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

By train: approximately 3 hrs 8 min. By road: approximately 2 hrs 20 min.

Madurai to Thanjavur: 147 km | Travel Routes

Q: What is the distance from Madurai to Thanjavur?

The aerial distance from Madurai to Thanjavur is approximately 147 km (91 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 172 km.

Q: What is the best way to travel from Madurai to Thanjavur?

For this 172 km journey, a car or train is ideal. Driving takes about 2 hrs 20 min and trains take approximately 3 hrs 8 min.

Madurai

Tamil Nadu

Thanjavur

Tamil Nadu

147 km

aerial distance (straight line)

91 miles · Road distance: ~172 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

172 km

Road distance

2 hrs 20 min

Drive time

147 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Madurai to Thanjavur

✈

By Flight

57 min

Fly to Tiruchirapally (TRZ), nearest to Thanjavur

Search Flights

🚆

By Train

3 hrs 8 min

172 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

4 hrs 55 min

172 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

2 hrs 20 min

172 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

147 km (91 mi)

Road distance

~172 km

Recommended

Train or Car (2 hrs 20 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Madurai to Thanjavur distance overview

The distance from Madurai to Thanjavur is approximately 147 km as the crow flies. The road distance is about 172 km, making this a comfortable day trip by car or train.

147 kmAerial distance

~172 kmBy road

2 hrs 20 minTrain or Car

✈️ Reaching Thanjavur by air

No direct airport

Thanjavur does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is Tiruchirapally (TRZ). Fly to the nearest airport and continue by road or rail.

Search Flights to Nearest Airport

🚆 By train — Madurai to Thanjavur

3 hrs 8 min ~172 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Madurai and Thanjavur with regular services. The journey takes around 3 hrs 8 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains are more frequent on this short route.

AC 3-Tier (3A)Popular, good value

Sleeper Class (SL)Budget, non-AC

Book in advance through IRCTC, especially during festivals and holidays when seats fill up quickly.

Check Trains on IRCTC

🚌 By bus — Madurai to Thanjavur

4 hrs 55 min ~172 km Most affordable

Bus travel between Madurai and Thanjavur is convenient and affordable. The journey takes approximately 4 hrs 55 min. Both government and private operators service this route with AC and non-AC options.

AC SeaterAir-conditioned, mid-range

Non-ACBudget-friendly, frequent service

Search Madurai to Thanjavur Buses

🚗 By car — Madurai to Thanjavur

2 hrs 20 min ~172 km

A comfortable 2 hrs 20 min drive covers the 172 km between Madurai and Thanjavur. This makes for a great day trip by car.

💡 Travel tips for Madurai to Thanjavur

📅

Day trip friendly
At 172 km, you can easily make this a day trip and return the same day. Train or car is ideal.

💳

Carry valid ID
Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID is required for train travel and recommended for bus journeys.

Where to stay in Thanjavur

Budget to luxury hotels. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Thanjavur Hotels

🅞️ Weather in Thanjavur

Powered by Open-Meteo

🔗 Useful travel resources

For official travel information, regulations, and booking services:

IRCTC — Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation — Book train tickets online

Airports Authority of India — Airport information and flight status

DGCA — Directorate General of Civil Aviation — Indian aviation regulator

Incredible India — Official tourism portal of India

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from Madurai to Thanjavur? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Madurai to Thanjavur is approximately 147 km (91 miles). The road distance is approximately 172 km, which takes about 2 hrs 20 min by car.

What is the best way to travel from Madurai to Thanjavur? ▼

For this 172 km journey, a car or train is most practical. Driving takes about 2 hrs 20 min and trains take approximately 3 hrs 8 min. This makes for a comfortable day trip.

Are there buses from Madurai to Thanjavur? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Madurai to Thanjavur route. The journey takes approximately 4 hrs 55 min. You can search and book bus tickets on FareEagle with AC Seater and Non-AC options.

How long does the train take from Madurai to Thanjavur? ▼

The train from Madurai to Thanjavur takes approximately 3 hrs 8 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Madurai to Thanjavur travel on FareEagle? ▼

Yes! FareEagle lets you compare and book bus tickets, and hotels for the Madurai to Thanjavur route. Compare prices across operators, get instant confirmation, and enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

Routes from Madurai

Madurai to Thanjavur Distance & How to Reach