Chennai Central Railway Station - chennai pattanam.
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Chennai Central Railway Station

4.2
·49k reviews·Chennai, India

Iconic 1873 Gothic Revival railway station, a bustling hub with 17 platforms, seamlessly connected to Chennai's metro and suburban rail.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Chennai Central Railway Station - chennai pattanam.

Chennai Central Railway Station

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.2
(49k reviews)

"Well organised, spotless waiting rooms, and easy to navigate with announcements heard from all places."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Iconic Architecture

Iconic Architecture

Exterior

Admire the stunning Gothic Revival architecture, a beautiful blend of history and grandeur.

Dr. MGR Tribute Statue

Dr. MGR Tribute Statue

Near entrance

A significant landmark honoring the former Chief Minister, a key figure in Tamil Nadu's history.

Executive Lounge

Executive Lounge

Inside station

Experience a touch of luxury with AC, beds, and WiFi for a comfortable transit.

Day and Night Views

Day and Night Views

Exterior

See the station transform from golden daylight to dazzling night lights in drone footage.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Hub

Chennai Central is a bustling hub. Arrive early to find your platform, especially if you're catching a long-distance train. The station is well-connected to the city's metro and suburban rail, making onward travel easy. Keep an eye out for digital displays, but be aware of potential advertisements interrupting them.Reddit

Modern Amenities Amidst History

While steeped in history, Chennai Central offers modern comforts. Look for the new executive lounge for a more comfortable wait, complete with AC and WiFi.Instagram The station is also noted for its efforts to become a 'silent' station, aiming for a calmer atmosphere.Instagram

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Beautifully lit, vibrant feel
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🗿 Jayalalithaa Tribute Statue | 💐 Puratchi Thalaivi Ai| AIADMK MGR Legacy #jayalalitha #mgr #aiadmk #PuratchiThalaivar #TamilShorts #aiadmkitwing #TamilMotivation #motivationStatueTribute #mgrfans #ironlady #JayalalithaaStatus #MGRLegacy #TamilLeaders #ShortsVideo #AmmaForever #Leadership
@sureshartsfam
7.5K likes • 153.6K views

🎯 Arrive Early for Platform Info

Allow extra time to find your platform; ads can sometimes obscure departure boards.Reddit

🚆 Easy Metro & Local Access

The station connects seamlessly to Chennai's metro and suburban rail for easy city travel.

கட்டுக்காவல்கள் விட்டு செல்லட்டும்...💚💚💚💚💚 #MGR #PuratchiThalaivar #MGRLegend #MGRForever #MGRFans #ThalaivarMGR #MGRMass #PuratchiThalaivan #MGRIcon #MGRSuperstar #MGRDialogue #MGRSongs #GoldenEraMGR #TamilCinemaLegend #MGRFanClub #MGRVeraLevel #ClassicMGR #EvergreenHero #LegendMGR #MGRPoliticsAndCinema
@shiva_official_verified
6.8K likes • 100.7K views
Chennai Central railway station 🚉
travel_life.678
66.3K likes • 1M views

🛋️ Executive Lounge Comfort

Consider the executive lounge for a comfortable wait with AC, beds, and WiFi.Instagram

🤫 Silent Station Initiative

Appreciate the efforts towards a quieter, more peaceful station environment.Instagram

Chennai Central KSR bengaluru #RailwayShorts #Railway #railfanning #railfan #railwayjourneys #RailwayVideos #rails #railwaystation #railway #railvideo #Trains #TrainShortFilm #trainloverdk #travelphotography
railworl
2.1K likes • 27.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Platform Info

Allow extra time to find your platform; ads can sometimes obscure departure boards.Reddit

🚆 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.Instagram

🤫 Silent Station Initiative

Appreciate the efforts towards a quieter, more peaceful station environment.Instagram

📸 Capture the Architecture

The Gothic Revival style is a photographer's dream, especially with drone views.Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.2
(49k reviews)

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

Impressive architecture
Great connectivity
Modern amenities

What People Dislike

Occasional cleanliness issues
Advertisements on displays

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.Instagram

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.Instagram

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.Reddit

🎫 🧭 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.Instagram+1

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.Instagram

Yes, Chennai Central has introduced an Executive Lounge offering amenities like AC, beds, and WiFi, starting at an hourly rate.Instagram

Chennai Central Railway Station has 17 platforms and 30 tracks.Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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.Instagram+1

The exterior architecture is stunning from various angles. Drone shots offer a unique perspective of the entire station complex.Instagram The interior, with its bustling platforms and historical elements, also provides great photographic opportunities.

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.Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Chennai Central offers a relatively smooth experience for families. The station's integration with the metro and suburban trains makes getting around the city with children easier. While the station can be crowded, the availability of food stalls provides convenient options for snacks and meals. Consider utilizing the paid baggage storage if you need to keep your belongings secure while managing children. The Executive Lounge could also be a good option for families needing a quiet, air-conditioned space to rest during a layover.Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Chennai Central is well-equipped. You can find affordable food options at the numerous stalls within the station. The drinking water pipes are a great way to stay hydrated without cost. Utilizing the suburban and metro train networks for onward travel is significantly cheaper than taxis. While the Executive Lounge offers luxury, the general waiting areas are free to use, and platform tickets are reasonably priced for short waits.Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Chennai Central is a dream for photographers, especially those interested in architectural and urban photography. The Gothic Revival style of the building is a major draw, and drone footage highlights its beauty from day to night.Instagram+1 Capture the bustling platforms, the historic facade, and the vibrant atmosphere. Early mornings or late evenings often provide the best light and fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History and Renaming

Chennai Central Railway Station, originally established in 1873, stands as a testament to colonial-era architecture with its striking Gothic Revival design. It has long been a vital artery for South India, connecting Chennai to the rest of the country. The station's historical significance is palpable as you walk through its grand halls and platforms.Instagram

In a significant move to honor a beloved political figure, the station was officially renamed Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station in 2019. This renaming reflects the deep respect and admiration for M.G. Ramachandran, a former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and a prominent figure in Tamil cinema and politics.TikTok+1 The station continues to serve as a crucial transportation hub while carrying this new, culturally significant name.

Modernizing the Passenger Experience

Beyond its historical facade, Chennai Central is embracing modernization to enhance passenger comfort. The introduction of an Executive Lounge is a notable development, offering travelers a premium waiting experience with amenities like air conditioning, comfortable beds, and WiFi access, starting at an affordable hourly rate.Instagram This initiative aims to provide a respite from the usual travel stress and heat.

Furthermore, the station is making strides towards a more serene environment with its 'Silent Station' initiative. This program focuses on reducing unnecessary noise and announcements, creating a calmer atmosphere for passengers. This move aligns with a growing global trend in public spaces to improve the overall passenger experience through thoughtful environmental management.Instagram

Connectivity and Transportation Hub

Chennai Central is not just a railway station; it's a pivotal transportation nexus for the city and the region. It boasts 17 platforms and 30 tracks, handling a massive volume of long-distance and suburban trains daily.Instagram Its strategic location makes it incredibly convenient for travelers arriving in Chennai.

The station is seamlessly integrated with the Chennai Metro Rail and the suburban railway network. This connectivity allows passengers to easily transition from their train journeys to local travel, reaching various parts of Chennai efficiently. Numerous bus routes also converge at or near the station, further solidifying its role as a central point for all modes of transport within and beyond the city.Instagram

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