Rome2Rio

How to get fromChennai to Colomboby subway, plane, train, ferry, or bus

Find Transport to Colombo

See all options

There are 4 ways to get from Chennai to Colombo by subway, plane, train, ferry, or bus

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

  1. Subway, fly

    best
    1. Take the subway from Cmbt to Airportsubway subway
    2. Fly from Chennai International Airport (MAA) to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)plane plane MAA - CMB
    4h 18m
    Rs 45,605–91,132

  2. Train, ferry

    cheapest
    1. Take the train from Chennai Egmore to Nagappattinamtrain train
    2. Take the ferry from Nagapattinam to Kankesanturaiferry ferry
    3. Take the train from Kankesanturai to Colombo Forttrain train
    20h 13m
    Rs 24,803–32,198

  3. Bus, ferry

    1. Take the bus from Chennai to Nagapattinambus bus
    2. Take the ferry from Nagapattinam to Kankesanturaiferry ferry
    3. Take the bus from Kankesanturai to Pettahbus bus
    21h 6m

  4. Train, ferry via Perambur

    1. Take the train from Perambur to Nagappattinamtrain train
    2. Take the ferry from Nagapattinam to Kankesanturaiferry ferry
    3. Take the train from Kankesanturai to Colombo Forttrain train
    20h 58m
    Rs 24,824–32,348

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

Calendar55Weekly Planes
Duration1h 36mAverage Duration
TicketRs 34,990Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Chennai to Colombo.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 692.2 km
  • Duration: 4h 18m

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

There is no direct connection from Chennai to Colombo. However, you can take the subway to Airport, walk to Madras-Airport-MAA airport, fly to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), then take the taxi to Colombo. Alternatively, you can take a train from Chennai Egmore to Colombo Fort via Nagappattinam, Nagapattinam, Kankesanturai, and Kankesanturai in around 20h 13m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators
Ferry operators

Want to know more about travelling around the world?

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including 10 amazing places to get away from it all in Australia, How to get from London City Airport into central London, and Which London airport should I choose? - to help you get the most out of your next trip.