How to Reach Ooty from Delhi
How to Reach Ooty from Delhi by Flight, Train, and Road – Complete Travel Guide
Ooty, also known as the Queen of Hill Stations, is one of South India’s most beautiful travel destinations. Surrounded by lush green hills, tea gardens, and colonial bungalows, it’s a perfect getaway from the chaos of city life.
Many travelers from North India wonder – how to reach Ooty from Delhi. The good news is that there are multiple travel options available: by air, train, or road. Each route offers a unique experience, from the scenic toy train ride to the breathtaking mountain drive.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to reach Ooty from Delhi, including the best routes, travel time, and local tips to make your trip seamless and memorable.
For more travel insights about Ooty’s attractions, you can also check this detailed Ooty travel guide.
How to Reach Ooty from Delhi by Flight (By Air / By Plane)
Why Choose a Flight to Ooty
If you value comfort and time, traveling from Delhi to Ooty by flight is the best option. It’s the fastest and most convenient mode of transport for this long journey.
Though Ooty doesn’t have its own airport, Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) is the nearest one, located about 88 km away. You can easily find daily flights from Delhi to Coimbatore, Bangalore, or Mysuru.
Delhi to Ooty Flight Route
- Departure Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi
- Arrival Airport: Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) or Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bangalore
- Flight Duration: Around 3.5 to 4 hours (Delhi to Coimbatore)
- Total Travel Time to Ooty: Around 6 to 7 hours (including airport transfer)
After reaching Coimbatore or Bangalore, you can book a private taxi, rent a car, or take a bus to reach Ooty.
Recommended Flight Options
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet
- Average Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹9,000 (one way, depending on season)
- Best Travel Time: Early morning or late evening flights for cooler travel
From Coimbatore to Ooty
From Coimbatore Airport, Ooty is about a 3-hour scenic drive through the Nilgiri Hills via Mettupalayam and Coonoor. You can book a cab or take a TNSTC bus directly to Ooty.
Quick Tip: The air route is ideal for families and travelers short on time. It offers the most hassle-free way to enjoy the beauty of the Nilgiris.
How to Reach Ooty from Delhi by Train
Delhi to Ooty via Train Route
If you prefer a relaxed and scenic journey, traveling from Delhi to Ooty by train is a great experience. However, there is no direct train from Delhi to Ooty. The nearest major railway station is Mettupalayam Railway Station (MTP), about 50 km away from Ooty.
Here’s how you can plan your train journey:
- Step 1: Take a train from New Delhi (NDLS) to Coimbatore Junction (CBE) or Mettupalayam (MTP).
- Step 2: From Coimbatore, take a local train or taxi to Mettupalayam.
- Step 3: From Mettupalayam, enjoy the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Toy Train) ride to Ooty.
Popular Trains from Delhi to Coimbatore
| Train Name | Train No. | Route | Duration (Approx.) | Frequency |
|---|
| Kongu Express | 12648 | Hazrat Nizamuddin → Coimbatore | 44–45 hrs | Weekly |
| Kerala Express | 12626 | New Delhi → Coimbatore | 45 hrs | Daily |
| Swarna Jayanti Express | 12644 | Hazrat Nizamuddin → Coimbatore | 45 hrs | Weekly |
| Millennium Express | 12646 | Hazrat Nizamuddin → Coimbatore | 46 hrs | Weekly |
| Navyug Express | 16688 | Jammu Tawi → Mangalore via Delhi | 48 hrs | Weekly |
The Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train
This heritage toy train is a highlight of any Ooty trip. It runs between Mettupalayam and Ooty, passing through beautiful tunnels, lush tea gardens, and misty hills.
- Distance: 46 km
- Duration: Around 5 hours
- Experience: One of the most scenic train journeys in India
Travel Tips for Train Route
- Book tickets at least a month in advance during peak seasons.
- Toy train seats are limited; online booking through IRCTC is recommended.
- Pack light snacks and water as the journey through the hills can be slow but extremely picturesque.
For a deeper look into Ooty’s natural charm, don’t forget to visit Ooty travel experiences.
How to Reach Ooty from Delhi by Road
Delhi to Ooty by Car
Traveling from Delhi to Ooty by car is an adventurous road trip, but it’s also a long one – nearly 2,500 km, taking around 40 to 45 hours of nonstop driving.
If you love road trips, this journey lets you explore multiple Indian states and diverse landscapes. However, it requires time, planning, and stamina.
Suggested Route:
Delhi → Jaipur → Udaipur → Ahmedabad → Mumbai → Pune → Bengaluru → Mysuru → Ooty
Approximate Distance: 2,500 km
Travel Time: 3 to 4 days (with rest stops)
Highways:
- NH 44 and NH 275 connect Delhi to Bengaluru and then onward to Ooty.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Make sure your vehicle is well-serviced before departure.
- Plan night halts in cities like Indore, Pune, or Bangalore.
- Use navigation apps like Google Maps for real-time updates.
- Carry enough water, food, and emergency kits.
While this option is long, it’s perfect for travel vloggers and adventure lovers who enjoy scenic drives through hills, forests, and countryside roads.
Delhi to Ooty by Bus
There is no direct bus between Delhi and Ooty, but you can reach Bengaluru first by flight or train and then take a luxury or government bus to Ooty.
- Operator: Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and private bus operators
- Bengaluru to Ooty Distance: 280 km
- Travel Time: 7 to 8 hours
- Bus Types: Volvo, AC Sleeper, and Deluxe coaches
Booking Platforms:
- TNSTC official website
- RedBus
- MakeMyTrip
This route offers an affordable and comfortable way to reach Ooty from Delhi if you don’t want to drive yourself.
Which is the Best Way to Reach Ooty from Delhi?
| Mode | Time | Comfort | Cost (Approx.) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (via Coimbatore) | 6–7 hrs | ★★★★★ | ₹5,000–₹9,000 | Families, Business, Short Trips |
| Train (via Coimbatore/Mettupalayam) | 40–45 hrs | ★★★★☆ | ₹2,000–₹4,000 | Budget Travelers, Nature Lovers |
| Road (by Car) | 3–4 days | ★★★☆☆ | ₹12,000–₹18,000 | Adventurers, Road Trip Lovers |
If you’re short on time, flying to Coimbatore or Bangalore is the best choice. If you want to enjoy the journey itself, the Nilgiri Toy Train offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Travel Tips for Visiting Ooty
- Best Time to Visit: March to June (summer) and October to February (winter).
- Carry Warm Clothes: Even summers can get chilly at night.
- Local Transport: Taxis, rented bikes, and buses are easily available.
- Places to Visit: Ooty Lake, Doddabetta Peak, Botanical Gardens, Tea Factory, and Coonoor.
- Stay Options: From luxury resorts to budget homestays, Ooty has a range of accommodations to suit every traveler.
For more destination details, you can explore Ooty travel insights.
Conclusion: Plan Your Ooty Trip from Delhi Smartly
Now that you know how to reach Ooty from Delhi by flight, train, and road, planning your next vacation becomes easy. Whether you choose the quick flight route, the scenic train journey, or the adventurous road trip, each path to Ooty offers its own charm.
The hill station welcomes travelers all year round with its misty mornings, tea gardens, and tranquil lakes. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore one of India’s most stunning hill destinations.
For more travel ideas, guides, and itineraries, visit Duniya Ghumo 360 – Ooty Travel Guide.