Direct (nonstop) flights from Colombo to Chennai

2 airlines fly nonstop from Bandaranaike International (CMB) to Chennai International (MAA). It's 400 miles (643 km), about 1h 20m in the air. Operated by IndiGo, SriLankan Airlines.

CMB
Bandaranaike International
🇱🇰 Colombo, Sri Lanka
MAA
Chennai International
🇮🇳 Chennai, India
Flight Time
1h 20m
Distance
400 mi
643 km
CO₂/pax
74 kg
−33 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
IndiGo +1
Time Diff
Same timezone
Operated by IndiGo IndiGo SriLankan Airlines SriLankan Airlines

Route data last updated: May 28, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

IndiGo 6E IndiGo
Route
CMB → MAA
Flight Time
1h 20m
Distance
400 mi
SriLankan Airlines UL SriLankan Airlines
Route
CMB → MAA
Flight Time
1h 20m
Distance
400 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Colombo to Chennai with one stop · direct emits 74 kg CO₂ per passenger

CMB TRZ (Tiruchirappalli) MAA
Leg 1: 1h (259 mi) Leg 2: 1h 5m (181 mi) Total: ~2h 5m 🍃 107 kg CO₂ (+45% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CMB → TRZ
1h · 259 mi
View CMB to TRZ flights →
Leg 2
TRZ → MAA
1h 5m · 181 mi
View TRZ to MAA flights →
CMB CJB (Coimbatore) MAA
Leg 1: 1h 5m (329 mi) Leg 2: 1h 5m (250 mi) Total: ~2h 10m 🍃 132 kg CO₂ (+78% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CMB → CJB
1h 5m · 329 mi
View CMB to CJB flights →
Leg 2
CJB → MAA
1h 5m · 250 mi
View CJB to MAA flights →
CMB TRV (Thiruvananthapuram) MAA
Leg 1: 55m (222 mi) Leg 2: 1h 20m (380 mi) Total: ~2h 15m 🍃 136 kg CO₂ (+84% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CMB → TRV
55m · 222 mi
View CMB to TRV flights →
Leg 2
TRV → MAA
1h 20m · 380 mi
View TRV to MAA flights →
CMB IXM (Madurai) MAA
Leg 1: 1h (220 mi) Leg 2: 1h 20m (257 mi) Total: ~2h 20m 🍃 114 kg CO₂ (+54% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CMB → IXM
1h · 220 mi
View CMB to IXM flights →
Leg 2
IXM → MAA
1h 20m · 257 mi
View IXM to MAA flights →
CMB COK (Kochi) MAA
Leg 1: 1h 10m (314 mi) Leg 2: 1h 15m (321 mi) Total: ~2h 25m 🍃 142 kg CO₂ (+92% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CMB → COK
1h 10m · 314 mi
View CMB to COK flights →
Leg 2
COK → MAA
1h 15m · 321 mi
View COK to MAA flights →

Looking for the return flight?

MAA → CMB: Flights from Chennai to Colombo

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Colombo to Chennai?

A nonstop flight from Colombo (CMB) to Chennai (MAA) takes approximately 1 hours and 20 minutes. The distance is 400 miles (643 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Colombo to Chennai?

2 airlines: IndiGo, SriLankan Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Colombo to Chennai?

Yes. 2 airlines: IndiGo, SriLankan Airlines.

How far is Colombo from Chennai?

The flight distance from Colombo to Chennai is 400 miles (643 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as Mumbai to Goa.

What type of aircraft flies from Colombo to Chennai?

At 1h 20m, this route typically uses narrow-body aircraft — Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from Sri Lanka to India?

Depends on your passport. Check with the India embassy or an official visa portal before booking — requirements change.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Colombo to Chennai?

Roughly 74 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 370 km.

Is the return flight from Chennai to Colombo also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Colombo to Chennai?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Bandaranaike International for this flight?

3 hours before departure for international flights. You need time for check-in, security, and immigration.