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$392 Cheap Flights from Washington (IAD) to Chennai (MAA)

View $392 flight on Tue, Sep 15, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Washington Dulles Intl. Airport (IAD) to Chennai International Airport (MAA)

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Cheap Flights from Washington to Chennai (IAD-MAA)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $392 for one-way flights and $809 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Etihad Airways
Tue, Sep 15 - Fri, Sep 25
IAD
Washington
MAA
Chennai
$809 Roundtrip, just found
$809
Roundtrip
just found
Select Etihad Airways flight, departing Tue, Sep 15 from Washington to Chennai, returning Fri, Sep 25, priced at $809 just found
Qatar Airways
Tue, Sep 15 - Fri, Sep 25
IAD
Washington
MAA
Chennai
$849 Roundtrip, just found
$849
Roundtrip
just found
Select Qatar Airways flight, departing Tue, Sep 15 from Washington to Chennai, returning Fri, Sep 25, priced at $849 just found
Qatar Airways
Tue, Sep 15 - Fri, Sep 25
IAD
Washington
MAA
Chennai
$860 Roundtrip, just found
$860
Roundtrip
just found
Select Qatar Airways flight, departing Tue, Sep 15 from Washington to Chennai, returning Fri, Sep 25, priced at $860 just found
British Airways
Tue, Sep 15 - Wed, Oct 7
IAD
Washington
MAA
Chennai
$909 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$909
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select British Airways flight, departing Tue, Sep 15 from Washington to Chennai, returning Wed, Oct 7, priced at $909 found 4 hours ago
Emirates
Tue, Sep 15 - Fri, Sep 25
IAD
Washington
MAA
Chennai
$984 Roundtrip, just found
$984
Roundtrip
just found
Select Emirates flight, departing Tue, Sep 15 from Washington to Chennai, returning Fri, Sep 25, priced at $984 just found
Turkish Airlines
Thu, Feb 11 - Mon, Feb 15
IAD
Washington
MAA
Chennai
$1,066 Roundtrip, just found
$1,066
Roundtrip
just found
Select Turkish Airlines flight, departing Thu, Feb 11 from Washington to Chennai, returning Mon, Feb 15, priced at $1,066 just found
KLM
Sat, Aug 22 - Sat, Sep 19
IAD
Washington
MAA
Chennai
$1,202 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$1,202
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select KLM flight, departing Sat, Aug 22 from Washington to Chennai, returning Sat, Sep 19, priced at $1,202 found 4 days ago
Virgin Atlantic
Sat, Jun 19 - Fri, Jul 9
IAD
Washington
MAA
Chennai
$1,227 Roundtrip, found 20 hours ago
$1,227
Roundtrip
found 20 hours ago
Select Virgin Atlantic flight, departing Sat, Jun 19 from Washington to Chennai, returning Fri, Jul 9, priced at $1,227 found 20 hours ago
Ethiopian Airlines
Sat, Sep 19 - Sat, Oct 17
IAD
Washington
MAA
Chennai
$1,324 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,324
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Ethiopian Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 19 from Washington to Chennai, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $1,324 found 1 day ago
Swiss International Air Lines
Wed, Oct 7 - Mon, Oct 19
IAD
Washington
MAA
Chennai
$1,507 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$1,507
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select Swiss International Air Lines flight, departing Wed, Oct 7 from Washington to Chennai, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $1,507 found 4 hours 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 $889
MAA
Chennai Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center9 min
Flights from $889

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

Washington (IAD) to Chennai (MAA) at a glance

Explore a range of options for your flight to Chennai (MAA) from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) on this long-haul international route. Whether you’re looking for cheap flights from Washington or prefer a full-service experience, you can compare various airlines to find the itinerary that suits your budget and schedule. Discover the essential details for traveling from Washington to Chennai and plan your adventure in this vibrant city.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 17 hours in-flight, plus roughly 2h 45m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 8,600 miles (13,840 km)
  • Flights per week: around 10 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $375–$1285, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Chennai International Airport (MAA)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Washington to Chennai, especially for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. Popular layovers include Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) with around a 2-hour stop, Hamad International Airport (DOH) with approximately a 3-hour layover, and Frankfurt International Airport (FRA), also about 3 hours. These options allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to craft the ideal travel itinerary.

