The Chennai to Salem train route covers approximately 378 km by rail and takes around 6.9 hours depending on the type of train. Indian Railways operates multiple daily services on this route, connecting Tamil Nadu to Tamil Nadu.
This is a short-distance route with both day and overnight options available. Multiple train types operate on this route — from premium Rajdhani and Vande Bharat to affordable Sleeper and General class services.
Train tickets can be booked on IRCTC up to 120 days in advance. During peak seasons (October-March, festivals, summer holidays), tickets sell out quickly — book early for confirmed berths.
Book on IRCTCApproximate fares for the 378 km journey. Actual fares vary by train, season, and booking time. Tatkal fares are higher.
| Class | Description | Approx. Fare |
|---|---|---|
| 1AAC First Class | Private 2-berth cabins with door, premium bedding | ₹936 |
| 2AAC 2-Tier | Curtained berths, comfortable for overnight | ₹520 |
| 3AAC 3-Tier | Most popular AC class, good value | ₹374 |
| SLSleeper Class | Non-AC, budget-friendly with berths | ₹146 |
| 2SSecond Sitting | Non-AC reserved seating for short routes | ₹83 |
| CCAC Chair Car | AC seating for day trains like Shatabdi | ₹416 |
* Fares are approximate and may vary. Check IRCTC for exact pricing. Tatkal charges, GST, and dynamic pricing may apply.
| Train | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Runs | Classes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Chennai Central-Coimbatore AC Duronto Express
#12243 · Drnt
|
06:50 MAS |
11:21 SA |
4h 31m | Daily | CC |
|
Tatanagar- Alappuzha (Alleppey) Express
#18189 · Exp
|
03:25 MAS |
09:00 SA |
5h 35m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
DHANBAD - ALAPPUZHA Exp
#13351 · Exp
|
03:25 MAS |
09:00 SA |
5h 35m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Shalimar Tiruvananthapuram Express
#16324 · Exp
|
04:15 MAS |
09:15 SA |
5h 00m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Patna - Ernakulam Express
#16310 · Exp
|
04:15 MAS |
09:15 SA |
5h 00m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
GUWAHATI - TRIVANDRUM CENTRAL EXP
#12516 · SF
|
04:40 MAS |
09:50 SA |
5h 10m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
GUWAHATI - TRIVANDRUM SF Exp
#12508 · SF
|
04:40 MAS |
09:50 SA |
5h 10m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Kovai Express
#12675 · SF
|
06:15 MAS |
10:55 SA |
4h 40m | Daily | CC |
|
Jaipur-Coimbatore Express
#12970 · SF
|
10:10 MAS |
14:50 SA |
4h 40m | Daily | 1A,2A,3A,SL |
|
West Coast Express
#16627 · Exp
|
11:30 MAS |
16:40 SA |
5h 10m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL,FC |
|
ChennaiCentral-Coimbatore InterCity
#12679 · SF
|
14:30 MAS |
19:17 SA |
4h 47m | Daily | CC |
|
Chennai Central-Kollam SF Special
#06007 · SF
|
15:15 MAS |
19:50 SA |
4h 35m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Chennai-Thiruvananthapuram Express
#12697 · SF
|
15:15 MAS |
19:45 SA |
4h 30m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Chennai Central-Kollam SF Special
#06001 · SF
|
15:15 MAS |
19:50 SA |
4h 35m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Chennai Central Kollam (Weekly) SF Special
#06011 · SF
|
15:15 MAS |
19:50 SA |
4h 35m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Chennai-Trivandrum SuperFast Express
#12695 · SF
|
15:25 MAS |
20:05 SA |
4h 40m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL,FC |
|
Chennai - Mangalore Express
#12685 · SF
|
17:00 MAS |
21:35 SA |
4h 35m | Daily | 1A,2A,3A,SL |
|
CHENNAI CENTRAL - NAGERCOIL SF Exp
#12689 · SF
|
18:15 MAS |
23:10 SA |
4h 55m | Daily | 3A,SL |
|
Chennai Tiruvananthapuram SF Mail
#12623 · SF
|
19:45 MAS |
00:05 SA |
4h 20m | Daily | 1A,2A,3A,SL |
|
Chennai Mangalore Mail
#12601 · SF
|
20:25 MAS |
01:05 SA |
4h 40m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL,FC |
|
Chennai Central-Kollam Special
#06003 · Exp
|
20:45 MAS |
01:15 SA |
4h 30m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Chennai Central-Kollam SF Special
#06005 · SF
|
20:45 MAS |
01:15 SA |
4h 30m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Nilgiri (Blue Mountain) Express
#12671 · SF
|
21:00 MAS |
01:30 SA |
4h 30m | Daily | 1A,2A,3A,SL |
|
Chennai- Alapuzha Alleppey Express
#16041 · Exp
|
21:15 MAS |
01:45 SA |
4h 30m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL,FC |
|
Cheran Express
#12673 · SF
|
22:10 MAS |
02:45 SA |
4h 35m | Daily | 1A,2A,3A,SL |
|
Chennai-Coimbatore Express
#12681 · SF
|
22:30 MAS |
03:10 SA |
4h 40m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Yercaud Express
#16669 · Exp
|
22:40 MAS |
04:55 SA |
6h 15m | Daily | 1A,2A,3A,SL |
|
Chennai Salem Express Slip
#11063-Slip · Exp
|
23:00 MS |
06:20 SA |
7h 20m | Daily | 1A,2A,3A,SL |
|
CHENNAI EGMORE - METTUR DAM SLIP EXP
#11063 · Exp
|
23:00 MS |
06:50 SA |
7h 50m | Daily | 1A,2A,3A,SL |
|
Chennai CentralKollam SF Special
#06009 · SF
|
23:30 MAS |
04:05 SA |
4h 35m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Rapti Sagar Express
#12511 · SF
|
23:45 MAS |
04:45 SA |
5h 00m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Ahilyanagari Express
#16325 · Exp
|
23:45 MAS |
04:45 SA |
5h 00m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Korba Tiruvananthapuram Express
#16327 · Exp
|
23:45 MAS |
04:45 SA |
5h 00m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Raptisagar Express
#12521 · SF
|
23:45 MAS |
04:45 SA |
5h 00m | Daily | 1A,2A,3A,SL |
* Schedule may vary. Check IRCTC for latest timings and availability. Scroll to see all 34 trains.
Not sure if train is the best option? Compare with flights and buses for the Chennai to Salem route:
Official resources for Indian Railways travel:
IRCTC — Book train tickets online, check PNR status
National Train Enquiry System — Live train status, schedule, seat availability
ConfirmTkt — PNR prediction and alternative route suggestions
Indian Railways — Official website of Ministry of Railways
