Ooty is one of the most popular hill trips from Bangalore. It is about 280 km away, roughly 6.5 to 7 hours by road, through Mysore, Gundlupet and the Bandipur forest. This guide covers what the taxi costs, which vehicle to choose and how to plan the days.
Bangalore to Ooty taxi fare (3-day round trip)
The estimates below use our listed AC per-km rate on the full 560 km round trip, plus three days of driver bata. Tolls, parking and entry fees are extra.
| Vehicle | Seats | AC rate / km | Driver bata / day | 3-day estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Innova Crysta | 7 | ₹19 | ₹400 | ₹11,840 |
| Tempo Traveller | 12 | ₹22 | ₹500 | ₹13,820 |
| Force Urbania | 12 | ₹43 | ₹500 | ₹25,580 |
| 22 Seater | 22 | ₹32 | ₹600 | ₹19,720 |
For a 2-day trip, the km cost stays the same and you save one day of driver bata.
| Vehicle | 2-day estimate | 3-day estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Innova Crysta | ₹11,440 | ₹11,840 |
| Tempo Traveller | ₹13,320 | ₹13,820 |
| Force Urbania | ₹25,080 | ₹25,580 |
| 22 Seater | ₹19,120 | ₹19,720 |
These are indicative estimates from published per-km rates. The final fare is confirmed when you book and depends on your dates, pickup point and the places you visit in and around Ooty.
What changes the fare
- Vehicle type: a 12-seater costs more per km than a 7-seater, but is usually cheaper per person for a group.
- Number of days: each day adds driver bata, and a longer stay usually means more local km.
- Local sightseeing: Ooty Lake, Doddabetta, Pykara and Coonoor all add km on the hill roads.
- AC or non-AC: non-AC has a lower per-km rate in the cooler months.
- Tolls, parking and entry fees: charged on actuals and not part of the per-km rate.
Which vehicle should you choose?
| Group size | Best vehicle |
|---|---|
| Up to 6 people | Innova Crysta |
| 8 to 12 people | Tempo Traveller or Force Urbania |
| 15 to 22 people | 22 seater bus |
| 25 or more | 25 to 50 seater bus |
Route and drive time
The usual route is via Mysore, Gundlupet and Bandipur. Expect about 6.5 to 7 hours without long stops, and more on weekends and holidays. Travel through the Bandipur forest stretch in daylight. Night traffic is restricted there.
Best time to visit Ooty
March to June and September to November. Mornings are cool all year.
A simple 3-day plan
- Day 1: Leave Bangalore by 5 to 6 AM, breakfast near Mysore, cross Bandipur in daylight and reach Ooty by afternoon. Evening at Ooty Lake or the market.
- Day 2: Doddabetta Peak early, then the Botanical Gardens. Add Pykara Falls or Coonoor if you have time.
- Day 3: Start the return after breakfast, so you cross the Bandipur stretch in daylight and reach Bangalore in the evening.
Tips before you book
- Book at least a week ahead for weekends, long weekends and the summer season.
- Ask for a driver who knows the hill roads, and keep to the daytime driving on the Bandipur stretch.
- Carry a light jacket. Mornings in Ooty are cool all year.
- Entry fees at gardens and viewpoints are paid on the spot and are not included in the fare.
Planning this trip? Share your dates and pickup point and we confirm the fare.