The Vande Bharat Express from Bangalore to Chennai is one of the fastest and most comfortable trains connecting Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
If you travel frequently for business, weekend trips, IT meetings, or family visits, this train is the smartest same-day travel option between the two metro cities.
Here’s the complete, verified, traveler-first guide before you book.
Overview of the Route
The Vande Bharat Express between Bengaluru and Chennai runs between:
- KSR Bengaluru City Junction (SBC)
- MGR Chennai Central (MAS)
Distance: Approx. 362 km
Journey Duration: Around 4 hours 25 minutes
Train Number: 20607 / 20608
This route is extremely popular among IT professionals, business travelers, students, and weekend tourists because it cuts road travel time significantly.
Bangalore to Chennai Vande Bharat Timings (Both Directions)
The Vande Bharat Express operates six days a week and offers convenient morning departures for same-day return planning.
It is ideal for travelers who want to reach early and maximize their work or leisure time.
Timings Table
| Direction | Train No. | Departure Station & Time | Arrival Station & Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru → Chennai | 20608 | SMVT Bengaluru / KSR Bengaluru (SBC) — 14:50 | MGR Chennai Central (MAS) — 19:30⁺ |
| Chennai → Bengaluru | 20607 | MGR Chennai Central (MAS) — 05:50 | SMVT Bengaluru / KSR Bengaluru (SBC) — 10:15⁺ |
Running Days: Monday to Saturday
No Service: Sunday
Detailed Time Table (Select Stops)
The train runs as part of the Chennai–Mysuru Vande Bharat service, but here are the station times relevant to the Bengaluru ↔ Chennai section:
| Stop No. | Station Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SMVT Bengaluru / KSR Bengaluru (SBC) | — | 14:50 |
| 2 | Katpadi Junction (KPD) | 17:33 | 17:35 |
| 3 | MGR Chennai Central (MAS) | 19:20 | — |
Route Summary
- Departure Station: SMVT Bengaluru / KSR Bengaluru
- Arrival Station: MGR Chennai Central
- Approx. Journey Duration: ~4 h 30 m – 4 h 40 m
- Ideal For: Business, quick day trips, convenient evening arrival in Chennai
Vande Bharat Express Bangalore to Chennai Ticket Price
Vande Bharat is a premium semi-high-speed train. Fare includes catering and onboard services.
Fare (One-Way)
| Class | Quota Type | Fare (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| AC Chair Car (CC) | General | ₹1,365 |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | Tatkal | ₹1,750 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | General | ₹2,485 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | Tatkal | ₹2,950 |
Important Notes
- Fare may vary depending on dynamic pricing.
- Tatkal opens at 10:00 AM one day before journey.
- Catering charges are included.
- Final payable fare is visible only on IRCTC at booking time.
What Is Included in the Ticket?
Your ticket fare covers:
- ✔️ Fully air-conditioned coach
- ✔️ Airline-style reclining seats
- ✔️ Rotatable seats (in Executive Class)
- ✔️ Onboard catering (breakfast/snacks depending on direction)
- ✔️ Bio-vacuum toilets
- ✔️ Charging ports at every seat
- ✔️ Automatic doors
This is a completely reserved seating train — no unreserved travel allowed.
Stations & Major Stoppages Explained
KSR Bengaluru City (SBC) – Main railway hub of Bengaluru, centrally located.
Krishnarajapuram (KJM) – Useful for passengers from East Bengaluru and Whitefield region.
Katpadi Junction (KPD) – Serves Vellore region and major educational institutions.
MGR Chennai Central (MAS) – Prime railway station of Chennai, well connected to metro and city transport.
How to Book Tickets
Online Booking via IRCTC
- Visit IRCTC website or mobile app.
- Enter From: SBC | To: MAS
- Select travel date.
- Choose Train 20607/20608.
- Select class (CC or EC).
- Enter passenger details.
- Complete payment.
E-ticket is sent via SMS and email.
Tatkal Booking Option
Tatkal opens at 10 AM (AC classes) one day before travel.
Seats fill within minutes on this route, so login early and keep payment method ready.
Assisted Booking Support
You can also book through:
- IRCTC authorized agents
- Railway reservation counters
Seat Availability & Booking Strategy
- Fridays and Mondays fill fastest.
- Festival seasons sell out early.
- Book at least 5–7 days in advance for guaranteed seats.
- Executive Class usually has better last-minute availability.
Expert tip: Choose CC for value, EC for extra comfort and quieter cabin.
Why Choose Vande Bharat on This Route?
- Fastest rail option between Bengaluru and Chennai
- Limited stops
- Comfortable seating
- Reliable morning schedule
- Ideal for same-day return planning
Best suited for business travelers, IT professionals, students, and weekend visitors.
Travel Tips
- Reach station 20–25 minutes early.
- Carry valid ID proof.
- Meals are pre-decided; special meal preference not available onboard.
- Keep IRCTC SMS ticket handy.
- Check coach position via NTES before arrival.
FAQs – Bangalore to Chennai Vande Bharat
The Bangalore to Chennai Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 20608) departs KSR Bengaluru City Junction around 14:50 and reaches MGR Chennai Central around 19:20, covering ~497 km with stops at Katpadi en route.
The Bangalore to Chennai Vande Bharat Express operates six days a week, generally running every day except Wednesday as per the confirmed Indian Railways timetable.
This service offers fully air-conditioned AC Chair Car (CC) and AC Executive Chair Car (EC) seating with ergonomic, airline-style rotatable seats, large windows and modern amenities as per Indian Railways standards.
Typical one-way fares on the Bangalore to Chennai Vande Bharat Express are approximately ₹970 for AC Chair Car (CC) and ₹1,860 for Executive Chair Car (EC) inclusive of standard catering charges.
The Bangalore to Chennai Vande Bharat Express completes the ~497 km journey in about 4 hrs 30–35 min, making it one of the fastest rail options between KSR Bengaluru and MGR Chennai Central.
Yes, the Bangalore to Chennai Vande Bharat Express provides onboard catering included in the ticket fare, with meals and beverages offered to passengers per Indian Railways premium service norms.
Indian Railways allocates standard booking quotas on the Bangalore to Chennai Vande Bharat Express, including General, Tatkal, Ladies and other applicable quotas available through IRCTC as per official rules. (Verified IRCTC/Railways quota norms)
Key scheduled halts for the Bangalore to Chennai Vande Bharat Express include KSR Bengaluru City Junction, Katpadi Junction and MGR Chennai Central as per the confirmed timetable.
The Bangalore to Chennai Vande Bharat Express runs as Train No. 20608 from KSR Bengaluru City Junction to MGR Chennai Central under Southern Railway operations.
Yes, Indian Railways equips the Bangalore to Chennai Vande Bharat Express with Wi-Fi, infotainment screens, electric outlets, bio-vacuum toilets and the Kavach safety system for enhanced passenger comfort and safety.
Final Verdict
For travelers between Bengaluru and Chennai, the Vande Bharat Express is currently the most efficient and comfortable rail option.
It saves time, offers premium comfort, and ensures predictable arrival.
📌 Expert Recommendation: Book early, choose CC for best value, and always reconfirm latest timings and fare on IRCTC before your journey.
I’m Rohit Kumar Sonkar, a senior travel writer and Indian Railways expert with 6+ years of hands-on experience in train route analysis, ticket fares, schedules, and IRCTC booking systems. I specialize in premium and scenic rail services such as the Vande Bharat Express, Vistadome Coach, and Tejas Express, and I focus on creating accurate, traveler-friendly content that helps people plan smooth and hassle-free train journeys across India.