Home › Routes › Madurai to Trichy

Madurai to Trichy

This route from Madurai to Trichy covers about 130 km and typically takes 2.5 hours by road along the NH-38 highway. It is a common leg of a South Tamil Nadu temple circuit, linkin

Plan My Trip Taxi Fares

130 kmDistance

2.5 hrsDuration

Tentative Fare Estimate

· tap a card to jump to its route plan

Car / Taxi

Swift Dzire₹5,855

Ertiga₹7,430

Innova₹7,745

Innova Crysta₹9,570

Tempo Traveller (12)₹13,100

Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST

View route plan

Bus

Non-AC Seater₹140

AC Seater₹230

Non-AC Sleeper₹210

AC Sleeper₹300

Volvo / Multi-Axle₹410

View route plan

Train

Sleeper₹110

Economy₹160

Third AC₹210

Second AC₹290

First AC₹390

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.

Overview

This route from Madurai to Trichy covers about 130 km and typically takes 2.5 hours by road along the NH-38 highway. It is a common leg of a South Tamil Nadu temple circuit, linking the Meenakshi Amman Temple with the Rockfort Temple and Srirangam. The drive passes through flat agricultural plains dotted with paddy fields, banana plantations, and small towns like Melur and T. Pudur. Travelers can choose between a direct car ride, an express bus, or a train journey with scenic views. The route is well-serviced with rest stops and food options, making it a comfortable day trip.

Route Map

Open in Google Maps

By Car: Madurai to Trichy

130 km · ~2h 36m · About 3h of driving, plus stops.

Start from Madurai
An early start keeps you ahead of city and highway traffic.
130 km · 2h 36m drive from previous stop
Arrive in Trichy
Trichy, 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 Trichy

130 km · ~2h 53m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.

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.
Madurai → Trichy
Non-AC or AC Seater · ~130 km
~2h 53m|Tentative fare ₹140–₹410
Search buses Madurai to Trichy
Arrive in Trichy
Trichy, Tamil Nadu
Hotels in Trichy

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 Trichy

Nearest railway stations: Madurai Jn for Madurai, Ponmalai Golden Rock for Trichy.

Direct trains

MADURAI - CHENNAI EGMORE Vaigai SF Exp#12636 · Superfast

06:45 AMMadurai Jn

2h20 stops

08:45 AMTiruchirappalli

CCRunning days & live status ↗

NAGERCOIL - MUMBAI CST Balaji Exp#16352 · Express

09:50 AMMadurai Jn

2h 35m20 stops

12:25 PMTiruchirappalli

2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

MADURAI - CHENNAI EGMORE Pandiyan SF Exp#12638 · Superfast

08:35 PMMadurai Jn

2h 35m20 stops

11:10 PMTiruchirappalli

1A2A3ASLFCRunning days & live status ↗

NAGERCOIL - CHENNAI EGMORE SF Exp#12668 · Superfast

09:05 PMMadurai Jn

2h 40m20 stops

11:45 PMTiruchirappalli

2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Madurai Chennai Egmore BI-Weekly Superfast Express#12794 · Superfast

09:10 PMMadurai Jn

2h 35m18 stops

11:45 PMTiruchirappalli

1A2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

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.

Stops & Places Along the Route

Good places to break the journey from Madurai to Trichy.

Viralimalai45 km from Madurai from Madurai
A small town known for the famous Viralimalai Murugan Temple on a hill. It is a common refreshment stop with local food stalls.
Temple visit (optional)Tea and snack stallsClean restrooms at highway fuel stations
Samayapuram Mariamman Temple15 km before Trichy from Madurai
A powerful deity temple, especially popular on Tuesdays and Fridays. Many travelers make a brief stop for darshan.
Parking areaPrasad shopRestrooms

Hotels in Trichy

Comfortable 3-star stays in Trichy. Tell us your dates and we'll get you a rate.

