How to Reach Ooty: Routes from Coimbatore, Bangalore, Mysuru & Kerala

Reaching Ooty requires a bit of planning, as the hill station does not have a direct airport. However, Ooty is well connected through a combination of road and rail routes from major cities across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.

This guide explains how to reach Ooty using different modes of transport and highlights the most commonly used routes based on where you are traveling from.

Nearest Airport to Ooty

The nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore International Airport, located approximately 85 km away. This is the most common entry point for travelers coming from distant cities and other states.

From Coimbatore Airport, travelers can reach Ooty by taxi, bus, or train via Mettupalayam.

How to Reach Ooty from Coimbatore

Coimbatore is the primary gateway to Ooty and handles the highest tourist traffic. It offers the widest range of transport options.

• By Bus: Frequent government and private buses operate from Coimbatore to Ooty.
• By Train: Travel to Mettupalayam first, then board the Nilgiri Toy Train.
• By Car or Taxi: Approx. 4–5 hours via Mettupalayam ghat road.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train)

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway runs between Mettupalayam and Ooty and is one of the most scenic train routes in India.

Tickets are limited and sell out quickly during peak seasons. Advance booking is strongly recommended.

How to Reach Ooty from Bangalore

Travelers from Bangalore usually prefer road travel due to flexibility and comfort.

• By Car: Bangalore → Mysuru → Gundlupet → Gudalur → Ooty
• By Train: Bangalore → Coimbatore or Mettupalayam → Ooty
• By Bus: Overnight buses to Ooty or via Mysuru

The Mysuru route is generally preferred for self-driving due to gentler curves and fewer steep hairpin bends.

How to Reach Ooty from Mysuru

Mysuru is a popular entry point for travelers from Karnataka. The road route passes through forest areas and offers a smooth driving experience.

Mysuru → Gundlupet → Gudalur → Ooty is the most commonly used route.

How to Reach Ooty from Kerala

Travelers from Kerala form a significant portion of tourists visiting Ooty. However, the best route to Ooty depends heavily on which part of Kerala you are traveling from.

From North Kerala (Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur)

The most commonly used and shortest route from North Kerala is via Gudalur.

Preferred route:
Kozhikode → Wayanad → Gudalur → Ooty

• This route has fewer steep hairpin bends.
• Road conditions are generally good.
• Preferred by families and first-time hill drivers.

Travelers should note that this route passes through forest areas, and night travel restrictions may apply depending on the season.

From Central Kerala (Kochi, Thrissur, Palakkad)

Travelers from Central Kerala usually reach Ooty via Coimbatore, which offers the most reliable road connectivity.

Preferred route:
Kochi / Thrissur → Coimbatore → Mettupalayam → Ooty

• Well-maintained highways until Coimbatore.
• Multiple transport options available.
• Easy access to buses, taxis, and trains.

Some travelers from Palakkad may also use routes via Nilambur and Gudalur, but these are less common and depend on road and forest conditions.

From South Kerala (Trivandrum, Kollam, Kottayam)

Due to the long distance, most travelers from South Kerala prefer reaching Coimbatore first by train or flight.

Recommended approach:
South Kerala → Coimbatore → Ooty

• Reduces driving fatigue.
• More predictable travel times.
• Better for families and senior travelers.

Self-driving directly from South Kerala is uncommon for Ooty trips and is generally recommended only for experienced long-distance drivers.

Which Route Is Best to Reach Ooty?

• For scenic travel: Toy Train from Mettupalayam
• For first-time drivers: Mysuru–Gudalur route
• For fastest access: Coimbatore → Ooty
• For families: Road travel during daylight hours

Travel Tips for Reaching Ooty

• Avoid night driving on ghat roads if unfamiliar.
• Plan buffer time during monsoon and winter.
• Start early to avoid traffic on hairpin bends.

This travel guide is part of our complete Ooty travel guide , which covers sightseeing, seasonal planning, and stay considerations.

Final Thoughts

Reaching Ooty is part of the overall travel experience. Choosing the right route and mode of transport can make the journey smoother and more enjoyable. With proper planning, the trip to Ooty can be just as memorable as the destination itself.