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Leaving the Brihadisvara Temple of Thanjavur for the markets and temple towers of Madurai takes you through the heart of Tamil Nadu. The road crosses paddy fields and small villages and links two of the great temple cities of the south, so it fits well into a temple circuit.
Thanjavur to Madurai by Bus
Buses are the backbone of regional transport in Tamil Nadu. The state corporation TNSTC (Madurai) runs city, town and long-distance buses from Madurai's bus stands, which include MGR, Arapalayam, Periyar and Anna.[1] The trip takes from about 3 hours, longer with traffic and stops. Seat types range from non-AC seaters to AC semi-sleepers and AC sleepers on the evening runs.[2]
Thanjavur to Madurai by Private Transfer
A private car picks you up at your hotel and drives you straight to Madurai. It takes from about 2 hours 45 minutes, longer with traffic. On booking platforms, private transfers cost from about $66 up to about $172, depending on the vehicle (November 2026).[2] Vehicle choices run from a hatchback or sedan for couples to an SUV or van for groups of 6 to 8. Split among several travelers, the fare becomes quite reasonable, and you can stop for filter coffee on the way.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Bus | Buses arrive at Madurai's bus stands, from about 3 hours[2] |
| Private transfer | From about 2 hours 45 minutes, about $66 to $172 (November 2026)[2] |
Tips for Traveling from Thanjavur to Madurai
- Choose AC in summer: Tamil Nadu is hot and humid for much of the year, so an AC bus or car is worth it.
- Arrival in Madurai: If you arrive late at night, have a ride-hailing app ready or a hotel transfer arranged.
- Water and snacks: Vendors sell tea and snacks at stops, but a bottle of filtered water is a good idea.
- Luggage: Keep valuables with you on buses and watch your bags when they are stowed.
Timetable
| Bus Thanjavur - Madurai $ 7.17–48.45 2h 50m – 4h 30m | |
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| Taxi Thanjavur - Madurai $ 65.86–171.20 2h 45m – 3h 30m | |
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| Train Thanjavur - Madurai $ 5.36–7.44 3h 20m – 4h 55m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Thanjavur to Madurai, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is the cheapest option. Non-AC seaters cost less than AC sleepers.
A private transfer is the quickest, from about 2 hours 45 minutes.
By road it takes from about 3 hours, longer with traffic and stops.
Yes. AC seaters, AC semi-sleepers and AC sleepers run in the evening, and they are the better choice in the hot months.
Yes. Larger vehicles such as 6-passenger SUVs and 8-passenger vans are available, at about $172 at the top of the price range (November 2026).
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Madurai): Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Madurai) Ltd: profile, bus stands and fare table. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: Thanjavur - Madurai timetable. Retrieved November 4, 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.