Kochi to Chennai
Distance, real road route and a tentative fare estimate for travelling from Kochi, Kerala to Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Tentative Fare Estimate
Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST
Tentative estimate only, based on typical Indian public-transport tariffs (state transport bus fares, IRCTC sleeper/AC class rates, standard outstation taxi per-km rates) — not a live quote from any operator.
Route Map
By Car: Kochi to Chennai
727 km · ~15h 52m · About 15h of driving split over 2 days, plus stops.
- Start from Kochi
Leave early (5–6 AM) and avoid driving on highways after dark.
150 km · 3h drive from previous stop
Rest stop around km 150Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.
150 km · 3h drive from previous stop
Rest stop around km 300Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.
64 km · 1h 16m drive from previous stop
Overnight halt around km 364Stop for the night in a town along the highway with hotels.
150 km · 3h drive from previous stop
Rest stop around km 514Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.
150 km · 3h drive from previous stop
Rest stop around km 664Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.
64 km · 1h 16m drive from previous stop
Arrive in ChennaiChennai, Tamil Nadu
Stops are typical for this road, not a fixed itinerary. Timings assume about 50 km/h on average — traffic, tolls and road conditions vary.
By Bus: Kochi to Chennai
727 km · ~16h 9m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.
- Board at Kochi
Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Kochi. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.
- Kochi → Chennai
AC Sleeper / Volvo (overnight) · ~727 km
~16h 9m|Tentative fare ₹800–₹2,090
- Arrive in Chennai
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Halts and change points are typical for this route, not a specific operator’s schedule — check live availability and timings when booking.
By Train: Kochi to Chennai
Nearest railway stations: Ernakulam Jn for Kochi, Chennai Central for Chennai.
Direct trains
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.
Kochi to Chennai: Route & Travel Options
Route overview
Kochi to Chennai is about 727 km by road, roughly 14.5 hours of travel time.
Tentative fare estimate
Approximate fares for about 727 km, estimated from typical Indian per-km tariffs — not a live quote from any operator.
- Car / Taxi: Swift Dzire ₹25,158 · Ertiga ₹32,028 · Innova ₹33,403 · Innova Crysta ₹41,173 · Tempo Traveller (12) ₹56,761
- Bus: Non-AC Seater ₹800 · AC Seater ₹1,310 · Non-AC Sleeper ₹1,160 · AC Sleeper ₹1,670 · Volvo / Multi-Axle ₹2,090
- Train: Sleeper ₹470 · Economy ₹760 · Third AC ₹1,050 · Second AC ₹1,480 · First AC ₹2,070
Tentative estimates only — actual fares vary by operator, season, class and how early you book.
Want the full Chennai guide?
Attractions, itineraries, temples and travel tips for Chennai.
Stops & Places Along the Route
Good places to break the journey from Kochi to Chennai. Distances are approximate; the road you take may pass a little away from some of them.
- Athirappilly Falls65 km from Kochi
Kerala
- Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary90 km from Kochi
Kerala
- Tiruppur225 km from Kochi
- Salem365 km from Kochi
- Kanchipuram640 km from Kochi
Hotels in Chennai
Treebo hotels in Chennai. Tell us your dates and we'll get you a rate.
Treebo Elan
Chennai
Treebo Adin Residence Chennai Trade Centre
Chennai
Treebo Nestlay Casa
Chennai
Treebo Nestlay Airport Alandur
Chennai
Things to Do in Chennai
Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Explore the stunning Dravidian architecture of this ancient Shiva temple in Mylapore. Witness the colorful gopuram and participate in the vibrant rituals that have been…
1-2 hours
Pay Homage at San Thome Basilica
Visit the Roman Catholic basilica built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle. This sacred site is a major pilgrimage destination for Christians worldwide.
1 hour
Stroll Along Marina Beach
Walk along the 13-km stretch of golden sand, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Enjoy the sea breeze and watch the waves of the Bay of Bengal.
2-3 hours
Explore Fort St. George
Discover the first English fortress in India, built in 1644. Visit the Fort Museum to see colonial artifacts and learn about the city's British heritage.
2 hours
Discover the Government Museum
Marvel at the extensive collection of bronze sculptures, archaeological finds, and natural history exhibits at this 1851 museum, one of the oldest in India.
2-3 hours
Attend a Carnatic Music Concert
Immerse yourself in the soulful melodies of Carnatic music at a local sabha (cultural organization). If visiting in December, experience the grand Margazhi season.
2-3 hours
Suggested Chennai Itinerary
Day 1Colonial Heritage and Marina Beach
- Morning: Tour Fort St. George (1644) – explore the Fort Museum, St. Mary's Church, and the flagstaff; view the old Legislative…
- Late morning: Stroll along Marina Beach (13 km) – watch fishermen, vendors, and the surf; visit the lighthouse viewpoint (if…
- Afternoon: Visit the Government Museum, Egmore (est. 1851) – focus on the Bronze Gallery (Chola bronzes) and the Amaravati…
Day 2Mylapore Temples and San Thome Basilica
- Morning: Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple (Dravidian gopuram, 7th-century origins) – observe rituals and the sacred tank.
- Late morning: Explore San Thome Basilica (built over St. Thomas's tomb, one of three such basilicas worldwide) – see the museum…
- Afternoon: Browse the streets of Mylapore for silk, brassware, and traditional crafts; visit the Ramakrishna Math if time permits.
Day 3Day Trip to Mahabalipuram's Shore Temples
- Morning: Depart early (approx. 1.5–2 hours) – visit the Shore Temple (overlooking the Bay of Bengal) and the Five Rathas (Pancha…
- Late morning: See the Descent of the Ganges (Arjuna's Penance) – a massive open-air bas-relief.
- Afternoon: Explore the Krishna Mandapa and other cave temples; relax on the beach or shop for stone carvings.
Extend Your Trip
Add a nearby place to your Chennai trip and see the full Kochi → Chennai → next stop route.
Chennai → Mahabalipuram
About 65 km by road
Plan My Trip: Kochi to Chennai
Pick how you want to travel and we'll send a complete plan with transport, hotel and sightseeing — on WhatsApp and a call back.
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