Travel South India comfortably: 6 Vande Bharat routes to try

Planning South India travel? Although it’s a big area to cover, if you want to travel efficiently, comfortably, and save some extra bucks, trains can be the go-to option for you. And for hassle-free journeys, you need to plan well in advance to secure those confirmed train tickets. Also, since the launch of the Vande Bharat Express, these semi-high-speed trains have revolutionised rail travel in so many ways. Designed to be faster and lighter than conventional trains, Vande Bharat Express offers some of the high-tech modern amenities to make travel smoother for passengers. Today, more than 40 Vande Bharat trains operate across India, serving festive traffic and connecting major cities efficiently. Here, we have listed some of the routes that you can try out when exploring South India, which will make inter-state travel faster and more comfortable than ever.
Disclaimer: The train schedules and fares mentioned have been taken from IRCTC and were accurate at the time of writing. Readers should check the latest timings and ticket prices before planning their journey.

This route spans 588 km and stops at 10 stations including Kollam, Chengannur, Kottayam, Ernakulam Town, Thrissur, Shoranur, Kozhikode, and Kannur. The train covers the journey in around 8 hours, and runs six days a week except Wednesday. Departure will be from Trivandrum Central at 4:05 PM, which will reach Kasaragod by 11:46 PM. Return service starts at 7:00 AM from Kasaragod. Ticket fares range from INR 1,221 to INR 2,981.

Covering 619 km and completing the journey in 8 hours 35 minutes, this train halts at nine stations including Kollam, Alleppey, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Shoranur, Tirur, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod. It runs six days a week except Wednesday, leaving Trivandrum at 4:05 PM and arriving at Mangalore Central at 12:40 AM. Return departure is at 6:25 AM. Fares range from INR 1,590 to INR 2,920.

Covering 650 km in 7 hours 50 minutes, this train stops at 8 stations, including Virudhunagar, Madurai, Dindigul, Tiruchchirappalli, Villupuram, and Tambaram. Operating six days a week except Tuesday, it departs Tirunelveli at 6:00 AM and reaches Chennai by 1:50 PM. Ticket prices range from INR 1,640 to INR 3,030.

Covering 455 km in 6 hours 40 minutes, this train passes through Renigunta, Nellore, Ongole, and Tenali Junction. It runs six days a week except Tuesday, departing Chennai at 5:30 AM and reaching Vijayawada by 12:10 PM. Return service starts at 3:20 PM. Tickets range from INR 1,122 to INR 2,270.

Covering 610 km in 8 hours 15 minutes, the train halts at Mahbubnagar, Kurnool City, Anantapur, and Dharmavaram Junction. Running six days a week except Wednesday, departure from Secunderabad is at 5:45 AM, reaching Bengaluru at 2:00 PM. Return begins at 2:45 PM. Ticket fares range from INR 1,246 to INR 3.036.

Inaugurated recently, this 466 km route takes 8 hours 20 minutes with halts at Tumakuru, Davangere, Hubballi, and Dharwad. The train runs six days a week except Wednesday, departing Belgavi at 5:20 AM and reaching Bengaluru at 1:50 PM. Return starts at 2:20 PM. Ticket prices range from INR 1,575 to INR 2,905.

With their speed, comfort, and modern facilities, Vande Bharat trains have transformed the way people move across South India. These routes not only save time but also make long journeys more enjoyable and convenient for travelers every day.