Chennai Central Railway Station
Iconic 1873 Gothic Revival railway station, a bustling hub with 17 platforms, seamlessly connected to Chennai's metro and suburban rail.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Chennai Central Railway Station
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 1873 Gothic Revival railway station, a bustling hub with 17 platforms, seamlessly connected to Chennai's metro and suburban rail.
"Well organised, spotless waiting rooms, and easy to navigate with announcements heard from all places."
🎯 Arrive Early for Platform Info
Allow extra time to find your platform; ads can sometimes obscure departure boards .
🚆 Easy Metro & Local Access
The station connects seamlessly to Chennai's metro and suburban rail for easy city travel.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.2 · 49,302 reviews
Type
Train Station
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Architecture
Exterior
Admire the stunning Gothic Revival architecture, a beautiful blend of history and grandeur.
Dr. MGR Tribute Statue
Near entrance
A significant landmark honoring the former Chief Minister, a key figure in Tamil Nadu's history.
Executive Lounge
Inside station
Experience a touch of luxury with AC, beds, and WiFi for a comfortable transit.
Day and Night Views
Exterior
See the station transform from golden daylight to dazzling night lights in drone footage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Hub
Modern Amenities Amidst History
The station is also noted for its efforts to become a 'silent' station, aiming for a calmer atmosphere.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Platform Info
Allow extra time to find your platform; ads can sometimes obscure departure boards.
🚆 Easy Metro & Local Access
The station connects seamlessly to Chennai's metro and suburban rail for easy city travel.
🛋️ Executive Lounge Comfort
Consider the executive lounge for a comfortable wait with AC, beds, and WiFi.
🤫 Silent Station Initiative
Appreciate the efforts towards a quieter, more peaceful station environment.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Platform Info
Allow extra time to find your platform; ads can sometimes obscure departure boards.
🚆 Easy Metro & Local Access
The station connects seamlessly to Chennai's metro and suburban rail for easy city travel.
🛋️ Executive Lounge Comfort
Consider the executive lounge for a comfortable wait with AC, beds, and WiFi.
🤫 Silent Station Initiative
Appreciate the efforts towards a quieter, more peaceful station environment.
📸 Capture the Architecture
The Gothic Revival style is a photographer's dream, especially with drone views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chennai Central is a historic and vital railway hub, praised for its architectural grandeur and excellent connectivity to the city's transport networks. Passengers appreciate the convenience of metro and local train access, along with the introduction of modern amenities like the executive lounge. However, some reviews note that cleanliness could be improved in certain areas, and the presence of advertisements on departure boards can be a minor annoyance.
"Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station, commonly known as Chennai Central, is the main railway station in the city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the busiest and most important railway hubs in India, connecting to major cities and states across the country.
Key details;
Name change: The station was formerly known as Chennai Central Railway Station. It was officially renamed in 2019 after M.G. Ramachandran, a former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Station code: The station code is MAS.
Platforms: The station has 12 platforms.
Connectivity:
Suburban and metro rail: The station is easily accessible and connected to the city's suburban and metro rail networks.
Long-distance trains: It serves as the primary terminal for long-distance trains bound for various destinations in northern, western, central, and northeastern India.
Historical significance: The station is a landmark of Chennai and an important part of the city's history.
Services and facilities
Passenger amenities: The station provides several facilities for travelers, including:
Food stalls
Paid retiring rooms and AC waiting halls
Drinking water pipes
Paid baggage storage"
ROHITH MENON
"Chennai Central is one of the best railway stations I have ever visited. The station is well-maintained and offers excellent facilities, including clean waiting areas, food outlets, metro and local train connections — all conveniently located nearby, making travel easier and more comfortable for passengers. The overall experience is very good. The only improvement I would suggest is ensuring regular RPF (Railway Protection Force) presence on all platforms for added safety"
STEBIN JOY
"Today i traveling Chennai to Bommidi...
2:35 Coimbatore intercity express...
Central Railway Station to good...
Train cleaning normal...
Train no 12679...
Train right timings ...
Central Railway Station total 11 platforms...
Coimbatore intercity train today 11th platform
This train 4:30 minutes reaching my location bommidi....
This train most useful for Salem,Erode,Coimbatore people....
Most thanks to lndian Railways"
Vijay Anandan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chennai Central Railway Station (MAS) is a major hub easily accessible via the Chennai Metro Rail and suburban train network. Numerous buses also ply to and from the station, making it convenient to reach from various parts of the city.
Yes, Chennai Central is directly connected to the Chennai Metro Rail system, offering a quick and efficient way to travel to and from other parts of the city.
The station code for Chennai Central Railway Station is MAS.
Yes, taxis and various ride-sharing services are readily available outside the station, providing convenient options for onward travel.
Chennai Central Railway Station is approximately 20-25 km from Chennai International Airport (MAA), depending on traffic conditions. You can reach it by taxi, ride-sharing services, or a combination of metro and bus.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Train tickets can be purchased at the ticket counters within Chennai Central Railway Station, through the Indian Rail website (IRCTC), or via authorized travel agents. Online booking is highly recommended for long-distance journeys.
Chennai Central Railway Station operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as it is a major railway terminus.
There is no entry fee to enter the general areas of Chennai Central Railway Station. However, a platform ticket is required to access the platforms and wait for trains.
Yes, Chennai Central offers paid retiring rooms and AC waiting halls for passengers. These can typically be booked through the Indian Railways website or at the station's reservation counter.
Platform information is displayed on large digital screens throughout the station. You can also ask station staff or check your ticket for platform details. Be aware that advertisements may sometimes interrupt these displays.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Chennai Central offers a range of facilities including food stalls, clean waiting areas, drinking water, paid baggage storage, and access to metro and local trains.
While efforts are made to maintain cleanliness, some reviews mention that cleanliness, particularly in bathrooms, could be improved. However, many find the waiting rooms spotless [^Reviews].
Chennai Central has implemented a 'Silent Station' initiative to reduce noise pollution and create a more peaceful environment for passengers, minimizing unnecessary announcements.
Yes, Chennai Central has introduced an Executive Lounge offering amenities like AC, beds, and WiFi, starting at an hourly rate.
Chennai Central Railway Station has 17 platforms and 30 tracks.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find various food stalls and eateries within Chennai Central, offering a range of local snacks and meals. Options cater to quick bites and more substantial dining.
Yes, most food stalls and restaurants at Chennai Central offer vegetarian options alongside non-vegetarian dishes.
Yes, the area surrounding Chennai Central has numerous restaurants and cafes offering diverse culinary experiences.
Chennai Central provides paid baggage storage facilities, allowing you to safely store your luggage while you dine or explore.
Yes, there are drinking water pipes available throughout the station for passengers.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! Chennai Central's iconic Gothic Revival architecture, especially when captured with drone views showing day and night transformations, makes it a fantastic spot for photography.
The exterior architecture is stunning from various angles. Drone shots offer a unique perspective of the entire station complex.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, professional photography or videography might require special permissions. It's always best to check with station authorities if you plan extensive shoots.
Yes, rail enthusiasts often capture photos and videos of trains at Chennai Central. Be mindful of safety and avoid obstructing train operations or passenger movement.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for architectural shots. Evenings are also great as the station lights up, creating a dramatic ambiance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit