Chennai to Colombo Flights: Find the Best Fares and Book Smart | Yovotrip
Find the cheapest Chennai to Colombo fares, compare booking windows and airlines, and travel smarter on the MAA–CMB route — with AI fare tracking on YovoTrip.
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Price Range: ₹0 – ₹50,000
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Route overview
Route: Chennai (MAA) → Colombo (CMB) | Distance: ~649 km | Flight Time: 1 hr 23 min | Starting Fare: ₹6,500 onwards
Chennai to Colombo is one of South India's shortest and most established international routes, connecting Tamil Nadu's capital with Sri Lanka's commercial capital in under 1.5 hours. The route is served by three airlines with 5–6 daily nonstop departures. This guide covers the airlines, realistic fares, both airports, and how to book smart.
Book flights from Chennai (MAA) to Colombo (CMB). The aerial distance is approximately 649 km, with typical non-stop flight times around 1 hr 23 min. Compare fares across airlines on YovoTrip.
Flight highlights
Chennai to Colombo Flight Highlights
Here's a quick snapshot of what to expect on this route before comparing specific flights. Aerial distance is approximately 648–650 km; typical flight time is 1 hr 20 min – 1 hr 25 min. Compare fares across airlines on YovoTrip.
~649 km
Aerial Distance
1 hr 23 min
Direct Flight Duration
5–6 (direct)
Daily Direct Flights
3+
Airlines Operating
MAA → CMB
Airport Codes
₹6,500 onwards
Starting Fare
Airlines
Airlines Flying Chennai to Colombo
Air India and SriLankan Airlines together cover most departures on this route, with IndiGo adding budget capacity.
| Airline | Type | Frequency | Avg. duration | Direct flights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 IndiGo | Low-Cost | 5–7 daily | 1 hr 23 min | Yes |
 Air India | Full-Service | 2–4 daily | 1 hr 23 min | Yes |
 UL | Value | 1–2 daily | 1 hr 23 min | Yes |
IndiGo
Frequency
5–7 daily
Avg. duration
1 hr 23 min
Direct flights
Yes
Air India
Frequency
2–4 daily
Avg. duration
1 hr 23 min
Direct flights
Yes
UL
Frequency
1–2 daily
Avg. duration
1 hr 23 min
Direct flights
Yes
Fare guide
How Much Does a Chennai to Colombo Flight Cost?
As a short, well-served international route, fares here are relatively accessible for an international sector. Here is a realistic, indicative breakdown of Chennai to Colombo airfare by booking type; treat these as a planning guide rather than a quote, since fares shift daily.
| Booking Type | Typical Fare Range |
|---|---|
| Last-minute (0–3 days) | ₹15,000–₹24,000+ |
| Short advance (7–14 days) | ₹10,000–₹15,000 |
| Smart advance (30–45 days) | ₹7,800–₹10,500 |
| Early bird (60+ days) | ₹6,500–₹8,500 |
| Peak season (Dec–Mar, Sri Lankan New Year Apr) | ₹16,000–₹26,000+ |
| Off-peak (Jun–Aug) | ₹7,000–₹9,500 |
This window offers a solid mix of price and choice. For the Dec–Mar peak season, extend that to 60 days.
Airport info
Airport Information
Essential details about the departure and arrival airports for this route.
MAA
Chennai International Airport, Chennai
Tip
Domestic and international sections are within the same airport complex.
CMB
Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo
Terminal
Single terminal
City Distance
Approx. 30 km north of central Colombo
Cab/Taxi
Prepaid taxis and app cabs take 45–60 minutes to the city centre; an expressway link speeds up the journey. · 45–60 min
Tip
Indian passport holders can apply for Sri Lanka's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before travel.
Travel tips
Tips for Booking Chennai to Colombo Flights
Tips for booking Chennai to Colombo flights:
Book early for the Dec–Mar peak season
This is Sri Lanka's busiest tourist window.
Watch the Sri Lankan and Tamil New Year (mid-April) too
It's a major two-way travel period.
Compare all three airlines before booking
Fares can vary meaningfully between carriers.
Best time to book
When to Book Chennai to Colombo Flights for the Best Price?
On this short, frequently flown route, a few weeks' notice is usually enough outside peak season. Booking ahead of the Dec–Mar peak and the Sri Lankan New Year matters more than the day of the week you fly.
Book 30–45 Days in Advance
This window offers a solid mix of price and choice. For the Dec–Mar peak season, extend that to 60 days.
Fly Midweek (Tuesday–Thursday)
Midweek departures are consistently cheaper than Monday-morning and Friday-evening flights.
Consider Early Morning or Late-Night Flights
The very first and very last departures tend to carry the lowest fares.
Cheapest months
Cheapest Months to Fly
- Cheapest months: June to August are typically the most affordable months to fly this route.
Peak travel
Most Expensive Times
- Most expensive times: The December–March peak tourist season and the Sri Lankan/Tamil New Year in April see the sharpest fare spikes.
Fare strategies
Tips to Get the Cheapest Chennai to Colombo Flight
Tips to get the cheapest MAA to CMB flight:
Compare all three airlines on YovoTrip
Air India, IndiGo, and SriLankan Airlines in one search.
Book Dec–Mar peak season travel early
this is Sri Lanka's busiest tourist window.
