Cheap Flights from Shanghai to Chennai

Compare Shanghai to Chennai flight deals

Find the cheapest month or even day of the year to fly to Chennai

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Flight deals from Shanghai to Chennai Airport

Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best return flight from Shanghai to Chennai? Find the lowest prices on one-way and return tickets right here.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Shanghai to Chennai

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like Shanghai to Chennai flights are currently cheapest in May.

Shanghai to Chennai: Alternative routes

Compare routes from Shanghai to Chennai below. You may find an airport to fly into that's cheaper, faster, or easier than Chennai.

Shanghai to Chennai: Flight information

The things to know before you go.
Cheapest flight found$594
Cheapest month to flyMay

Finding cheap flights from Shanghai to Chennai: Frequently asked questions

The best price we found for a return flight from Shanghai to Chennai is $594. This is an estimate based on information collected from different airlines and travel providers over the last 4 days and is subject to change and availability.
Currently, there are no airlines that fly direct from Shanghai to Chennai. But we found flights with one stop from $594.
As of March 2026, there are no flights flying from Shanghai to Chennai.
The cheapest month to fly from Shanghai to Chennai is usually May.
After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it is currently cheapest to fly from Shanghai to Chennai Airport on Thursday, 28 May 2026.
No airlines currently offer direct flights between Shanghai and Chennai Airport. Most routes have one or more stops.
We show every price from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents, comparing them all so you don’t have to. If you know you want to fly to Chennai but you’re not ready to book, set up a Price Alert. We’ll track prices for you, and let you know when they rise or fall.
We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to Chennai is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.
The cheapest airline that flies to Chennai is IndiGo .

Travelling from Shanghai to Chennai International Airport (MAA): What you need to know

  • Chennai International Airport is located in Chennai. The city follows the UTC+5:30 timezone and is two hours 30 minutes behind Shanghai.

  • Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are travel rules worth sticking to. Show up at the airport on time to board your flight from Shanghai to MAA.

  • Show up at the airport even earlier during popular months like February. Aim for two hours before a domestic departure and up to four hours for international journeys. Once you've checked in, you can use any extra time to relax or find something to eat.

Airports in Shanghai

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

  • A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your journey and perhaps even explore another city. When browsing cheap flights from Shanghai to MAA leaving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to discover where you can stop along the way. Some popular options include:

    • Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

    • Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)

    • Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

  • PVG is around 48 kilometres from central Shanghai. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a taxi from the centre, it'll take 1 hour 5 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 50 minutes.

  • Want a leisurely start to your break? Stay near Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Shanghai to Chennai International Airport or prefer not to feel hurried, these hotels are just the thing:

  • When it comes to the on-time performance of Shanghai Pudong International Airport, data shows 78% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.

  • You'll find PVG at No.300 Qihang Road.

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)

  • Break up your flight from Shanghai to Chennai International Airport with a stop at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). One of the main stopovers between Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and MAA, it's a great opportunity to recharge before the next leg of your journey.

  • You can arrive at SHA from central Shanghai in about 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The ride on public transport takes roughly 40 minutes to travel the 14 kilometres or so.

  • Catching the earliest flight? Think about checking in to one of these accommodation options near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport the day before your Shanghai to MAA flight:

  • Flights from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport have a strong track record for punctuality, with 86% of them arriving within the expected time frame.

  • The address for SHA is 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.

About Chennai International Airport (MAA)

  • If you're coming in on a late flight from Shanghai to Chennai International Airport, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these options near MAA:

  • Grab a Chennai International Airport rental car and discover Chennai and beyond with your own set of wheels. Avis, Europcar and North Car Hire are leading providers to choose from here.

  • Get the best deal by booking your vehicle around three weeks before your Shanghai to Chennai International Airport flight.

Getting from Chennai International Airport (MAA) to central Chennai

  • Chennai International Airport is about 16 kilometres from central Chennai. How long it'll take to get to the centre in a car hire or taxi depends on the time of day. Do some research before you go.

  • It typically takes 1 hour if you're travelling on public transport.

How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Chennai International Airport (MAA)

  • The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Shanghai to Chennai International Airport is $273. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $594. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares may change.

  • Booking in advance is often the key to scoring a cheap flight from Shanghai to MAA. Prices tend to rise as demand increases, so the closer your departure date, the more it could cost you.

  • If you're flexible with your travel dates, try using the 'Whole month' tool. It'll give you the lowest price across each month when searching for your Shanghai to Chennai International Airport ticket.

  • There's no need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you as soon as a better deal is available on plane tickets from Shanghai to MAA.

  • Nail down a great price on a flight from Shanghai to Chennai International Airport with the help of the filters. Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'

The best time to fly from Shanghai to Chennai International Airport (MAA)

  • January is the most popular month for flights from Shanghai to Chennai International Airport (MAA). Plan your visit to Chennai in September for a more low-key escape.

  • Lock in a Shanghai to MAA plane ticket departing in May if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Chennai to range from 28ºC to 37ºC.

  • If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from Shanghai to Chennai International Airport in January when temperatures are between 21ºC and 28ºC.

More about Chennai

  • Start your Chennai trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Shanghai to Chennai Airport, explore our selection of hotels including:

  • There are so many things to do and see in this city, it can be hard to figure out where to start. Meenakshi Temple, Marina beach and Wildlife photography tours -Naturographers are top attractions which should feature on any good Chennai itinerary.

Explore more of India

  • You've seen Chennai, now it's time to discover other parts of India. Journey about 274 kilometres west to Bengaluru to tick off its leading attractions. From Meenakshi Temple to Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) and Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.

  • If you want to check out another great destination in India, consider Salem, about 257 kilometres southwest of Chennai. Meenakshi Amman Kovil, ISKCON and Eco Trekking (Starting Point) are the start of reasons to visit.

Prices shown on this page are estimated lowest prices only. Found in the last 45 days.