Indian Railways Route Guide · Updated 2026-06-06

Chennai to Delhi Train

Quick Answer

The fastest Chennai to Delhi train is the Chennai Rajdhani Express (12434) — daily from Chennai Central (MAS) to H. Nizamuddin (NZM) in approximately 26–28 hours. Tamil Nadu Express (12622) runs daily from MAS to New Delhi (NDLS) in ~33 hours. Distance: 2,175 km. Sleeper from ₹950, 3AC from ₹2,640.

2175 km 26–28 hours Sleeper from ₹950 3AC from ₹2,640 2AC from ₹3,790

Popular Chennai to Delhi Train Trains

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Chennai to Delhi Train — Distance, Duration & Fares

DetailInfo
Rail Distance~2175 km
Journey Duration26–28 hours
Sleeper Class (SL)From ₹950 approx.
3 Tier AC (3AC / 3A)From ₹2,640 approx.
2 Tier AC (2AC / 2A)From ₹3,790 approx.
Advance Booking Opens120 days before journey at 8:00 AM IST
Tatkal Booking Opens1 day before — AC at 10:00 AM, Non-AC at 11:00 AM IST

* Fares are approximate base fares. Actual fares vary by train, quota, and season. Check live fares on IRCTC before booking.

How to Book Chennai to Delhi Train Ticket

  1. Check seat availability first — use PNR Alert route search to see which trains have confirmed seats on your travel date and class.
  2. Choose train and class — Rajdhani is fastest, AC-only. For Sleeper class, choose Express or Superfast trains. Compare departure times, days, and classes.
  3. Book on IRCTC — go to irctc.co.in or IRCTC Rail Connect app. Log in, select train/class/quota, and pay. Book up to 120 days in advance at 8:00 AM.
  4. Note your PNR number — your 10-digit PNR appears in the IRCTC booking confirmation email and SMS. Enter it on PNR Alert to track status and get WhatsApp alerts.

Booking Tips

Chennai Rajdhani is in very high demand — book at the 8 AM 120-day window opening.
November–January is peak season (Chennai winter, Tamil Nadu festivals) — book 60+ days ahead.
Tamil Nadu Express Sleeper has good GNWL — a reliable budget return option.
Tatkal opens 1 day before at 10 AM (AC) / 11 AM (non-AC).
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On travel day, use live running status to track train location and delay.

Fastest: Chennai Rajdhani Express (12434)

The Chennai Rajdhani Express (12434) is the fastest return train from Chennai — departing Chennai Central (MAS) daily and arriving H. Nizamuddin (NZM) in approximately 26–28 hours. AC-only (3AC, 2AC, 1AC) with meals. NZM is in south Delhi on the Pink Metro Line.


Daily Option: Tamil Nadu Express (12622)

The Tamil Nadu Express (12622) is one of India's most iconic trains — running daily from Chennai Central (MAS) to New Delhi (NDLS) in approximately 33 hours with Sleeper, 3AC, and 2AC. Departs from MAS in the evening. A favourite of Chennai–Delhi travellers for generations.


Both Trains Depart From Chennai Central (MAS)

Unlike the Delhi direction (where Rajdhani departs NZM and Tamil Nadu departs NDLS), the return trains from Chennai both depart from Chennai Central (MAS) — the main Chennai station. Do not arrive at Chennai Egmore (MS) by mistake.


Arrival in Delhi: NZM vs NDLS

Chennai Rajdhani (12434) arrives at H. Nizamuddin (NZM). Tamil Nadu Express (12622) arrives at New Delhi (NDLS). Both are in central/south Delhi with good metro connectivity but are different stations.

Frequently Asked Questions — Chennai to Delhi Train

Chennai Rajdhani (12434) — daily from MAS to NZM in ~26–28 hours. Tamil Nadu Express (12622) is daily from MAS to NDLS in ~33 hours.
Yes — both Chennai Rajdhani (12434) and Tamil Nadu Express (12622) depart from Chennai Central (MAS). Not Chennai Egmore (MS).
Rajdhani (12434) arrives at H. Nizamuddin (NZM). Tamil Nadu Express (12622) arrives at New Delhi (NDLS). Different stations.
Rajdhani: ~26–28 hours. Tamil Nadu Express: ~33 hours. Distance: 2,175 km.
Tamil Nadu Express: Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC. Rajdhani: 3AC, 2AC, 1AC with meals.
Sleeper from ₹950. 3AC from ₹2,640. Rajdhani 3AC: higher with meals. Fares vary.
Enter your 10-digit PNR at pnralert.in/pnr-status — no login needed. Free WhatsApp alerts available.
Yes — Tamil Nadu Express has been running since 1976 and is one of India's most iconic long-distance trains. It covers 2,175 km in ~33 hours and has a devoted following of regular passengers.

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