Chennai to Madurai Train
The most popular Chennai to Madurai trains are the Pandian Express (12637, daily) and Chennai Madurai Jan Shatabdi (12079, daytime). Distance: 461 km, ~6–8 hours. Sleeper from ₹200, 3AC from ₹545. Trains depart from Chennai Central (MAS) or Chennai Egmore (MS) — check your specific train. Madurai is home to the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple.
Popular Chennai to Madurai Train Trains
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Chennai to Madurai Train — Distance, Duration & Fares
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Rail Distance | ~461 km |
| Journey Duration | 6–8 hours |
| Sleeper Class (SL) | From ₹200 approx. |
| 3 Tier AC (3AC / 3A) | From ₹545 approx. |
| 2 Tier AC (2AC / 2A) | From ₹780 approx. |
| Advance Booking Opens | 120 days before journey at 8:00 AM IST |
| Tatkal Booking Opens | 1 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 Madurai Train Ticket
- Check seat availability first — use PNR Alert route search to see which trains have confirmed seats on your travel date and class.
- Choose train and class — Rajdhani is fastest, AC-only. For Sleeper class, choose Express or Superfast trains. Compare departure times, days, and classes.
- 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.
- 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
Track PNR & Get Alerts
After booking a Chennai to Madurai Train ticket, track your PNR status on PNR Alert — no login needed:
- Enter your 10-digit PNR — instant result
- See CNF, WL, RAC status per passenger
- Free WhatsApp alert when status changes
- Chart preparation notification included
- No app download or account required
On travel day, use live running status to track train location and delay.
Key Trains: Pandian Express and Jan Shatabdi
The Pandian Express (12637) runs daily and is the most popular Chennai–Madurai train — overnight or evening service with Sleeper, 3AC, and 2AC. The Chennai Madurai Jan Shatabdi (12079) is a daytime option with Chair Car (CC) and 2S classes, covering the route in approximately 6–7 hours from Chennai Egmore (MS).
Station: Chennai Egmore (MS) vs Chennai Central (MAS)
Most Madurai-bound trains depart from Chennai Egmore (MS) — the station serving South Tamil Nadu routes (Madurai, Rameswaram, Tiruchirapalli, Tirunelveli). Do not arrive at Chennai Central (MAS) for these trains. Egmore is about 1 km from MAS — an easy auto or walk.
Madurai: Meenakshi Temple and the Dravidian South
Madurai is one of Tamil Nadu's oldest cities — famous for the Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of India's most stunning Dravidian temples with 14 gopurams (gateway towers). The temple is open all day. Also worth visiting: Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace (16th century), Gandhi Museum, and the buzzing Meenakshi Market area.
Madurai to Rameswaram: The Pamban Bridge
From Madurai (171 km from Rameswaram), a train crosses the Pamban Bridge — India's first sea bridge, connecting the mainland to Pamban Island and Rameswaram. The Rameswaram Express from Madurai is one of India's most scenic short journeys, crossing the cantilever bridge over the Palk Strait.
Frequently Asked Questions — Chennai to Madurai Train
Railway Guides for This Journey
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