Best Ways to Travel to Ooty
Whether you are driving through the Bandipur forest, flying into Coimbatore, or taking the heritage Toy Train, here is your 2025 updated guide to reaching the Queen of Hill Stations.
Reaching Udhagamandalam (Ooty) is part of the adventure. Located at 2,240 meters in the Nilgiris, Ooty is well-connected by National Highways and the famous UNESCO World Heritage Railway. Below is a detailed breakdown from major cities.
Distance: 86 km | Time: 3 Hours
Coimbatore is the nearest city with an airport (CJB) and a major railway junction.
🚖 By Taxi / Cab
This is the fastest way. The drive via Mettupalayam and Coonoor is scenic.
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Fare: ₹2,500 - ₹3,500 (One Way).
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Route: Coimbatore -> Mettupalayam -> Burliyar -> Coonoor -> Ooty.
🚌 By Bus
Very frequent and affordable.
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Operator: TNSTC (Green Buses) & Private AC Buses.
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Frequency: Every 20 minutes from New Bus Stand.
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Cost: ₹100 - ₹250 approx.
🚂 The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train)
The most magical way to arrive! The train starts from Mettupalayam Station (35km from Coimbatore).
| Train No. |
Name |
Departs (MTP) |
Arrives (Ooty) |
| 06136 / 56136 |
MTP UAM PASS |
07:10 AM |
11:55 AM |
Tip: Book tickets on IRCTC months in advance as demand is very high.
Distance: 275 km | Time: 7-8 Hours
🚗 By Car (Road Trip)
A favorite for road trippers. You pass through two wildlife sanctuaries.
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Route A (Scenic/Safe): Mysore -> Nanjangud -> Gundlupet -> Bandipur -> Gudalur -> Ooty.
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Route B (Steep): Via Masinagudi (36 Hairpin Bends). Check local status as this is often closed for tourists.
Travel Essential: Driving the ghats? Don't forget to pack
Eucalyptus Oil for motion sickness and carry
Ooty Varkey for snacks!
🚌 By Bus
Excellent connectivity by KSRTC (Airavat/Ambari) and private operators.
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Timings: Buses start from 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
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Boarding: Shantinagar, Satellite Bus Stand, Madiwala.
Distance: 556 km | Time: 9-10 Hours (Train)
🚆 By Train (Best Option)
Book a train to Coimbatore or Mettupalayam.
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Nilgiri Express (12671): Departs Chennai (21:05) -> Arrives Mettupalayam (06:15 AM). Perfect connection for Toy Train.
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Vande Bharat (20643): Reaches Coimbatore at 20:15 (Requires overnight stay).
✈️ By Flight
Chennai (MAA) to Coimbatore (CJB)
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Airlines: IndiGo, Air India.
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Duration: 1 Hour.
- From Airport, take a pre-paid taxi to Ooty.
Distance: 125 km | Time: 3.5 Hours
Mysore is the best pitstop before Ooty. The drive through Bandipur National Park is famous for spotting elephants and deer.
Note: The forest gates at Bandipur close from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Plan your travel during the day.
Returning Home? Don't leave empty-handed. Order authentic
Ooty Homemade Chocolates online and we'll ship them to your doorstep.
Frequently Asked Questions (Travel FAQ)
Q: Is the road to Ooty safe for new drivers?
The Gudalur route is wide and safe. However, the Kallatti (Masinagudi) route has 36 steep hairpin bends and is strictly not recommended for inexperienced drivers.
Q: Are there direct flights to Ooty?
No, Ooty does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport (CJB), which is about 88km away.
Q: Can I book the Ooty Toy Train online?
Yes, you can book tickets via the IRCTC website. Look for the station code MTP (Mettupalayam) to UAM (Udagamandalam/Ooty).
