Contents
- 1. Bangalore to Chennai by Train
- 1.1 Daytime Chair Cars (CC and 2S)
- 1.2 Overnight Sleeper Classes (1A, 2A, 3A, and SL)
- 2. Bangalore to Chennai by Flight
- 3. Bangalore to Chennai by Bus
- 4. Comparing Your Options
- 5. Tips for Traveling from Bangalore to Chennai
- 6. Timetable
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions
- 8. Sources and background
The journey from the high-tech hub of Bangalore to the coastal heritage of Chennai is a classic South Indian corridor. While Bangalore sits on a plateau with cool breezes and a cosmopolitan pulse, Chennai greets you with the scent of jasmine, the sound of temple bells, and the humid air of the Bay of Bengal. This route is a favorite for business travelers and weekend explorers alike.
Choosing how to bridge these two major metros depends on your priority: do you want the efficiency of a short flight or the rhythmic charm of the South Indian railway network? Both options are frequent and well integrated into the daily life of thousands who commute between these cities. You can book your preferred tickets for this route on GoAsia.cc.
Bangalore to Chennai by Train
The train remains the most iconic way to travel between these cities. Indian Railways runs several daytime and overnight services between KSR Bengaluru and Chennai Central. The fastest listed is the Shatabdi Express 12028, which leaves KSR Bengaluru at 06:00 and reaches Chennai Central at 11:00.[1] Other daytime options on the same list are the Chennai Express 12610 (08:00 to 14:30), the Brindavan Express 12640 (15:00 to 21:05) and the Double Decker 22626 (14:30 to 20:30).[2] The overnight Chennai Mail 12658 leaves at 22:40 and arrives at 04:35.[2] Booking platforms list train journey times of 4.5 to 6.9 hours (October 2026).[3]
Daytime Chair Cars (CC and 2S)
For those traveling during the day, the AC Chair Class (CC) and Second Sitting (2S) are the most popular choices. The AC Chair Class is particularly comfortable, featuring reclining seats and large windows. It is an excellent way to see the rural scenery while remaining in climate-controlled comfort. The 2S class is the most budget-friendly option, offering non-AC padded bench seating, which provides an authentic and lively local experience.[3]
Overnight Sleeper Classes (1A, 2A, 3A, and SL)
If you prefer to save on a night of accommodation, overnight trains depart Bangalore late in the evening.[3] The AC First Class (1A) offers the highest level of privacy with lockable coupes, while 2-Tier (2A) and 3-Tier (3A) AC sleepers provide comfortable bunks with bedding provided. For the budget-conscious traveler, the Sleeper Class (SL) offers non-AC bunks.
Bangalore to Chennai by Flight
Flying is the fastest way to travel between Bangalore and Chennai. IndiGo lists several non-stop flights and a flight time of approximately one hour.[4] While the airfare is higher than the train, it is a preferred choice for business travelers and those with limited time.
Keep in mind that Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) is about 40 km from the center of Bangalore,[4] so the travel time to the terminal can be long in peak traffic. The airport has a premium air-conditioned BMTC bus service, Vayu Vajra, that connects it to the city.[5] Chennai International Airport (MAA) is about 21 km from the city.[4]
Bangalore to Chennai by Bus
Booking platforms list buses at about 6 to 7 hours, with fares of about $6 to $10 (October 2026), including AC Sleeper departures in the morning and late evening.[3]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration | Departures | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Shatabdi Express) | 5h[1] | 06:00 from KSR Bengaluru[1] | High |
| Train (other express and overnight) | About 5h 55m - 6h 30m[2] | Day and night[2] | Basic to high |
| Flight | About 1h[4] | Several non-stop flights a day[4] | High |
| Bus | About 6h - 7h[3] | Morning and late evening[3] | Medium |
Tips for Traveling from Bangalore to Chennai
- Book Train Tickets Early: Tickets often sell out in advance, especially for weekend travel. Use GoAsia.cc to secure your seat as soon as your plans are firm.
- Choose the Right Station: Bangalore has several major stations including KSR Bengaluru (SBC), Yesvantpur (YPR), and Bangalore Cantt (BNC). Chennai also has Chennai Central (MAS) and Chennai Egmore (MS). The express trains listed above run between KSR Bengaluru and Chennai Central, so double-check which station your train departs from and arrives at.
- Traffic Awareness: Bangalore is famous for its traffic congestion. If you are heading to the airport or the railway station, give yourself an extra hour of buffer time beyond what your navigation app suggests.
- Pack a Light Jacket: Even if it is hot outside, the air conditioning in AC train coaches and on flights can be quite chilly.
Timetable
| Flight Bangalore - Chennai $ 32.51–164.50 1h – 1h 30m | |
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| Bus Bangalore - Chennai $ 6.37–10.22 6h 5m – 7h 10m | |
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| Train Bangalore - Chennai $ 5.08–25.93 4h 30m – 6h 55m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Bangalore to Chennai, including current prices and schedules.
The bus and the Second Sitting (2S) train class are the budget options. Booking platforms list buses at about $6 to $10 in October 2026.
The fastest way is a flight, which takes approximately one hour according to IndiGo. Bangalore's airport is about 40 km from the city center, so allow time to reach it.
A flight takes about 1 hour. The Shatabdi Express 12028 runs from 06:00 to 11:00, which is 5 hours, and other express trains take about 6 to 6.5 hours.
Meal arrangements differ from train to train, so check your booking confirmation. Vendors usually pass through the carriages selling snacks, coffee and water, and you can carry your own food.
The day trains, such as the Shatabdi Express leaving at 06:00, let you see the scenery and arrive before the afternoon. An overnight train such as the Chennai Mail 12658 (22:40 to 04:35) saves a night of hotel cost and arrives early in the morning.
Fares usually rise as the departure date approaches, so book as early as your plans allow and compare fares on the airline's website.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Indian Railways: Shatabdi Train List. Retrieved October 17, 2026.
- [2] Indian Railways: Mail/Express/Superfast Train List. Retrieved October 17, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: Bangalore - Chennai timetable (booking platform listing). Retrieved October 17, 2026.
- [4] IndiGo: Chennai to Bengaluru Flights. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [5] Bengaluru International Airport Limited: Vayu Vajra Bus Service. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.