Key Trains from Chennai to Bangalore

The Chennai–Bangalore route is one of South India's busiest rail corridors. Here are the most popular trains:

Shatabdi Express (12007)

The fastest and most popular option. Runs daily, departs Chennai Central around 6:00 AM, arrives KSR Bangalore around 11:00 AM. Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC) only — no Sleeper. Fares from ₹600 in CC. Ideal for day travel.

Brindavan Express (12639/12640)

A semi-fast express running 6 days a week. Departs Chennai Central in the morning, arrives Bangalore in the afternoon. Has Sleeper and 2AC classes. Good option when Shatabdi is full.

Lalbagh Express (12607/12608)

Runs daily between KSR Bangalore and Chennai Central. Has Sleeper, 3AC and 2AC classes. Departs mornings, arrives late morning/early afternoon. Popular among regular commuters and families.

Kaveri Express (16021)

A slower but affordable option with Sleeper class at low fares. Takes 5–6 hours, makes more halts. Good if you want the cheapest tickets on the route.

Intercity Express (12677/12678)

Daily service with Chair Car only. Covers the distance in about 5–5.5 hours. Departure is typically late morning or early afternoon from both ends.

Distance, Time and Fare

  • Distance: ~362 km by rail
  • Fastest train: Shatabdi Express (~5 hours)
  • Sleeper fare: ₹150–250 on express trains
  • 3AC fare: ₹500–800 depending on train
  • Shatabdi CC fare: ₹600–750 (includes meals)

How to Check Seat Availability

Check seat availability for Chennai–Bangalore trains on the PNR Alert seat availability page. Filter by date and class to find trains with confirmed seats or manageable waitlist numbers.

How to Track Your PNR Status

After booking, enter your 10-digit PNR on PNR Alert to check current status. Subscribe for free WhatsApp alerts to receive automatic notifications when your waitlisted Chennai–Bangalore ticket gets confirmed.

Tips for Getting a Confirmed Seat

  1. Book 60–90 days in advance, especially for Shatabdi.
  2. If waitlisted, try an alternate date — the same train one day later often has confirmed availability.
  3. Check Tatkal the day before departure at 10 AM (CC/EC) or 11 AM (AC classes).
  4. Brindavan and Lalbagh have lower demand than Shatabdi, giving better confirmation chances.