Chennai to Ooty from $4: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Chennai to Ooty: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$4 by trainBest price
576 kmDistance
3h 50m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chennai to Ooty with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
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Traveling From Chennai to Ooty
The journey from Chennai to Ooty offers a striking contrast, transitioning from the bustling urban energy of Chennai to the serene, lush landscapes of Ooty.
Best Neighbourhoods in Ooty
Ooty's neighborhoods each offer a distinct charm and experience for visitors.
Charring Cross
• Central hub with various shops and eateries.
• Close to major attractions like Ooty Lake.
Fern Hill
• Scenic views and peaceful ambiance.
• Known for luxurious resorts and stay options.
Tamil Nadu Bungalow Area
• Offers colonial architecture and history.
• Home to beautiful gardens and parks.
Best Times To Visit Ooty's Attractions
Timing your visits to Ooty's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.
Ooty Lake
Weekdays early in the morning offer tranquility and fewer crowds.
Botanical Gardens
Visit in the early hours for cool weather and blooming flowers.
Doddabetta Peak
Late afternoon visits provide stunning sunset views with fewer tourists.
Ooty Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Ooty enjoys a temperate climate with cool summers and chilly winters, making it a refreshing getaway year-round. The best times to visit are from April to June and September to November, as these months provide pleasant weather that enhances your travel experience.
Dining Recommendation in Ooty
Savor the delightful taste of homemade chocolates and fresh local produce at the popular restaurant, Earl's Secret, where the quaint ambiance and stunning views stand in stark contrast to the vibrant street food scene of Chennai. The combination of flavorful hill station delicacies and serene surroundings creates a dining experience truly distinct from the bustling culinary landscape you've experienced in Chennai.
Chennai - Ooty operators
Explore transport companies operating between Chennai and Ooty, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
044 4900 7555/ 1800 102 0999Website
parveentravels.com
Bus from Koyembedu to Ooty
Average Duration
11h 6mEstimated price
$622-623Contact phone
9513948001Website
tnstc.in
Bus from Chennai Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G.R. Bus Terminus to Hosur
Average Duration
7hEstimated price
$1846-1848Contact phone
080-26252625Website
ksrtc.in
Bus from Chennai Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G.R. Bus Terminus to Hosur
Average Duration
5h 34mEstimated price
$4-1849Contact phone
080 46333686Website
samtourist.com
Bus from Hosur to Ooty Bus Stand
Average Duration
6h 48mEstimated price
$622-454Contact phone
14646Website
indianrail.gov.in
Train from Chennai Central to Metupalaiyam
Average Duration
9h 10mEstimated price
$1846-40Train from Metupalaiyam to Udagamandalam
Average Duration
4h 45mEstimated price
$43-44Train from Chennai Central to Coimbatore Nrth
Average Duration
7h 4mEstimated price
$1846-1847Website
goindigo.in
Plane from Madras (MAA) to Coimbatore (CJB)
Average Duration
1hEstimated price
$623-1841Plane from Madras (MAA) to Calicut (CCJ)
Average Duration
1h 45mEstimated price
$40-1842Plane from Madras (MAA) to Mysore (MYQ)
Average Duration
1h 25mEstimated price
$40-1841Plane from Madras (MAA) to Kochi (COK)
Average Duration
1h 14mEstimated price
$40-1843Website
airindia.in
Plane from Madras (MAA) to Coimbatore (CJB)
Average Duration
1h 10mEstimated price
$623-1844Website
spicejet.com
Plane from Madras (MAA) to Kochi (COK)
Average Duration
1h 25mEstimated price
$623-1845Other from Coimbatore to Ooty
Average Duration
1h 28mEstimated price
$457-18463Chennai to Ooty: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Chennai and Ooty offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Chennai to Ooty, covering a distance of 349 miles. The journey promises breathtaking views of the lush landscapes along the way.
💰 Indulge in the flexibility of car travel, with prices ranging from $65 to $95 for the trip from Chennai to Ooty. Enjoy the convenience of stopping at charming roadside attractions at your own pace.
🌲 Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Ooty after a 7-hour and 31-minute drive from Chennai. Explore the charming hill station's tea plantations, botanical gardens, and cool climate for a refreshing getaway.
Average price
$65 - $95
Useful tips for car travellers
• Along the route from Chennai to Udagamandalam (Ooty), make sure to stop for fuel at stations like Indian Oil or HP, which generally offer prices around ₹100-₹110 per liter as of recent trends.
• While driving, take NH 48 towards Salem and then shift to NH 181 heading towards Udagamandalam; be prepared for steep inclines and curvy roads, and remember that local driving etiquette prefers slower vehicles to stay to the left to allow faster traffic to pass.
• On arrival in Udagamandalam, parking can generally cost around ₹50-₹150 per day depending on the location; be aware of restricted zones such as the town center where parking is limited and may require special permits.
🚂 Starting from Chennai Central station, the train journey to Ooty involves a transfer at Mettupalaiyam before reaching Udagamandalam. 🌿 The scenic route covers a distance of 579 km and takes approximately 14 hours and 55 minutes to complete, including the transfers. 🎟️ The prices for a ticket on this route range from $4 to $23, offering budget-friendly travel options.
