Chennai to Trivandrum: 782 km Road Guide NH-66 · 12h 00m Drive — Complete Travel Guide 2026
Planning a trip from Chennai to Trivandrum? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 782km journey. Explore detailed information about travel options, costs, attractions along the way, and insider tips to make your trip memorable.
analytics Travel Comparison: Chennai to Trivandrum
| Mode | Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| directions_car Private Car | 12h 00m | ₹7,468 Fuel & Tolls |
| flight Flight | 1h 30m | ₹2,737 - ₹5,474 |
| train Train | 12h – 16h | ₹586 – ₹1,915 |
| bus Bus | 12h – 16h | ₹966 – ₹6,569 |
How to Reach Trivandrum from Chennai: Car, Train, Bus & Flight Options
Compare different travel modes to find the best option for your budget, schedule, and preferences.
Drive Chennai to Trivandrum (782 km, 12h 00m)
Flexibility, scenic stops, family trips
Fly Chennai to Trivandrum (1h 30m flight)
Speed, long distances, business travel
lightbulb Our Recommendation
For this 782km long-distance journey, consider flying (1h 30m) to save time, or take a train for a more scenic and relaxed experience.
What to Eat in Chennai Before You Hit the Road
Fuel up with these authentic local dishes before hitting the road:
Must-Try Food in Chennai Before Your Drive
- local_dining Idli and Sambar - Soft, steamed rice cakes served with lentil soup and chutney (try at Murugan Idli Shop).
- local_dining Dosa - Crispy rice and lentil crepe filled with potatoes or other fillings (try at Saravana Bhavan).
- local_dining Chettinad Chicken - Spicy chicken curry with a blend of aromatic spices (try at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant).
Saravana Bhavan • Various locations
Road Trip Stops: Best Cities Between Chennai and Trivandrum
These cities sit along your Chennai to Trivandrum route corridor and are worth a brief stop:
Urapakkam Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit
Urapakkam is a rapidly developing town in the Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu. It serves primarily as a residential and commercial hub for those working in Chennai's southern IT corridor. You will find local markets, small temples, and a glimpse into suburban South Indian life here.
attractions Top Attractions
Sri Perumal Temple
Sri Agastheeswarar Temple
Urapakkam Local Market
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Idli Sambar - Soft steamed rice cakes with a lentil-vegetable stew, available at any local tiffin center, rupees 40-60
Kattankulathur Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit
Kattankulathur is a small town in Tamil Nadu, primarily known for the SRM Institute of Science and Technology. It is not a major tourist destination. You will find a mix of rural life and a bustling student population here. Expect a quiet atmosphere outside the university campus.
attractions Top Attractions
SRM Institute of Science and Technology Campus
Vedapureeswarar Temple
Nithyakalyana Perumal Temple, Thiruvidanthai
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Idli - Steamed rice cakes, soft and fluffy, served with sambar and chutneys. Available at any local tiffin stall, rupees 30-50.
Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a historic town in Tamil Nadu renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed group of monuments. These monuments, primarily carved from granite, date back to the 7th and 8th centuries during the Pallava dynasty. The town also boasts a beautiful coastline and is a hub for stone carving.
attractions Top Attractions
Shore Temple
The Shore Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest stone temples in South India. It comprises three temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu, built in the 8th century.
Arjuna's Penance
Arjuna's Penance is a massive bas-relief carved onto two huge boulders. It depicts scenes from the Mahabharata and is one of the largest open-air reliefs in the world.
Five Rathas
The Five Rathas are monolithic rock-cut temples, each carved in the shape of a chariot. They are named after the Pandava brothers and Draupadi from the Mahabharata.
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Seafood - Freshly caught fish, prawns, and crabs (try at Moonrakers)
Chengalpattu Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit
Chengalpattu, a district headquarters in Tamil Nadu, offers a glimpse into South Indian history and local life. You will find an ancient fort, serene lake, and several important temples here. It is not a major tourist destination, so expect a quieter, more authentic experience.
attractions Top Attractions
Chengalpattu Fort
Kolavai Lake
Kothandaramar Temple
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Idli Sambar - soft steamed rice cakes with lentil stew, available at any local tiffin center, rupees 40-60
Kanchipuram Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit
Kanchipuram, often called the 'Silk City' or 'City of Thousand Temples', is a major pilgrimage and heritage destination in Tamil Nadu. You will find ancient Dravidian temples and world-renowned Kanchipuram silk sarees here. The city offers a deep dive into South Indian history and traditional craftsmanship.
attractions Top Attractions
Kailasanathar Temple
Ekambareswarar Temple
Varadaraja Perumal Temple
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Kanchipuram Idli - Steamed rice and lentil cake with spices, often served with chutney and sambar. Get it at Hotel Saravana Bhavan, rupees 80.
Things to Do in Trivandrum: Attractions & Highlights
Trivandrum offers a unique travel experience. For detailed information about local attractions, dining options, accommodations, and insider tips, visit our comprehensive destination guide.
Chennai to Trivandrum FAQ: Distance, Cost, Time & Best Routes (2026)
More Road Trips from Chennai: Popular Nearby Routes
Planning to explore more destinations? Check out these popular routes from Chennai:
How to Reach Trivandrum from Other Cities
Traveling to Trivandrum from a different city? Explore these alternative routes:
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