Madurai to Chennai Train
The most popular Madurai to Chennai return trains are the Pandian Express (12638, daily) and Madurai Chennai Jan Shatabdi (12080, daytime). Distance: 461 km, ~6–8 hours. Sleeper from ₹200, 3AC from ₹545. Trains arrive at Chennai Egmore (MS) — not Chennai Central (MAS).
Popular Madurai to Chennai Train Trains
More trains run on this route. See all trains with live seat availability →
Madurai to Chennai 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 Madurai to Chennai 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 Madurai 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
On travel day, use live running status to track train location and delay.
Return Trains: Pandian (12638) and Jan Shatabdi (12080)
Pandian Express (12638) runs daily from Madurai Junction (MDU) to Chennai Egmore (MS) — overnight or day service with Sleeper, 3AC, and 2AC. Jan Shatabdi (12080) is the daytime Chair Car return. Both arrive at Chennai Egmore (MS), not MAS.
Arrival: Chennai Egmore (MS), Not MAS
All major Madurai–Chennai trains arrive at Chennai Egmore (MS) — the station for South Tamil Nadu routes. Do not plan to arrive at Chennai Central (MAS). Egmore has connections to Egmore Metro Station (Blue Line) and city buses.
Madurai Junction
Madurai Junction (MDU) is the main station, centrally located about 2 km from Meenakshi Temple. Autos and cabs are readily available outside the station.
Extending Your South Tamil Nadu Trip
From Madurai, you can take a day trip or short extension to: Rameswaram (171 km by train — Pamban Bridge crossing); Kanyakumari (260 km, southernmost tip of India); Kodaikanal Hill Station (120 km by bus — no direct train).
Frequently Asked Questions — Madurai to Chennai Train
Railway Guides for This Journey
More Popular Train Routes
Search any route: PNR Alert route search →
PNR Alert is an independent travel utility and is not affiliated with IRCTC or Indian Railways. Always verify time-sensitive travel details with official railway sources before boarding.