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

By train: approximately 11 hrs 4 min. By road: approximately 10 hrs 41 min.

Varkala to Chennai: 620 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Varkala to Chennai?

The aerial distance from Varkala to Chennai is approximately 620 km (385 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 719 km.

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

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 11 hrs 4 min. Buses take about 14 hrs 23 min and are the most affordable.

Varkala

Kerala

Chennai

Tamil Nadu

620 km

aerial distance (straight line)

385 miles · Road distance: ~719 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

719 km

Road distance

10 hrs 41 min

Drive time

620 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Varkala to Chennai

✈

By Flight

1 hrs 35 min

Fly from Trivandrum (TRV), nearest to Varkala

Search Flights

🚆

By Train

11 hrs 4 min

719 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

14 hrs 23 min

719 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

10 hrs 41 min

719 km via highway

🚆 Varkala to Chennai Trains (2)

Train	Dep	Arr	Duration	Classes
Thiruvananthapuram Central SF Express #12696 · SF	06:13	15:20	16h 00m	2A,3A,SL
Thiruvananthapuram Central Mail #12624 · SF	10:09	19:30	15h 00m	2A,3A,SL

View full train schedule →

Quick facts

Aerial distance

620 km (385 mi)

Road distance

~719 km

Recommended

Train (11 hrs 4 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Varkala to Chennai distance overview

The straight-line distance from Varkala to Chennai is approximately 620 km (385 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 719 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Kerala to Tamil Nadu.

620 kmAerial distance

~719 kmBy road

11 hrs 4 minTrain

🚆 By train — Varkala to Chennai

11 hrs 4 min ~719 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Varkala and Chennai with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 11 hrs 4 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 — Varkala to Chennai

14 hrs 23 min ~719 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Varkala to Chennai route. The journey takes approximately 14 hrs 23 min covering ~719 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 Varkala to Chennai Buses

🚗 By car — Varkala to Chennai

10 hrs 41 min ~719 km

The drive from Varkala to Chennai is a long one — approximately 719 km taking around 10 hrs 41 min. Plan at least one overnight halt. Fatigue driving on Indian highways is dangerous.

💡 Travel tips for Varkala 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 10 hrs 41 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 Varkala to Chennai? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Varkala to Chennai is approximately 620 km (385 miles). The road distance is approximately 719 km, which takes about 10 hrs 41 min by car.

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

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 11 hrs 4 min. Buses take about 14 hrs 23 min and are the most affordable.

Are there buses from Varkala to Chennai? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Varkala to Chennai route. The journey takes approximately 14 hrs 23 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 Varkala to Chennai? ▼

The train from Varkala to Chennai takes approximately 11 hrs 4 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Varkala to Chennai travel on FareEagle? ▼

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

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