How long does it take to travel from Manipal to Chennai?

By train: approximately 11 hrs 21 min. By road: approximately 9 hrs 20 min.

Manipal to Chennai: 594 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Manipal to Chennai?

The aerial distance from Manipal to Chennai is approximately 594 km (369 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 738 km.

Q: What is the best way to travel from Manipal to Chennai?

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 11 hrs 21 min. Buses take about 14 hrs 46 min and are the most affordable.

Manipal

Karnataka

Chennai

Tamil Nadu

594 km

aerial distance (straight line)

369 miles · Road distance: ~738 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

738 km

Road distance

9 hrs 20 min

Drive time

594 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Manipal to Chennai

✈

By Flight

1 hrs 33 min

Fly from Mangalore (IXE), nearest to Manipal

Search Flights

🚆

By Train

11 hrs 21 min

738 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

14 hrs 46 min

738 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

9 hrs 20 min

738 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

594 km (369 mi)

Road distance

~738 km

Recommended

Train (11 hrs 21 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Manipal to Chennai distance overview

The straight-line distance from Manipal to Chennai is approximately 594 km (369 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 738 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Karnataka to Tamil Nadu.

594 kmAerial distance

~738 kmBy road

11 hrs 21 minTrain

🚆 By train — Manipal to Chennai

11 hrs 21 min ~738 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Manipal and Chennai with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 11 hrs 21 min. Rajdhani and Shatabdi express trains are faster, while mail and passenger trains make more stops but cost less.

AC First Class (1A)Premium, 2-berth cabins

AC 2-Tier (2A)Curtained berths, comfortable

AC 3-Tier (3A)Popular, good value

Sleeper Class (SL)Budget, non-AC

Book in advance through IRCTC, especially during festivals and holidays when seats fill up quickly.

Check Trains on IRCTC

🚌 By bus — Manipal to Chennai

14 hrs 46 min ~738 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Manipal to Chennai route. The journey takes approximately 14 hrs 46 min covering ~738 km. Both government and private operators service this route.

Volvo ACPremium comfort, reclining seats

AC SleeperFull-length beds, ideal for overnight

AC SeaterAir-conditioned, mid-range

Non-ACBudget-friendly, frequent service

Night buses are popular for this distance — travel while you sleep and arrive fresh at your destination.

Search Manipal to Chennai Buses

🚗 By car — Manipal to Chennai

9 hrs 20 min ~738 km

The drive from Manipal to Chennai is a long one — approximately 738 km taking around 9 hrs 20 min. Plan at least one overnight halt. Fatigue driving on Indian highways is dangerous.

💡 Travel tips for Manipal to Chennai

📅

Book early
Book trains 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season (Oct-Mar) for better prices and availability.

🌧️

Check weather
Avoid monsoon (Jun-Sep) for road trips. Road conditions can deteriorate and flights may face delays.

💳

Carry valid ID
Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID is required for train travel and recommended for bus journeys.

💤

Plan rest stops
For drives over 9 hrs 20 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

Where to stay in Chennai

Budget to luxury hotels. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Chennai Hotels

🅞️ Weather in Chennai

Powered by Open-Meteo

🔗 Useful travel resources

For official travel information, regulations, and booking services:

IRCTC — Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation — Book train tickets online

Airports Authority of India — Airport information and flight status

DGCA — Directorate General of Civil Aviation — Indian aviation regulator

Incredible India — Official tourism portal of India

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from Manipal to Chennai? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Manipal to Chennai is approximately 594 km (369 miles). The road distance is approximately 738 km, which takes about 9 hrs 20 min by car.

What is the best way to travel from Manipal to Chennai? ▼

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 11 hrs 21 min. Buses take about 14 hrs 46 min and are the most affordable.

Are there buses from Manipal to Chennai? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Manipal to Chennai route. The journey takes approximately 14 hrs 46 min. You can search and book bus tickets on FareEagle with AC Sleeper, AC Seater, and Non-AC options.

How long does the train take from Manipal to Chennai? ▼

The train from Manipal to Chennai takes approximately 11 hrs 21 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Manipal to Chennai travel on FareEagle? ▼

Yes! FareEagle lets you compare and book bus tickets, and hotels for the Manipal to Chennai route. Compare prices across operators, get instant confirmation, and enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

Routes from Manipal

Manipal to Chennai Distance & How to Reach