Travelling from Chennai Airport (MAA) to Colombo: what you need to know
Expect to be in the air for 1 hour 20 minutes. That's the average journey time for a direct flight from Chennai Airport to Colombo.
Colombo and Chennai (where Chennai Airport is located) are in the UTC+5:30 timezone. That means there's no time difference to adjust for.
The most popular route is from Chennai Airport (MAA) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Take your pick of 56 weekly services between these two airports. If you'd like to take off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from MAA to CMB is the 00:35 IndiGo option. If you're planning to fly out later on, the final departure is at 21:15 with SriLankan Airlines.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to catch your MAA to Colombo flight.
Delays at check-in and security are more likely if you're heading away during high season, so allow some extra breathing room. A good rule for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Direct Chennai Airport to Colombo tickets are available for booking. Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is where you'll be landing.
You can choose from a variety of carriers offering direct flights from Chennai Airport to Colombo, including:
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your trip and possibly even visit a new city. When searching for flight tickets from MAA to Colombo, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Cochin International Airport (COK)
Coimbatore International Airport (CJB)
Tiruchirapalli International Airport (TRZ)
MAA is about 16 kilometres from central Chennai. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 45 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the travel time to be around 50 minutes.
Looking for a hotel near MAA? If you've booked an early flight from Chennai Airport to Colombo, these accommodation options set you up for a seamless send-off:
Of all flights departing from Chennai Airport, 76.04% arrive on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chennai Airport (MAA) to Colombo
ر.ق. 217 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way Chennai Airport to Colombo flight. A round-trip flight ticket right now is ر.ق. 462. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares could change.
To pick up cheap flights from MAA to Colombo, book ahead. Airlines generally offer lower prices when tickets are first released.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Chennai Airport to Colombo across every month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your trip dates are flexible.
There's no need to check in daily to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you the moment there's an even better deal on cheap flights from MAA to Colombo.
Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Chennai Airport to Colombo by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) is around 16 kilometres from central Colombo. If you're grabbing a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes about 40 minutes.
It takes around 1 hour 15 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Chennai Airport to Colombo. Check in to one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
The centre of Colombo is about 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Once your flight from Chennai Airport to Colombo has hit the runway and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 40 minutes.
The journey will take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel near CMB. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your MAA to Colombo flight:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and make a speedy getaway.
Get first dibs on the best options. Securing your ride from CMB two weeks ahead of time often means lower prices and a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your travel dates before securing your flight from Chennai Airport to Colombo. The city buzzes during high season, but rates are typically higher and top attractions can get crowded. Plan your trip to Colombo in the off-season if you prefer a more relaxed vibe.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC and 33ºC. Lock in your Chennai Airport to Colombo flight ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
For cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from MAA to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC and 32ºC.
More about Colombo
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Colombo right here. Explore these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Chennai Airport to Colombo:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be tricky to know where to start. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are major attractions which should feature on every Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
Jaffna is just one of the many cities in Sri Lanka waiting to be explored once you've seen Colombo. Around 306 kilometres away to the north, check out popular attractions including Jaffna Fort, Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library.
If you're looking to explore another well-known destination in Sri Lanka, head for Trincomalee, roughly 241 kilometres north-east of Colombo. Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach are highlights.
