SFO - MAA

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$864
Typical prices: $936-$1,555
Air India
Mon 9/17Mon 10/8
SFO - MAA • 2 stops
Cheapest one-way
$468
Typical prices: $493-$927
Air India
Tue 1/16
SFO - MAA • 2 stops
Nonstop flights
There are currently no direct flights between San Francisco and Chennai. You'll need to take a connecting flight to reach the destination.
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When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 26 weeks in advance save around 11% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 28% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $1,000 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 22h 41m (one-way)
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Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Chennai (SFO-MAA)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from San Francisco to Chennai

Thu, Sep 17 - Thu, Oct 8
Air India Logo
10:55 am - 6:40 pmSFO  San Francisco-MAA Chennai
43h 15m2 stops Kolkata Netaji S. Chandra New Delhi Indira Gandhi Intl
Air India Logo
8:10 pm - 7:00 amMAA  Chennai-SFO San Francisco
23h 20m1 stop New Delhi Indira Gandhi Intl
$864Air India
Wed, Sep 23 - Thu, Oct 8
Air India Logo
10:55 am - 12:45 amSFO  San Francisco-MAA Chennai
25h 20m2 stops Kolkata Netaji S. Chandra New Delhi Indira Gandhi Intl
Air India Logo
8:10 pm - 7:00 amMAA  Chennai-SFO San Francisco
23h 20m1 stop New Delhi Indira Gandhi Intl
$865Air India
Thu, Feb 4 - Sat, Feb 20
Singapore Airlines Logo
9:40 am - 8:45 amSFO  San Francisco-MAA Chennai
33h 35m1 stop Singapore Changi
Singapore Airlines Logo
10:00 am - 7:50 amMAA  Chennai-SFO San Francisco
35h 20m1 stop Singapore Changi
$869Singapore Airlines
Mon, Feb 1 - Sat, Feb 20
Singapore Airlines Logo
9:40 am - 10:10 pmSFO  San Francisco-MAA Chennai
23h 00m1 stop Singapore Changi
Singapore Airlines Logo
10:00 am - 7:50 amMAA  Chennai-SFO San Francisco
35h 20m1 stop Singapore Changi
$869Singapore Airlines
Tue, Oct 13 - Sun, Dec 13
Qatar Airways Logo
3:55 pm - 2:40 amSFO  San Francisco-MAA Chennai
22h 15m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
Qatar Airways Logo
4:05 am - 12:40 pmMAA  Chennai-SFO San Francisco
22h 05m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
$962Qatar Airways
Tue, Oct 6 - Wed, Nov 4
Qatar Airways Logo
3:55 pm - 2:40 amSFO  San Francisco-MAA Chennai
22h 15m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
Qatar Airways Logo
4:05 am - 12:40 pmMAA  Chennai-SFO San Francisco
22h 05m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl
$962Qatar Airways
Mon, Jan 4 - Sun, Jan 17
Cathay Pacific Logo
11:25 am - 12:35 amSFO  San Francisco-MAA Chennai
23h 40m1 stop Hong Kong Intl
Cathay Pacific Logo
2:00 am - 9:15 pmMAA  Chennai-SFO San Francisco
32h 45m1 stop Hong Kong Intl
$998Cathay Pacific
Tue, Nov 17 - Mon, Dec 21
Cathay Pacific Logo
10:55 pm - 12:35 amSFO  San Francisco-MAA Chennai
36h 10m1 stop Hong Kong Intl
Cathay Pacific Logo
2:00 am - 9:45 amMAA  Chennai-SFO San Francisco
21h 15m1 stop Hong Kong Intl
$998Cathay Pacific
Tue, Jan 12 - Thu, Jan 28
Emirates Logo
3:40 pm - 2:15 amSFO  San Francisco-MAA Chennai
21h 05m1 stop Dubai Intl
Emirates Logo
3:50 am - 12:50 pmMAA  Chennai-SFO San Francisco
22h 30m1 stop Dubai Intl
$1,012Emirates
Tue, Oct 20 - Thu, Dec 3
Emirates Logo
5:05 pm - 8:30 pmSFO  San Francisco-MAA Chennai
38h 55m1 stop Dubai Intl
Emirates Logo
3:50 am - 12:50 pmMAA  Chennai-SFO San Francisco
22h 30m1 stop Dubai Intl
$1,013Emirates
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for San Francisco to Chennai flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights from San Francisco to Chennai with more confidence.

How much is a round-trip flight from San Francisco to Chennai?

Round-trip flights from San Francisco to Chennai start at $864. Prices are below average for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $936 to $1,555. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $864 on Air India.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Francisco to Chennai?

