Booking Shirdi Train Tickets From Chennai: Step-by-step

By Author: bharathi
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For thousands of Sai devotees from Chennai, a trip to Shirdi is not an endeavor—it's a calling. Whether it's a family to keep a long-pending promise or an individual looking for solace, the very first question that pops up is: How do I reserve train tickets from Chennai to Shirdi?
Thank God. Rail connectivity has improved significantly and online booking facilities have made traveling by train to Shirdi easier and economical. In this piece, Vasant Kamal, whose name has been trusted by pilgrims for their well-designed travel experiences to Shirdi, tells you exactly how to book your tickets from Chennai to Shirdi.
Step 1: Know Your Railway Options
There are direct trains from Sainagar Shirdi (SNSI), the closest railway station to Shirdi Temple. Some of the famous trains are:
* Chennai Central – Sainagar Shirdi Express (Train No. 22601)
* Sainagar Shirdi – Chennai Central Express (Train No. 22602)
These trains run every week and take around 27–30 hours, covering a distance of about 1,300 km. For more flexibility, you can also book trains through a combination of trains through Pune, ...
... Manmad, or Kopargaon, then take a short road trip to Shirdi.
Step 2: Create or Log In to Your IRCTC Account
Booking train tickets online requires an account on the IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) website or mobile app.
1. Visit [www.irctc.co.in](https://www.irctc.co.in)
2. Register using your mobile number and email ID
3. Fill in OTP verification and choose your login credentials
Already registered? Just log in first.
Step 3: Find Trains from Chennai to Sainagar Shirdi
Logged in:
1. Fill in From Station: Chennai Central (MAS)
2. Fill in To Station: Sainagar Shirdi (SNSI)
3. Choose your desired travel date
4. Click "Find Trains"
The system will display a list of trains available on that day, along with class choices (Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, 1AC) and present availability status.
Step 4: Select Your Train and Class
Select the preferred train (e.g., **22601 MAS-SNSI Express**) and look at the available coach classes:
* Sleeper (SL) – Economical and popular choice
* Third AC (3A) – Air-conditioned and cost-effective
* Second AC (2A) – Comfortable and roomy
* First AC (1A) – Most luxurious option for long-distance travel
Vasant Kamal tip: If you’re traveling with senior citizens or children, 2A or 3A classes offer better comfort for the long journey.
Step 5: Enter Passenger Details and Make Payment
After selecting the class and train:

1. Enter passenger names, age, gender, and berth preference
2. Choose from optional services like travel insurance
3. Proceed to payment gateway
4. Make payment using net banking, UPI, credit/debit card, or IRCTC wallet
Your e-ticket is created and sent to your registered email address after successful payment. You can also download it at any time from your IRCTC account.
Step 6: Get Set for the Journey
Once your ticket is booked, here are a few last-minute steps:
Check the PNR status frequently (particularly for waitlisted tickets)
Download the NTES app for real-time train tracking
Reach Chennai Central Station at least 45 minutes prior to departure
Have an original government ID for every passenger
For those traveling with elderly relatives or children, Vasant Kamal provides value-added services such as food on board delivery, cab transfers onward from Shirdi station, and customized Darshan packages.
Don't bother about making sense of train schedules and lodgings? Most Chennai-based pilgrims prefer Vasant Kamal's inclusive train tour packages to Shirdi, which provide:
* Guaranteed train tickets (SL/3A/2A)
* Pick-up from Shirdi railway station
* Hotel stay close to the shrine
* VIP Darshan arrangements
* Return journey assistance
It's the most convenient way to enjoy Shirdi—stress-free and worry-free.
Final Thoughts
Reserving train tickets to Shirdi from Chennai is easy if you know the process and plan ahead of time—particularly during high pilgrimage periods such as Guru Purnima, Ram Navami, or New Year. With proper guidance and the right assistance, the pilgrimage becomes a rewarding spiritual experience right from the initial step.
At Vasant Kamal, we feel that the pilgrimage to Shirdi should be as pure and peaceful as the shrine itself. Whether you require assistance with the booking, planning, or temple bookings—we're here for you at every step.