3 Star Hotel

Trichy

Things to Do in Trichy

Climb the Rock Fort Temple

Ascend the 344 rock-cut steps to the Ucchi Pillayar Temple, dedicated to Ganesha. Along the way, visit the Thayumanavar Shiva temple and enjoy panoramic views of Trichy…

2-3 hours

Explore Srirangam Temple Complex

Dedicate half a day to wander through the seven prakarams of the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. Admire the towering Rajagopuram, the golden vimana, and the Hall of 1000…

3-4 hours

Visit Jambukeswarar Temple

Witness the unique water spring that keeps the Shiva lingam submerged. The temple's architecture and the inner sanctum's ambiance are deeply spiritual.

1-2 hours

Marvel at Kallanai Dam

Travel to the ancient Grand Anicut, built by Karikala Chola in the 2nd century CE. Walk along the dam and appreciate its enduring engineering, which still irrigates the…

1-2 hours

Tour Colonial Landmarks

Visit Our Lady of Lourdes Church and St. Joseph's College, both fine examples of Gothic architecture. The college's campus and the church's stained-glass windows are…

2-3 hours

Shop at Srirangam Bazaar

Stroll through the bustling streets around Srirangam temple, known for traditional silk sarees, brassware, and local snacks. It's a great place to buy souvenirs and…

1-2 hours

See all places in Trichy →

Suggested Trichy Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Trichy

Travel from Madurai to Trichy (about 2.5 hrs by road) and check in
Visit Rock Fort Temple (Ucchi Pillayar Temple)

Day 2Explore Trichy

Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
Visit Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval
Visit Kallanai Dam (Grand Anicut)

Day 3Last sights and departure

Visit Our Lady of Lourdes Church
Head back to Madurai

Suggested from Trichy's top sights.

Travel Tips

Start early (by 7 AM) to avoid traffic and heat.

Carry water and light snacks for the journey.

Use the NH-38 bypass to avoid Trichy city traffic.

Check train schedules for Vaigai Express – it's the fastest.

If visiting Samayapuram, avoid Fridays (very crowded).

Pre-book AC buses during summer months.

Budget Estimate

road

Petrol cost: ~₹1,300 (assuming ₹100/litre, 13 km/l)

Diesel cost: ~₹1,100 (assuming ₹90/litre, 15 km/l)

The most flexible option, allowing stops at roadside eateries and shrines. NH-38 is in good condition with minimal tolls.

train

Sleeper class: ₹80–100

AC Chair Car: ₹300–350

Multiple daily express and passenger trains connect Madurai Junction to Trichy Junction. Trains are comfortable and offer scenic views of the countryside.

bus

Ordinary bus: ₹80–100

Express bus: ₹120–150

Frequent government and private buses depart from Madurai's Periyar Bus Stand. The journey is economical and reliable.

Extend Your Trip

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

Trichy → Thanjavur

About 60 km by road

Plan Madurai → Trichy → Thanjavur Route Thanjavur guide

Trichy → Kumbakonam

About 100 km by road

Plan Madurai → Trichy → Kumbakonam Route Kumbakonam guide

Trichy → Salem

About 150 km by road

Plan Madurai → Trichy → Salem Salem guide

Trichy → Yercaud

About 160 km by road

Plan Madurai → Trichy → Yercaud Yercaud guide

Plan My Trip: Madurai to Trichy

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

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it better to drive or take a train from Madurai to Trichy?

Driving offers flexibility and takes 2.5 hours, while the train is comfortable and avoids traffic but may take longer with halts. For a day trip, driving is recommended; for a relaxed journey, train is good.

2. Are there direct buses from Madurai to Trichy?

Yes, TNSTC and private buses run every 10–15 minutes from Periyar Bus Stand. The journey takes about 3 hours.

3. What is the best time to travel?

Early morning or late evening is best to avoid the heat. The route is fine year-round, but monsoon (Oct–Dec) can cause delays.

4. Can I visit Srirangam Temple on the same day?

Yes, if you arrive by 10 AM, you can visit Rockfort and Srirangam in the afternoon. Plan to stay overnight for a more relaxed visit.

5. Are there any tolls on the Madurai-Trichy road?

Yes, there is a toll plaza near Viralimalai. The car toll is around ₹200 for a one-way trip.