Monday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Francisco to Chennai, it is 5% cheaper than the average day. Saturday is the most expensive day with flight prices 5% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Chennai?

  • September is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Chennai at $873 round-trip.
  • December ($1,700) and June ($1,440) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 94% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from San Francisco to Chennai the cheapest?

Flights from San Francisco to Chennai are cheapest 26 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 11% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from San Francisco to Chennai

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Gabriel Leigh

Gabriel Leigh

Expert on MAA

Gabriel is a writer and video creator. As senior content producer for Flightradar24 and Monocle’s transport correspondent, he keeps a close eye on aviation in particular. He has also written travel articles for the likes of The New York Times. Born in New York but raised around the world, he now lives in Sweden. He’s been to 75 countries, flying 2.3 million miles on 113 airlines and through 234 airports in the process.

Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

Expert on SFO

Blane Bachelor is a journalist and editor specializing in travel and aviation who writes regularly for top global outlets. Born and raised in Florida, Blane has worked and lived in four countries, including the Netherlands, where she’s currently based with her family. Her favorite way to get to know a new destination is by running or riding a bike around town – or hearing a spooky ghost story about local history. She will always choose the window seat.

Key details for San Francisco to Chennai flights

Low season

March

Cheapest flight

$468
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 26% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 18% increase in price.
Flight from San Francisco to Chennai

When to book flights from San Francisco to Chennai

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from San Francisco to Chennai based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Your San Francisco to Chennai flight questions, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking questions.

  • Are there any nonstop flights between San Francisco and Chennai?

    Unfortunately, you will not find any nonstop flights between these two cities; however, several airlines offer one-stop options. Qatar Airways offers a one-stop flight with a layover at Doha Hamad International (DOH) and Singapore Airlines offers one-stop service with a layover at Singapore Changi (SIN).

  • Is there a good public transportation option to get from downtown San Francisco to San Francisco International Airport?

    Perhaps the quickest option to get from downtown San Francisco to the airport is on the BART Rapid Rail system. This train line has a station on the Departures Level of the International Terminal. The fare to ride the train from downtown San Francisco is around $10.

  • Are there any good choices for hotels that have locations near Chennai Airport?

    A couple of good choices for hotels that have locations near the airport include the Treebo Trend Nestlay Airport and Mount Manor.

  • Are there any rideshare services available at the Chennai Airport?

    The popular rideshare app Uber is available at Chennai Airport. Since there is no designated pick-up location at the airport, check within the app to see where to meet your driver. Ola is another rideshare service. As with Uber, you book your ride and set your pickup location in their app.

  • Are there currency exchange services at Chennai International Airport (MAA)?

    If you’ve just landed at Chennai International Airport (MAA) from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and need to change your dollars into Indian rupees, you’ll have various options to choose from. Most of the services are before the customs in the arrival terminal. Prime Forex, one of the most reputable service providers at MAA is located in Shop No.2, Concourse Level.

  • Are there any services for passengers with limited mobility at MAA upon their arrival?

    Chennai International Airport (MAA) offers services to travelers with mobility limitations as they arrive from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Under its Special Assistance Program, a trained and dedicated staff member will help you access the baggage claim area, leading you through the customs and out through the exit.

  • Where can I rent a car at Chennai International Airport (MAA)?

    Those arriving at Chennai International Airport (MAA) who want to explore the city at their convenience should rent a car. Various car agencies run their services at this facility, including Avis and Hertz. At the arrivals terminal, keep an eye on the sign leading to their counters. Still, it might be best if booked in advance.

  • Is there a prayer room at Chennai International Airport (MAA)?

    For peace and relaxation, or an escape from the noisy terminals to have a private moment with your maker, you’ll find a prayer room at MAA. It’s located airside in the International Arrival Terminal, near gates 15/16.

  • Which airports can I use when flying from San Francisco to Chennai?

    Flights from San Francisco to Chennai usually depart from San Francisco (SFO) and arrive at Chennai (MAA).

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from San Francisco to Chennai?

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from San Francisco to Chennai:

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

    Prices vary by airline.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from San Francisco to Chennai pass through?

    One-stop flights from San Francisco to Chennai most commonly connect through:

    • Hong Kong Intl (HKG) - 32% of one-stop connections
    • Singapore Changi (SIN) - 30% of one-stop connections
    • Doha Hamad Intl (DOH) - 14% of one-stop connections
    • Dubai Intl (DXB) - 13% of one-stop connections

    Hong Kong Intl (HKG) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from San Francisco to Chennai?

