Private train between Chennai and Madurai time table, route, frequency, train no., and fare
Private train between Chennai and Madurai
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in Passenger Train Operations Project Indicative Routes Chennai and Madurai
Private train will leave Chennai at 1600 hrs Daily and arrive Madurai at 2215 hrs and train running time between the station 6:15 hrs
Private train will leave Madurai at 0600 hrs Daily and arrive Chennai at 1220 hrs and train running time between the station 6:20 hrs
Distance between Chennai and Madurai Railway Station is 466 Kilometer
Frequency per week: Daily
There is no private (PPP) train currently operating between Chennai and Madurai; any such service does not exist at this moment. However, several excellent Indian Railways regular services—including high-speed and premium trains—offer reliable and efficient travel options between these two cities.
Contents
Confirmed Train Services (Chennai ↔ Madurai)
1. Chennai Egmore – Madurai Tejas Express (22671/22672)
- Type: Semi-high-speed Tejas Express
- Schedule: Runs six days a week (except one day)
- Route: Chennai Egmore → Madurai Junction
- Distance: 493 km
- Duration: ~6 hours 12–15 minutes
- Classes: AC Chair Car, AC Executive Chair Car; no sleeping arrangements
- Facilities: On-board catering, infotainment, e-catering
- Fares (via RailFare charts):
- SL (Sleeper Class equivalent): ₹350 (base ~₹300 + charges)
- 3A: ₹920
- 2A: ₹1,300
2. Chennai Egmore – Madurai Vande Bharat Express (20627/20628)
- Type: Vande Bharat 2.0 (semi-high-speed)
- Frequency: Six days a week (excluding Wednesdays)
- Distance: 493 km (via intermediate stops)
- Journey Time: Approx. 5 h 38 m (Chennai → Madurai)
- Stops: Minimal—Tambaram, Villupuram, Trichy, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, etc.
- Classes: AC Chair Car, Executive Chair Car; modern amenities including Wi-Fi, infotainment, Kavach safety system
- Fare (example—Madurai to Chennai):
- AC Chair Car: ₹1,365 (including catering)
- Executive Chair Car: ₹2,485
3. Chennai Egmore – Madurai Superfast Trains (Multiple Options)
A broad range of daily and weekly services include:
- Vaigai Superfast Express (12635/12636)
- Daily service
- Duration: ~7 h 30 m
- Classes: AC Chair Car, Non-AC Chair Car, General
- Popular for its blend of speed and reliability
- Pothigai Express (12661/12662)
- Daily Superfast
- Duration: ~11 h 35 m (via broader route including Sengottai)
- Classes: 2A, 3A, Sleeper, Unreserved
- Other Trains (from ConfirmTkt data) (daily):
Train Name Departure (Chennai) Arrival (Madurai) Duration Vaigai SF EXP 13:45 21:20 7h 35m Nellai SF EXP 20:40 04:00* ≈7h 20m Pandian SF EXP 21:40 05:25* ≈7h 45m Anantapuri SF EXP 19:50 03:20* ≈7h 30m Pothigai SF EXP 20:10 03:40* ≈7h 30m (*Arrives next day) - Live Fare Examples (Trainman):
- 1A: ₹1,960
- 2A: ₹1,170
- 3A: ₹835
- SL: ₹325
Quick Reference Table
| Train Service | Type | Frequency | Duration | Classes Available | Approx. Fare (3A / SL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vande Bharat Express | Vande Bharat | 6 days/week (except Wed) | ~5h 38m | AC Chair / Executive | ~₹1,365 / — |
| Tejas Express | Tejas | 6 days/week | ~6h 12m | AC Chair / Executive | ~₹920 / ₹350 |
| Vaigai Superfast Express | Superfast | Daily | ~7h 30m | AC / Non-AC Chair Car | Similar to above |
| Other SF Express Trains | Superfast/SF | Daily | ~7h 20m – 8h | 1A, 2A, 3A, SL | 3A ~₹835–₹1,170 · SL ~₹325 |
Community Feedback
Some passengers highlight the time savings but question the value of premium service costs:
“AC three tier in normal trains vary from 900 to 1300… whereas the Vande Bharat trains cost 1600 rupees with food … Travel time is two hours lesser in VB express which is still 8 hrs long journey.”
Others cherish the Vaigai Express for its iconic status and punctual performance:
“Called the ‘King of Southern Railway’… journey from Chennai in a high-speed yet cultural train.
Summary
- There is no private PPP train on the Chennai–Madurai route now.
- The fastest option: Vande Bharat Express (~5h 38m).
- Tejas Express (~6h 12m) offers a high-speed alternative.
- For affordable and daily service, the Vaigai Superfast and other daily Superfast trains are excellent.
- Fares vary by class; Sleeper ~₹300–₹400, 3A ₹800–₹1,200, with AC Chair Car or Executive options being costlier.
Would you like help checking seat availability or fares for a specific class and date? Let me know—happy to assist!