Chennai to Kochi by Rail

Because of our air tickets, we can save some money by flying into chennai rather than Kochi for our Kerala trip.

We are looking at taking a train from Chennai to Kochi. Is this a reasonable thing to do?

The india railways site is dead from here (SF, CA) at this time so I can't get much more info than what's in my LP guidebook.

Thanks for any info.

very doable, and you'll be going via no end of amazing sites from which to choose to visit!

I'll give you the train times/prices then you can decide yourself if the money saved is better than the time saved.

Train 2623 departs Chennai Central at 19:30 and gets to Ernakulam Town (Kochi) at 06:35.

1A = Rs 2246
2A = Rs 1195
3A = Rs 778
SL = Rs 296

Train 6041 departs Chennai Central at 20:00 and gets to Ernakulam Town at 08:15.

2A = Rs 1165
FC = Rs 838 (recommended)
3A = Rs 748
SL = Rs 276

Prices are different as the first train is a 'superfast' train.

The same trains in the other direction are: -

Train 2624 departs Ernakulam Town at 18:55 and gets to Chennai Central at 07:00.

Train 6042 departs Ernakulam Junction * at 16:20 and gets to Chennai Central at 06:05.

* For some reason train 6042 doesn't stop at Ernakulam Town (it does in the other direction), Ernakulam town and Junction stations are only a couple of kilometres apart.

If your going to Ernakulam Town station ask the taxi/rickshaw for Ernakulam North, if going to Junction station ask for Ernakulam south.

All trains are daily.

Knowing the Indian Train. by Beach.

Additional information including photos of the above classes of accommodation

At least two daily express trains are running in this route. I’ve traveled by both Trivandrum Mail and Alleppy Express. Both leave Chennai around 6.30 or 7.00 pm and reaches Ernakulam Junction (Cochin) early in the morning. Very convenient and sensible as compared to flying.
The new Cochin airport is far from the city. With the airport to city taxi fare you can travel sleeper class from Chennai to Cochin, ie if you are bothered about the money. In addition you are saving a nights hotel expense also!

There is a tourist assistance office (first or second floor) at the ‘reservation office’ at the Chennai central station. Ask there for the availability of the tourist quota seats.

Both these trains have a couple of “Thatkal” (emergency reservation) coaches also. See this details at my earlier posting
Knowing the Indian Train


Cross posting Steven!

You guys are outstanding! I need to buy you all a drink ASAP.

This is going to be a fun trip.

first class, non-ac is being phased out- book it while you can, as it's the best way to go!

Took the train from Cochin to Chennai last week and had some unexpected guests in the car. Roaches!

I was in 2nd class sleeper, not that class is any barrier to those buggers.