How to travel from Madurai to Chennai, India

The distance between Madurai and Chennai is around 455km (282 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take a taxi which takes around 6h 30m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Madurai to Chennai by train, bus, taxi and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out ChennaiMadurai if you're planning a return trip.

💰 Cheapest
1
train
+

Train

Take the train to Chennai Egmore.

  • Duration7h 25m
  • Departsevery 2 hours
  • Typical cost
    ₹320($4)
Operated by

Indian Railways

2
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Chennai-PT Bus Station.

  • Duration9h 55m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    ₹635($8)
Operated by

SETC

🚀 Fastest
3
taxi
+

Taxi

Take a taxi to Chennai.

  • Duration6h 30m
  • Departson demand
  • Typical cost
    ₹11,940($150)
Operated by

Maniraja Travels

+ 2 others
4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Chennai.

  • Duration6h 30m
  • Distance455km (282 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Madurai and Chennai

There are several options for getting from Madurai to Chennai by train, bus, taxi and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around ₹320 ($4) and will take around 7h 25m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take a taxi and arrive in approximately 6h 30m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ₹11,940 ($150).

The distance between Madurai and Chennai is around 455km (282 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 422km (262 miles)

It takes around 7h 25m to get from Madurai and Chennai by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 6h 30m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Madurai to Chennai is to take a taxi which takes around 6h 30m and will set you back approx ₹11,940 ($150).

The cheapest way to travel between Madurai and Chennai, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around ₹320 ($4) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Madurai and Chennai. It typically takes around 7h 25m and departs every 4 hours.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Madurai and Chennai with no changeovers required. The train runs every 4 hours and takes 7h 25m.

Indian Railways run train services between Madurai and Chennai. Trains depart every 4 hours and will take around 7h 25m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Madurai and Chennai. It typically takes around 9h 55m and departs hourly.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Madurai and Chennai with no changeovers required. The bus runs hourly and takes 9h 55m.

SETC run regular bus services between Madurai and Chennai. Buses run hourly and take around 9h 55m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Madurai to Chennai. We recommend that you take the train to Chennai Egmore. instead which will take 7h 25m.

The closest major airport to Chennai is Chennai International Airport (MAA) (MAA) which is approximately 16km (10 miles) from Chennai. Tirupati Airport (TIR) (TIR) and Kadapa Airport (CDP) (CDP) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Madurai and Chennai. The distance is around 455km (282 miles) by road and it will take around 6h 30m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Madurai to Chennai is to take the train which takes, on average, 7h 25m and will usually cost around ₹320 ($4).

How do I get from Madurai to Chennai

Compare travel optionsbetween Madurai and Chennai

Transport options from Madurai to Chennai
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
7h 25m
₹320($4)
every 2 hours492km (306 miles)
Bus
9h 55m
₹635($8)
hourly455km (283 miles)
Taxi
6h 30m
₹11,940($150)
on demand455km (282 miles)
Drive
6h 30m
₹4,300($54)
on demand455km (282 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Madurai and Chennai

Airlines

Bus companies

Airports near Chennai

The following major airports near Chennai offer regular flights to various popular destinations within India and internationally.

MAA
Chennai International Airport (MAA)
International Airport
Distance
16km (10 miles) from Chennai
TIR
Tirupati Airport (TIR)
Domestic Airport
Distance
100km (62 miles) from Chennai
CDP
Kadapa Airport (CDP)
Domestic Airport
Distance
227km (141 miles) from Chennai