Kochi to Chennai by tempo traveller or bus

Chennai is a city destination in Tamil Nadu, ≈ 683 km from Kochi. Tell us your dates and group size and verified operators send you itemised quotes to compare.

Kochi to Chennai is ≈ 683 km by road, 14–18 hours in a tempo traveller or bus. A 3-day round trip in a 17-seater tempo traveller costs ₹40,100–49,500, and ₹89,000–1,20,600 in a 49-seater coach (as of Oct 2026).

Distance
≈ 683 km
estimated
Drive time
14–18 h
group vehicle
Plan for
3 to 4 days
most groups
Round trip
~1503 km
crosses a state border
Get quotes for Kochi → Chennai

Kochi to Chennai fare by vehicle

Round trip with driver over 3 days, about 1503 km in all. Pick a vehicle to get exact quotes.

Kochi to Chennai: indicative fares by vehicle
VehicleSeatsRound trip, 3 daysQuotes
SUV / Innova6–7₹27,500–36,900Get quotes
Tempo Traveller 12-seater9–12₹33,800–43,200Get quotes
Tempo Traveller 17-seater13–17₹40,100–49,500Get quotes
Tempo Traveller 20–26 seater18–26₹46,400–59,000Get quotes
Force Urbania (luxury van)10–17₹52,700–68,500Get quotes
Mini Bus 28–35 seater27–35₹65,300–89,000Get quotes
AC Coach 40–49 seater36–49₹89,000–1,20,600Get quotes
AC Coach 50–56 seater50–56₹1,04,800–1,36,300Get quotes

Indicative range, updated Oct 2026; actual quotes from verified operators may differ. For a round trip with driver: vehicle hire at the class's ₹/km band (minimum 250 km a day), driver allowance ₹500 a day, night halt ₹300, 5% GST. Tolls and parking are extra, at actual cost. State entry tax for crossing the border is not included yet; operators add it on the quote. Post your trip for exact itemised quotes.

Change the days or stops in the fare calculatorRates per km for every vehicle

On the way

Places close to the route, good for a break or a darshan stop.

  • Tiruvannamalai

Add to the trip: around Chennai

Distances are estimated from the map.

  • Mahabalipuram · ≈ 63 km from Chennai
  • Kanchipuram · ≈ 82 km from Chennai
  • Srikalahasti · ≈ 118 km from Chennai

Good to know

  • Crossing a state border adds a permit or entry tax for commercial vehicles. Operators with an all-India permit include it; ask for it on the quote.
  • On long days, drivers need rest. Operators usually plan one driver per 300–350 km a day; ask for two drivers for longer stretches.
  • Quotes usually include fuel, driver, and his food and stay. Tolls, parking and state taxes are listed separately. Yippigo shows each quote line by line.

Questions groups ask

How far is Chennai from Kochi by road?

≈ 683 km one way (estimated from the map), so about 1503 km for the round trip with local running. The drive takes 14–18 hours with tea and meal stops.

What is the tempo traveller fare from Kochi to Chennai?

For a 3-day round trip with driver: ₹33,800–43,200 (Tempo Traveller 12-seater), ₹40,100–49,500 (Tempo Traveller 17-seater), ₹46,400–59,000 (Tempo Traveller 20–26 seater), indicative, October 2026. That covers vehicle hire, the driver allowance, night halts and 5% GST; tolls and parking are extra. State entry tax for Tamil Nadu is not in these figures; operators add it on the quote.

How much does a bus from Kochi to Chennai cost?

For a 3-day round trip with driver: ₹65,300–89,000 (Mini Bus 28–35 seater), ₹89,000–1,20,600 (AC Coach 40–49 seater), ₹1,04,800–1,36,300 (AC Coach 50–56 seater), as of Oct 2026. Hotels, food and entry tickets are extra. State entry tax for Tamil Nadu is not in these figures; operators add it on the quote.

How many days should a group plan for Chennai?

Most groups make it 3 to 4 days. With an extra day you can add Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram.

Which vehicle suits my group?

Up to 7 people fit an SUV or Innova; 9–26 a tempo traveller; 27–35 a mini bus; 36–56 a full-size coach. Leave a seat or two spare for luggage on long trips.

How do I get exact prices?

Post your dates and group size on Yippigo. Up to 6 verified operators near Kochi are invited to quote, aiming for 3 quotes: vehicle, driver, tolls and permits line by line. You compare and pay the operator you choose an advance (20–30%) directly.