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How to get fromColombo to Chennaiby plane, subway, bus, ferry, or train

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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.

  1. Fly, subway

    best
    1. Fly from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Chennai International Airport (MAA)plane plane CMB - MAA
    2. Take the subway from Airport to Cmbtsubway subway
    2h 18m
    ₹12,560–24,031

  2. Train, ferry

    cheapest
    1. Take the train from Colombo Fort to Kankesanturaitrain train
    2. Take the ferry from Kankesanturai to Nagapattinamferry ferry
    3. Take the train from Nagappattinam to Chennai Egmoretrain train
    19h 49m
    ₹7,118–9,247

  3. Bus, ferry

    1. Take the bus from Pettah to Kankesanturaibus bus
    2. Take the ferry from Kankesanturai to Nagapattinamferry ferry
    3. Take the bus from Nagapattinam to Chennaibus bus
    18h 23m

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

Calendar51Weekly Planes
Duration1h 21mAverage Duration
Ticket₹9,860Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Colombo to Chennai.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 692.5 km
  • Duration: 2h 18m

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 via Kankesanturai, Kankesanturai, Nagapattinam, and Nagapattinam in around 18h 23m.

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