The Salem to Chennai 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Coimbatore-Chennai Central AC Duronto Express
#12244 · Drnt
|
17:31 SA |
21:50 MAS |
4h 19m | Daily | CC |
|
Allapuzha Dhanbad Slip Express
#18190 · Exp
|
SA |
MAS |
Daily | 2A,3A,SL | |
|
Chennai Mail
#12602 · SF
|
00:10 SA |
05:25 MAS |
5h 15m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL,FC |
|
Ernakulam-Patna Express
#16309 · Exp
|
00:25 SA |
05:40 MAS |
5h 15m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
RIVANDRUM - GUWAHATI Exp
#12515 · SF
|
00:25 SA |
05:40 MAS |
5h 15m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Alappuzha-Chennai Express
#16042 · Exp
|
00:35 SA |
06:05 MAS |
5h 30m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL,FC |
|
Cheran Express
#12674 · SF
|
01:00 SA |
06:35 MAS |
5h 35m | Daily | 1A,2A,3A,SL |
|
Tiruvananthapuram Chennai SF Mail
#12624 · SF
|
01:45 SA |
06:55 MAS |
5h 10m | Daily | 1A,2A,3A,SL |
|
Coimbatore-Chennai Express
#12682 · SF
|
02:20 SA |
07:45 MAS |
5h 25m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Mangalore - Chennai Express
#12686 · SF
|
02:45 SA |
08:00 MAS |
5h 15m | Daily | 1A,2A,3A,SL |
|
TRIVANDRUM - GUWAHATI SF Exp
#12507 · SF
|
04:05 SA |
09:30 MAS |
5h 25m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Trivandrum Shalimar Biweekly Express
#16323 · Exp
|
04:05 SA |
09:30 MAS |
5h 25m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Kollam-Chennai Central SF Special
#06006 · SF
|
04:20 SA |
10:45 MAS |
6h 25m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Kollam-Chennai Central Special
#06004 · Exp
|
04:20 SA |
10:45 MAS |
6h 25m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Trivandrum-Chennai Superfast Express
#12696 · SF
|
04:45 SA |
09:50 MAS |
5h 05m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL,FC |
|
NAGERCOIL - CHENNAI SF Exp
#12690 · SF
|
06:55 SA |
12:25 MAS |
5h 30m | Daily | 3A,SL |
|
Thiruvananthapuram Central Chennai Central weekly express
#12698 · SF
|
06:55 SA |
12:25 MAS |
5h 30m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
KollamChennai Central SF Special
#06010 · SF
|
07:50 SA |
12:40 MAS |
4h 50m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Coimbatore-Chennai Central InterCity SF Express
#12680 · SF
|
08:40 SA |
13:50 MAS |
5h 10m | Daily | CC |
|
West Coast Express
#16628 · Exp
|
09:40 SA |
15:15 MAS |
5h 35m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL,FC |
|
Coimbatore-Jaipur Express
#12969 · SF
|
11:50 SA |
17:10 MAS |
5h 20m | Daily | 1A,2A,3A,SL |
|
ALAPPUZHA - DHANBAD (Bokaro) Express
#13352 · Exp
|
15:00 SA |
22:15 MAS |
7h 15m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Alappuzha Dhanbad Tatanagar Express Slip
#13352-Slip · Exp
|
15:05 SA |
22:15 MAS |
7h 10m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Kovai Express
#12676 · SF
|
16:40 SA |
21:40 MAS |
5h 00m | Daily | CC |
|
Raptisagar Express
#12522 · SF
|
18:10 SA |
23:05 MAS |
4h 55m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Rapti Sagar Expres
#12512 · SF
|
18:10 SA |
23:05 MAS |
4h 55m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Ahilyanagari Express
#16326 · Exp
|
18:10 SA |
23:05 MAS |
4h 55m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Trivandrum-Korba Express
#16328 · Exp
|
18:10 SA |
23:05 MAS |
4h 55m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
SALEM - CHENNAI EGMORE Exp
#11064 · Exp
|
21:00 SA |
03:39 TBM |
6h 39m | Daily | 1A,2A,3A,SL |
|
Yercaud Express
#16670 · Exp
|
22:00 SA |
04:30 MAS |
6h 30m | Daily | 1A,2A,3A,SL |
|
Kollam Chennai Central (Weekly) SF Special
#06012 · SF
|
22:25 SA |
03:40 MAS |
5h 15m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Kollam-Chennai Central SF Special
#06002 · SF
|
22:25 SA |
03:40 MAS |
5h 15m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
KollamChennai Central SF Special
#06008 · SF
|
22:25 SA |
03:40 MAS |
5h 15m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Nilgiri (Blue Mountain) Express
#12672 · SF
|
23:30 SA |
05:05 MAS |
5h 35m | 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 Salem to Chennai 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