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 10% on the San Francisco to Chennai route. Monday is the cheapest departure day at $1,161 round-trip on average, while Saturday is the most expensive at $1,284, a difference of $123. KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • How expensive are last-minute San Francisco to Chennai flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 2% below the route average of $1,217. Booking late can sometimes save money on this route, but inventory is limited.

  • How long is a flight from San Francisco to Chennai?

    A nonstop flight from San Francisco to Chennai takes 0h 00m, covering 8,641 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from San Francisco to Chennai?

    Yes, a valid passport is required for this international route. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Check your passport expiry well before booking.

  • How are flight prices from San Francisco to Chennai looking right now?

    One-way fares from San Francisco to Chennai are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $596, which is 10% below the typical average for this route.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from San Francisco to Chennai?

    Flying via Doha Hamad Intl (DOH) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 22h 41m, compared with 23h 11m via Dubai Intl (DXB) and 23h 21m via Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Intl (BOM).

  • What is the time difference between San Francisco and Chennai?

    Chennai is 12 hours ahead of San Francisco (India Time vs Pacific Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a San Francisco to Chennai flight?

    Round-trip flights from San Francisco to Chennai range from $936 to $1,555, with an average of $1,217 over the past 12 months. Anything below $936 counts as a good deal.

Your guide to booking San Francisco to Chennai flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates can be flexible, aim for a Monday departure instead of Saturday. On this route, Monday flights average $1,161 - about $123 less than Saturday (10% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 26 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 11% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your San Francisco to Chennai trip for September. Fares historically average $873 round-trip in that month - typically $827 less than the most expensive month, which is December (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Chennai Airport.
    - Radisson Blu Hotel And Suites GRT Chennai
    - Trident Chennai
    - Hotel Mount Manor
  • If you are someone that loves to ride a bicycle and would like to travel to the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) by bike, there are five locations to lock your bicycle at the airport. These include the Valet Parking Stand, Courtyard A, Courtyard G, the San Francisco Rental Car Center, and the Westfield Garage. You can park your bicycle for up to 14 days, but if you are going to park it for more than 24h, it needs to be registered with the on-duty personnel located at the bike lock areas.
  • If you are looking for a unique way to travel from Chennai Airport (MAA) to the city center, why not try a rickshaw? Getting from the airport to the center of the city will cost you around INR 252 (USD 3.50). Another good public transportation option to get from Chennai Airport to the city center is the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), which offers bus route 18A. The fare to ride the bus is around INR 38 (USD 0.50) and you can purchase your ticket directly from the driver.
  • If someone will be driving you to San Francisco International Airport before your flight, the airport recommends that they drop you at the Kiss and Fly area, which is located at the Rental Car Center. From the Rental Car Center, passengers can take the AirTrain's Blue Line to the airport terminal buildings 24h per day.
  • If your kids are going to be making the trip with you, you'll be happy to know that San Francisco International Airport has three different Kids Spots for them to explore while waiting for their flight. The spots have locations at Terminal 3 near Gate F 18, Terminal 2 at gates D7 and D15, and Terminal 3 near Gate E7.
  • If you are looking for a lounge to relax in before your flight, you'll be happy to know that San Francisco International Airport has several different options. These include several United Airlines United Club locations, a Delta Air Lines Delta Sky Club location, an American Airlines Admirals club location, and a British Airways lounge.
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) features only one International Terminal, complemented by three domestic terminals (1, 2 and 3) for arrivals and departures. Inter-terminal transfer is made easier by the AirTrain which departs every 5-15min. Furthermore, if you’re fit enough, you can use the walkways to move from one terminal to the next.
  • Multiple carriers run various lounges at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), including American Airlines Admirals Club and The Centurion Lounge. Priority access is to members and holders of registered cards. However, economy class passengers can access the lounges if they agree to pay a day pass, regardless of the airlines they’re flying with.
  • Those who have early morning departures from SFO should plan and sleep in one of the numerous hotels close to the airport. Usually, these facilities offer complimentary shuttles to and from the airport. Consider booking a room at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Francisco Airport West or Aloft San Francisco Airport.
  • Families traveling with their kids through SFO will be keen to note that there are lactating and nursing suites at their disposal. Moms can locate them in Terminal 3, near gate E5, from where they can pump and breastfeed in privacy. The rooms feature sinks, seats and power sockets.
  • If you’re looking for an outlet to recharge your wallet before flying out from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Chennai International Airport (MAA), there are various banks that run their ATMs from this facility, including the Bank of America, in the International Terminal Main Hall, Departures Level near Marketplace G.

More options for your flight from San Francisco to Chennai

Complete your trip to Chennai with a hotel stay or car rental