The Salem to Thiruvananthapuram train route covers approximately 504 km by rail and takes around 9.2 hours depending on the type of train. Indian Railways operates multiple daily services on this route, connecting Tamil Nadu to Kerala.
This is a medium-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 504 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 | ₹1,247 |
| 2AAC 2-Tier | Curtained berths, comfortable for overnight | ₹693 |
| 3AAC 3-Tier | Most popular AC class, good value | ₹499 |
| SLSleeper Class | Non-AC, budget-friendly with berths | ₹194 |
| 2SSecond Sitting | Non-AC reserved seating for short routes | ₹111 |
| CCAC Chair Car | AC seating for day trains like Shatabdi | ₹554 |
* 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 Tiruvananthapuram SF Mail
#12623 · SF
|
00:10 SA |
11:25 TVC |
11h 15m | Daily | 1A,2A,3A,SL |
|
Kerala Express
#12626 · SF
|
02:15 SA |
14:35 TVC |
12h 20m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
BANGALORE - KANNIYAKUMARI Island Exp
#16526 · Exp
|
02:30 SA |
15:05 TVC |
12h 35m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Rapti Sagar Express
#12511 · SF
|
04:50 SA |
17:50 TVC |
13h 00m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Ahilyanagari Express
#16325 · Exp
|
04:50 SA |
17:50 TVC |
13h 00m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Korba Tiruvananthapuram Express
#16327 · Exp
|
04:50 SA |
17:50 TVC |
13h 00m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Sabari Express
#17230 · Exp
|
05:30 SA |
18:55 TVC |
13h 25m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Himsagar Express
#16318 · Exp
|
06:40 SA |
19:15 TVC |
12h 35m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Shalimar-Nagercoil Gurudev Express
#12660 · SF
|
08:30 SA |
20:00 TVC |
11h 30m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Shalimar Tiruvananthapuram Express
#16324 · Exp
|
09:20 SA |
22:30 TVC |
13h 10m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
GUWAHATI - TRIVANDRUM CENTRAL EXP
#12516 · SF
|
09:55 SA |
22:55 TVC |
13h 00m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
GUWAHATI - TRIVANDRUM SF Exp
#12508 · SF
|
09:55 SA |
TVC |
Daily | 2A,3A,SL | |
|
Bilaspur Tirunelveli SF Express
#12787 · SF
|
14:35 SA |
01:25 TVC |
10h 50m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
MUMBAI CST - TRIVANDRUM Exp
#16331 · Exp
|
15:50 SA |
03:00 TVC |
11h 10m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
DIBRUGARH - KANNIYAKUMARI Vivek Exp
#15906 · Exp
|
19:40 SA |
07:00 TVC |
11h 20m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Chennai-Thiruvananthapuram Express
#12697 · SF
|
19:50 SA |
06:35 TVC |
10h 45m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Chennai-Trivandrum SuperFast Express
#12695 · SF
|
20:10 SA |
07:40 TVC |
11h 30m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL,FC |
|
Mumbai CST - Kanyakumari Express
#16381 · Exp
|
21:05 SA |
10:15 TVC |
13h 10m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
|
Swarna Jayanti Express
#12644 · SF
|
22:10 SA |
11:10 TVC |
13h 00m | Daily | 3A,SL |
|
Bangalore Tiruvananthapuram Weekly Express
#16321 · Exp
|
23:10 SA |
12:00 TVC |
12h 50m | Daily | 2A,3A,SL |
* Schedule may vary. Check IRCTC for latest timings and availability. Scroll to see all 20 trains.
Not sure if train is the best option? Compare with flights and buses for the Salem to Thiruvananthapuram route:
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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
