Salem to Chennai
Distance, real road route and a tentative fare estimate for travelling from Salem, Tamil Nadu 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: Salem to Chennai
363 km · ~7h 56m · About 7h of driving, plus stops.
- Start from Salem
An early start keeps you ahead of city and highway traffic.
150 km · 3h drive from previous stop
Rest & refuel near TiruvannamalaiAbout 150 km in — 15–20 minutes for tea, food, fuel and a stretch.
150 km · 3h drive from previous stop
Rest & refuel near MaraimalainagarAbout 300 km in — 15–20 minutes for tea, food, fuel and a stretch.
63 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: Salem to Chennai
363 km · ~8h 4m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.
- Board at Salem
Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Salem. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.
- Salem → Chennai
AC Sleeper / Volvo (overnight) · ~363 km
~8h 4m|Tentative fare ₹400–₹1,070
Usual tea / meal halts: Tiruvannamalai (~170 km)
- 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: Salem to Chennai
Nearest railway stations: Salem Jn for Salem, 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.
Salem to Chennai: Route & Travel Options
Route overview
Salem to Chennai is about 363 km by road, roughly 7.3 hours of travel time. The road passes near Kanchipuram.
Tentative fare estimate
Approximate fares for about 363 km, estimated from typical Indian per-km tariffs — not a live quote from any operator.
- Car / Taxi: Swift Dzire ₹12,563 · Ertiga ₹15,994 · Innova ₹16,679 · Innova Crysta ₹20,560 · Tempo Traveller (12) ₹28,343
- Bus: Non-AC Seater ₹400 · AC Seater ₹650 · Non-AC Sleeper ₹580 · AC Sleeper ₹830 · Volvo / Multi-Axle ₹1,070
- Train: Sleeper ₹250 · Economy ₹390 · Third AC ₹540 · Second AC ₹760 · First AC ₹1,050
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 Salem to Chennai. Distances are approximate; the road you take may pass a little away from some of them.
- Tiruvannamalai155 km from Salem
- Kanchipuram275 km from Salem
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 Salem → Chennai → next stop route.
Chennai → Mahabalipuram
About 65 km by road
Plan My Trip: Salem 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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