Chennai to Bangalore by Train — Complete Route Guide
All you need to know about Chennai to Bangalore trains. Shatabdi, Vande Bharat, Brindavan Express compared with fares, timings, and practical travel advice.
Chennai to Bangalore is the reverse direction of one of South India's most popular rail corridors. The return journey has different timings and some quirks worth knowing about, especially if you're planning a round trip.
Trains from Chennai to Bangalore
| Train | Number | From | Departs | Arrives | Duration | Fare Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vande Bharat Express | 20608 | MAS | 14:30 | 19:25 SBC | ~4h 55m | ₹800–₹1,700 |
| Shatabdi Express | 12008 | MAS | 17:30 | 22:30 SBC | ~5h | ₹700–₹1,500 |
| Brindavan Express | 12640 | MAS | 15:30 | 21:10 SBC | ~5h 40m | ₹150–₹600 |
| Lalbagh Express | 12608 | MAS | 06:20 | 12:10 SBC | ~5h 50m | ₹150–₹600 |
| Double Decker | 22626 | MAS | 14:10 | 20:25 SBC | ~6h 15m | ₹500–₹700 |
| Kaveri Express | 16022 | MAS | 08:00 | 14:30 SBC | ~6h 30m | ₹150–₹600 |
| Mysore Express | 16023/24 | MAS | 22:00 | 05:30+1 SBC | ~7h 30m | ₹150–₹600 |
Afternoon-Evening Window
Unlike the Bangalore→Chennai direction (which has early morning options), the Chennai→Bangalore direction is heavier on afternoon and evening departures. The Vande Bharat departs at 2:30 PM, the Shatabdi at 5:30 PM, and the Brindavan at 3:30 PM.
This means most passengers arrive in Bangalore between 7-10:30 PM. If you need to reach Bangalore by morning, the Mysore Express departs Chennai at 10 PM and reaches SBC at 5:30 AM — though it's slower and runs via a different alignment.
Lalbagh Express — Morning Departure
The Lalbagh Express (12608) is the only major morning option, departing Chennai at 6:20 AM and reaching Bangalore by 12:10 PM. Named after Bangalore's famous Lalbagh Botanical Garden, this train has been a staple since the 1970s.
It's a good choice if you need to be in Bangalore by afternoon. Sleeper class and CC are available. The morning departure from MAS means you'll see the Tamil Nadu countryside in daylight — dry scrubland, granite hills, and the occasional temple town.
Chennai Central vs Chennai Egmore
Most Bangalore-bound trains depart from Chennai Central (MAS). This is the main terminus, connected to the Chennai Metro at Park Town station. Approach from T. Nagar or Mylapore takes about 30-45 minutes by auto.
A few trains use Chennai Egmore (MS), which is actually more convenient if you're in South Chennai. Check your ticket carefully for the departure station.
The Climb to Bangalore
On the return journey, the train ascends from sea-level Chennai up to Bangalore at 920 meters elevation. You won't feel the gradient dramatically, but the landscape changes noticeably — from the hot, flat coastal Tamil Nadu to the cooler Deccan Plateau.
The Jolarpettai-Bangalore section involves some mild climbing. The train passes through the Eastern Ghats, though the gradient here is gentler than the Western Ghats. You'll notice more boulders, drier terrain, and eucalyptus plantations as you approach Karnataka.
Bangalore City Station Arrival
Most trains arrive at KSR Bengaluru City (SBC), the main terminus in Majestic. If you're arriving late evening (9-10:30 PM), here's what to know:
- Metro connects directly — the Purple Line's Majestic station is adjacent. Take it to MG Road, Indiranagar, or Whitefield.
- Ola/Uber works but surge pricing kicks in for late arrivals, especially on weekends.
- Prepaid auto counters exist but auto drivers in Bangalore are famously difficult. The app cab is less hassle.
- Traffic at 10 PM is actually manageable in Bangalore — this is one advantage of a late arrival.
Booking Patterns
The Chennai→Bangalore direction is slightly easier to book than Bangalore→Chennai because:
- More corporate travelers go Bangalore→Chennai (outbound), creating asymmetric demand
- The afternoon departures are less popular with business travelers who want morning arrivals
That said, the Shatabdi and Vande Bharat still fill up for Friday and Sunday travel. Tuesday/Wednesday is the easiest for last-minute bookings.
Day Trip from Chennai
A day trip to Bangalore from Chennai is possible but tight:
- 6:20 AM Lalbagh Express → Arrive SBC 12:10 PM
- Spend the afternoon in Bangalore
- 5:30 PM Shatabdi → Arrive MAS 10:30 PM
That gives you about 5 hours in Bangalore — enough for a meeting or a quick visit but not a proper exploration. For sightseeing, plan at least an overnight stay.
Food Recommendations
On the Shatabdi, dinner is included (typically a veg/non-veg thali box). The coffee on board is passable — it's South India, they take their filter coffee semi-seriously even on trains.
The Katpadi station stop on most trains has decent platform food. The idli-vada-sambar at the station stall is a reliable choice. Jolarpettai also has platform vendors.
If you're on the Brindavan or Lalbagh in non-AC, carry your own water. The coaches can get warm, especially April through June when the Tamil Nadu sun is brutal.
Alternate: Bus Competition
Bangalore-Chennai has fierce bus competition. KSRTC/SETC Volvos run every 15-20 minutes from Koyambedu terminal and cost ₹600-1,000. The bus takes 6-7 hours.
The train wins on comfort and cost (SL at ₹150 is unbeatable). The bus wins on frequency — you can walk up to Koyambedu at almost any time and find a bus leaving within 30 minutes. For spontaneous travel, the bus is more practical. For planned travel, always book the train.