Travelling from Chennai Airport (MAA) to Shanghai: what you need to know
The timezone in Shanghai is UTC+8. The city is two hours 30 minutes ahead of Chennai, where Chennai Airport is located.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to catch your MAA to Shanghai flight.
If you're heading away during a major holiday or another peak period, give yourself more time. A good rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at check-in and security will be longer.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially score a cheaper flight ticket from MAA to Shanghai. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your journey by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Changi International Airport (SIN)
MAA is about 16 kilometres from central Chennai. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 45 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 50 minutes.
In search of a hotel near MAA? If you're boarding an early flight from Chennai Airport to Shanghai, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure gate:
When it comes to Chennai Airport's on-time performance, data shows 76.04% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chennai Airport (MAA) to Shanghai
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Chennai Airport to Shanghai flight is Rs47,482. The cheapest price for a return flight is Rs102,017. Keep in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to land cheap flights from MAA to Shanghai if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some fantastic early bird deals.
If you can be flexible with your travel plans, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the cheapest price across each month when searching for your Chennai Airport to Shanghai ticket.
You don't need to check back in every day to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you when there's an even better deal on cheap flights from MAA to Shanghai.
Select your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Chennai Airport to Shanghai by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Airports in Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is around 56 kilometres from the centre of Shanghai. If you're grabbing a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 50 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Chennai Airport to Shanghai, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these accommodation options near PVG:
Pick up a Shanghai Pudong International Airport rental car and explore parts of Shanghai that aren't on a typical itinerary. Book your wheels with Hertz.
Reserve your ride from Shanghai Pudong International Airport several weeks in advance of your flight from MAA to Shanghai. If you're travelling during a peak period, book even earlier to get the lowest price.
You'll find PVG at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
The centre of Shanghai is located around 14 kilometres from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Once your flight from Chennai Airport to Shanghai has hit the runway and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 20 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel close to SHA. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your MAA to Shanghai flight:
Crank up the music and hit the open road in a Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from Hertz and set off on your adventure right away.
Avoid filling out paperwork at the rental desk by completing your booking beforehand. Reserve your ride from SHA in advance so you can just grab the keys and go.
The address for Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Best time to go to Shanghai
Before booking your flights from Chennai Airport to Shanghai, consider which time of year works best for you. Peak season in Shanghai offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of activities, while low season brings cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds.
The warmest month in Shanghai is August, with temperatures ranging between 23ºC and 34ºC. Lock in your Chennai Airport to Shanghai flight ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Search for cheap tickets from MAA to Shanghai in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -1ºC and 10ºC on average.
More about Shanghai
Start your Shanghai trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Chennai Airport to Shanghai, browse our range of hotels including:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be tricky to know where to begin. Yu Garden, The Bund Sightseeing Avenue and Shanghai Tower are popular attractions which should be on any good Shanghai itinerary.
Explore more of China
Nanjing is just one of the many places in China waiting to be discovered once you've seen the sights of Shanghai. Around 274 kilometres away to the west, check out popular attractions including Nanjing City Wall, Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall and Xuanwu Lake.
Around 241 kilometres south-west of Shanghai, Puyang is another favourite stop in China. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to Denggao Lansheng Building, Baozhang Yougu Scenic Area and 元宝山探险乐园.
