Chennai to Velankanni by Train
Traveling from Chennai to Velankanni by train is a comfortable and affordable option for pilgrims. The nearest railway station to the Velankanni Basilica is Nagapattinam (about 12 km away), though some trains also stop at Velankanni station itself.
Key Trains from Chennai to Nagapattinam
Several trains run between Chennai and Nagapattinam daily:
| Train | From | Departure | Arrival (NGT) | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nagapattinam Express | Chennai Egmore | 10:20 PM | 5:45 AM | Daily |
| Tiruvarur Express | Chennai Egmore | 7:15 PM | 1:30 AM | Daily |
| Chennai - Karaikal Exp | Chennai Egmore | 7:45 PM | 2:15 AM | Daily |
Timings subject to change - always verify on IRCTC before booking.
From Nagapattinam to Velankanni
From Nagapattinam railway station, you can reach Velankanni by:
- Bus: TNSTC buses run frequently between Nagapattinam and Velankanni (about 30-40 minutes, Rs 15-25)
- Auto-rickshaw: Rs 150-250 depending on bargaining
- Shared taxi: Rs 60-80 per seat
Booking Train Tickets
Book train tickets online through IRCTC{rel=“nofollow noopener” target=“_blank”} or at any railway station. During the Annual Feast (late August to early September), trains are heavily booked - reserve tickets 30-45 days in advance.
Where to Stay in Velankanni
Once you arrive, you will need accommodation. Compare hotel prices before you travel:
- Search hotels on Booking.com{rel=“sponsored noopener” target=“_blank”}
- Search hotels on Agoda{rel=“sponsored noopener” target=“_blank”}
Also see our full guide: How to Reach Velankanni and Hotels in Velankanni.
