Mumbai, India → Chennai, India · ✈ 1h 47min · 🚗 16h 47min
558 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: southeast
The distance from Mumbai to Chennai is 1,033 km (642 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 47min.
The straight-line distance from Mumbai, India to Chennai, India is approximately 1,033 kilometers (642 miles or 558 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 southeast of Mumbai. Mumbai is in Asia, in the West 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 | 1,033 km | ~1h 47min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~1,343 km | ~16h 47min | Long journey, consider stops |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~1,240 km | ~10h 20min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Mumbai to Chennai. For 1,033 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 1,343 km, fuel costs for driving from Mumbai to Chennai are approximately $107–$201 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.
Mumbai sits at 19.0760°N, 72.8777°E, while Chennai is located at 13.0827°N, 80.2707°E. The initial compass bearing from Mumbai to Chennai is 129° (SE), so a great-circle flight path leaves Mumbai heading roughly SE. 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 5.99° and the longitude difference is 7.39°. 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 Mumbai and Chennai is approximately 16.1111°N, 76.6301°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 517 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Mumbai and Chennai share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Mumbai is a major city in India with a population of approximately 12,442,373. Located in the West India region, it is an important hub in Asia. As one of the largest cities in India, Mumbai is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from Mumbai
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
1,033 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 1,033 km, the Mumbai-Chennai route is about 2.6% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 47min.
Combined, Mumbai and Chennai have a population of over 19,530,373 people, making this a major urban corridor.
See how the Mumbai to Chennai distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Mumbai to Chennai is approximately 1,033 kilometers (642 miles, 558 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 47min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 16h 47min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Chennai is approximately Same timezone compared to Mumbai.
The estimated road distance is approximately 1,343 km, which is about 30% longer than the 1,033 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.