The Vijayawada to Chennai Vande Bharat Express is one of the fastest and most comfortable ways to travel between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
It is ideal for business travelers, weekend visitors, students, and families who want a same-day journey without the fatigue of overnight trains.
This guide covers timings, fare, stoppages, booking strategy, and practical travel advice — based on the latest available Indian Railways information.
Always reconfirm live details on IRCTC before travel.
Overview of the Route
The train runs between Vijayawada Junction (BZA) and Chennai Central (MAS).
- Distance: Approx. 430 km
- Journey Duration: Around 6 hours
- Why Popular: Fastest daytime option with limited stops
This corridor connects two major economic and cultural hubs, making it one of the busiest South Indian railway routes.
Vande Bharat Vijayawada → Chennai Timings (Both Directions)
There are two train numbers relevant to this service due to the extension of the Chennai–Vijayawada Vande Bharat up to Narasapur (from Dec 2025).
| Direction | Train No. | Departure Station & Time | Arrival Station & Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vijayawada → Chennai | 20678 | Vijayawada Junction – 16:50 | MGR Chennai Central – 23:45 |
| Chennai → Vijayawada | 20677 | MGR Chennai Central – 05:30 | Vijayawada Junction – 11:45 |
Vande Bharat Vijayawada → Chennai Detailed Timetable
This service stops at key stations between Vijayawada and Chennai. All times are approximate and subject to IRCTC confirmation.
| Stop No. | Station Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vijayawada Junction | – | 16:50 |
| 2 | Tenali Junction | 17:19 | 17:20 |
| 3 | Ongole | 18:28 | 18:30 |
| 4 | Nellore | 19:39 | 19:40 |
| 5 | Renigunta Junction | 21:50 | 21:55 |
| 6 | MGR Chennai Central | 23:45 | – |
Summary:
- Departure Station: Vijayawada Junction
- Arrival Station: MGR Chennai Central
- Approx. Journey Duration: ~7 hrs (segment timing from Vijayawada → Chennai)
- Ideal for: Afternoon departures and night arrivals
Vande Bharat Express Vijayawada → Chennai Ticket Price
This is a premium category train, so fares are higher than ordinary express trains.
| Class | Quota Type | Fare (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| AC Chair Car (CC) | General | ₹1,635 |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | Tatkal | ₹2,000+ |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | General | ₹3,030 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | Tatkal | ₹3,600+ |
Important Notes:
• Fares may change due to IRCTC pricing updates.
• Tatkal quota opens one day before travel at 10:00 AM from originating station.
• Catering charges may be included or extra — check on IRCTC.
What Is Included in the Ticket?
Here’s what passengers receive:
Catering: Breakfast / snacks depending on departure time
Seating:
- CC – Comfortable airline-style seats
- EC – Wider reclining seats with extra legroom
Comfort Features:
- Fully air-conditioned coaches
- Automatic doors
- Mobile charging points
- Bio-vacuum toilets
- LED display screens
Stations & Major Stoppages Explained
Ongole: Key stop for Prakasam district passengers.
Nellore: Important commercial city with strong passenger demand.
Gudur Junction: Major junction connecting southern routes.
These stops balance speed with regional accessibility.
How to Book Tickets
Online Booking via IRCTC
- Visit IRCTC website or app
- Login
- Enter “Vijayawada (BZA)” to “Chennai (MAS)”
- Select journey date
- Choose class (CC/EC)
- Proceed to payment
- Download e-ticket
Tatkal Booking Option
Tatkal opens one day before travel.
Seats fill within minutes, especially on weekends.
Login 5–10 minutes before opening time.
Assisted Booking Support
You can book via:
- Authorized railway agents
- Railway reservation counters
Seat Availability & Booking Strategy
- Book 3–7 days in advance for confirmed seats.
- Friday & Sunday fill fastest.
- Executive Class sells out quicker due to limited seats.
- Avoid last-minute booking during holidays.
Why Choose Vande Bharat on This Route?
Speed: Faster than most superfast trains
Comfort: Premium seating and smooth ride
Limited Stops: Time-saving
Best For: Business travelers, same-day return passengers, families
Travel Tips
- Reach station 20 minutes early.
- Carry digital ID proof.
- Opt for EC if traveling long distance for added comfort.
- Check platform number via NTES or station boards.
- Reconfirm running status on journey day.
FAQs – Vijayawada to Chennai Vande Bharat
The Vande Bharat Express Vijayawada to Chennai runs as Train No. 20678 and the return as Train No. 20677, departing Vijayawada around 15:20 and arriving Chennai at 22:00, and leaving Chennai at 05:30 to reach Vijayawada by about 12:10, six days a week except Tuesday.
The standard journey time on Vande Bharat Express Vijayawada to Chennai is approximately 6 hours 40 minutes covering about 517 km in a single daytime run between the two cities on scheduled days of operation.
On the Vande Bharat Express Vijayawada to Chennai, Indian Railways operates AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC), both fully reserved with modern seating and air-conditioning designed for comfortable day travel.
Approximate Indian Railways fare on Vande Bharat Express Vijayawada to Chennai is about ₹1,455 in AC Chair Car and around ₹2,665 in Executive Chair Car one way, inclusive of dynamic pricing elements and catering charges.
Yes, Vande Bharat Express Vijayawada to Chennai includes onboard catering in the ticket fare by default, but passengers can opt out of meals during IRCTC booking if they do not want the inclusive meal service.
The Vande Bharat Express Vijayawada to Chennai makes limited commercial stops at stations like Tenali Junction, Ongole, Nellore and Renigunta Junction before reaching Chennai Central for fast and efficient travel.
The Vande Bharat Express Vijayawada to Chennai operates six days a week, typically excluding Tuesday, as per the latest Indian Railways schedule for this route.
Yes, Vande Bharat Express Vijayawada to Chennai tickets can be cancelled and refunded under IRCTC rules with applicable cancellation charges, with refund timelines based on how early the cancellation is made before departure.
For Vande Bharat Express Vijayawada to Chennai, book as early as possible after release, ideally when the reservation window opens 120 days ahead, as seats, especially in Executive Chair Car, are in high demand.
Final Verdict
If you want a fast, clean, and comfortable daytime journey between Vijayawada and Chennai, Vande Bharat is one of the best options available today.
It saves time, reduces travel fatigue, and offers premium comfort.
For confirmed seats and best fare, book early on IRCTC and always recheck live timings before travel.
A smart choice for modern intercity travel.
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.