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$536 Cheap Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Chennai (MAA)

View $536 flight on Thu, Sep 10, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) to Chennai International Airport (MAA)

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Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Chennai (SFO-MAA)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $536 for one-way flights and $970 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Air India
Tue, Oct 20 - Thu, Oct 29
SFO
San Francisco
MAA
Chennai
$970 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$970
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select Air India flight, departing Tue, Oct 20 from San Francisco to Chennai, returning Thu, Oct 29, priced at $970 found 4 hours ago
Singapore Airlines
Wed, Feb 10 - Wed, Mar 3
SFO
San Francisco
MAA
Chennai
$977 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$977
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Singapore Airlines flight, departing Wed, Feb 10 from San Francisco to Chennai, returning Wed, Mar 3, priced at $977 found 5 hours ago
Cathay Pacific
Mon, Sep 7 - Mon, Oct 5
SFO
San Francisco
MAA
Chennai
$1,028 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$1,028
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Cathay Pacific flight, departing Mon, Sep 7 from San Francisco to Chennai, returning Mon, Oct 5, priced at $1,028 found 1 hour ago
Emirates
Sun, Jan 17 - Wed, Feb 3
SFO
San Francisco
MAA
Chennai
$1,060 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$1,060
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Emirates flight, departing Sun, Jan 17 from San Francisco to Chennai, returning Wed, Feb 3, priced at $1,060 found 1 hour ago
British Airways
Wed, Feb 10 - Wed, Mar 3
SFO
San Francisco
MAA
Chennai
$1,066 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$1,066
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select British Airways flight, departing Wed, Feb 10 from San Francisco to Chennai, returning Wed, Mar 3, priced at $1,066 found 5 hours ago
Etihad Airways
Mon, Sep 7 - Fri, Oct 16
SFO
San Francisco
MAA
Chennai
$1,082 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$1,082
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Etihad Airways flight, departing Mon, Sep 7 from San Francisco to Chennai, returning Fri, Oct 16, priced at $1,082 found 1 hour ago
Qatar Airways
Mon, Sep 7 - Mon, Oct 5
SFO
San Francisco
MAA
Chennai
$1,086 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$1,086
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Qatar Airways flight, departing Mon, Sep 7 from San Francisco to Chennai, returning Mon, Oct 5, priced at $1,086 found 1 hour ago
Turkish Airlines
Tue, Feb 2 - Tue, Feb 23
SFO
San Francisco
MAA
Chennai
$1,190 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$1,190
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select Turkish Airlines flight, departing Tue, Feb 2 from San Francisco to Chennai, returning Tue, Feb 23, priced at $1,190 found 6 hours ago
Oman Air
Mon, Mar 15 - Mon, Mar 29
SFO
San Francisco
MAA
Chennai
$1,275 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,275
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Oman Air flight, departing Mon, Mar 15 from San Francisco to Chennai, returning Mon, Mar 29, priced at $1,275 found 1 day ago
KLM
Thu, Oct 8 - Sun, Nov 1
SFO
San Francisco
MAA
Chennai
$1,337 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$1,337
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select KLM flight, departing Thu, Oct 8 from San Francisco to Chennai, returning Sun, Nov 1, priced at $1,337 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 $1,078
MAA
Chennai Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center9 min
Flights from $1,078

Find the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Chennai (MAA)

March is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $933 - $1,140 per traveler.

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

San Francisco (SFO) to Chennai (MAA) at a glance

Embark on your journey from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Chennai International Airport (MAA) with a range of airlines offering long-haul flights. Explore various options to find the itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule while you prepare to experience the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Chennai. Discover essential details for your SFO to MAA flights, including flight times and other travel considerations to ensure a smooth trip.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 20h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 2h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 8,700 miles (14,000 km)
  • Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $385–$1575, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Chennai International Airport (MAA)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for one-stop and multi-stop flights from San Francisco to Chennai. Popular layover options include Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) with a layover of about 2 hours and 15 minutes, Changi Airport (SIN) at approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Dubai International Airport (DXB) with a 1 hour and 30-minute layover. This variety allows you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.

