We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy. Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.
Since Ooty is such a popular tourist destination, especially for the people of Mysore, Chennai and Bangalore which are nearby, it’s not too difficult to find buses to reach Ooty. There are government and luxury buses from these cities to Ooty and you will find that the journey is quite comfortable. These are overnight buses, which means that you can start the journey at night and by morning, you’re in Ooty. The roads are well maintained, and the highways are excellent which make your journey comfortable and enjoyable.
One of the best ways to reach Ooty is by train. The nearest railway station is in Mettupalayam which is 40kms from Ooty. Trains from Chennai, Coimbatore, Bangalore and Mysore ply regularly to Mettupalayam. The popular trains to reach Ooty are Ooty Udagamandalam Passenger train, Mettupalyam Udagamandalam Passenger train, Mangalore Mail and Mangalore Express. However, one of the best and most famous ways to reach Ooty is by the quaint and charming Nilgiri Mountain train, also known as the Toy Train. This train makes the 46km journey from Mettupalayam to Ooty into a memorable experience. As it climbs uphill, you will be dazzled by some of the sights on display. Dark and intriguing tunnels, lush valleys, steep turns, beautiful bridges will all come your way as you travel in this UNESCO World Heritage Site train. Indeed, this is an experience that needs to be lived in person. Take all the photos you want but do take a moment to appreciate the fresh air and the amazing sights. If you find this to be a long and cumbersome journey and you would rather reach Ooty as soon as possible, then you can take a cab or hire a taxi from Mettupalayam to Ooty.
If you are wondering how to reach Ooty by road, then the roads are quite good, and this is quite a popular option. For those who think that the journey is an important part of the destination, travelling to Ooty by road ticks all the right boxes. Many people like to drive down to Ooty in their own cars as the journey is quite exciting and the views are exhilarating. You have to drive down through the reserve forest area and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot some deer or even elephants. If you are planning to drive to Ooty, there are two routes you can take – via Mysore and via Chamarajnagar. When you reach the border town of Gundlupet, you can enter the forest through Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Reaching Ooty via road can be a whole lot of fun in this case, as you take in the scenes around you. As you climb the hill station however, the hairpin bends can be quite nerve-wracking, so attempt to drive to Ooty in your car only if you’re an experienced driver. If you’re not in the mood to drive the distance, you can always hire a cab or taxi. These are easily available through most travel agents in Bangalore, Mysore and other nearby cities. Do check the climate in Ooty before you travel by bus or drive on your own or even take a cab. It’s not advisable to travel to Ooty during the monsoons because of low visibility and slipper roads which can be dangerous. If you have finalised your plans on how to reach Ooty, do take a look at the SOTC website for exciting offers and deals on Ooty holiday packages .
If you are thinking how to reach Ooty by flight, it’s not possible as Ooty doesn’t have an airport. The nearest airport is in Coimbatore which is around 88 kms away. The Coimbatore airport is well-connected to most other cities in India and once you reach Coimbatore, you can take a bus or hire a cab if you prefer to reach Ooty. However, if you are looking for an international airport and wondering how to reach Ooty by air, then Bangalore airport is the closest to Ooty. Bangalore airport is well-connected to major international cities and is your best option to travel to Ooty from these places. However, it is 295 km away from Ooty and you will have to make plans to reach the hill station from there either by bus, car or train.
