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Salem to Ooty

Distance, real road route and a tentative fare estimate for travelling from Salem, Tamil Nadu to Ooty, Tamil Nadu.

209 kmDistance
4.2 hrsDrive time

Tentative Fare Estimate

Car / Taxi
Swift Dzire₹11,710
Ertiga₹14,860
Innova₹15,490
Innova Crysta₹19,140
Tempo Traveller (12)₹26,200

Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST

View route plan
Bus
Non-AC Seater₹230
AC Seater₹380
Non-AC Sleeper₹330
AC Sleeper₹480
Volvo / Multi-Axle₹640
View route plan
Train
Sleeper₹160
Economy₹240
Third AC₹320
Second AC₹450
First AC₹620
View route plan

Tentative estimate only, based on typical Indian public-transport tariffs (state transport bus fares, IRCTC sleeper/AC class rates, standard outstation taxi per-km rates) — not a live quote from any operator.

Route Map

By Car: Salem to Ooty

209 km · ~4h 31m · About 4h of driving, plus stops.

  1. Start from Salem

    An early start keeps you ahead of city and highway traffic.

  2. 150 km · 3h drive from previous stop

    Rest & refuel near Bhavanisagar

    About 150 km in — 15–20 minutes for tea, food, fuel and a stretch.

  3. 59 km · 1h 11m drive from previous stop

    Arrive in Ooty

    Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Stops are typical for this road, not a fixed itinerary. Timings assume about 50 km/h on average — traffic, tolls and road conditions vary.

By Bus: Salem to Ooty

209 km · ~4h 39m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.

  1. Board at Salem

    Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Salem. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.

  2. Salem → Ooty

    AC Seater / Volvo · ~209 km

    ~4h 39m|Tentative fare ₹230–₹640

  3. Arrive in Ooty

    Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Halts and change points are typical for this route, not a specific operator’s schedule — check live availability and timings when booking.

By Train: Salem to Ooty

Nearest railway stations: Salem Jn for Salem, Udagamandalam for Ooty.

No direct train found — best options with a change

1 change · 10h 48m in total

Nilgiri (Blue Mountain) Express#12671 · Superfast
01:12 AMDanishpet
5h 3m31 stops
06:15 AMMettupalayam

Change trains at Mettupalayam — about 55m wait

Mettupalayam-Ooty Passenger#56136 · Passenger
07:10 AMMettupalayam
4h 50m6 stops
12:00 PMUdagamandalam

Waits assume each train runs daily — the timetable data has no running days, so check the days for every train before you plan a change.

Train details come from a 2015 railway timetable snapshot — newer trains, changed timings and running days are not included, so confirm on IRCTC before you plan around a train.

Salem to Ooty: Route & Travel Options

Route overview

Salem to Ooty is about 209 km by road, roughly 4.2 hours of travel time. The road passes near Erode.

Tentative fare estimate

Approximate fares for about 209 km, estimated from typical Indian per-km tariffs — not a live quote from any operator.

  • Car / Taxi: Swift Dzire ₹11,710 · Ertiga ₹14,860 · Innova ₹15,490 · Innova Crysta ₹19,140 · Tempo Traveller (12) ₹26,200
  • Bus: Non-AC Seater ₹230 · AC Seater ₹380 · Non-AC Sleeper ₹330 · AC Sleeper ₹480 · Volvo / Multi-Axle ₹640
  • Train: Sleeper ₹160 · Economy ₹240 · Third AC ₹320 · Second AC ₹450 · First AC ₹620

Tentative estimates only — actual fares vary by operator, season, class and how early you book.

Want the full Ooty guide?

Attractions, itineraries, temples and travel tips for Ooty.

View Ooty Guide

Hotels in Ooty

Treebo hotels in Ooty. Tell us your dates and we'll get you a rate.

Treebo Light House, 900 Mtrs From Botanical Garden

Ooty

Treebo Skydale Inn & Suites With Mountain View

Ooty

Itsy Hotels Kottaram Residency

Ooty

Itsy Hotels Rain Forest

Ooty

Things to Do in Ooty

Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Board the heritage toy train from Mettupalayam to Ooty, passing through tunnels and over viaducts with breathtaking views. The journey takes about 5 hours and is a…

5 hours

Explore Government Botanical Garden

Wander through terraced gardens established in 1848, featuring a 20-million-year-old fossilized tree, a variety of exotic plants, and a glasshouse. Ideal for a…

2-3 hours

Boating on Ooty Lake

Enjoy paddle boating or rowing on the artificial lake created in 1824 by John Sullivan. The lake is surrounded by eucalyptus trees and offers a serene escape.

1-2 hours

Sunset at Doddabetta Peak

Drive or trek to the highest point in the Nilgiris at 2,637 meters. The telescope house provides panoramic views of the hills and valleys, especially at sunset.

2-3 hours

Tea Estate and Factory Tour

Visit a nearby tea estate and factory to see the processing of Nilgiri tea, from plucking to packaging. Enjoy a tasting session and purchase fresh tea leaves.

2 hours

Visit Ooty Rose Garden

Stroll through one of India's largest rose gardens, terraced on a hillside with over 2,000 varieties of roses. The vibrant colors and fragrances are a delight.

1-2 hours

See all places in Ooty →

Suggested Ooty Itinerary

Day 1Colonial Heritage & Botanical Wonders

  • Stroll through the Government Botanical Garden, terraced on the slopes of Doddabetta, and see the fossilized tree trunk.
  • Visit St. Stephen's Church, admiring its Gothic architecture and historical wooden beams.
  • Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on Ooty Lake, created in 1824 by John Sullivan, the founder of Ooty.

Day 2Scenic Toy Train & Tea Country

  • Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway 'toy train' from Ooty to Coonoor, enjoying the steep climb and scenic views.
  • Visit a tea factory and museum near Coonoor to see how Nilgiri tea is processed and taste fresh brews.
  • Walk through rolling tea estates, breathing in the crisp mountain air.

Day 3Panoramic Peaks & Serene Viewpoints

  • Drive to Doddabetta Peak and take in the 360-degree views from the telescope house.
  • Visit a viewpoint like Dolphin's Nose or Lamb's Rock for stunning cliff-top vistas (note: these are distinct from Coaker's Walk…
  • Enjoy a peaceful nature walk in the pine forests or along a quiet trail.
Full 3-day itinerary →

Extend Your Trip

Add a nearby place to your Ooty trip and see the full Salem → Ooty → next stop route.

Ooty → Bandipur

About 65 km by road

Ooty → Coimbatore

About 70 km by road

Ooty → Mannarkkad

About 70 km by road

Ooty → Sultan Battery

About 70 km by road

Plan My Trip: Salem to Ooty

Pick how you want to travel and we'll send a complete plan with transport, hotel and sightseeing — on WhatsApp and a call back.

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