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Chennai To Thanjavur Bus Timings, Fare, Distance & Duration

Cheapest Bus Ticket
:
₹ 666
Last Bus
:
11:45 PM
Earliest Bus
:
11:25 PM
Avg. Bus Duration
:
7h 30m
Distance
:
303 km
From City
:
Chennai
To City
:
Thanjavur
Bus Amenities
:
Air Freshener, Charging Point, Medical Kit, Water Bottle, Live Tracking, Blanket, Bio Toilet, A/C
No of Daily Buses
:
2
Bus Type
:
Ashok Leyland A/C Semi-Sleeper/Sleeper (With Washroom)
Max Bus Fare
:
₹ 682

Book Chennai to Thanjavur Bus Ticket Online

Heading from Chennai to Thanjavur? The journey takes about 7h 30m across 303 kms, and zingbus runs 2 direct buses on this route. Buses leave anywhere from 11:25 PM to 11:45 PM, and fares fall between ₹666 and ₹682. Book your ticket with zingbus for a safe, comfortable ride.

Chennai to Thanjavur Bus Service Schedule

BusDepartureBoarding PointDrop PointType
zingbus Plus11:25 PMKelambakkam Bus StopOld Bus StandAshok Leyland A/C Semi-Sleeper/Sleeper (With Washroom)
zingbus Plus11:45 PMKarapakkam Bus Stand New Bus StandAshok Leyland A/C Semi-Sleeper/Sleeper (With Washroom)

All 2 buses on the Chennai to Thanjavur bus route are GPS-tracked, with background-verified drivers and OTP verification at boarding.

Chennai to Thanjavur Route Details

Chennai Paiyanur Kalpakam Puducherry Cuddalore Chidambaram Sirkazhi Vaitheeswaran Koil Mayiladuthurai Kuthalam Aduthurai Kumbakonam Trichy Thanjavur

Chennai to Thanjavur Bus Ticket Prices

zingbus is trusted to provide the most affordable and comfortable ways to travel from Chennai to Thanjavur. Our fares are budget-friendly and vary depending on the bus type, travel season, and the facilities of the bus.

Minimum Bus Ticket Price ₹666
Maximum Bus Ticket Price₹682

Chennai to Thanjavur Bus Timings

The bus schedule offers flexible options for Chennai to Thanjavur journey . Check the schedule below for more details:

First bus11:25 PM
Last bus11:45 PM

Why Choose zingbus for Chennai to Thanjavur Bus Travel

  • GPS-enabled buses for live tracking
  • Well-maintained, premium fleets
  • Professional staff and verified drivers
  • Flexible bus timings
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Luggage storage facilities
  • Easy booking and secure payment system
  • Premium lounges at select routes
  • Female only seat selection for women safety
  • Clean Washroom

How to Book Chennai to Thanjavur Bus Tickets Online

Booking an online bus ticket from Chennai to Thanjavur is simple, fast, convenient, and affordable with zingbus. 

  • Open the zingbus app or website.
  • Enter Chennai as origin and Thanjavur as destination, then select your travel date.
  • Choose your bus, seat, and boarding/drop-off point.
  • Fill in passenger details.
  • Pay via UPI, credit/debit card, net banking, or wallet.
  • Apply a coupon code if you have one.
  • Receive your e-ticket and m-ticket instantly by SMS and email.
  • Show your digital ticket and OTP to the Marshal when boarding.

Bus Types on Chennai to Thanjavur Route

zingbus runs premium coaches across multiple configurations on the Chennai to Thanjavur bus route to match every travel style and budget. Check the table above for exact details on your selected service.

  • Ashok Leyland A/C Semi-Sleeper/Sleeper (With Washroom)

Explore All Verticals of zingbus

zingbus Plus : Premium coaches with more legroom, priority boarding, and upgraded amenities for travellers seeking extra comfort.

zingbus MAXX : Seven-star luxury fleet featuring airline-style seating, personal entertainment screens, and exceptional onboard service.

zingbus Electric (EV):  A sustainable and eco-friendly travel option with zero emissions and modern amenities, ensuring a smooth and responsible journey.

