Puducherry, located in the Union Territory of Tamil Nadu, boasts beautiful tree-lined streets and elegant colonial villas, as well as its gorgeous Bay of Bengal coastline.
Madurai was located along the Chennai-Kanniyakumari NH road prior to being expanded into four lanes, and it featured three toll gates at this time.
Distance
If you’re planning a visit to Madurai from Chennai, the distance is about 580 kilometers; taking the fastest route will require passing 11 toll gates if taking this quick route; other alternatives exist that help avoid these tolls as well as FastTag full-dedicated taxi booking services, which could save time and money on this trip.
Government postponement of toll increases will end on December 31st, 2023, and standard, regulated rates will come into effect the following January 1. You can view these road rates via toll operator websites or use a Toll Guru app to calculate precisely how much your trip will cost and prevent any surprises along the way.
Toll-free routes are indicated on the map as blue lines, while the fastest way is displayed as red. This feature is intended to assist drivers in planning their trips efficiently and saving both time and money while traveling long distances – which is especially crucial.
FastTag can help you save both tolls and fuel costs with its Android and iPhone apps, offering the ability to buy multiple TollTags at the same time from one account as well as real-time fuel price updates so you can always find the cheapest gas station on your way.
Traveling from Chennai to Munnar should be an easy and pleasant experience if you select the appropriate route. Coimbatore is often chosen, taking about 6 hours; Dindugal-Madurai also takes 8 hours as it passes close by Chennai.
The Dindugal route provides an economical alternative to Coimbatore-Ulundurpet travel and may be beneficial if toll costs are an issue for you. Unfortunately, however, its speed does not match that of Coimbatore-Ulundurpet-Madurai travel; furthermore, road quality may require frequent breaks due to poor conditions; additionally, it features additional toll gates, which could present other problems if traveling in large groups.
Time
The time required for travel between Chennai and Madurai can depend on the mode of transport chosen. Plane is by far the fastest mode, taking one hour 15 minutes; bus or train travel will also work but will take more time.
Flight tickets between Chennai and Madurai cost roughly $45, while bus tickets start from just $7. If traveling in a group, consider opting for one that features amenities such as soft reclining seats and air conditioning; some bus operators even include water, snacks, or light lunch with your ticket price!
Bus travel is often considered the best choice for long-distance journeys, as it provides comfortable and cost-effective transport. Booking tickets in advance will ensure a seat on your desired date while reducing queues at stations – if traveling during a busy period, it is wise to reserve tickets even earlier!
If you’re planning on driving from Chennai to Madurai, ensure you check road conditions prior to starting and make a plan accordingly. Winter months offer optimal driving conditions as they tend to be drier and more relaxed; however, keep in mind that summer temperatures can make the drive extraordinarily uncomfortable and humid.
Madurai’s most popular tourist attractions are its iconic Hindu temples and historical monuments, such as Meenakshi Temple, Koodal Azhagar Koli Temple, and Kallazhagar Temple. Additionally, you can explore Madurai’s traditional markets or partake in its culinary trail.
If you want more than just seeing the sights, why not consider taking an engaging day tour or cultural excursion? Many tour companies provide packages that take tourists around Madurai’s best spots. In this way, you’ll get to experience local culture while experiencing Madurai like a native. KAYAK provides search results with available tours, including prices and travel times;
Getting there
Train travel between Chennai and Madurai is fast, reliable, and relatively cheap, taking approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes with several trains running daily between them, allowing you to choose one that best meets your schedule.
For groups traveling from Chennai to Madurai, bus travel may also be a cost-effective and comfortable alternative to trains. Buses offer more seating options, including benches and coach buses, and can be booked either online or at the station.
Another option for reaching Madurai from Chennai is taking a flight; this will be the fastest and simplest way, but it can be costly. IndiGo and SpiceJet both provide services between these cities – often offering great deals in the fall/winter seasons!
Road trips between Chennai and Madurai are popular options. Covering approximately 460 km in eight hours should not be an issue if traffic updates and live maps provide accurate information on road conditions.
Chennai, located on India’s southern peninsula, Tamil Nadu, is an expansive metro city that combines ancient temples with modern urban elements. Home to Marina Beach and Elliot’s Beach, among many historical and cultural landmarks, its tropical climate allows it to remain hot during the summer and cooler in winter – perfect conditions for all sorts of outdoor adventures!
MakeMyTrip makes finding cheap flights between Chennai and Madurai easy and cost-effective, offering regular bus services between these cities that depart at regular intervals throughout the day. One-way tickets cost $5 and return tickets $10; MakeMyTrip also provides itineraries that can help plan your journey.
RedRail provides convenient train travel from Chennai to Madurai, with schedules and ticket purchases easily accessible on its website. Multiple trains, such as CDG MDU SF EXP and MS MDU EXP, are running directly between these two cities, which make up this route.
Getting around
Madurai is an absolute must for travelers seeking to experience Indian culture at its finest. This ancient temple town served as a trading and travel center, drawing traders and travelers from Rome, Greece, Sri Lanka, and the Middle East, making its cuisine as varied and delicious as its history itself. Enjoy delicious street-side jigarthanda, kari dosa, and other South Indian treats during your journey at bustling street-side stalls while visiting Pudhu Mandapam, where you can shop for traditional textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts as well as take in traditional Tamil cultural performances!
Madurai can be easily explored via taxi services, bus routes, and trains. Flying is usually the quickest and easiest option available, but flights can be costly and time-consuming; Skyscanner’s price alert tool enables you to monitor flight costs over time and alerts you as soon as the fare decreases or has decreased significantly.
To save money when booking flights, book them during the off-season when prices are lower and avoid traveling during summer’s hot and humid temperatures. Also, for cheaper options, consider connecting flights rather than direct ones, which will reduce travel expenses further.
Regular buses run between Chennai and Madurai from Mofussil Bus Terminus, leaving regularly. Choose between AC and non-AC buses according to your personal preference, and book online using the IntrCity SmartBus app with its unique features for booking; even rest stops and alerts can be sent through, making your journey as stress-free and relaxing as possible.
Bus travel from Chennai to Madurai typically takes 8 hours, although some buses may take longer. If you’re uncertain when you should leave, using Trip Planner, you can view live road conditions and arrival times so as not to get stuck in traffic jams or have unexpected arrival times so as to plan out your day accordingly.
Booking tickets online is often the easiest and best way. You have various payment options available, from UPI and credit/debit cards to rewards or loyalty programs with benefits like free tickets or bonus points.
