How to Reach the Maldives from Chennai in 2025: Flights, Costs & Travel Guide

Wondering about how to reach the Maldives from Chennai? The Maldives, with its pristine white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and luxury overwater villas, is one of the most visited tropical destinations in the world. Located just a few hours away in the Indian Ocean, the direct flights from Chennai to the Maldives make this island nation easily accessible from India. Whether you’re planning a romantic honeymoon, a family vacation or a solo adventure, getting from Chennai to the Maldives is straightforward and affordable. This guide covers everything you need to know about Chennai to Maldives flights, costs and practical tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Key Takeaways

• Direct flights from Chennai to the Maldives take 2.5-3 hours, with Maldivian Airlines offering the fastest route to Velana International Airport
• Flight prices range from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 35,000 for round-trip tickets, with the best deals available during September-October
• Multiple airlines serve this route, including Air India, IndiGo, and SriLankan Airlines, with both direct and connecting options
• No visa required for Indian travellers for stays up to 90 days, making Chennai to Maldives one of the most convenient international routes
• Cruise options are limited from Chennai directly, requiring travel to Kochi or Mumbai for luxury cruise departures

Chennai to Maldives Flights: Options, Duration & Airlines

Male, the capital city of the Maldives, serves as the main gateway to this tropical paradise. The Velana International Airport in Male features a number of Chennai to Male flight options that offer excellent connectivity between the two countries.

Airline	Route Type	Schedule	Duration	Notes
Maldivian Airlines	Direct	3x weekly (Mon, Wed, Fri)	~2.5 hours	Most convenient direct route
Air India Express	Direct (Seasonal)	Dec–Mar (peak season only)	~2.5 hours	Operates only in high season
SriLankan Airlines	Connecting (via Colombo)	Multiple daily departures	4–5 hours	Usually, most competitive prices
IndiGo	Connecting (via Delhi, Bangalore, or Mumbai)	Daily flights	6–10 hours	Multiple stopover options
Air India	Connecting (via Mumbai, Kochi, or Bangalore)	~56 flights weekly	9–14 hours	Longest travel time among listed options

Check out: Maldives airports

Chennai to Maldives Flight Costs in 2025

Chennai to Maldives flight prices vary significantly based on seasonality, booking and travel class preferences.

Average Flight Costs (Round-trip)

• Economy Class Direct: Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 45,000
• Economy Class Connecting: Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 30,000
• Business Class: Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1,50,000

Best Time to Travel from Chennai to the Maldives

The Maldives enjoys a tropical climate year-round, but certain periods offer better weather and value.

Peak Season (December-March)

With minimal rainfall and clear skies, the peak season months offer the best weather conditions in the Maldives. The season also features the highest flight and accommodation rates, as there is a huge tourist inflow in the country. 

Shoulder Season (April-May, September-November)

The shoulder season that runs from May in the Maldives presents good weather with occasional, brief showers. The season offers the ideal balance of cost and experience.

Monsoon Season (June-August)

The monsoon season has higher rainfall and occasional storms. But the season comes with the lowest flight and resort prices.

Maldives Visa & Entry Requirements for Indian Travellers

Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, Indian travellers receive a free 90-day Maldives tourist visa, making it one of the most accessible international destinations.

Required Travel Documents

• Valid Indian passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• Return flight ticket 
• Hotel confirmation details
• Bank statement

Transfers from Male Airport to Your Resort

Once you land in the Maldives, the wide network of Maldives transportation serves as your helping hand in reaching the best resorts in the country.

• Speedboat Transfers: Operates daily within 150 km of Male Airport.
• Seaplane Transfers: Seaplane transfers offer spectacular aerial views of the atolls. These operate only during daylight hours and cost significantly more.
• Domestic Flights + Boat Transfers: Such transfers are used for the most remote resort locations, combining short flights with speedboat connections.

Chennai to Maldives Trip Budget: Cost Breakdown

Understanding the cost structure for a 5-day itinerary helps to plan a budget for your Maldives vacation from Chennai.

Category	Budget Option	Mid-Range Option	Luxury Option
Flights	Connecting flights – Rs. 30,000	Direct flights – Rs. 60,000	Business class flights – Rs. 1,50,000
Accommodation	Guesthouse – Rs. 25,000	Resort – Rs. 1,20,000	Overwater villa – Rs. 2,00,000
Meals & Dining	Meals and activities – Rs. 35,000	All-inclusive meals – Rs. 40,000	Premium dining & spa – Rs. 75,000
Activities & Transfers	Transfers & miscellaneous – Rs. 15,000	Activities & transfers – Rs. 25,000	Seaplane transfers & activities – Rs. 50,000
Total Budget	Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1,20,000 per couple	Rs. 1,50,000 to Rs. 2,50,000 per couple	Rs. 3,00,000+ per couple

Booking & Money-Saving Tips for Chennai to Maldives Flights

Best Time to Book Chennai to Maldives Flights

• September to October offers the cheapest flights from Chennai to the Maldives, with savings of up to 30% compared to peak season rates.
• Book in advance for better deals, especially during the holiday seasons.
• Tuesday and Wednesday departures typically cost 15-20% less than weekend flights.

Tips to Save on Flights & Hotels

• Consider shoulder season travel (May-July, September-November) for better deals
• Book accommodation and flights together through package deals for additional savings

Conclusion: Plan Your Chennai to Maldives Trip Easily

Still wondering “How to reach the Maldives from Chennai”? Travelling from Chennai to the Maldives is easy and affordable. With direct flights taking just 2.5 hours and visa-free entry for Indian passport holders, this tropical paradise is a perfect getaway for Indian travellers. Plan your Maldives holiday itinerary with Pickyourtrail’s customisable Maldives Tour Packages or Maldives Honeymoon Packages and let us plan your dream Maldives vacation from Chennai.

FAQ: Chennai to Maldives Travel

What is the cheapest month to fly from Chennai to the Maldives?

September and October typically offer the lowest flight prices from Chennai to the Maldives, with savings of up to 30% compared to peak season. These months fall during the shoulder season, offering good weather with occasional brief showers and significantly fewer crowds.

How long is the direct flight from Chennai to Male?

Direct flights from Chennai to Male take approximately 2.5-3 hours. Maldivian Airlines operates the primary direct route three times per week, while Air India Express offers seasonal direct flights during peak travel months.

Do I need a visa to travel from Chennai to the Maldives?

No visa is required for Indian passport holders travelling to the Maldives. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a free 90-day tourist visa stamped in your passport. You only need a valid passport with 6+ months’ validity and a return flight ticket.

Which airlines fly directly from Chennai to the Maldives?

Maldivian Airlines provides the main direct service from Chennai to Male, operating on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Air India Express offers seasonal direct flights, particularly during December to March. Other airlines like SriLankan Airlines and IndiGo provide connecting flights via Colombo, Kochi, or Bangalore.

What is the total cost of a Chennai to the Maldives trip?

A 5-day Chennai to Maldives trip can range from Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1,20,000 per couple for budget travel, Rs. 1,50,000 to Rs. 2,50,000 for mid-range experiences and Rs. 3,00,000+ for luxury accommodations. Costs include flights, accommodation, meals, transfers, and activities, with significant variations based on resort choice and travel season.