Main modes of transport for travelers are by air and by train.
By road
Madurai is situated on National Highways NH-7, NH-45B, NH-49. Almost all of them are presently being upgraded to multi-lane ways as part of National highway development program. Travel from Chennai and Bangalore will take approximately 8-10 hours.
The city is well connected by buses to all major cities in Tamil Nadu via state government operated and private buses. Buses also ply from important cities in the neighboring states of Kerala Ernakulam, Trivandram and KarnatakaBangalore, Mysore. There are lots of ordinary buses and many luxury ones too.
Madurai has several bus stands. Most inter-state and overnight buses terminate at Mattuthavani Bus stand. Private buses are found closer to the city center near Periyar bus stand. Ticketing and reservation facilities are available at the bus-stands.
By plane
Madurai has a domestic airport with fairly good facilities. It is served by several domestic airlines including:
Indian Airlines (http://indian-airlines.nic.in)
Jet Airways (http://www.jetairways.com)
Kingfisher Red (http://www.flykingfisher.com) formerly Air Deccan
SpiceJet (http://www.spicejet.com)
The flights connect mainly to Chennai Madras, but there are few direct flights to other major Indian cities.
The airport is about 15 km from the city center off National Highway 47. It is best to hire a taxi from the airport from the counter in the arrival lounge or arrange for someone to meet you at the airport. For those who prefer to use public transport, you should take bus number 10A, which runs from the airport to the Periyar bus stand.
By train
Trains are the major mode of entry into the city. The railway station is centrally located and many facilities are accessible from there. Madurai is well connected by trains to many parts of India like Chennai , Bangalore, Mumbai Bombay, and Delhi. A train journey from Chennai takes 8 to 10 hours and is the preferred railhead. Train tickets can be booked from Indian Railways' reservation centers or online from IRCTC (http://www.irctc.co.in).
If you book through a travel agent, please book through authorized agents only.
By ship
Madurai is situated inland, and the Vaigai River which runs through the city is mostly dry. However, the nearest ports for entry are Chennai 450 km and Tuticorin 160 km.