Overview
Chennai (formerly Madras), the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a warm coastal city on the Bay of Bengal known for its temples, classical music and dance, long sandy beaches and rich South Indian culture. It is a major gateway to southern India and a well-loved destination for UK travellers — many visiting family and friends, others coming for business or medical care. The city is served by Chennai International Airport (MAA). Whether it's a first visit or a regular journey home, comparing fares in one place makes finding the right flight to Chennai quick and simple.
Best time to fly to Chennai
Chennai is hot for much of the year. The coolest, most comfortable months run from December to February, making them ideal for sightseeing. The north-east monsoon brings the heaviest rain around October and November, while April and May are very hot. Fares tend to rise around the winter holidays and the summer family-visit season, so travelling in the quieter shoulder weeks usually stretches your budget further — see the price charts on this page for your dates.
Airlines and routes
British Airways operates direct flights from London Heathrow to Chennai, typically taking around ten to eleven hours. For connecting options — often better value, and convenient from Manchester and other UK cities — Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi), Sri Lankan Airlines (via Colombo) and Air India (via Delhi) all serve Chennai. Comparing carriers for your exact dates is the surest way to secure the lowest fare.
Things to do in Chennai
Chennai blends heritage, spirituality and seaside life:
- Marina Beach: one of the world's longest urban beaches, lively at sunrise and sunset.
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple: a colourful, historic Dravidian temple in the Mylapore district.
- Fort St George: the first English fortress in India, now home to a museum and government offices.
- San Thome Basilica: a striking neo-Gothic church built over the tomb of St Thomas the Apostle.
- Government Museum: a fine collection of South Indian bronzes, sculpture and history.
At Chennai International Airport (MAA)
Chennai's airport lies about 7 km south-west of the city centre and offers duty-free shopping, currency exchange, ATMs and dining. The Chennai Metro connects the airport directly to the city, alongside prepaid taxis and ride-hailing apps, making transfers convenient.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Chennai
- Book roughly 6–10 weeks ahead — last-minute fares to Chennai are usually higher.
- Avoid the winter holiday and summer VFR peaks; the shoulder weeks bring noticeably lower prices.
- Be flexible with your dates — midweek departures are often cheaper than weekends.
- Compare direct and one-stop options; a single Gulf connection can save a good deal.
Travel essentials
- UK travellers need a visa for India — most apply online through the convenient e-Visa system before departure.
- The local currency is the Indian rupee (INR).
- Chennai is 4.5 hours ahead of the UK, so allow a little time to adjust to the time difference.