  • Cathay Pacific: This full-service airline provides a convenient one-stop option, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $385 and $2925. It represents about 23% of flights on this route, with an in-flight duration of 20 hours and 15 minutes, totaling approximately 22 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.
  • Air India: Another full-service option, Air India offers both one-stop and multi-stop flights, with one-way fares typically ranging from $425 to $2485. It comprises around 18% of departures on this route, featuring a standard in-flight time of 20 hours and 15 minutes, leading to an overall journey time of about 22 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Singapore Airlines: Known for its excellent service, this full-service carrier offers one-stop flights with one-way fares usually between $395 and $1925. It accounts for approximately 16% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 20 hours and 15 minutes and a total travel time of roughly 22 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • Emirates: A prominent full-service airline, Emirates provides both one-stop and multi-stop services, with one-way prices typically ranging from $515 to $1955. It represents roughly 15% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 20 hours and 15 minutes and a total journey time of about 22 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Qatar Airways: This full-service carrier offers a one-stop service with one-way fares generally between $510 and $2085. It accounts for about 13% of flights on this route, with an in-flight time of 20 hours and 15 minutes, resulting in a total travel time of approximately 22 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.

Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from San Francisco to Chennai with upgraded seating. Renowned airlines like Cathay Pacific, Air India, and British Airways provide business class and premium economy class cabins for a more comfortable experience.

Best time to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Chennai (MAA)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Francisco to Chennai are January, February, and December, when peak temperatures in Chennai reach up to 78.8°F in February. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 84.7°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $659). Flight availability peaks in December, with approximately 25 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. April has the fewest flights, with approximately 12 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $659, roughly 27% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $687.
  • Most flight options: December has the highest number of flights from San Francisco to Chennai, with approximately 25 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)High16$830
February78.8°F (26.0°C)High15$823
March82.6°F (28.1°C)Average13$759
April86.5°F (30.3°C)Average12$838
May89.6°F (32.0°C)Average17$963
June88.9°F (31.6°C)Average22$1203
July86.9°F (30.5°C)Average17$804
August85.6°F (29.8°C)Low16$687
September84.7°F (29.3°C)Low13$659
October83.1°F (28.4°C)Low13$1071
November79.7°F (26.5°C)Average15$993
December77.7°F (25.4°C)High25$1242

*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 San Francisco (SFO) to Chennai (MAA)

  • Oakland to Chennai (OAK-MAA): Located approximately 12 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK) serves as a convenient departure point for flights heading to Chennai.
  • San Francisco to Tirupati (SFO-TIR): Tirupati Airport (TIR) is roughly 61 miles from Chennai International Airport (MAA), making it an accessible destination for travelers flying from San Francisco.
  • San Jose to Tirupati (SJC-TIR): Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), situated about 30 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), connects to Tirupati Airport (TIR), which is around 61 miles from Chennai International Airport (MAA).

How to find the best prices for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Chennai (MAA)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Francisco 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 within two weeks, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Early morning departures (12 a.m. to 5 a.m.) generally offer lower prices, though afternoon flights (12 p.m. to 6 p.m.) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Fridays provides both affordable rates and is 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 San Francisco International Airport

Chennai welcomes travelers from San Francisco with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. 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 easily access several transport links. The Chennai International Airport Metro Station, a metro station, is located about 0.1 miles away on foot, while Chennai Tirusulam Station, a train station, is about 0.2 miles away on foot. For those needing a seaport, Chennai Seaport is approximately 5.8 miles from the airport by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $536 and cheap return flights from $970 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $649 and $6584, and roundtrip flights usually range from $1016 to $8821. 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from SFO to MAA is October 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
Enter SFO to MAA and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
China Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Chennai (MAA), with round-trip tickets starting from around $1,444 with a layover in Taoyuan Intl. (TPE). 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Chennai International Airport (MAA) typically departs at around 12:05 AM, operated by Cathay Pacific. An early departure like this can help you make the most of your time in Chennai. This service operates seasonally in September. 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Chennai International (MAA) are in the late afternoon, from 3pm to 6pm. About 28% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and British Airways, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to enjoy a full day in San Francisco before heading to the airport.
How long does it take to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
Flights from SFO to MAA with one stop typically take around 22 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 8,648 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
You can fly business class between SFO and MAA. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Air France
  • Qatar Airways
  • Air India
  • United Airlines
  • Japan Airlines
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Emirates
  • Lufthansa
  • Air Canada
  • Korean Air

First class cabins are available on:

  • Emirates
  • Lufthansa
  • Swiss International Air Lines

How do I earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco 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 San Francisco Intl. (SFO)?
If you're planning to travel to Chennai from San Francisco Intl. (SFO), you can fly into Chennai Intl. (MAA) Some flights may connect through major hubs like John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK), O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Liberty Intl. (EWR) 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
If you booked your San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco 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
San Francisco Intl.
Destination airport
Chennai Intl.
Airlines serving
Air Canada, Air France, Air India, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, IndiGo, Japan Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
Roundtrip price
$970
Distance
8646 mi

Book with confidence

San Francisco to Chennai Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from San Francisco to Chennai

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Chennai in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $536 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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.

 

San Francisco to Chennai Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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