How long does it take to travel from Colombo to Chennai?

By flight: approximately 1 hrs 29 min. By road: approximately 9 hrs 17 min.

Are there flights from Colombo to Chennai?

Yes, you can book flights from Colombo (CMB) to Chennai (MAA) on FareEagle. Flight time is approximately 1 hrs 29 min.

Colombo to Chennai Distance & How to Reach

Q: What is the distance from Colombo to Chennai?

The aerial distance from Colombo to Chennai is approximately 555 km (345 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 690 km.

Q: What is the best way to travel from Colombo to Chennai?

The fastest option is a flight (1 hrs 29 min). Trains take about 10 hrs 37 min and are more affordable.

Sri Lanka to Tamil Nadu · 555 km · Compare flights, trains, buses & driving

Colombo to Chennai distance: 555 km (aerial), approximately 690 km by road. By flight: ~1 hrs 29 min. By train: ~10 hrs 37 min. By road: ~9 hrs 17 min.

Fly from: Delhi Mumbai Bengaluru Hyderabad Chennai

Colombo

Sri Lanka

Chennai

Tamil Nadu

555 km

aerial distance (straight line)

345 miles · Road distance: ~690 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

690 km

Road distance

9 hrs 17 min

Drive time

555 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Colombo to Chennai

✈

By Flight

1 hrs 29 min

CMB → MAA

Search Flights

🚗

By Car

9 hrs 17 min

690 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

555 km (345 mi)

Road distance

~690 km

Recommended

Flight (1 hrs 29 min)

Most affordable

Train

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📍 Colombo to Chennai distance overview

The straight-line distance from Colombo to Chennai is approximately 555 km (345 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 690 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Sri Lanka to Tamil Nadu.

555 kmAerial distance

~690 kmBy road

1 hrs 29 minFlight

✈️ By flight — Colombo to Chennai

Fastest option CMB → MAA 1 hrs 29 min

Flying is the fastest way to cover the 555 km distance. Flights from CMB to MAA take approximately 1 hrs 29 min including boarding and taxiing. Multiple airlines operate on this route, and fares vary depending on the season, time of booking, and class of travel.

For the best prices, book 2-3 weeks in advance and opt for mid-week departures (Tuesday, Wednesday) which are typically cheaper than weekend flights.

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🚗 By car — Colombo to Chennai

9 hrs 17 min ~690 km

The drive from Colombo to Chennai is a long one — approximately 690 km taking around 9 hrs 17 min. Plan at least one overnight halt. Fatigue driving on Indian highways is dangerous.

💡 Travel tips for Colombo to Chennai

📅

Book early
Book flights and trains 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season (Oct-Mar) for better prices and availability.

🌧️

Check weather
Avoid monsoon (Jun-Sep) for road trips. Road conditions can deteriorate and flights may face delays.

💳

Carry valid ID
Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID is required for train travel and recommended for bus journeys.

💤

Plan rest stops
For drives over 9 hrs 17 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

Where to stay in Chennai

Budget to luxury hotels. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Chennai Hotels

🔗 Useful travel resources

For official travel information, regulations, and booking services:

DGCA — Indian aviation authority

Passport Seva — Passport and travel documents

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from Colombo to Chennai? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Colombo to Chennai is approximately 555 km (345 miles). The road distance is approximately 690 km, which takes about 9 hrs 17 min by car.

What is the best way to travel from Colombo to Chennai? ▼

The fastest way is by flight, taking approximately 1 hrs 29 min from CMB to MAA. You can search and compare flight prices on FareEagle. Trains take about 10 hrs 37 min and are more affordable.

How much does a flight from Colombo to Chennai cost? ▼

Flight prices vary by airline, date, and booking time. Search on FareEagle to compare prices across all airlines. Booking 2-3 weeks in advance typically gives the best prices.

Can I book Colombo to Chennai travel on FareEagle? ▼

Yes! FareEagle lets you compare and book flights, and hotels for the Colombo to Chennai route. Compare prices across operators, get instant confirmation, and enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

Routes from Colombo