Set a fare alert on YovoTrip, since prices can shift as peak season approaches.
Set a fare alert on YovoTrip, since prices can shift as peak season approaches.
Choose early morning departures for lower fares if available.
Choose early morning departures for lower fares if available.
Travel carry-on only where possible to skip the checked-baggage fee.
Travel carry-on only where possible to skip the checked-baggage fee.
Compare all airlines on YovoTrip
Search MAA to CMB in one place.
Set a fare alert on YovoTrip
International fares can shift within the same day.
How to book
How to Book Chennai to Colombo Flights on YovoTrip?
YovoTrip pulls all three airlines into one search so you can compare fare and timing without checking each site separately.
Visit YovoTrip.com
Go to YovoTrip.com and open the Flights search.
Enter MAA and CMB
Enter MAA (Chennai) as origin and CMB (Colombo) as destination.
Choose your dates
Pick your travel date and trip type.
Compare all airlines
Compare available flights by fare and timing, including connecting options.
Use Yovo AI
Use Yovo AI to quickly filter by what matters most.
Review fare rules
Select your preferred flight and check fare conditions.
Enter passenger details
Enter passenger details exactly as on your passport.
Add extras if needed
Seat selection, extra baggage, or travel insurance.
Complete payment
Pay securely via UPI, card, or net banking.
Receive your e-ticket
Delivered by email and SMS.
At under 1.5 hours, this is one of the shortest international routes in this guide and unambiguously nonstop.
Schedule guide
Chennai to Colombo Flight Schedule
With three airlines running ₹5–₹6 combined daily departures, Chennai to Colombo flights offer a reasonable spread of timing through the day.
| Time Slot | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Early Morning (12:00 AM – 6:00 AM) | Often the cheapest long-haul and red-eye options. |
| Morning (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM) | Highest demand for same-day arrivals. |
| Mid-Day (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM) | A balance of convenience and fare. |
| Afternoon (3:00 PM – 7:00 PM) | Second demand peak of the day. |
| Evening/Night (7:00 PM – 11:59 PM) | Moderate fares, generally easing later at night. |
Published frequency: 5–6 (direct).
At under 1.5 hours, this is one of the shortest international routes in this guide and unambiguously nonstop.
Choose your flight
Which Chennai to Colombo Flight Should You Choose?
At under 1.5 hours, this is one of the shortest international routes in this guide and unambiguously nonstop.
Still unsure? Use Yovo AI to filter flights by timing, fare, or nonstop only.
Baggage
Chennai to Colombo Baggage Allowance
Baggage policies differ by airline and fare class for Chennai to Colombo flights, so it's worth checking the specific allowance shown at checkout rather than assuming a flat number.
- IndiGo: Typically 15 kg checked baggage in economy (varies by fare type); 7 kg cabin bag
- Air India: 25 kg checked baggage in economy; 8 kg cabin bag
Air India 25–30 kg checked (Economy); 8 kg cabin bag
IndiGo 15 kg checked (International Economy); 7 kg cabin bag
SriLankan Airlines 20–30 kg checked depending on fare class; 7 kg cabin bag
Since May 2024, Indian carriers follow a stricter cabin baggage rule on their own metal: one cabin bag plus one small personal item. Confirm international allowances at checkout.
Note: Baggage rules are set by the airline and fare type. Always confirm allowance on your ticket and airline website before travel.
Travel reminders
Things to Remember Before Your Chennai to Colombo Flight
Things to remember before your Chennai to Colombo flight:
Carry a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date.
Carry a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date.
Apply for Sri Lanka's ETA online before you travel.
Apply for Sri Lanka's ETA online before you travel.
Complete web check-in early
typically opens 48 hours before departure.
Arrive at least 2–3 hours before departure for this international route.
Arrive at least 2–3 hours before departure for this international route.
Carry a passport valid for at least 6 months
Required for this international route.
Explore more routes
Popular Routes to Colombo & from Chennai
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Why Book on YovoTrip
YovoTrip combines smart search with AI-assisted recommendations so you can book with confidence:
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Transparent fare breakdown
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Secure payments
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Things to do
What to See & Do in Colombo
Colombo blends colonial-era architecture with a fast-growing modern skyline. Spend a morning at the Gangaramaya Temple and Galle Face Green, an afternoon exploring the Pettah markets, and an evening on the waterfront.
Destination
About Colombo
Colombo is Sri Lanka's commercial capital and main port city. Most business trips run 1–2 days; leisure visitors often use it as the start or end point of a longer Sri Lanka itinerary covering Kandy, Galle, and the hill country.
Heritage
Gangaramaya Temple, the Old Dutch Hospital, and the National Museum
Markets
Pettah Market for a bustling, colourful local shopping experience
Food
Sri Lankan rice and curry, hoppers, and kottu roti are local staples
Best Season
December to March, for drier weather on Sri Lanka's west coast
Colombo
Colombo is covered in this international route guide.
Colombo
Colombo is covered in this international route guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Book Your Chennai to Colombo Flight?
Compare all airlines, check your dates, and book with confidence on YovoTrip — real choices, transparent fares, and a smooth booking experience from start to finish.
Search Chennai to Colombo Flights on YovoTripLast updated: June 2026. Fares and schedules are indicative and subject to change. Always verify current prices and airline policies at the time of booking.