🚈 The first leg of the journey is a 9-hour and 15-minute train ride towards Mettupalaiyam on the Nilgiri SF Express operated by Indian Railways. 🌄 Departing from Chennai, this part of the trip sets the stage for the charming mountainous terrain that awaits in Ooty. 🛤️ The second step involves boarding the Mettupalayam - Udagamandalam MG Passenger Special train for the final stretch to Ooty, lasting approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes.
Departure Point
Chennai Central station
Arrival Point
Udagamandalam station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train journey from Chennai to Udagamandalam, you'll find catering services that typically offer a selection of local vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. Look out for ‘Rail Neer’ drinking water service, and enjoy freshly prepared meals that you can pre-order online through the IRCTC website. Do check the available menu options after boarding.
• The train on the Chennai to Udagamandalam route generally offers Sleeper Class, 3AC, 2AC, and First Class compartments. For a comfortable experience, consider opting for 2AC as it provides air conditioning and more space. If you're traveling with family or prefer a more private setting, First Class would be suitable, but it's advisable to book in advance due to limited availability.
• Two prominent operators for this route are Southern Railway (sr.indianrailways.gov.in) and Nilgiri Mountain Railway (nmr.indianrailways.gov.in). You can check their websites for train schedules and to book tickets. Additionally, for local transport options like buses to the city center, visit the Udagamandalam bus station's official website for more information.
🛫 Flying from Madras Airport in Chennai to Coimbatore Airport, the direct flight to Ooty takes just 50 minutes. Air India Limited and IndiGo Airlines are the top choices for this route.
🏞 Upon landing in Coimbatore, travelers can easily take a scenic drive to Ooty, which is approximately 85 kilometers away. The road journey offers stunning views of the Nilgiri Mountains and lush greenery.
Departure Point
Madras Airport
Arrival Point
Coimbatore Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Book an early morning flight to maximize your chances of clear weather over the Western Ghats, as clouds can often obscure views and lead to delays later in the day.
• Upon landing at Coimbatore Airport, expect some waiting time for luggage; be prepared as the process might take longer due to the airport's smaller capacity compared to major international airports.
• The taxi fare from Coimbatore Airport to Udagamandalam typically ranges from INR 2,500 to INR 3,500, depending on the type of vehicle you choose; it’s advisable to negotiate or check with pre-paid taxi counters for best rates.
🚌 Traveling from Chennai to Ooty by bus is a convenient option, with services departing twice daily and taking approximately 11 hours and 6 minutes to reach the hill station. The journey is operated by Parveen Travels, offering a comfortable and reliable travel experience.
🌲 Enjoy the scenic route from Chennai to Ooty, covering a distance of 453 km with a transfer along the way. Explore different bus options such as the Kottayam A/C Business Class Sleeper and Ooty A/C Sleeper for a smooth and pleasant journey through picturesque landscapes.
Departure Point
Koyembedu station
Arrival Point
Ooty station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Book your bus tickets in advance using platforms like RedBus to ensure you get your preferred timing, especially during weekends and holidays when demand may be higher.
• Since the journey from Chennai to Ooty takes around 11 hours, bring along snacks and a refillable water bottle, as amenities may be limited on the bus; consider stopping at a local eatery near Koyembedu before departure.
• Upon arriving at Ooty bus station, familiarize yourself with the station layout by referring to local maps available at the station, and ensure you identify the nearest taxi or auto-rickshaw stand for convenient onward travel to your accommodation.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Chennai to Ooty.
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The distance between Chennai and Ooty is approximately 434.5 km by road and 560.2 km by car. Travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. It takes around 14 hours and 55 minutes to reach Ooty from Chennai by train, 4 hours by flying to Coimbatore and then taking a taxi, 7 hours and 31 minutes by car from Ooty to Chennai, and 11 hours and 6 minutes by bus from Chennai to Ooty.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Chennai to Ooty is by bus, with prices ranging from $10 to $35. Although this option takes around 11 hours and 6 minutes, it provides a budget-friendly choice for travelers. If time efficiency is a priority, flying from Chennai to Coimbatore and then taking a taxi to Ooty is the quickest option, taking approximately 4 hours. However, this option is slightly more expensive, with costs ranging from $60 to $170.
The prices for a train journey between Chennai and Ooty can range from $4 to $23, depending on the class and type of train chosen. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ride between Ooty and Chennai can range from $10 to $35, depending on the type of bus and amenities provided.
To get from Chennai to Ooty without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The driving distance between Chennai and Ooty is approximately 560.1 km, and it takes around 7 hours and 31 minutes to reach Ooty by car. The estimated cost for this journey by car ranges from $65 to $95.
The best way to travel from Chennai to Ooty without a car is by taking a train and then a taxi. The journey takes approximately 8 hours and 40 minutes. The cost for this mode of transportation ranges from $29 to $50.
No, there is no direct train link between Chennai and Ooty. However, there are train services that depart from Chennai Central and arrive at Udagamandalam via Metupalaiyam, with a journey time of approximately 14 hours and 55 minutes including transfers. Similarly, there is a direct bus service that departs from Koyembedu and arrives at Ooty, operated by Parveen Travels, with a journey time of approximately 11 hours and 6 minutes.
The flight between Chennai and Ooty typically takes around 1 hour.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Ooty. With over 553 hotels available, travelers can choose from a wide range of options to suit their budget and preferences. Prices start at $16 per night, offering affordable options for those on a tighter budget.
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