Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, has a well-connected transport system catering to both tourists and locals. Whether you prefer public transport, taxis, or rental vehicles, this guide covers all available options.
Railway & Metro Transport in Madurai
1. Madurai Railway Network
- Main Railway Station: Madurai Junction (MDU)
- Other Stations: Thiruparankundram, Kudal Nagar, East Madurai, Sholavandan
- Services Available:
Express & Superfast Trains to Major Cities (Chennai, Bangalore, Trichy)
Local Passenger Trains
AC & Sleeper Coaches
2. Metro Rail (Planned)
- Status: Currently, there is no metro rail in Madurai.
- Upcoming Project: Government planning a metro feasibility study for 2030.
Public Bus Transport in Madurai
- Operator: Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC)
- Types of Buses: Ordinary Buses: Cheapest mode, ₹10-₹50 per trip
Deluxe Buses: Better seating, ₹20-₹100
AC Volvo Buses: Premium comfort, ₹50-₹200
Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Buses: Covers Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, Gandhi Museum, ₹250 per day - Major Bus Stands:
- Mattuthavani Bus Stand (MIBT): Buses to Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore
- Aarapalayam Bus Stand: Buses to Kanyakumari, Nagercoil
- Periyar Bus Stand: Local city bus services
Taxis & Ride-Sharing Apps
- Auto Rickshaws
- Best for short distances, fares start at ₹50
- Tip: Negotiate the fare before the ride (no meter-based pricing).
- Ride-Sharing Apps
- Ola & Uber: Available for sedans, hatchbacks, and autos
- Madurai Local Cabs: Private cab services for day-long hire (₹1000-₹2500 per day)
- Private Car Rentals
- Self-drive cars available from companies like Zoomcar, Drivezy
- Chauffeur-driven cars from local travel agencies
Two-Wheeler & Car Rentals
- Bike Rentals
- Available near Madurai Railway Station & Periyar Bus Stand
- Popular Providers: Motoshare, Royal Brothers
- Price: ₹300-₹700 per day
- Car Rentals
- Self-drive cars: ₹1500-₹3000 per day
- Chauffeur-driven cars: ₹10-₹15 per km
Madurai International Airport
- Location: 12 km from city center
- Facilities: Domestic & international flights
- Transport Options:
Prepaid Airport Taxis (₹300-₹600)
Ola/Uber Cabs
Airport Bus (Route 10A, 10B) – ₹50 fare
Major Roads & Highways
- NH-44 (Old NH-7): Connects Madurai to Chennai, Bangalore
- NH-85: Connects Madurai to Kochi, Kerala
- State Highways: SH-33, SH-73, SH-72 link Madurai with nearby towns
Trams (Not Available)
- Madurai does not have a tram network due to its narrow streets and existing bus infrastructure.
Madurai Transportation Summary Table
| Mode of Transport | Availability | Cost (Approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Local & Express) | Available | ₹10 – ₹500 | Intercity Travel |
| Public Buses | Available | ₹10 – ₹250 | Budget-friendly travel |
| Auto Rickshaws | Available | ₹50+ (negotiable) | Short distances |
| Ola/Uber | Available | ₹100 – ₹500 | Comfortable city rides |
| Car Rentals | Available | ₹1500+ per day | Outstation & city tours |
| Bike Rentals | Available | ₹300 – ₹700 per day | Exploring the city |
| Airport Transport | Available | ₹50 – ₹600 | Airport transfers |
| Trams | Not Available | — | — |
| Metro | Not Available | — | — |
Additional Tourist Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | October to March (Pleasant Weather) |
| Famous Attractions | Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, Gandhi Museum |
| Local Specialties | Jigarthanda (Drink), Kari Dosa, Madurai Jasmine Flowers |
| Languages Spoken | Tamil, English, Hindi (limited) |
| Emergency Numbers | Police: 100, Ambulance: 108, Tourist Helpline: 1363 |
Travel Tips for Madurai
- Carry cash – Some auto rickshaws & street vendors don’t accept digital payments.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples.
- Negotiate auto fares before the ride.
- Madurai’s peak traffic hours: 9 AM – 11 AM, 5 PM – 8 PM.
This Madurai Transportation Guide ensures a hassle-free journey for tourists & locals!