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Thiruvananthapuram to Chennai

Distance, real road route and a tentative fare estimate for travelling from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala to Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

811 kmDistance
16.2 hrsDrive time

Tentative Fare Estimate

Car / Taxi
Swift Dzire₹28,308
Ertiga₹35,972
Innova₹37,504
Innova Crysta₹46,293
Tempo Traveller (12)₹63,562

Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST

View route plan
Bus
Non-AC Seater₹890
AC Seater₹1,460
Non-AC Sleeper₹1,300
AC Sleeper₹1,870
Volvo / Multi-Axle₹2,320
View route plan
Train
Sleeper₹520
Economy₹840
Third AC₹1,170
Second AC₹1,650
First AC₹2,300
View route plan

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: Thiruvananthapuram to Chennai

811 km · ~17h 33m · About 16h of driving split over 2 days, plus stops.

  1. Start from Thiruvananthapuram

    Leave early (5–6 AM) and avoid driving on highways after dark.

  2. 150 km · 3h drive from previous stop

    Rest stop around km 150

    Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.

  3. 150 km · 3h drive from previous stop

    Rest stop around km 300

    Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.

  4. 106 km · 2h 7m drive from previous stop

    Overnight halt around km 406

    Stop for the night in a town along the highway with hotels.

  5. 150 km · 3h drive from previous stop

    Rest stop around km 556

    Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.

  6. 150 km · 3h drive from previous stop

    Rest stop around km 706

    Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.

  7. 106 km · 2h 7m drive from previous stop

    Arrive in Chennai

    Chennai, 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: Thiruvananthapuram to Chennai

811 km · ~18h 1m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.

  1. Board at Thiruvananthapuram

    Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Thiruvananthapuram. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.

  2. Thiruvananthapuram → Chennai

    AC Sleeper / Volvo (overnight) · ~811 km

    ~18h 1m|Tentative fare ₹890–₹2,320

  3. 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: Thiruvananthapuram to Chennai

Nearest railway stations: Trivandrum Central for Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai Central for Chennai.

Direct trains

RIVANDRUM - GUWAHATI Exp#12515 · Superfast
12:52 PMTrivandrum Pettai
16h 48m169 stops
05:40 AM+1dChennai Central
Tiruvananthapuram Chennai SF Mail#12624 · Superfast
02:32 PMTrivandrum Pettai
16h 13m159 stops
06:45 AM+1dBasin Bridge Jn
TRIVANDRUM - CHENNAI EGMORE Anantapuri Exp#16724 · Express
04:20 PMTrivandrum Central
16h 20m132 stops
08:40 AM+1dChennai Egmore
Trivandrum-Chennai Superfast Express#12696 · Superfast
05:12 PMTrivandrum Pettai
16h 38m163 stops
09:50 AM+1dChennai Central
Thiruvananthapuram Central Chennai Central weekly express#12698 · Superfast
08:12 PMTrivandrum Pettai
16h 13m159 stops
12:25 PM+1dChennai Central

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.

Thiruvananthapuram to Chennai: Route & Travel Options

Route overview

Thiruvananthapuram to Chennai is about 811 km by road, roughly 16.2 hours of travel time.

Tentative fare estimate

Approximate fares for about 811 km, estimated from typical Indian per-km tariffs — not a live quote from any operator.

  • Car / Taxi: Swift Dzire ₹28,308 · Ertiga ₹35,972 · Innova ₹37,504 · Innova Crysta ₹46,293 · Tempo Traveller (12) ₹63,562
  • Bus: Non-AC Seater ₹890 · AC Seater ₹1,460 · Non-AC Sleeper ₹1,300 · AC Sleeper ₹1,870 · Volvo / Multi-Axle ₹2,320
  • Train: Sleeper ₹520 · Economy ₹840 · Third AC ₹1,170 · Second AC ₹1,650 · First AC ₹2,300

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.

View Chennai Guide

Stops & Places Along the Route

Good places to break the journey from Thiruvananthapuram to Chennai. Distances are approximate; the road you take may pass a little away from some of them.

  1. Sivakasi180 km from Thiruvananthapuram
  2. Madurai265 km from Thiruvananthapuram
  3. Dindigul305 km from Thiruvananthapuram
  4. Trichy415 km from Thiruvananthapuram
  5. Puducherry640 km from Thiruvananthapuram

    Puducherry

  6. Kanchipuram735 km from Thiruvananthapuram

Hotels in Chennai

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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

See all places in Chennai →

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.
Full 3-day itinerary →

Extend Your Trip

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