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How Do I Go from Mumbai to Ooty?

Published in Mumbai to Ooty Travel 5 mins read

Traveling from Mumbai to Ooty, a picturesque hill station in Tamil Nadu, involves a journey of over 1150 kilometers. The most efficient and popular way to cover this distance is by combining air travel with road transport.

Traveling by Air (Fastest and Recommended)

The quickest way to reach Ooty from Mumbai is by taking a flight to Coimbatore and then continuing your journey by road. This method is not only the fastest but also offers a cost-effective option depending on your choice of onward transport. The entire journey, including transfers, can typically be completed in approximately 5 hours.

Mumbai to Coimbatore Flight

Begin your journey by booking a direct flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai to Coimbatore International Airport (CJB). Several airlines operate daily flights on this route, making it a convenient option. The flight duration is usually around 1.5 to 2 hours.

  • Tip: Book your flights in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure better fares. Utilize popular flight booking portals for competitive prices.

Coimbatore to Ooty Onward Journey

Once you land at Coimbatore Airport, Ooty is approximately 90-100 kilometers away, and the drive takes about 3 to 4 hours, winding through scenic ghat roads.

  • By Cab: The fastest way to reach Ooty from Coimbatore Airport is by hiring a private taxi or pre-booked cab. This offers comfort and direct transfer to your accommodation in Ooty. This combination of flight and cab is generally considered the fastest overall method. You can find pre-paid taxi counters at the airport or book through ride-sharing apps.
  • By Bus: For a more budget-friendly option, you can take a bus from Coimbatore to Ooty. Regular bus services, including state-run and private operators, connect Coimbatore to Ooty. You would typically need to travel from the airport to the Gandhipuram Central Bus Stand in Coimbatore, which is well-connected. This flight-bus combination is considered the cheapest way to reach Ooty.

Traveling by Train

While there is no direct train from Mumbai to Ooty, you can combine train travel with road transport. This option is significantly longer than flying but offers a different travel experience, particularly the famous toy train ride.

Mumbai to Mettupalayam/Coimbatore Train

Book a train from Mumbai to Mettupalayam (MTP) or Coimbatore (CBE). Mettupalayam is the base for the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, while Coimbatore is a major railway junction with more frequent connections.

  • Mumbai to Mettupalayam: This is often an overnight journey. From Mettupalayam, you can board the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) toy train.
  • Mumbai to Coimbatore: More direct and frequent trains are available to Coimbatore. You can then proceed to Ooty by bus or cab.
  • Booking: Check the official Indian Railways website for schedules and bookings.

Mettupalayam/Coimbatore to Ooty Onward Journey

  • From Mettupalayam: The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR), a UNESCO World Heritage site, runs daily from Mettupalayam to Ooty. This charming toy train journey offers breathtaking views and is an experience in itself, taking approximately 4-5 hours. Alternatively, buses and taxis are also available from Mettupalayam to Ooty.
  • From Coimbatore: As mentioned, you can easily find buses or hire taxis from Coimbatore to Ooty.

Traveling by Bus

While direct buses for the entire 1150+ km journey from Mumbai to Ooty are generally not practical due to the long distance, you can find bus services to nearby major cities like Coimbatore or Bangalore, and then connect to Ooty. This is a very long journey and often involves multiple changes.

  • Via Coimbatore: Take an overnight bus from Mumbai to Coimbatore. From Coimbatore, you can then take a local bus or cab to Ooty. This is a time-consuming but potentially very economical option for those on a tight budget.
  • Booking: Explore various bus booking platforms for routes and schedules.

Traveling by Car (Road Trip)

Embarking on a road trip from Mumbai to Ooty is an adventurous but lengthy option, covering over 1150 kilometers. It typically takes more than 20 hours of driving time and usually requires an overnight stop.

  • Route: The most common route involves traversing through states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Popular routes pass through cities like Pune, Bengaluru (Bangalore), and then towards Coimbatore before ascending to Ooty.
  • Flexibility: A self-driven car or a hired car with a driver offers the utmost flexibility to explore places along the way and make stops as per your convenience.
  • Considerations: Be prepared for long driving hours, varying road conditions, and tolls. Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained for such a long journey. You can also explore options for car rentals.

Comparing Travel Options: Mumbai to Ooty

Here's a quick comparison of the primary travel methods:

Travel Method Primary Mode (Mumbai to Coimbatore/Mettupalayam) Onward Journey (Coimbatore/Mettupalayam to Ooty) Approximate Total Time Cost Efficiency Notes
Flight + Cab (Fastest) Flight (Mumbai to Coimbatore) Cab (Coimbatore to Ooty) ~5 hours Moderate to High Fastest overall, most comfortable onward journey.
Flight + Bus (Cheapest) Flight (Mumbai to Coimbatore) Bus (Coimbatore to Ooty) ~5 hours Low to Moderate Fastest primary journey, budget-friendly onward.
Train + Road/NMR Train (Mumbai to Mettupalayam/Coimbatore) Bus/Cab/Toy Train (to Ooty) 24+ hours Moderate to Low Scenic toy train ride, but very long overall.
Bus Bus (Mumbai to Coimbatore) Bus/Cab (Coimbatore to Ooty) 25+ hours Very Low Most budget-friendly for the entire journey, very long.
Car (Road Trip) Self-drive / Hired Cab Direct to Ooty 20+ hours (driving) High (fuel/tolls) Most flexible, requires overnight stop.

Essential Travel Tips

  • Book Accommodation: Ooty is a popular tourist destination. Book your hotels or resorts in advance, especially during peak season (April-June and September-November).
  • Local Transport: Once in Ooty, local taxis, auto-rickshaws, and shared jeeps are available for sightseeing. You can also rent scooters or bicycles.
  • Weather: Ooty has pleasant weather throughout the year. Pack layers, as evenings can be chilly, even in summer.
  • Road Conditions: If driving to Ooty from Coimbatore or Mettupalayam, be mindful of the winding ghat roads. Drive carefully, especially during monsoon.