velana Intl. (MLE), Chhatrapati Shivaji Intl. (BOM), Indira Gandhi Intl. (DEL) before reaching Chennai. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) Chennai Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
If you booked your Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Bandaranaike Intl.
Destination airport
Chennai Intl.
Airlines serving
Air India, IndiGo, SriLankan Airlines
Roundtrip price
$266
Distance
401 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 21 mins

Book with confidence

Colombo to Chennai Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Colombo to Chennai

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Colombo to Chennai are during the month of September. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Colombo to Chennai with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Colombo to Chennai

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Colombo to Chennai: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Colombo to Chennai

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Colombo to Chennai in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $196 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Colombo to Chennai flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Colombo to Chennai airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

 

Colombo to Chennai Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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