Whether you’re prioritising luxury or budget, zingbus ensures a consistent, high-quality travel experience across all coach categories on the Chennai to Thanjavur route.

Pickup & Drop-Off Points for Chennai to Thanjavur Bus

zingbus offers convenient boarding and drop-off points for the Chennai to Thanjavur bus route to ensure a seamless travel experience. Simply select your preferred location while booking.

Boarding points in Chennai:

Drop-off points in Thanjavur: 

All pickup and drop-off points are verified for passenger safety and convenience. Your confirmed boarding and drop point will be shown on your ticket.

Book Thanjavur to Chennai Bus Return Ticket

zingbus prides itself on providing the highest quality bus service that is reliable, safe, and affordable. If you plan to travel to and from intercity, zingbus can be your travel partner. Book your return ticket of Thanjavur to Chennai bus and enjoy a comfortable and safe journey.

FAQs on Chennai to Thanjavur Bus Route

Q: What is the Chennai to Thanjavur bus ticket price?

A: Chennai to Thanjavur bus ticket fare start from ₹666, depending on bus type, seat availability, and how early you book.

Q: How long does the bus take from Chennai to Thanjavur?

A: Approximately 7h 30m under normal traffic and road conditions.

Q: What are the Chennai to Thanjavur bus timings?

A: Chennai to Thanjavur buses depart between 11:25 PM and 11:45 PM. zingbus operates 2 direct buses daily on this route.

Q: What is the distance from Chennai to Thanjavur by bus?

A: The Chennai to Thanjavur bus distance is approximately 303 km.

Q: Is a washroom available on the Chennai to Thanjavur bus route?

A: Yes, clean onboard toilets are available.

Q: Does zingbus provide travel insurance on the Chennai to Thanjavur bus route?

A: Yes, on eligible bookings.

Q: What if I miss my bus?

A: Contact zingbus customer care immediately for assistance.

Q: Are there any discounts on the Chennai to Thanjavur route?

A: Yes, check available offers on the app or website at checkout.

Q: What payment methods are accepted?

A: UPI, Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, and digital wallets.

Q: Are buses live-tracked?

A: Yes, all zingbus coaches have GPS tracking, accessible via the app.

Q: Are female-only seats available on Chennai to Thanjavur bus route?

A: Yes. Female-only seats can be selected at booking for added safety.

Q: Is there a luggage limit?

A: 15 kg per passenger. Check the website for the full baggage policy.

Q: Can I change my boarding or dropping point after booking my ticket?

A: Reach out to zingbus customer support through the app as early as possible changes are handled case by case, subject to seat and route availability.

Q: How long does it take for a refund to hit my account after canceling a zingbus ticket?

A: Refunds for eligible cancellations land back in your account within 3–7 business days, depending on your bank or payment provider.

Q: Which Thanjavur drop is closest to the Big Temple?

A: The Old Bus Stand, opposite Vasan Medical Centre, is about 0.5 km from the Brihadeeswarar Temple, close enough to walk.

Q: Is it better to get off at the Old or New Bus Stand?

A: The Old Bus Stand suits the temple and palace. The New Bus Stand is about 4 km out, with frequent town buses to the centre.

Q: Can I board the Chennai to Thanjavur bus on OMR?

A: Yes. Sholinganallur, Navalur, Siruseri, Thuraipakkam, Karapakkam and Kelambakkam are among the listed OMR boarding points.

Q: Is the Saraswathi Mahal Library open every day?

A: No. The library museum closes on Wednesdays and government holidays. The art gallery and Big Temple stay open that day.

If you still have questions related to the Chennai to Thanjavur bus trip, please refer to our zingbus FAQ page here.

Chennai to Thanjavur Bus Travel Guide

A Chennai to Thanjavur bus leaves close to midnight, follows the East Coast Road through Puducherry and Chidambaram, then passes Kumbakonam before reaching the Chola capital early the next morning. The Old Bus Stand drop lies about 0.5 km from the Brihadeeswarar Temple, so you can see the Big Temple in soft morning light soon after arriving.

