Mumbai to Chennai Flights 2026 — Airlines and Best Times
Mumbai to Chennai is a core domestic route connecting India’s financial capital with its southern industrial and cultural hub. With 25+ non-stop flights every day and a flight time of around two hours, travellers can hop across the peninsula for business, family visits, or South Indian getaways with ease. This 2026 guide covers airlines, fares, airport terminals, and timing advice.
How long does the Mumbai to Chennai flight take?
Non-stop Mumbai (BOM) to Chennai (MAA) flights cover about 1,030 km in roughly 2 hours of block time. Actual airborne time is closer to 1h 45m, but Mumbai’s busy runways often add 10-15 minutes of taxiing. Plan for 3h 30m total from airport entry to baggage claim on the Chennai side.
Morning departures (6-9 AM) tend to be the most punctual in our experience. Evening flights between 6-9 PM sometimes face Mumbai holding patterns due to inbound congestion.
Which airlines fly Mumbai to Chennai?
Several Indian carriers operate the BOM-MAA sector with multiple daily frequencies. Each airline has its own schedule, fare families, and onboard experience, so your best pick comes down to timing and fare rather than a head-to-head comparison.
- IndiGo (6E) — Multiple daily non-stops on A320 and A321neo aircraft
- Air India (AI) — Full-service option with complimentary meals on A320neo and A321
- Akasa Air (QP) — Expanding presence on BOM-MAA with Boeing 737 MAX
- SpiceJet (SG) — Select daily departures on Boeing 737-800
Many carriers also offer morning red-eye departures at 5:30-6:30 AM, which are the cheapest and most punctual slots. Check current schedules and fares on happyfares.in.
What do Mumbai to Chennai flights cost in 2026?
Economy fares on BOM-MAA typically range from Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 7,000 one-way for bookings made 3-6 weeks ahead. Last-minute bookings within a week often climb to Rs. 8,500-12,000 depending on day-of-week and seasonality.
Fares change frequently with demand, fuel surcharges, and seasonal factors. The following table reflects typical April-May 2026 price bands.
| Booking Window | Typical Economy Fare (One-way) |
|---|---|
| 60+ days ahead | Rs. 4,200 – Rs. 5,300 |
| 30-45 days ahead | Rs. 4,500 – Rs. 6,200 |
| 14-21 days ahead | Rs. 5,200 – Rs. 7,500 |
| 3-7 days ahead | Rs. 7,000 – Rs. 10,500 |
| Same day / next day | Rs. 9,500 – Rs. 15,000 |
Premium and business class
Air India’s business class on BOM-MAA typically runs Rs. 18,000-26,000 one-way. IndiGo’s 6E Plus premium economy adds Rs. 1,500-2,200 to the base fare with extra legroom and priority services. If you’re a frequent flyer, these upgrades are often worth it on the return leg.
When should you book BOM-MAA flights?
The best booking window is 21-45 days before travel. Within this window, fares are stable and availability is healthy across all carriers. Booking earlier than 60 days occasionally catches advance-purchase fares but schedules can shift.
Cheapest days of the week
- Cheapest: Tuesday and Wednesday departures
- Moderate: Thursday and Saturday
- Most expensive: Friday evening and Sunday evening
Seasonal patterns
December (Christmas and New Year), April (Chennai Pongal tail-end, school vacations), and November (Diwali) see 20-30% fare premiums. The cheapest months are February and August-September, when average fares dip close to Rs. 4,000 for early-morning midweek flights.
Mumbai and Chennai airport information
Understanding terminal layout and transit options saves meaningful time on both ends of this journey. Both airports are major hubs with modern facilities.
Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)
All full-service and most low-cost carriers on this route operate from Terminal 2 (T2). The integrated T2 handles both domestic and international traffic on different levels. The airport connects to the city via the Mumbai Metro Line 3 (under extension), pre-paid taxis, and app-based cabs. Suburban rail is a 15-minute auto-ride from T2 via Vile Parle or Andheri.
Chennai International Airport (MAA)
Chennai uses Terminal 1 (new T1) for domestic operations and Terminal 4 for international flights. Your BOM-MAA arrival will land at T1. The airport is 21 km from the city centre and connects via the Chennai Metro (direct link to Alandur and Central), pre-paid taxis, and MTC airport buses to T Nagar, Tambaram, and Broadway.
Tips for a smooth Mumbai-Chennai trip
Small preparation steps make this busy route feel much easier, especially at Mumbai T2 where security queues can build up during peak hours.
- Arrive 2 hours early at Mumbai T2; security can take 25-40 minutes in peak windows
- Use DigiYatra for paperless biometric boarding at both airports
- Web check-in 48 hours before departure — select aisle seat early
- Carry valid ID — Aadhaar, passport, or driving licence for domestic travel
- Monsoon delays are common June-September, especially evening departures
- Book round-trip on HappyFares for modest savings on some fare classes
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Mumbai to Chennai flight?
Non-stop flights from Mumbai to Chennai take about 2 hours of block time, with around 1h 45m actual flying time. Including taxi, takeoff, and landing, plan for 2h 10m gate-to-gate. Add 30-45 minutes for arrival procedures at Chennai T1 for your full journey plan.
What is the cheapest fare on BOM-MAA?
Economy fares typically start around Rs. 4,500 when booked 3-5 weeks in advance for Tuesday or Wednesday departures. Early-morning flights are usually cheaper than midday or evening slots. Last-minute weekend tickets can cross Rs. 10,000, so advance planning pays off.
Which terminal at Chennai airport handles domestic arrivals?
Chennai International Airport (MAA) uses Terminal 1 (the new domestic T1) for all domestic flights, including Mumbai arrivals. International flights use Terminal 4. T1 has upgraded baggage belts, retail, and food court facilities after the 2023-2024 expansion.
How many daily non-stop flights operate BOM-MAA?
Roughly 25+ non-stop daily flights connect Mumbai and Chennai across IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet. Departures are spread from 5:30 AM to around 10:30 PM, with highest frequency in the 6-9 AM and 6-9 PM windows.
Does Chennai airport have a metro link?
Yes, Chennai Metro’s Blue Line connects MAA airport station directly to Alandur, Central, and onwards to Washermanpet. Travel time to Central is around 45 minutes and costs under Rs. 70. It’s often faster than road transport during peak hours.
Can I book Mumbai to Chennai flights on HappyFares?
Yes, HappyFares lists live fares from all airlines on the BOM-MAA sector and supports UPI, card, and net-banking payments. Domestic bookings are confirmed instantly and you can manage your ticket from your HappyFares account for changes or add-ons.
Book your Mumbai to Chennai flight now
With 25+ daily non-stops and a flight time of just two hours, Mumbai-Chennai is among the simplest cross-India routes for business or leisure. Fares are most attractive 3-6 weeks out, and midweek flights consistently beat weekend prices.
Ready to book? Compare live Mumbai to Chennai fares across all airlines and secure your seat at happyfares.in. Our customer support team is available for seat selection, meal preferences, and group bookings.
