Quick answer
Chennai to Colombo is a non-stop flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes, roughly 650 km. SriLankan Airlines, IndiGo and Air India fly the route daily into Bandaranaike International (CMB). One-way fares start near ₹6,500 booked 3–6 weeks ahead outside peak weeks. Indian passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before flying.
Route facts
- Flight time
- 1h 20m
- Distance
- ≈ 650 km
- Starting fare
- ₹6,500 one-way
- Airlines
- SriLankan Airlines, IndiGo, Air India
- Cheapest months
- Jun–Sep (outside the Perahera week)
- Entry
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) required before departure via the official Sri Lanka ETA site; check the current fee, which has been waived for Indians in recent periods.
Chennai International Airport (MAA) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Fares are typical starting one-way economy prices booked 3–6 weeks ahead outside peak dates — live prices vary by the hour.
Which airlines fly Chennai to Colombo non-stop?
SriLankan Airlines operates several daily flights, and IndiGo and Air India add more. It's one of the shortest international hops from India, shorter than Chennai to Delhi. Sri Lanka keeps the same time as India, so there's no clock change.
Best flight timings
Morning flights land in time to drive to Kandy, Sigiriya or the south coast the same day. Bandaranaike International is at Katunayake, north of Colombo and close to Negombo, so many travellers spend the first night in Negombo and head inland next morning.
Baggage: full-service vs low-cost
SriLankan Airlines includes a meal and a checked bag, usually more generous than low-cost fares. Air India also includes a meal. IndiGo charges for seats and meals, and its cheapest fares may carry a lower checked allowance.
Getting from the airport
Colombo city is about 32 km south: 35–60 minutes on the expressway, costing LKR 5,000–7,000 (₹1,450–2,050) by taxi or PickMe app cab. Negombo is 15–20 minutes away. By private car, Kandy is about 3 hours, Sigiriya 3.5–4 hours and Galle 2–2.5 hours.
When to book and connecting options
Book 3–6 weeks ahead. December to March, when the west and south coasts are dry, is peak season, and Kandy's Esala Perahera in July or August also fills flights. June to September often has lower fares. SriLankan connects onwards from Colombo to the Maldives and Southeast Asia, which can be handy for a two-country trip.
Tips for families and seniors
The flight is short enough for toddlers and older parents to manage easily. Request wheelchairs at booking. Carry some Sri Lankan rupees or US dollars for the first taxi, and apply for the ETA for every traveller, including children.
See our Sri Lanka visa guide, the Sri Lanka trip cost page, things to do in Sri Lanka, foreign exchange and more routes on flights.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Chennai to Colombo flight?
Do Indians need a visa for Sri Lanka?
How far is Colombo airport from the city?
What is the cheapest time to fly Chennai to Colombo?
How we checked this page
Last reviewed
Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
