Flights to Chennai, India

Chennai, officially known as Madras until the 1990s, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu and one of India's largest metropolitan areas. Sitting on the Bay of Bengal, it is a centre of South Indian culture, classical music and dance, and a major hub for industry and IT. Travellers in Singapore book flights to Chennai to visit family, attend weddings and festivals, do business, or explore the temple towns of Tamil Nadu. With deep links between the two cities, it is one of the most familiar Indian destinations for Singaporeans.

About Chennai International Airport (MAA)

Location

Chennai International Airport, code MAA, is located in the southern suburbs around Meenambakkam and Tirusulam, along the main highway towards the south of the city. It is one of the busiest airports in India and the main gateway for Tamil Nadu, serving domestic routes across the country as well as international flights to Asia, the Middle East and beyond.

Terminals

Chennai Airport has separate international and domestic terminals set side by side and linked by walkways. If you are flying from Singapore and connecting to another Indian city, allow enough time to clear immigration and customs, collect your bags if required and move to the domestic side. Your booking will show which terminal to use.

Getting to and from the airport

Chennai Metro has a station at the airport, offering a convenient, traffic-free ride to key parts of the city such as Guindy, Anna Salai and Chennai Central. Suburban trains stop at nearby Tirusulam station. Prepaid taxis, airport cabs and ride-hailing apps are available outside the arrivals halls, and are the easiest option with heavy luggage or a group.

Direct and connecting flights to Chennai

Singapore and Chennai are well connected, so the SIN to MAA route usually has several non-stop options. On Traveloka, search your dates and use the Direct filter to see only non-stop flights, then sort by departure time or price to find the one that fits your plans.

Connecting itineraries can still be useful, for example if you want to combine Chennai with another Indian city or arrive at a different time of day. Travellers already in India often reach Chennai on domestic routes, such as BOM to MAA from Mumbai. When comparing connections, check the layover length and whether you change terminals, and pay attention to baggage allowance on each leg.

When to fly to Chennai

Chennai is hot for most of the year. The most comfortable weather usually comes in the cooler months from around December to February, after the northeast monsoon has passed. The monsoon brings its heaviest rain from roughly October to December, while April to June are the hottest and most humid months.

Demand from Singapore rises around Deepavali and Pongal, during the June and December school holidays and over Chinese New Year, when many families travel. The December music and dance season in Chennai also draws visitors. If your dates are flexible, check the price chart on this page and set a Price Alert to catch better-value periods.

Popular places in Chennai

Marina Beach

This long urban beach runs along the Bay of Bengal and is the city's favourite place for an evening walk. Food stalls, kite flyers and families fill the sand as the sun goes down, making it a great place to feel the pulse of Chennai.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore

This Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Shiva is famous for its colourful gopuram tower covered in carved figures. The surrounding Mylapore neighbourhood is one of the oldest parts of the city, full of flower sellers and traditional shops.

Fort St. George

Built by the British East India Company, the fort marks the beginnings of the modern city. Today it houses government offices, a museum and St. Mary's Church, one of the oldest Anglican churches in India.

San Thome Basilica

This white Gothic-style church near the beach is built over the traditional tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle. Its tall spire and calm interior make it a peaceful stop between busier sights.

Mahabalipuram

A day trip south along the coast brings you to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the Shore Temple, rock-cut monuments and giant carved reliefs. The drive along East Coast Road is scenic in its own right.

Where to stay in Chennai

T. Nagar is a busy shopping district, ideal for anyone buying saris, gold and wedding essentials. Nungambakkam and Egmore are central and well connected, with good access to restaurants and railway stations. Mylapore and Adyar offer a more traditional, leafy atmosphere near the temples and the coast. Business travellers often base themselves along Old Mahabalipuram Road, the IT corridor, or around Guindy, which is handy for the airport.

Food to try in Chennai

Idli, dosa and vada

South Indian breakfast classics are at their best in Chennai: soft steamed idli, crisp dosa and savoury vada served with sambar and coconut chutney. Traditional tiffin rooms serve them from early morning.

Filter coffee

Strong, milky filter coffee poured between a tumbler and a small bowl to cool and froth it is part of daily life in Chennai. It is the perfect companion to a plate of idli.

Chettinad chicken

From the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, this rich, peppery curry uses freshly roasted spices. Many restaurants in the city specialise in Chettinad cooking, alongside dishes like kothu parotta.

Pongal

A comforting dish of rice and lentils cooked with ghee, pepper and cumin, pongal is a breakfast favourite and shares its name with the Tamil harvest festival.

Sundal

This simple snack of boiled chickpeas or lentils tossed with coconut and spices is sold by vendors along Marina Beach and is a light bite during an evening stroll.

Whether you are heading home for the festivals or exploring Tamil Nadu for the first time, compare flights to Chennai on Traveloka, set a Price Alert for your dates and enjoy Easy Reschedule if your plans change.