Indian Railways Route Guide · Updated 2026-06-06

Coimbatore to Chennai Train

Quick Answer

The fastest Coimbatore to Chennai train is the Vande Bharat Express (20975) — approximately 6 hours from Coimbatore Junction (CBE) to Chennai Central (MAS). Nilagiri Express (12672) is another daily option. Distance: 497 km. Sleeper from ₹215, 3AC from ₹585.

497 km 6–8 hours Sleeper from ₹215 3AC from ₹585 2AC from ₹840
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Popular Coimbatore to Chennai Train Trains

20975
Vande Bharat Express Coimbatore → Chennai Central  ·  Runs: Mon–Sat
Vande Bharat 12672
Nilagiri Express Coimbatore → Chennai Central  ·  Runs: Daily
Superfast

More trains run on this route. See all trains with live seat availability →

Coimbatore to Chennai Train — Distance, Duration & Fares

DetailInfo
Rail Distance~497 km
Journey Duration6–8 hours
Sleeper Class (SL)From ₹215 approx.
3 Tier AC (3AC / 3A)From ₹585 approx.
2 Tier AC (2AC / 2A)From ₹840 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 Coimbatore to Chennai 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

Vande Bharat return seats sell out on Sundays and after Ooty holiday weekends — book ahead.
Kovai Express returns from CBE to Chennai Egmore (MS) — note the different arrival station.
For Ooty returns, plan the toy train from Ooty to Mettupalayam + Coimbatore leg + Chennai leg timing carefully.
Tatkal opens 1 day before at 10 AM (AC) / 11 AM (non-AC).
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Track PNR & Get Alerts

After booking a Coimbatore to Chennai 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
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On travel day, use live running status to track train location and delay.

Fastest Return: Vande Bharat Express (20975)

Vande Bharat (20975) departs Coimbatore Junction (CBE) and arrives Chennai Central (MAS) in approximately 6 hours — the fastest return. Chair Car only.

Nilagiri Express Return (12672)

Nilagiri Express (12672) departs CBE daily toward Chennai Central (MAS) with Sleeper, 3AC, and 2AC. Good overnight or late evening return option.

From Ooty Back to Chennai: Full Route

Ooty→Mettupalayam by Nilgiri Mountain Railway (toy train, ~5 hours) → Mettupalayam to Coimbatore by bus/taxi (42 km, 45 min) → CBE to Chennai by Vande Bharat (~6 hours). Total travel time from Ooty to Chennai: approximately 12 hours.

Coimbatore to Chennai: Business Corridor

Coimbatore is a major industrial city (textile mills, engineering, Tirupur knitwear nearby) — so this corridor has significant business travel alongside tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions — Coimbatore to Chennai Train

Vande Bharat (20975) covers 497 km in ~6 hours. Chair Car only.
Vande Bharat: ~6 hours. Nilagiri Express: ~7–8 hours. Distance: 497 km.
Vande Bharat (20975) and Nilagiri Express arrive at Chennai Central (MAS). Kovai Express arrives at Chennai Egmore (MS).
Sleeper from ₹215. 3AC from ₹585. Vande Bharat Chair Car: ~₹585–700. Fares vary.
Enter your 10-digit PNR at pnralert.in/pnr-status. Free WhatsApp alerts available.
Ooty to Mettupalayam by toy train (~5 hours), Mettupalayam to Coimbatore (~45 min), CBE to Chennai by Vande Bharat (~6 hours). Total ~12 hours for the scenic full route.
Yes — overnight Express trains from Coimbatore depart in the evening and arrive Chennai in the early morning. Check pnralert.in route search for all options.
Yes — trains from CBE to Palakkad, Thrissur, and Ernakulam (Kochi) run through the Palakkad Gap in the Western Ghats.

Railway Guides for This Journey

PNR Status Meaning CNF, WL, RAC, Chart Prepared explained When Waitlist Gets Confirmed GNWL movement and timing guide GNWL vs RLWL vs PQWL Which waitlist type confirms faster Tatkal Booking Time AC opens 10 AM, Sleeper 11 AM How to Get Confirmed Ticket 7 tips that actually work on IRCTC Sleeper vs 3AC Which class to choose for this journey Cancellation Refund Rules Before and after chart preparation Advance Booking: 120 Days Guide ARP, Tatkal, current booking windows

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