Departing from Chennai for Thanjavur

Chennai boarding for this route stretches from Koyambedu, Vadapalani and Guindy to the OMR IT corridor, including Sholinganallur, Navalur, Siruseri and Kelambakkam. Office workers along OMR can board the Chennai to Thanjavur bus near work, while central Chennai travellers have several metro-linked points.

Local Transport to Chennai Bus Boarding Points

Chennai Metro reaches several central boarding points, and autos or app cabs cover the OMR stops. Late-night traffic is lighter, but allows extra time on OMR, where toll plazas and junctions slow movement.

  • Koyambedu Omni Bus Stand: The point in front of the Indian Oil pump is near the Green Line’s CMBT station.
  • Guindy: The stop in front of Indian Bank sits close to Guindy metro on the Blue Line.
  • Vadapalani: Opposite Murugan Idly Shop on 100 Feet Road, near SIMS Hospital and Vadapalani metro.
  • Sholinganallur Near Bus Stand: A central OMR pickup in front of the bus stand, convenient for IT offices.
  • Kelambakkam Bus Stop: The stop opposite Chettinad Hospital gate is the southernmost OMR pickup.

Two Koyambedu points are listed, at the Omni Bus Stand and opposite CMBT near Geetham Restaurant, so check the exact landmark on your ticket. OMR pickups such as Perungudi and Karapakkam include a road direction, which helps you wait on the correct side.

Arriving in Thanjavur

The Chennai to Thanjavur bus lists five drops, starting at Papanasam and Ayyampettai on the Kumbakonam road before reaching town. For the Big Temple and the palace, the Old Bus Stand is the most useful stop.

  • Papanasam: The earliest drop on the Kumbakonam road, at Papanasam bus stop, near the town’s temples.
  • Ayyampettai: Near Ayyampettai bus stand, part of the area known for Kumbakonam betel leaf.
  • Old Bus Stand: Opposite Vasan Medical Centre, about 0.5 km from the Brihadeeswarar Temple.
  • New Bus Stand: Opposite the HP petrol pump, about 4 km from the centre, with frequent town buses.
  • Manimandapam: The drop near Manimandapam, opposite Tamilarasi Mahal, is another town option.

Autos are the easiest way to reach hotels, and fares are agreed before starting. Thanjavur’s palace complex is about 1 km from the Big Temple, close enough to walk. Hotel check-in times vary, so plan breakfast first.

Top Places to Visit in Thanjavur

Thanjavur’s main sights sit within a short walk of each other in the old town. Darasuram and Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the other two Great Living Chola Temples, suit separate trips.

  • Brihadeeswarar Temple: Built by Rajaraja I around 1010, it is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Big Temple Nandi: The monolithic Nandi facing the shrine is among the largest in India.
  • Thanjavur Maratha Palace: The complex, about 1 km from the temple, holds an art gallery of Chola bronzes.
  • Saraswathi Mahal Library: One of Asia’s oldest libraries, with a museum of manuscripts; closed on Wednesdays.
  • Schwartz Church: Built in 1779 by Serfoji II in the palace garden beside the Sivaganga tank.

Things to Do in Thanjavur After Your Bus Journey

After the Chennai to Thanjavur bus, the old town suits a day on foot between temple, palace and markets. Thanjavur’s crafts and meals are as much a part of the visit as its monuments.

  • Morning at the Big Temple: The temple opens at 6 AM, when the stone glows in early light.
  • Bronze Gallery: The palace art gallery displays Chola bronze sculptures of deities and saints.
  • Thanjavur Doll Shopping: The GI-tagged thalaiyatti bommai nod and sway, making them popular gifts.
  • Thanjavur Painting: Gold-leaf Thanjavur paintings, also GI-tagged, are sold in workshops and shops around town.
  • Banana Leaf Meal: A full meal on a banana leaf is the city’s defining lunch experience.

A Practical First Day in Thanjavur

The bus reaches Thanjavur early in the morning. Get off at the Old Bus Stand, have breakfast and head to the Brihadeeswarar Temple, which opens at 6 AM and closes for the afternoon at 12:30 PM.

