Is there a direct bus?

No, you usually need to change at Madurai or Trichy.

How far is Thanjavur?

It is about 400 km from Kollam.

Train is the most comfortable option.

Yes, Thanjavur has many budget and luxury hotels.

Yes, Thanjavur is a peaceful and tourist-friendly city.

Kollam

Thanjavur

Train Bus

Kollam to Thanjavur

Updated: 28 May 2026

Traveling from Kollam to Thanjavur involves crossing the southern tip of the peninsula. You will cover roughly 400 kilometers, passing through major towns like Madurai and Trichy. The journey is best undertaken by train to enjoy the changing landscapes of the Kaveri delta. Road travel is also viable via NH 744 and NH 83, though it can be tiring. Thanjavur is famous for its Chola architecture and rich cultural heritage.

Total Distance: 400 km by road, 320 km straight-line.

Fastest Way

Driving, taking 9 hours via NH 744 and NH 83.

Cheapest Way

Train, costing around 400 INR in sleeper class.

Compare Kollam to Thanjavur Routes

	Train Connecting	Bus Connecting
Duration	10 hours	11 hours
Avg Price	400-900 INR	600-1200 INR
Operator	Indian Railways	KSRTC/TNSTC
Route	Kollam to Trichy, then local train/bus to Thanjavur.	Kollam to Madurai, then Madurai to Thanjavur.
Tip	Change trains at Tiruchirappalli for the final leg to Thanjavur.	Overnight buses are available from Kollam to Madurai.

Travel Tips

Footwear
Wear slip-on shoes as you will be removing them frequently at temples.
Sun Protection
Carry a hat and sunscreen as Thanjavur can get very hot.
Local Transport
Auto-rickshaws are the best way to navigate within Thanjavur city.
Food
Try the authentic Tanjore-style meals at local restaurants.
Photography
Check for photography permissions before clicking inside temple sanctums.