Madurai to Thanjavur: Bus, Train and Taxi Guide

The Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur is a Chola-era Shiva temple whose tower rises 212 ft (64.8 m), with a Nandi bull carved from a single stone.^[1] From Madurai you head north through the Kaveri delta, and the journey is easy to do in a day.

Madurai to Thanjavur by Bus

Madurai's Mattuthavani and Periyar bus stands both have state corporation reservation counters, and Thanjavur has its own bus stand with a reservation counter.^[2] Ask at the counter for the next Thanjavur departure, and choose a government or private coach on the day. In Thanjavur the Old Bus Stand is 0.5 km from the Big Temple, an easy walk or a short auto ride.^[1]

Madurai to Thanjavur by Train

Thanjavur Junction is the railway station for the temple.^[1] Check IRCTC for a through train or a change at Tiruchirappalli before you plan around the rails.

Madurai to Thanjavur by Taxi

A private car costs about $49 to $96 on booking platforms (November 2026), from a hatchback or sedan up to a 6-seat SUV or an 8-seat van. The drive takes from about 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes, longer with traffic.^[3] A taxi is the simplest choice for families or small groups with luggage.

Tips for Traveling from Madurai to Thanjavur

Start early: Leave Madurai in the morning so you reach the Big Temple with time to spare, and keep the late afternoon for the town.
Book a group taxi in advance: Vans and larger SUVs are the cheapest per person once four or more people share.
Show your hotel address: Keep the name and address saved on your phone, ideally in Tamil as well, for auto drivers.
Dress for the temple: Cover shoulders and knees, and wear shoes that slip off easily.

Timetable

Madurai - Thanjavur More info / Tickets

Bus Madurai - Thanjavur $ 8.92–40.47 2h 10m – 4h
→ Non-AC Seater 00:50, 01:05, 22:55 → AC Sleeper 00:35, 00:45, 01:00, 01:30, 01:50, 23:55 → AC Seater 23:30
Taxi Madurai - Thanjavur $ 48.31–95.24 2h 45m – 3h 30m
→ SUV 6pax → Hatchback 4pax → Sedan → Economy 3pax → Van 8pax
Train Madurai - Thanjavur $ 5.33–19.12 3h 13m
→ 1A - AC First Class Sleeper 00:15 → 2A - AC 2-Tier Sleeper 00:15 → 3A - AC 3-Tier Sleeper 00:15 → SL - Sleeper Class 00:15

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Madurai to Thanjavur?

Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Madurai to Thanjavur, including current prices and schedules.

What is the cheapest way to get from Madurai to Thanjavur?

A state or private bus from Madurai's Mattuthavani or Periyar bus stand is usually the cheapest option. A taxi costs about $49 to $96 on booking platforms (November 2026).

How long does it take to get from Madurai to Thanjavur?

A taxi takes from about 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes, longer with traffic. Bus times depend on the service and the stops.

Where do buses from Madurai leave from?

Madurai has two main bus stands, Mattuthavani and Periyar, and both have state bus reservation counters. Ask there which stand your Thanjavur bus leaves from.

How far is the bus stand from the Brihadisvara Temple?

The Old Bus Stand in Thanjavur is about 0.5 km from the temple, so you can walk or take a short auto ride.

Can I book a taxi for a group?

Yes. Private cars range from hatchbacks and sedans to 6-seat SUVs and 8-seat vans, which suit families and tour groups.

Sources and background

Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.

[1] Thanjavur District Administration: Big (Brihadeeshwara) Temple. Retrieved November 12, 2026.

[2] Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (SETC): Reservation Center. Retrieved November 12, 2026.

[3] 12Go: 12Go timetable Madurai - Thanjavur. Retrieved November 12, 2026.

Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.