Local transport is by means of bus, taxi or auto-rickshaw. Being a small city there are no metro or local train facilities, though there are passenger trains connecting nearby places. Refer to the timetable available at the railway station for more information.
By Auto Rickshaws
The Auto Rickshaws are not metered, which means you need to negotiate your fare before commencing your travel. The rule of thumb rate is Rs10 per km of travel during day time and Rs 15 per km during night. They are usually safe to hire from central, well lit locations like the railway station. It is likely for auto rickshaw drivers to quote exorbitant rates to Foreigners.
By bus
Local buses are run by the government and are safe to use. Travelling them is extremely cheap, and quite an experience in itself. However, they will be crowded during peak hours. There are also specific services available at night, though the charges are double. Please carry coins to buy tickets. Remember that in India everyone lives by asking each other for directions. The friendly people are often more than happy to help a foreigner find his/her way by giving directions. Just donât get too friendly or pay money. Most people speak the working national Language "English" , at bus stops donât form a queue, ask whether the bus you are boarding goes to where you need to and get on, the conductor will drop you off if you are not on the right bus, no worries! Now the buses are color coded. Orange buses with yellow seats are expensive USD 0.20, so are not crowded. Choose to wait and travel comfortably. If you really want to rough it out try the cheaper version of the city buses and be ready to shower and use deodorant after! I would also keep a watch on my wallet. But Tamilnadu is better policed than most other states. Travel at night is also safe. So relax, forget your travel guide and discover a whole new culture of friendliness.
The boards in buses are displayed only in Tamil, so please ask the conductor regarding the destination and route.
Madurai has 4 main bus-stands.
Periyar Bus stand - Exclusive local bus terminal, about 5 minutes walk from railway station. Commonly referred as "Periyar".
Shopping Complex bus stand - Right opposite to Periyar bus stand, often referred by the same name. Private inter-city buses depart from here.
Arapalayam bus stand - Some local buses and those bound west/northwest towards Theni, Dindigul, Coimbatore, Palani, Kodaikanal, Salem, Erode, Batlagundu or Vaththalakundu, Periyakulam depart from here.
Mattuthavani Integrated bus stand - Simply called Mattuthavani, and located in the outskirts about 10 km from Periyar bus stand. This is the location for long distance government buses and other places. Private buses also stop here.
All bus-stands are interconnected by buses or you can hire an auto.