What is the cheapest way to get from Colombo to Chennai?

The cheapest way to get from Colombo to Chennai is to train and ferry which costs ₹7,000 - ₹9,500 and takes 19h 49m.

What is the fastest way to get from Colombo to Chennai?

The fastest way to get from Colombo to Chennai is to fly and subway which takes 2h 23m and costs ₹12,000 - ₹27,000.

How far is it from Colombo to Chennai?

The distance between Colombo and Chennai is 692 km.

How do I travel from Colombo to Chennai without a car?

The best way to get from Colombo to Chennai without a car is to bus and ferry which takes 18h 25m and costs .

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

It takes approximately 2h 23m to get from Colombo to Chennai, including transfers.

Where can I stay near Chennai?

There are 1061+ hotels available in Chennai.

Colombo to Chennai - 3 ways to travel via train, plane, subway, bus, and ferry

How to get fromColombo to Chennai

Travel from

See all options

Search accommodation with Expedia

There are 3 ways to get from Colombo to Chennai by plane, subway, bus, ferry, or train

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Fly, subway
best
1. Fly from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Chennai International Airport (MAA)plane CMB - MAA
2. Take the subway from Airport to Cmbtsubway
2h 23m
₹12,129–26,113
Train, ferry
cheapest
1. Take the train from Colombo Fort to Kankesanturaitrain
2. Take the ferry from Kankesanturai to Nagapattinamferry
3. Take the train from Nagappattinam to Chennai Egmoretrain
19h 49m
₹7,130–9,274
Bus, ferry
1. Take the bus from Pettah to Kankesanturaibus
2. Take the ferry from Kankesanturai to Nagapattinamferry
3. Take the bus from Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu to Chennai, Tamil Nadubus
18h 25m

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Chennai International Airport (MAA) flights

41Weekly Planes

1h 21mAverage Duration

₹9,728Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Colombo to Chennai.

Launch map view

Distance: 692.5 km
Duration: 2h 23m

What companies run services between Colombo, Sri Lanka and Chennai, India?

There is no direct connection from Colombo to Chennai. However, you can take the taxi to Colombo-Airport-CMB airport, fly to Chennai International Airport (MAA), walk to Airport, then take the subway to Cmbt. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Pettah to Chennai, Tamil Nadu via Kankesanturai, Kankesanturai, Nagapattinam, and Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu in around 18h 25m.

Airlines