Mountain town in Tamil Nadu, India
Getting around Ooty
How to get around Ooty
Walk the center, use autos and taxis for sights, and ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway for the scenic way up from Mettupalayam.
Ways to get around Ooty
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Nilgiri Mountain Railway | From about 30 INR in second class; reserved seats cost more | UNESCO rack railway from Mettupalayam, 4–5 h; book on IRCTC |
| TNSTC buses | About 10–150 INR | Frequent to Coonoor, Coimbatore and Mysuru |
| Auto-rickshaw | About 100–300 INR | Meter often ignored; agree a price |
| Taxi | About 200–400 INR for short trips | Union rate card at stands |
Taxis in Ooty
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. No reliable ride apps. Use autos and union taxis; the railway and buses are the cheapest ways to get here.
Arriving in Ooty
Coimbatore International (CJB)
About 90 km: taxi 2,500–3,500 INR, 3–3.5 h; bus from Coimbatore Gandhipuram about 150–250 INR.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rentable in Ooty for about 500–800 INR a day; steep, foggy roads make it risky.
- Driving: on the left. IDP plus home licence required; scooters are rented in Goa and the Himalaya; most visitors hire a car with driver.
- Onward travel in India: Trains link most cities: book up to 60 days ahead on IRCTC or use the foreign tourist quota at big stations. Cheap domestic flights and sleeper buses fill gaps.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Ooty?
No ride-hailing apps work here. No reliable ride apps. Use autos and union taxis; the railway and buses are the cheapest ways to get here.
What's the best way to get around Ooty?
Walk the center, use autos and taxis for sights, and ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway for the scenic way up from Mettupalayam.
How do I get from the airport to Ooty?
About 90 km: taxi 2,500–3,500 INR, 3–3.5 h; bus from Coimbatore Gandhipuram about 150–250 INR.
Is Ooty walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Ooty
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.