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Madurai to Kumbakonam

Distance, real road route and a tentative fare estimate for travelling from Madurai, Tamil Nadu to Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu.

234 kmDistance
4.7 hrsDrive time

Tentative Fare Estimate

Car / Taxi
Swift Dzire₹11,710
Ertiga₹14,860
Innova₹15,490
Innova Crysta₹19,140
Tempo Traveller (12)₹26,200

Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST

View route plan
Bus
Non-AC Seater₹260
AC Seater₹420
Non-AC Sleeper₹370
AC Sleeper₹540
Volvo / Multi-Axle₹710
View route plan
Train
Sleeper₹170
Economy₹260
Third AC₹360
Second AC₹500
First AC₹690
View route plan

Tentative estimate only, based on typical Indian public-transport tariffs (state transport bus fares, IRCTC sleeper/AC class rates, standard outstation taxi per-km rates) — not a live quote from any operator.

Route Map

By Car: Madurai to Kumbakonam

234 km · ~5h 1m · About 5h of driving, plus stops.

  1. Start from Madurai

    An early start keeps you ahead of city and highway traffic.

  2. 150 km · 3h drive from previous stop

    Rest & refuel near Puliyur

    About 150 km in — 15–20 minutes for tea, food, fuel and a stretch.

  3. 84 km · 1h 41m drive from previous stop

    Arrive in Kumbakonam

    Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu

Stops are typical for this road, not a fixed itinerary. Timings assume about 50 km/h on average — traffic, tolls and road conditions vary.

By Bus: Madurai to Kumbakonam

234 km · ~5h 12m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.

  1. Board at Madurai

    Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Madurai. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.

  2. Madurai → Kumbakonam

    AC Seater / Volvo · ~234 km

    ~5h 12m|Tentative fare ₹260–₹710

    Usual tea / meal halts: Vallam (~170 km)

  3. Arrive in Kumbakonam

    Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu

Halts and change points are typical for this route, not a specific operator’s schedule — check live availability and timings when booking.

By Train: Madurai to Kumbakonam

Nearest railway stations: Madurai Jn for Madurai, Kumbakonam for Kumbakonam.

Direct trains

Chendhur Express#16736 · Express
12:20 AMMadurai Jn
4h 43m36 stops
05:03 AMKumbakonam
RAMESWARAM - TIRUPATI Exp#16780 · Express
07:15 PMMadurai Jn
4h 4m38 stops
11:19 PMKumbakonam
Madurai Chennai Egmore BI-Weekly Superfast Express#12794 · Superfast
09:10 PMMadurai Jn
4h 9m36 stops
01:19 AM+1dKumbakonam

Train details come from a 2015 railway timetable snapshot — newer trains, changed timings and running days are not included, so confirm on IRCTC before you plan around a train.

Madurai to Kumbakonam: Route & Travel Options

Route overview

Madurai to Kumbakonam is about 234 km by road, roughly 4.7 hours of travel time. The road passes near Thanjavur.

Tentative fare estimate

Approximate fares for about 234 km, estimated from typical Indian per-km tariffs — not a live quote from any operator.

  • Car / Taxi: Swift Dzire ₹11,710 · Ertiga ₹14,860 · Innova ₹15,490 · Innova Crysta ₹19,140 · Tempo Traveller (12) ₹26,200
  • Bus: Non-AC Seater ₹260 · AC Seater ₹420 · Non-AC Sleeper ₹370 · AC Sleeper ₹540 · Volvo / Multi-Axle ₹710
  • Train: Sleeper ₹170 · Economy ₹260 · Third AC ₹360 · Second AC ₹500 · First AC ₹690

Tentative estimates only — actual fares vary by operator, season, class and how early you book.

Want the full Kumbakonam guide?

Attractions, itineraries, temples and travel tips for Kumbakonam.

View Kumbakonam Guide

Stops & Places Along the Route

Good places to break the journey from Madurai to Kumbakonam. Distances are approximate; the road you take may pass a little away from some of them.

  1. Thanjavur190 km from Madurai

Hotels in Kumbakonam

Treebo hotels in Thanjavur, about 33 km from Kumbakonam. Tell us your dates and we'll get you a rate.

Treebo Premium La Orchid

Thanjavur

Treebo Naaz Royal

Thanjavur

Things to Do in Kumbakonam

Visit Adi Kumbeswarar Temple

Explore the sprawling complex dedicated to Shiva, with its towering gopuram and the sacred tank where the nectar pot is said to have landed. Witness the vibrant rituals…

1-2 hours

Marvel at Sarangapani Temple's Gopuram

Admire the 11-tiered gopuram and the unique chariot-shaped sanctum entrance, a masterpiece of Nayak architecture. Participate in the daily pujas and feel the spiritual…

1-2 hours

Circumambulate the Mahamaham Tank

Walk around the sacred tank, surrounded by 16 small mandapams and shrines. Learn about its mythological significance and the grand festival that occurs every 12 years.

1 hour

Take a Day Trip to Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram

Drive to this UNESCO World Heritage site, a gem of Chola architecture. Admire the stone chariot wheels, the intricate friezes, and the musical steps that echo with…

Half day

Sip Kumbakonam Degree Coffee

Indulge in the town's famous filter coffee, brewed in a brass davara and served with frothy milk. Visit a local stall to experience the authentic 'degree' that has made…

30 minutes

Explore Local Bazaars

Wander through the bustling streets to buy betel leaves, brassware, and traditional silk. Interact with locals and observe daily life in this vibrant temple town.

2 hours

See all places in Kumbakonam →

Suggested Kumbakonam Itinerary

Day 1Day 1

  • Morning darshan at Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
  • Visit Sarangapani Temple and climb its gopuram
  • Walk around Mahamaham Tank and its 20 ghats

Day 2Day 2

  • Morning visit to Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram
  • Photography and detailed exploration of Darasuram's carvings
  • Afternoon darshan at Nageswaran Temple

Day 3Day 3

  • Optional morning visit to Kasi Viswanathar Temple
  • Shopping for betel leaves, brass items, and silk
  • Leisurely lunch at a heritage-style restaurant
Full 3-day itinerary →

Extend Your Trip

Add a nearby place to your Kumbakonam trip and see the full Madurai → Kumbakonam → next stop route.

Kumbakonam → Thanjavur

About 45 km by road

Kumbakonam → Velankanni

About 75 km by road

Kumbakonam → Chidambaram

About 75 km by road

Kumbakonam → Trichy

About 100 km by road

Plan My Trip: Madurai to Kumbakonam

Pick how you want to travel and we'll send a complete plan with transport, hotel and sightseeing — on WhatsApp and a call back.

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