What percentage of Colombo to Chennai flights are direct?

In the trailing 90 days, approximately 18.9% of flights from Colombo to Chennai have been direct. For journeys involving connections, travelers typically experience a median of 2 stopovers. This indicates that while direct options are available, a significant portion of flights on this route include at least one stop. Travelers should consider this when planning their journey.

How long does it take to fly from Colombo to Chennai?

The typical direct flight from Colombo to Chennai covers a distance of 647 kilometers and has a median duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes. For flights with one stop, the median travel time extends significantly to 10 hours and 35 minutes. Travelers should account for these differences when choosing between direct and connecting options. The journey length can vary considerably based on the number of stops.

How often do cheap flights from Colombo to Chennai come up?

Historically, cheap flights from Colombo to Chennai come up frequently. This route is known for its consistent availability of deals. Travelers can typically find favorable prices without an extended wait. The frequent occurrence of good offers makes this a convenient route for budget-conscious travelers.

Flights From Colombo

To Chennai

Cheap Flights from Colombo to Chennai

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Colombo

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Prices updated 5 days ago

402 airlines compared

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Fares are subject to change and may not be available for all dates. (Data last updated Jul 12, 2026.)

Today’s best flight deals from Colombo to Chennai

Explore current cheapest deals departing from Colombo to Chennai

Round trip

Sort by: Cheapest

July 14 - July 19

Cheapest

Best

Earliest

CMB - Chennai

$178

$187

Round trip

July 14 - July 21

Cheapest

Earliest

CMB - Chennai

$167

$187

Round trip

July 24 - July 26

Cheapest

CMB - Chennai

$164

$187

Round trip

July 23 - July 28

Cheapest

CMB - Chennai

$158

$187

Round trip

July 17 - July 24

Cheapest

CMB - Chennai

$168

$187

Round trip

August 2 - August 21

Cheapest

CMB - Chennai

$134

$187

Round trip

July 24 - July 28

CMB - Chennai

$164

$191

Round trip

July 28 - July 31

CMB - Chennai

$154

$191

Round trip

August 14 - August 21

Best

CMB - Chennai

$157

$191

Round trip

August 23 - August 27

CMB - Chennai

$160

$192

Round trip

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Colombo to Chennai: Overview

Insights for flights from Colombo to Chennai

Right now, fares for flights from Colombo to Chennai are above the typical level. Prices for this route typically range from $301–$629, with a median of $424. Currently, 0% of recent fares are classified as a good price, indicating that finding cheap flights from Colombo to Chennai may require some flexibility.

When considering the cheapest time to fly from Colombo to Chennai, January stands out with a median fare of $142. Other cost-effective months include March, with a median fare of $144, and April, where the median fare is $171. These months offer more favorable pricing compared to the overall median.

A typical journey from Colombo to Chennai takes approximately 16h 0m, including connections. This duration reflects that most itineraries connect at least once. Only 18.9% of recent fares are for direct flights from Colombo to Chennai, with the majority of connecting itineraries involving 2 stopovers.

The route from Colombo to Chennai covers a distance of 647 kilometers. This classifies it as a short-haul flight, meaning it is a relatively short journey.

How much is a round trip from Colombo to Chennai

Regular price: $132 - $212

Prices for flights from Colombo to Chennai are currently within the regular range.

The regular price range for this route is between 132 USD and 212 USD. The current lowest deal is 187 USD with IndiGo, for travel from Jul 14 to Jul 21.

now $187

Low $132

High $212

The cheapest time to fly from Colombo to Chennai

Flights from Colombo to Chennai are cheapest in January, with a median price of $142. The most expensive month to fly is November, with a median price of $470. Prices are generally lower from January to December.

January

Cheapest

Flights from $142

November

Most Expensive

Flights from $470

Jan

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from Colombo to Chennai

IndiGo

Last-minute flights going from Colombo to Chennai

Mon, Jul 13

⌛ Last-Minute

CMB - Chennai

Colombo (CMB) - Chennai (MAA)

IndiGo

$154

$192

One-way

Tue, Jul 14

⌛ Last-Minute

CMB - Chennai

Colombo (CMB) - Chennai (MAA)

IndiGo

$178

$187

One-way

Tue, Jul 14

⌛ Last-Minute

CMB - Chennai

Colombo (CMB) - Chennai (MAA)

