Among many things South India is famous for, its railway journeys stand out as a lifetime experience. The trains in South India have entered a new phase with the introduction and expansion of Vande Bharat Express trains across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. These semi-high-speed trains are known for their speed and modern amenities. Moreover, they have dramatically reduced travel times between destinations and continue to transform the way travellers explore the region. From coastal routes to temple towns and hill-bound journeys, the Vande Bharat trains now connect several major tourist destinations in South India.
Significant Vande Bharat Trains in South India
Thiruvananthapuram–Kasaragod Vande Bharat Express (20633/20634)
The route between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod is known for its gorgeous coastal landscapes, backwaters, and greenery. This train connects Kerala from south to north and links major cities like Kollam, Kottayam, Thrissur, and Kozhikode, covering around 574 km in under eight hours.
Thiruvananthapuram–Mangalore Vande Bharat Express (20632)
The journey goes through Alleppey, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, and Kannur before stopping at Mangalore. The train connects Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala with Mangalore in Karnataka. It is quite popular among travellers as along the way they can enjoy stunning views of the Arabian Sea. It covers a distance of 619 km in around 8 hours and 35 minutes.
Tirunelveli–Chennai Vande Bharat Express (20631/20632)
The train connects southern Tamil Nadu with Chennai in around eight hours. Important stops include Madurai, Dindigul, Tiruchchirappalli, and Villupuram. The train has become an important option for those seeking faster access between Chennai and temple towns in southern Tamil Nadu.
Chennai–Vijayawada Vande Bharat Express (20687/20688)
The train connects Tamil Nadu’s capital with Andhra Pradesh’s Vijayawada, covering a distance of 455 km in 6 hours and 40 minutes. The route passes through Renigunta, Nellore, Ongole, and Tenali Junction. It is most preferred by travellers and has dramatically improved connectivity for both business travellers and tourists.
Chennai–Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express (20643)
This train links Chennai with Coimbatore in significantly less time. It stops at Salem, Erode, and Tiruppur, making it useful for both business and leisure travellers. The route is especially popular among frequent textile commuters.
Chennai–Mysuru Vande Bharat Express (20608)
Chennai–Mysuru is South India’s first Vande Bharat service. The route connects Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mysuru and is widely popular among tech professionals, tourists, and weekend travellers. Its strong occupancy rates have made it one of the country’s most successful Vande Bharat trains.
Kalaburagi–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express (22231)
This train connects Kalaburagi in North Karnataka to Bengaluru in 8 hours and 45 minutes. The route passes through Raichur, Guntakal, Anantapur, and Yelahanka and is mostly preferred by students, professionals, and pilgrims.
Bengaluru–Belagavi Vande Bharat Express (26751/26752)
Introduced last year, this train service connects Bengaluru with Belagavi via major Karnataka cities, with stops at Tumakuru, Davangere, Hubballi, and Dharwad. The train covers a distance of 611 km in approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes. The route has strengthened connectivity between Karnataka’s technology hub and northern districts.
Bengaluru–Dharwad Vande Bharat Express (20661)
Bengaluru–Dharwad offers faster travel between Bengaluru and the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad, covering a distance of about 489 km in 6 hours and 25 minutes. It is an important route that is increasingly popular among professionals and intercity business travellers.
Visakhapatnam–Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express (20833)
Visakhapatnam–Secunderabad is among the busiest routes in South India, connecting Telangana with coastal Andhra Pradesh in 8 hours and 45 minutes. The service is widely used for tourism and weekend travel and always remains in demand.
Secunderabad–Tirupati Vande Bharat Express (20701)
This route offers faster and more comfortable access to the pilgrimage city of Tirupati. The train stops at Nalgonda, Guntur, Ongole, and Nellore and has become highly popular among devotees travelling from Telangana. It takes around 8 hours and 15 minutes to cover the journey.
Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express (26652)
Connecting Kochi with Bengaluru, this route is used mostly by IT professionals, tourists, and travellers. The train has seen strong occupancy despite being a relatively newer service. It significantly reduces travel time between Kerala’s commercial capital and India’s tech hub.
Thiruvananthapuram Central–Kasaragod Vande Bharat Express (via Kottayam) (20633/20634)
This alternative Kerala route operates via Kottayam and Ernakulam Town before heading northwards. The train improves connectivity between central Kerala districts and Kasaragod and remains one of Southern Railway’s most occupied Vande Bharat trains.
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