  • Etihad Airways: This comprehensive service airline provides one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $375 and $1715. It represents about 37% of all departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 17 hours and a total travel time of around 19 hours and 45 minutes, including layover time.
  • Qatar Airways: Known for its full-service offerings, this carrier also features one-stop travel options. One-way fares usually range from $425 to $1270, constituting approximately 17% of departures on the route. The flight duration is 17 hours, with a total journey time of approximately 19 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in the layover.
  • Emirates: As a full-service airline, Emirates provides one-stop services with one-way fares typically ranging from $475 to $1515. It accounts for around 14% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 17 hours and a total journey time of about 19 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
  • Lufthansa: This full-service airline offers one-stop options, with one-way fares generally priced between $440 and $2730. It makes up roughly 12% of departures on this route, maintaining an in-flight time of 17 hours and a total travel duration of approximately 19 hours and 45 minutes, including the layover.
  • Air India: Operating as a full-service carrier, Air India provides one-stop service with one-way fares usually ranging from $375 to $3225. It has about 5% of the departures on this route, with a flight time of 17 hours and a total journey time of roughly 19 hours and 45 minutes, which includes the layover.

Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from Washington to Chennai with upgraded flight choices. Leading airlines include Lufthansa, which provides both business class and premium economy class, Etihad Airways with its business class offering, and British Airways, also featuring business class and premium economy class.

Best time to fly from Washington (IAD) to Chennai (MAA)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Washington to Chennai are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Chennai reach up to 82.6°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider October, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 83.1°F. For better deals, April usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $619. Flight availability peaks in December, with approximately 12 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: April usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $619, roughly 21% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: May, February, and October typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $623 to $670.
  • Most flight options: December has the highest number of flights from Washington to Chennai, with approximately 12 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January77.4°F (25.2°C)High11$808
February78.8°F (26.0°C)High9$663
March82.6°F (28.1°C)High10$846
April86.5°F (30.3°C)Average9$619
May89.6°F (32.0°C)Average11$623
June88.9°F (31.6°C)Average11$839
July86.9°F (30.5°C)Average11$926
August85.6°F (29.8°C)Average9$807
September84.7°F (29.3°C)Low9$693
October83.1°F (28.4°C)Low8$670
November79.7°F (26.5°C)Low9$893
December77.7°F (25.4°C)Average12$1111

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative routes from Washington (IAD) to Chennai (MAA)

  • Washington to Chennai (DCA-MAA): Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is located approximately 23 miles from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), providing convenient access for travelers heading to Chennai.
  • Washington to Tirupati (IAD-TIR): Tirupati Airport (TIR) is roughly 61 miles from Chennai International Airport (MAA), making it an essential stop for those traveling to this sacred destination.
  • Washington to Tirupati (DCA-TIR): Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is about 23 miles from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), while Tirupati Airport (TIR) lies approximately 61 miles from Chennai International Airport (MAA), connecting these vital locations.

How to find the best prices for flights from Washington (IAD) to Chennai (MAA)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Washington 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 usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM tend to offer lower prices and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Wednesday not only provides cheaper prices but is also the most favored travel day.
  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 Washington Dulles International Airport

Chennai welcomes travelers from Washington with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Washington Dulles International Airport is roughly a 40-minute drive (covering about 29 miles) from central Washington. 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, both Chennai International Airport Metro Station, a metro station, and Chennai Tirusulam Station, a train station, are conveniently located about 0.1 miles and 0.2 miles away on foot, respectively. For those traveling by car, Chennai Seaport, a seaport, is situated approximately 5.8 miles from the airport.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $392 and cheap return flights from $809 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $603 and $6634, and roundtrip flights usually range from $987 to $8957. 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from IAD 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
Enter IAD to MAA and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
Delta is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) to Chennai Intl. (MAA) with a layover in John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK), starting from around $973. 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles 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 time to fly from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles 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.
What is the earliest flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Washington, DC (IAD) to Chennai (MAA) typically departs at 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. An early start can help you make the most of 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
For flights from Washington, DC (IAD) to Chennai (MAA), the most popular departure times are from 6pm to 9pm. This time window captures about 26% of total traffic. Many major carriers, including Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, and Air France, operate during this time. This timing is favored as it allows travelers to maximize their day before heading to the airport.
How long does it take to fly from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
Flights from IAD to MAA with one stop typically take around 19 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 8,569 miles. 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
You can fly business class between IAD and MAA. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • American Airlines
  • Emirates
  • Etihad Airways
  • Qatar Airways
  • United Airlines
  • Lufthansa
  • British Airways
  • Swiss International Air Lines
  • Aer Lingus
  • Air France

First class cabins are available on:

  • Emirates
  • Lufthansa
  • Swiss International Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles 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 Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD)?
From Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), you can fly into Chennai Intl. (MAA) to reach Chennai. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Pearson Intl. (YYZ), Heathrow (LHR), Frankfurt Intl. (FRA) 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles 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 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
If you booked your Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles 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
Washington Dulles Intl.
Destination airport
Chennai Intl.
Airlines serving
Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, IndiGo, KLM, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
Roundtrip price
$809
Distance
8568 mi

Book with confidence

Washington to Chennai Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Washington 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 Washington to Chennai are during the month of September. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Washington to Chennai with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Washington to Chennai

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington to Chennai in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $392 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 Washington 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 Washington 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.

 

Washington to Chennai Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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