IndiGo

$168

$187

One-way

Tue, Jul 14

⌛ Last-Minute

CMB - Chennai

Colombo (CMB) - Chennai (MAA)

IndiGo

$162

$193

One-way

Tue, Jul 14

⌛ Last-Minute

CMB - Chennai

Colombo (CMB) - Chennai (MAA)

IndiGo

$152

$196

One-way

Fri, Jul 17

⌛ Last-Minute

CMB - Chennai

Colombo (CMB) - Chennai (MAA)

IndiGo

$167

$187

One-way

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Colombo to Chennai

3 nights

Jul 7 - Jul 10

$189 → $194

3 nights

Jul 9 - Jul 12

$189 → $196

3 nights

Jul 11 - Jul 14

$178 → $189

2 nights

Jul 10 - Jul 12

$183 → $196

Popular Airports to fly from Colombo to Chennai

Colombo - Chennai route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are above the typical level

Recent fares from Colombo to Chennai are above the typical level at $424.

📅 Best time to fly

January is historically cheapest at $142

Historically, January is the cheapest month to fly from Colombo to Chennai, at $142.

⏱️ Flight duration

Flights are typically 16h 0m

The median flight duration from Colombo to Chennai is 16h 0m.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Connecting flights are dominant

Connecting flights are dominant, with a median of 2 stopovers on this route.

🏆 Airline highlight

IndiGo offers direct flights

IndiGo has direct flights available from Colombo to Chennai.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals are frequent

Deals on flights from Colombo to Chennai are frequent. Consider booking soon.

Colombo main airports to depart from

Bandaranaike International (CMB)

Cheapest

Bandaranaike International Airport is a convenient and often cheapest option for flights to Chennai.

📍 ~30 km from Colombo city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$189

Chennai main airports to arrive at

Chennai International (MAA)

Cheapest

Chennai International Airport is a convenient arrival point for flights from Colombo to Chennai.

📍 ~20 km from Chennai city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$189

Airports nearby Chennai used as alternative

Bengaluru International (BLR)

Bengaluru International is a major international hub with extensive global and domestic networks, offering high frequency of flights.

📍 ~275 km from Chennai (requires approximately 5-6 hours of ground travel from Chennai)

💸 Flights from ~$247

Rajiv Gandhi International (HYD)

Cheapest

Rajiv Gandhi International is a large international gateway with diverse airline options and excellent infrastructure for connections.

📍 ~520 km from Chennai (typically requiring a connecting flight or overnight train)

💸 Flights from ~$234

Tiruchirappalli International (TRZ)

Tiruchirappalli International is an international airport focusing on Southeast Asia and Middle East routes, located within the same state.

📍 ~280 km from Chennai

💸 Flights from ~$266

Tirupati (TIR)

Tirupati is the geographically closest alternative airport to Chennai, convenient for domestic hops and regional connectivity.

📍 ~115 km from Chennai

💸 Flights from ~$297

Coimbatore International (CJB)

Coimbatore International is a significant regional hub with international connectivity to select hubs and reliable service.

📍 ~440 km from Chennai (considerable travel distance from Chennai)

💸 Flights from ~$265

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Chennai

Elite

Jul 30

Chennai, India

45% AI deal score

$581

$576

Save $5

From CMB

Elite

Jun 19

Chennai, India

45% AI deal score

$581

From CMB

Elite

Jun 27

Chennai, India

44% AI deal score

$581

From CMB

Elite

Jun 19

Chennai, India

44% AI deal score

$581

From CMB

Elite

Jun 27

Chennai, India

44% AI deal score

$581

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Chennai

Historically, the optimal booking window for flights from Colombo to Chennai is typically 7-13 days before departure. During this period, the average price for a ticket has been around $502. In contrast, booking 0-6 days out usually sees prices rise to approximately $641. Planning ahead by 7-13 days can lead to more favorable pricing.

Across the trailing quarter, a good price for a flight from Colombo to Chennai is considered to be $301 or less. The median price for this route has been $424. Prices can range, with 75% of tickets historically costing $629 or less. Aiming for prices at or below the $301 threshold typically indicates a favorable deal.

Historically, January and March have been the cheapest months to fly from Colombo to Chennai, with median prices around $142 and $144, respectively. April has also shown competitive pricing, with a median of $171. These months consistently offer prices significantly lower than the annual median of $424 for this route. Travelers looking for the best value may consider these periods.

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