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Leaving behind the coastal greenery and colonial charm of Trivandrum for the bustling metropolitan energy of Chennai is a journey across the heart of South India. Trivandrum, or Thiruvananthapuram, feels like a relaxed tropical capital, whereas Chennai is a high-octane hub of industry, classical arts and some of the best filter coffee in the world.
You can fly in little more than an hour or settle into a long, rhythmic overnight ride on the Indian Railways. Both are easy to plan, and you can compare options and book on GoAsia.cc.
Trivandrum to Chennai by Flight
Flying is the fastest way across. A non-stop IndiGo flight from Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) to Chennai International Airport (MAA) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. Trivandrum airport lies about 6 km south of the city's railway station.[1]
At the other end, Chennai airport has its own metro station, and one entrance leads straight to the terminals.[2] That makes the ride into the city simple and free of traffic worries.
Trivandrum to Chennai by Train
The train is the classic way to make this crossing, and the overnight timing means you give up no daylight hours. Three express trains run from Trivandrum Central to Chennai Central:
- 12624 Chennai Mail leaves at 14:50 and arrives at 07:30.[3]
- 12696 Trivandrum-Chennai Express leaves at 17:15 and arrives at 10:00.[3]
- 12698 Trivandrum-Chennai Express leaves at 20:20 and arrives at 12:25.[3]
Each journey takes about 16 to 17 hours and ends the next day at Chennai Central.[3] Pick an air-conditioned sleeper berth for the best night's rest, or a non-AC sleeper if you want to travel the way many local families do.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | About 1h 20min[1] | Trivandrum International Airport to Chennai International Airport |
| Train | About 16h to 17h[3] | Trivandrum Central to Chennai Central |
Tips for Traveling from Trivandrum to Chennai
- Book trains early: This is a busy route, and the air-conditioned classes fill first, especially around festivals.
- Pack a layer: Air conditioning on trains can be surprisingly cold, so keep a light jacket or shawl in your carry-on.
- Bring water and snacks: Vendors sell food along the way, but your own supply is more convenient overnight.
- Travelling as a group: A car with a driver is an option if you want to stop along the way. Agree the fare and the route before you set off.
- Arrival in Chennai: Chennai is a sprawling city, so check how far your hotel is from the station before you book.
Timetable
| Flight Trivandrum - Chennai $ 63.05โ69.53 1h 15m โ 1h 20m | |
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| Bus Trivandrum - Chennai $ 15.85โ59.26 12h 45m โ 22h | |
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| Taxi Trivandrum - Chennai $ 166.93โ285.33 11h 41m โ 14h | |
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| Train Trivandrum - Chennai $ 8.41โ45.57 15h 10m โ 16h 45m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Trivandrum to Chennai, including current prices and schedules.
Fly. A non-stop flight takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, against 16 to 17 hours by train.
The Chennai Mail and the Trivandrum-Chennai Express trains take about 16 to 17 hours and arrive at Chennai Central the next day.
12624 Chennai Mail (14:50), 12696 Trivandrum-Chennai Express (17:15) and 12698 Trivandrum-Chennai Express (20:20) all leave Trivandrum Central for Chennai Central.
Yes. IndiGo flies non-stop from Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) to Chennai International Airport (MAA) in about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Chennai Metro has a station at the airport, and one entrance leads straight to the terminals.
Overnight train travel is very common in India. Choose an air-conditioned class if you want extra comfort and keep your valuables in a small bag next to you.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] IndiGo: Thiruvananthapuram to Chennai Flights. Retrieved October 27, 2026.
- [2] Chennai Metro Rail Limited: Chennai International Airport station. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [3] Indian Railways: Mail/Express/Superfast Train List. Retrieved October 27, 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.