Flying from Chennai Airport (MAA) to Colombo: what you need to know
Approximately 1 hour 21 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct flight from Chennai Airport to Colombo.
Colombo's timezone is UTC+5:30, which is the same as Chennai (the location of Chennai Airport).
The most popular route is from Chennai Airport (MAA) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Choose from 201 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to get on your way as soon as you can, the earliest flight from MAA to CMB is the 00:05 SpiceJet option. If you'd rather fly out later on, the final departure is at 21:15 with SriLankan Airlines.
To ensure you get on your flight from MAA to Colombo, leave plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
During popular months such as July, you'll want to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're flying during peak periods in general.
You can get a direct flight from Chennai Airport to Colombo. Begin your trip at MAA and land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Numerous airlines offer direct flights from Chennai Airport to Colombo. Some of the most popular are:
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your trip — and maybe even explore another city. When searching for flights from MAA to Colombo, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Some popular options include:
Cochin International Airport (COK)
Coimbatore International Airport (CJB)
Tiruchirapalli International Airport (TRZ)
To travel to Sri Lanka for tourism purposes, you'll need a visa if you hold a passport from India. However, visa rules are subject to change and you may need additional documents depending on the purpose and duration of your visit. Always check the most up-to-date guidelines before you book your cheap ticket from Chennai Airport to Colombo.
Located around 19 kilometres from central Chennai, MAA can be reached in about 47 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport takes roughly 49 minutes.
After a relaxed start to your holiday? Stay near MAA. Whether you're taking an early flight from Chennai Airport to Colombo or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
How to find the cheapest flights from Chennai Airport (MAA) to Colombo
R 1,136 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Chennai Airport to Colombo. For a return flight on this route, the best price is R 2,334. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares could change.
Lock in cheap tickets from MAA to Colombo by booking at least 8 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for finding a bargain.
Organise your trip for April. That's the cheapest month for tickets from Chennai Airport to Colombo. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across each month.
Create a Price Alert for cheap tickets from MAA to Colombo. You don't need to check every day to see if prices have fallen. We'll notify you when the price changes.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Chennai Airport to Colombo. Simply select your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 16 kilometres. It'll take you around 39 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Getting there by public transport will take you around 1 hour and 16 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel close to RML if you're taking a late flight from Chennai Airport to Colombo. Choose one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
The centre of Colombo is approximately 32 kilometres from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). As soon as your flight from Chennai Airport to Colombo has touched down and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should take about 39 minutes.
You can also opt for public transport, which will take approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes.
After your flight from MAA to Colombo, tuck yourself in at a hotel near CMB. These are some comfortable options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Best time to go to Colombo
Carefully consider your travel dates before booking your flight from Chennai Airport to Colombo. The city comes alive in peak season, but hotel prices are usually higher and attractions can get crowded. Visit Colombo in the low season if you like a quieter vibe.
The warmest month in Colombo is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC and 33ºC. Book your flights from Chennai Airport to Colombo in this month if you enjoy this type of weather.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from MAA to Colombo in January when temperatures average between 22ºC and 32ºC.
More about Colombo
Start your Colombo trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Chennai Airport to Colombo, check out our selection of hotels including:
All great holidays should include some sightseeing. Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall and Viharamahadevi Park are attractions you won't want to skip in Colombo.
Complete your Colombo trip with a car rental
Select one of our car rentals in Colombo and explore the city at your own pace. Easily compare options in one place to find the ideal ride after booking your hotel and cheap flights from Chennai Airport to Colombo.
