- Must visit
Government Museum, Chennai
The city’s leading museum complex, noted for archaeology, bronzes, natural history and art galleries. Ideal for a broad introduction to Tamil Nadu’s heritage.
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Popular departures
Flight tickets to Chennai
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Showing the fastest and cheapest results for 26 Sept
Results include alternative arrival locations to Chennai
6E21287:051h45Navi Mumbai International Airport8:50Madras£581One-way0 changes- 6E62513:451h45Navi Mumbai International Airport15:30Madras£581One-way0 changes
- 6E634911:402h05Mumbai13:45Madras£591One-way0 changes
Flights to Chennai
Chennai, formerly Madras, is a major commercial and tourist destination in South India and home to thousands of global expat citizens. The bustling city is home to the majority of India's motor vehicle and components industry and the Avadi heavy vehicle manufacturing facility. It produces over 50% of India's leather exports. Chennai is also the centre for some of the world's major software companies, so business travel is an important factor for the city. The main airport in Chennai is Chennai International Airport, located only about 13 miles out of town.
Which is the main airport in Chennai?
Chennai International Airport is the major hub for flights into the city (the only others serving military aircraft). The Kamaraj Domestic hub for internal flights to Chennai is also located at Chennai International Airport. Chennai Airport is connected to the city and other destinations via the Suburban Railway Network, and frequent metro services also connect the airport to a variety of Chennai city destinations. Shuttle services operate from airport terminals to the metro station, while taxis from the airport are charged at affordable rates.
Which airlines offer flights to Chennai?
Top international destinations offering flights to Chenai include Dubai, Singapore and Colombo, while the top internal routes are from New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai. Some of the 35 airlines operating flights into the airport include British Airways, Emirates and Lufthansa. British Airways provide direct flights from London to Chennai and journeys take almost ten hours.
Why travel by plane to Chennai?
Flying to Chennai is the only valid option for many travellers making the journey from the UK or internationally. It's possible to book swift connecting flights from regional airports in the UK, such as Birmingham and Manchester, for the first leg of any journey to Chennai. British Airways operate a daily flight to Chennai which takes around 9 hour 50 minutes.
Before you travel to Chennai by plane - good to know!
It's easy to get around Chennai by public transport, and some of the unmissable attractions of the city include the major Hindu temple Kapaleeshwar which is dedicated to Shiva and was constructed over 1,400 years ago. Marina Beach is popular with locals and visitors, and one of the best ways to view Chennai and the entire Bay of Bengal area is from the top of the Lighthouse. No visit to Chennai is complete without visiting the local markets and bazaars, and Soundarapandia Bazaar is the main shopping area in the area.
Complete guide to Chennai
Things to do in Chennai
Discover the best of Chennai — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chennai trip today.
- Recommended
Cholamandal Artists' Village
A focused gallery of works by artist K C S Paniker and the Cholamandal movement. Worth visiting for modern Indian art in a calm coastal setting.
- Recommended
Fort Museum
A small but engaging museum inside Fort St George displaying uniforms, weapons, portraits and colonial-era artefacts from the Madras Presidency.
- Must visit
Marina Beach
A long urban beach popular for sunrise walks, sea views and lively public spaces. One of Chennai’s defining places to experience the city’s atmosphere.
- Must visit
Mylapore
One of Chennai’s oldest neighbourhoods, centred on a temple, tank and traditional streets. Ideal for walking through living heritage and local culture.
- Recommended
Elliot's Beach
A broad city beach known for evening breezes, public art and family-friendly promenades. A classic local outing with plenty of room for a relaxed walk.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Idli
A soft steamed rice cake made from fermented rice and lentil batter. It is a daily staple in Chennai, usually eaten with sambar and coconut chutney.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Dosa
A thin, crisp fermented rice and lentil crêpe. Chennai is known for paper dosa and ghee roast versions served hot with chutneys and sambar.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Idiyappam
A fluffy steamed rice cake from Chettinad cuisine, often paired with coconut milk or kurma. It is prized for its delicate texture and festive role.
Ratna Cafe
Long-standing vegetarian restaurant known for classic South Indian tiffin, dosas and filter coffee in a busy, traditional setting.
Sangeetha Veg Restaurant
Well-known vegetarian chain serving reliable Tamil and South Indian meals, tiffin and sweets in a comfortable family-friendly atmosphere.
Karaikudi Restaurant
Refined restaurant specialising in Chettinad cuisine, especially spiced curries and seafood, in an elegant heritage-style setting.
Indian rupee (₹)
Budget-friendly for travellers versus many big Asian cities; hotels, local meals and public transport are generally low cost, though luxury hotels and imported goods cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- ₹100-250 for street food or simple local meals.
- Mid-range
- ₹500-1,200 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- ₹2,500+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- ₹120-250 for a coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants often add service charge; otherwise tip 5-10%. Round up taxi fares or tip a little for help. In cafés, small change is enough but not expected.
airport information
Airports in Chennai
Check where to Chennai flights depart and arrive, plus the main airport details for this route.
Madras (MAA)Cheni Intertiol Airport, GST Road, Meembakkam, Cheni, Tamil du 600027, India
City-centre transport
Getting to Madras from Chennai city centre
Madras is 2 km from Chennai city centre. Public transport options include:
Suburban Train, Tirusulam Station, 21 km
Madras airport facilities and services
Madras has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Various restaurants in terminals, including Indian cuisine and fast food
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in all terminals.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madras: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Madras: Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madras: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotels nearby, such as Radisson Blu Hotel Cheni..
Flights to Chennai: related information
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