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How to Get from Chennai to Trivandrum

How to get from Chennai to Trivandrum: IndiGo flights of 1 hour 20 minutes, overnight trains from Chennai Central and practical tips.

India

Last updated: October 28, 2026

How to Get from Chennai to Trivandrum
Contents

Chennai to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) takes you from Tamil Nadu's east coast to the palm-fringed capital of Kerala. You can fly in just over an hour or ride an overnight train through the changing landscapes of the south.

Train, Bus, Flight and Ferry tickets

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Chennai to Trivandrum by Flight

IndiGo operates about three non-stop flights a day from Chennai (MAA) to Trivandrum (TRV), and the flight takes 1 hour 20 minutes. Trivandrum's Terminal 1 handles domestic flights.[1] The airport (TRV) is about 6 km south of the city railway station,[2] so you can be in the city center quickly after landing. Allow time at both airports for check-in and security, which adds to the short flight time.

Chennai to Trivandrum by Train

Two overnight trains run from Chennai Central to Trivandrum Central. The Trivandrum Mail (12623) leaves at 19:45 and arrives at 11:45 the next day, and the Trivandrum Express (12695) leaves at 15:25 and arrives at 07:35. Going north, the Chennai Mail (12624) leaves Trivandrum Central at 14:50 and reaches Chennai Central at 07:30, and the 12696 leaves at 17:15 and arrives at 10:00.[3]

Travel classes

Sleeper (SL) is the budget choice with basic berths and open windows. The air-conditioned classes 3A (3-tier) and 3E (3-tier economy) add bedding and a more comfortable night, and 2A (2-tier) gives more space and curtains for privacy. 1A (first class) has lockable compartments.

Tips for Traveling from Chennai to Trivandrum

  • Book trains early: The AC classes fill up first, especially around Indian festivals and holidays.
  • Sleep on the move: An overnight train saves a night's accommodation and puts you in Trivandrum in the morning.
  • Bring food and water: Vendors serve the trains, but snacks and bottled water are a good idea on a long ride.
  • Bring a power bank: Charging points on trains can be limited.
  • Agree the fare: In Trivandrum, agree the price with an auto-rickshaw or taxi driver before you get in, or use a ride-hailing app.

Timetable

Chennai - Trivandrum More info / Tickets
Flight Chennai - Trivandrum $ 50.17โ€“52.51 1h 10m โ€“ 1h 25m
  • โ†’ย  Economy 08:55, 17:35, 22:00
Bus Chennai - Trivandrum $ 10.76โ€“60.41 12h 20m โ€“ 20h 30m
  • โ†’ย  AC Sleeper 08:30, 13:00, 15:25, 15:30, 16:15, 16:45, 17:15, 18:00, 18:20, 18:30, 19:20, 19:45, 20:00, 20:30, 21:30
  • โ†’ย  AC Seater 15:35, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00, 17:40
  • โ†’ย  Non-AC Seater 16:30
Taxi Chennai - Trivandrum $ 172.83โ€“386.77 11h 41m โ€“ 14h
  • โ†’ย  SUV 6pax
  • โ†’ย  Hatchback 4pax
  • โ†’ย  Sedan
  • โ†’ย  Economy 3pax
  • โ†’ย  Van 8pax
Train Chennai - Trivandrum $ 8.58โ€“46.47 15h โ€“ 16h 50m
  • โ†’ย  1A - AC First Class Sleeper 15:20, 16:00, 19:30
  • โ†’ย  2A - AC 2-Tier Sleeper 15:20, 16:00, 19:30
  • โ†’ย  3A - AC 3-Tier Sleeper 03:05, 15:20, 16:00, 19:30
  • โ†’ย  SL - Sleeper Class 03:05, 15:20, 19:30
  • โ†’ย  3E - AC 3-Tier Economy Sleeper 03:05

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Chennai to Trivandrum?

Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Chennai to Trivandrum, including current prices and schedules.

What is the fastest way to get from Chennai to Trivandrum?

Flying is the fastest way. IndiGo operates about three non-stop flights a day, and the flight takes 1 hour 20 minutes.

Are there overnight trains from Chennai to Trivandrum?

Yes. The Trivandrum Mail (12623) leaves Chennai Central at 19:45 and arrives at Trivandrum Central at 11:45 the next day. The Trivandrum Express (12695) leaves at 15:25 and arrives at 07:35.

Which train class should I book?

Sleeper (SL) is the cheapest. The air-conditioned classes 3A, 3E and 2A add bedding and comfort, and 1A offers private compartments.

Should I book my tickets in advance?

Yes. Book trains early, especially the AC classes and around Indian festivals and holidays.

What is the most comfortable way to travel?

For a long journey on public transport, a 1A or 2A berth on an overnight train is the most comfortable option. A flight is the quickest.

Sources and background

Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.

  1. [1] IndiGo: Chennai to Thiruvananthapuram Flights. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
  2. [2] IndiGo: Thiruvananthapuram to Chennai Flights. Retrieved October 27, 2026.
  3. [3] Indian Railways: Mail/Express/Superfast Train Names with Details. Retrieved October 28, 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.