Karaikal is well-connected by road, rail, and sea. National Highway 32 (NH32), which runs along the east coast of India from Chennai to Thoothukudi, passes directly through Karaikal, connecting it to major cities like Chidambaram and Nagapattinam.
The Karaikal railway station links the city to the wider Indian Railways network, with regular passenger and express trains operating to destinations like Chennai, Thanjavur, Velankanni, and Ernakulam. The MARG Karaikal Port serves as a major maritime transport facility for freight. The nearest airports are Tiruchirappalli International Airport (approx. 135 km away) and Chennai International Airport (approx. 280 km away). Local transit is primarily handled by private and government buses, auto-rickshaws, and local taxis.