Ooty & Coonoor

Ooty airport: how to get from Coimbatore to Ooty and Coonoor

Ooty has no passenger airport. The nearest is Coimbatore International Airport (CJB), about 87 km away by road, and from there it is a taxi, a bus or a train up the ghat road into the Nilgiris. A taxi takes about 2.5–3.5 hours to Ooty; buses go via Mettupalayam from approximately ₹80. Coonoor is on the same road, lower down. Plan the flight so the climb happens in daylight.

Coimbatore airport (CJB)

The nearest airport, and the last stretch is all mountain road; plan the flight so the climb happens in daylight.

In season the mountain train sells out weeks ahead, and fog with drizzle is the normal weather here year round.

The nearest airport: Coimbatore (CJB)

Coimbatore International Airport is run by the Airports Authority of India and sits in Peelamedu, on Avinashi Road, about 10 km from the centre of Coimbatore. It has domestic flights from the big Indian cities, including Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi, and a few international routes, such as Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Singapore; check current schedules with the airlines.

Ooty itself has three helipads, at Theettukal and Kodanad, approved for defence and VIP use only. Plans for commercial helicopter flights were shelved, so there is no air link to the hills.

The other common way in is to fly to Bengaluru and take a KSRTC night bus: about 8–8.5 hours, approximately ₹999 in a non-AC seat to ₹1,799 in an AC sleeper. It suits a late arrival, since you sleep on the bus and wake up in the hills.

From Coimbatore airport to Ooty: three ways

Taxi straight up (about 2.5–3.5 h)
The simplest option with luggage or a family. Taxis and auto-rickshaws work at the airport around the clock. The road climbs from Mettupalayam through the Coonoor ghat, about fifteen turns; the famous 36 hairpin bends are on the other approach, from Mysuru via Masinagudi. Agree the fare before you set off.
Bus via Mettupalayam (from approximately ₹80)
City buses leave from a stop about 700 m from the terminal into Coimbatore. From there TNSTC buses run frequently up the ghat to Ooty: about 3.5 hours, approximately ₹80–150. The cheapest way.
Train and the toy train (a day of its own)
Coimbatore Junction is 11 km from the airport and lies on the line to Mettupalayam, where the Nilgiri Mountain Railway starts. The morning mountain train connects with the overnight Nilgiri Express from Chennai and climbs 46 km to Ooty; approximately ₹160–200 in second class. Seats open 60 days ahead on IRCTC and go fast in season, so this works only with a night near Mettupalayam or Coimbatore and a booking. More: the toy train and railway station.

Coimbatore airport to Coonoor

Coonoor sits at the head of the Coonoor ghat, the main pass from the plains, so on the road from Coimbatore you reach it before Ooty. The same taxis and buses serve it; Ooty is a further 18 km, and TNSTC buses run between the two towns every 10 to 20 minutes for approximately ₹15–30. On the mountain railway, steam works the section from Mettupalayam to Coonoor and a diesel takes over above it. More: getting around.

Tips for the transfer

Climb in daylight — The last stretch is all mountain road, and fog with drizzle is normal here in every season. Choose a flight that lands early enough to reach the hills before dark.
Keep a warm layer in your hand luggage — Coimbatore is hot; Ooty, at 2,240 m, is not. Buses and the mountain train are unheated, and winter nights drop close to zero.
Monsoon roads — Landslides can block the ghat roads in July–August and October–November. Leave slack in your plans if you fly in then.
Plastic rules in the Nilgiris — The Nilgiris district bans many single-use plastics, including plastic water packets and 1–4 litre water cans and soft-drink bottles. Carry a refillable bottle.

FAQ

Is there an airport in Ooty?

No. Ooty has only helipads for defence and VIP use. The nearest passenger airport is Coimbatore International (CJB), about 87 km away.

How far is Coimbatore airport from Ooty?

About 87 km by road. A taxi takes about 2.5–3.5 hours, a TNSTC bus from Coimbatore about 3.5 hours.

Which mode of transport is best from Coimbatore to Ooty?

With luggage, a taxi straight up. On a budget, a TNSTC bus for approximately ₹80–150. For the experience, the mountain train from Mettupalayam, booked ahead on IRCTC.

Does Coimbatore have two airports?

Only one takes passengers: Coimbatore International at Peelamedu. Sulur, near Coimbatore, is an Indian Air Force base.

Which is the coldest month in Ooty?

January, with average lows of about 6°C and frosty nights in December and January. Pack a warm layer for the arrival.

Sources (8)

Facts checked: 15 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.

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