Kolkata, India → Chennai, India · ✈ 2h 12min · 🚗 22h 4min
733 nautical miles · Time difference: -1h behind · Direction: southwest
The distance from Kolkata to Chennai is 1,358 km (844 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 2h 12min.
The straight-line distance from Kolkata, India to Chennai, India is approximately 1,358 kilometers (844 miles or 733 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Chennai is located southwest of Kolkata. Kolkata is in Asia, in the East India region of India, while Chennai is in Asia, in South India, India. Both cities are in Asia.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 1,358 km | ~2h 12min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~1,765 km | ~22h 4min | Long journey, consider stops |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~1,630 km | ~13h 35min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Kolkata to Chennai. For 1,358 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 1,765 km, fuel costs for driving from Kolkata to Chennai are approximately $141–$265 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Kolkata sits at 22.5726°N, 88.3639°E, while Chennai is located at 13.0827°N, 80.2707°E. The initial compass bearing from Kolkata to Chennai is 220° (SW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Kolkata heading roughly SW. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 9.49° and the longitude difference is 8.09°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Kolkata and Chennai is approximately 17.8693°N, 84.2091°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 679 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Chennai is roughly 1 hour behind Kolkata. When it is 09:00 in Kolkata, it is approximately 08:00 in Chennai. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Kolkata is a major city in India with a population of approximately 14,850,000. Located in the East India region, it is an important hub in Asia. As one of the largest cities in India, Kolkata is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from Kolkata
Chennai is a notable city in India with a population of approximately 7,088,000. Situated in the South India region, it serves as a key destination in Asia. Chennai is one of India's largest cities, offering major airport hubs, extensive public transport, and a wide range of accommodation options.
→ See all distances from Chennai
1,358 km is a long-distance route that typically requires air travel. This is comparable to spanning a large continent. For context, London to Dubai is about 5,500 km.
At 1,358 km, the Kolkata-Chennai route is about 3.4% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 2h 12min.
Combined, Kolkata and Chennai have a population of over 21,938,000 people, making this a major urban corridor.
The straight-line distance from Kolkata to Chennai is approximately 1,358 kilometers (844 miles, 733 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 2h 12min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 22h 4min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Chennai is approximately -1h behind compared to Kolkata.
The estimated road distance is approximately 1,765 km, which is about 30% longer than the 1,358 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.