Chennai to Varkala
Distance, road route, travel options and tentative fare estimates by car, bus and train from Chennai, Tamil Nadu to Varkala, Kerala.
Approx Distance: 806 km
Approx Duration: 17.9 hrs
Route overview
Chennai to Varkala is about 806 km by road, roughly 17.9 hours of travel time.
By car: Chennai to Varkala
About 16h of driving split over 2 days, plus stops.
- Start from Chennai. Leave early (5–6 AM) and avoid driving on highways after dark.
- 150 km (about 3h of driving) — Rest stop around km 150. Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.
- 150 km (about 3h of driving) — Rest stop around km 300. Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.
- 103 km (about 2h 4m of driving) — Overnight halt around km 403. Stop for the night in a town along the highway with hotels.
- 150 km (about 3h of driving) — Rest stop around km 553. Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.
- 150 km (about 3h of driving) — Rest stop around km 703. Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.
- 103 km (about 2h 4m of driving) — Arrive in Varkala
By bus: Chennai to Varkala
Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.
- Board at Chennai. Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Chennai. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.
- Chennai → Varkala. AC Sleeper / Volvo (overnight) · ~806 km Takes about 17h 55m. Tentative fare ₹890–₹2,310.
- Arrive in Varkala
By train: Chennai to Varkala
The nearest railway stations are Chennai Central for Chennai and Varkala for Varkala. Trains between them in the timetable data:
- Chennai-Thiruvananthapuram Express (12697) — departs 03:15 PM from Chennai Central, arrives 05:31 AM (+1 day) at Varkala, 14h 16m
- Chennai Central-Kollam SF Special (06001) — departs 03:15 PM from Chennai Central, arrives 05:45 AM (+1 day) at Kollam Jn, 14h 30m
- Chennai Central Kollam (Weekly) SF Special (06011) — departs 03:15 PM from Chennai Central, arrives 05:45 AM (+1 day) at Kollam Jn, 14h 30m
- Chennai Tiruvananthapuram SF Mail (12623) — departs 07:45 PM from Chennai Central, arrives 10:23 AM (+1 day) at Varkala, 14h 38m
- Chennai Central-Kollam Special (06003) — departs 08:45 PM from Chennai Central, arrives 11:30 AM (+1 day) at Kollam Jn, 14h 45m
Train details come from a 2015 railway timetable snapshot — newer trains, changed timings and running days are not included, so confirm on IRCTC before you plan around a train.
Tentative fare estimate
Approximate fares for about 806 km, estimated from typical Indian per-km tariffs — not a live quote from any operator.
- Car / Taxi: Hatchback ₹8,970 · Sedan ₹10,580 · SUV ₹13,850 · Innova / MUV ₹15,510 · Tempo Traveller ₹18,030
- Bus: Non-AC Seater ₹890 · AC Seater ₹1,450 · Non-AC Sleeper ₹1,290 · AC Sleeper ₹1,850 · Volvo / Multi-Axle ₹2,310
- Train: Sleeper ₹510 · Economy ₹840 · Third AC ₹1,160 · Second AC ₹1,640 · First AC ₹2,290
Tentative estimates only — actual fares vary by operator, season, class and how early you book.
Other routes
More routes from Chennai
- Chennai to Mahabalipuram
- Chennai to Kanchipuram
- Chennai to Tirupati
- Chennai to Vellore
- Chennai to Auroville
- Chennai to Puducherry
- Chennai to Tiruvannamalai
- Chennai to Yelagiri
- Chennai to Chidambaram
- Chennai to Kumbakonam
More routes to Varkala
- Kollam to Varkala
- Thiruvananthapuram to Varkala
- Pathanamthitta to Varkala
- Alappuzha to Varkala
- Kottayam to Varkala
- Nagercoil to Varkala
- Tirunelveli to Varkala
- Idukki to Varkala
- Kochi to Varkala
- Sivakasi to Varkala
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