After a banana-leaf lunch and a rest, walk to the Maratha Palace complex. The art gallery reopens at 3 PM and closes at 6 PM, while the Saraswathi Mahal Library museum stays closed on Wednesdays, so plan around it.

Return to the Big Temple after it reopens at 4 PM to see the evening lamps and the tower at sunset. Keep Darasuram, about 40 km away, and Gangaikonda Cholapuram, about 70 km away, for another day.

Thanjavur Local Transport Costs and Sightseeing Budget

For one adult on the temple and palace plan, ₹1000 covers palace tickets, autos, meals and coffee. The Big Temple is free, and the other figures are planning allowances, as palace fees could not be confirmed officially. Lodge bills and the bus ticket are not counted here.

ExpenseCost or planning allowance
Brihadeeswarar Temple entryFree
Palace complex, gallery and library tickets₹150 per person as a planning allowance
Auto rides₹250 per person as a daily planning allowance
Breakfast, lunch and dinner₹450 per person as a daily planning allowance
Coffee, snacks and water₹150 per person as a daily planning allowance
Sample day for one adult₹1000, excluding craft shopping

Parts of the palace complex carry separate tickets, and photography can attract an extra charge, so budget a little more if you plan to see every section.

Thanjavur dolls and paintings vary widely in price, so set a shopping budget separately. A Darasuram or Gangaikonda Cholapuram trip needs its own allowance for a hired auto, taxi or bus.

Note: All figures are planning allowances; ticket prices at each site may change.

Famous Foods to Try in Thanjavur

Thanjavur’s food reflects the rich Kaveri delta, with rice-based meals, sweets and strong coffee. Many of its best-known flavours come from nearby towns such as Kumbakonam and Thiruvaiyaru.

  • Banana Leaf Meals: Rice served with sambar, rasam, kootu, poriyal and curd on a fresh banana leaf.
  • Ashoka Halwa: A rich moong dal and wheat halwa from Thiruvaiyaru, often served at weddings.
  • Adhirasam: A deep-fried sweet of rice flour and jaggery, common during festivals in Tamil Nadu.
  • Kumbakonam Degree Coffee: Strong filter coffee with fresh milk, closely linked with nearby Kumbakonam.
  • Kumbakonam Betel Leaf: GI-tagged betel leaves grown around Kumbakonam and Ayyampettai, served after meals.

Best Time to Travel from Chennai to Thanjavur

November to February brings the most comfortable weather for temple walks, though the northeast monsoon runs from October into January. Summer heat peaks in May and June.

  • October and November: Sadhaya Vizha, Raja Raja Chola’s birth anniversary, falls in the Tamil month of Aippasi.
  • December to February: Pleasant days suit temple visits and day trips to Darasuram and Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
  • March to June: Temperatures reach around 36°C in May and June, so visit temples early and late.
  • July to September: Warm days with some rain, before the heavier northeast monsoon from October.

Safety Measures by zingbus on Chennai to Thanjavur Bus Journey

The Chennai to Thanjavur bus covers a long overnight route along the East Coast Road and through the delta towns. Three core zingbus measures support passengers through the night.

  • Two-Driver Policy: zingbus rotates drivers on routes longer than six hours, which covers this overnight journey south.
  • zingbus Marshal: An onboard marshal helps with seating and is the contact for passenger concerns.
  • Emergency Exits: Note the marked exits when boarding, keep the aisle clear and follow crew guidance in emergencies.

OMR pickups sit on a busy road even late at night, so wait on the footpath on the side named in your ticket. At the Big Temple, footwear comes off before entering, and the stone courtyard heats up quickly, so carry water.

Plan Your Chennai to Thanjavur Bus Journey

Getting off the Chennai to Thanjavur bus at the Old Bus Stand puts the Big Temple and Maratha Palace within walking distance. For the return, the Thanjavur to Chennai bus drops at Guindy, Vadapalani, Koyambedu and OMR points across Chennai.

Popular Bus Routes from Chennai to Thanjavur

Popular Bus Routes from Chennai

Popular Bus Routes to Thanjavur

- Updated on Nov 02, 2026