Ooty Toy Train Guide: Routes, Booking, Fares & Best Time to Ride the NMR

If you are planning a trip to Ooty, riding the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train should be at the top of your list. This heritage train, often called the Ooty Toy Train, runs through the beautiful Nilgiri Mountains, crossing tunnels, pine forests, tea estates and mist-covered valleys. The route connects Mettupalayam, Coonoor and Udagamandalam (Ooty) over a stretch of about 46 km and offers one of the most scenic rail journeys in India. The Nilgiri range gets its name from the blue-coloured flowers that bloom on the hillsides, making the mountains look blue from a distance. Among the five famous toy trains in India, this one is considered the most beautiful, and it is the only toy train in South India that operates daily.

The British started this railway line in the 19th century, and it was later recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which adds to its charm and cultural importance. Whether you are coming from Coimbatore, doing a South India hill station loop, or planning a peaceful weekend, the toy train journey between Mettupalayam and Ooty, or even just Ooty to Coonoor, is a must-do experience.

Route Options for the Ooty Toy Train

There are mainly two practical options for travellers. The first is the full route from Mettupalayam to Ooty, which covers the entire 46 km stretch. If you are coming from Coimbatore, this is the route you should ideally choose, as you can board the train at Mettupalayam and slowly climb up into the Nilgiri hills. This journey takes several hours and lets you enjoy the complete experience of old bridges, sharp curves and changing landscapes.

The second and more flexible option is the shorter ride from Ooty to Coonoor. This sector is especially popular with tourists who are already staying in Ooty and want to experience the toy train without spending too much time on travel. The Ooty–Coonoor journey takes about an hour. For example, a morning train around 9:15 am from Ooty typically reaches Coonoor by around 10:15 am, making it a perfect half-day or full-day plan. Both routes give you the classic toy train experience with slow speed, openable windows, and plenty of time to enjoy and photograph the scenery.

Booking Ooty Toy Train Tickets: Online and On-Spot

Booking your toy train tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during the busy season. The simplest way to book is through the IRCTC official website or app, where you can search using the station names Mettupalayam, Coonoor and Udagamandalam (Ooty). In addition to IRCTC, third-party apps like Paytm and EaseMyTrip also provide toy train ticket booking options in many cases, which can be convenient if you are already using them for other travel bookings.

One important advantage of this route is that on-spot booking is also available at the station ticket counters. If online seats are not available, you can reach the station early and take a ticket directly from the counter. In many cases, you may get a waiting ticket, but often people don’t show up, and waiting tickets move to confirmed status before the train departs. This makes on-spot booking a good backup option, especially on weekdays or off-season days.

When to Book the Ooty Toy Train

The toy train route gets especially crowded in the months of November, December, January and February, as well as weekends, long weekends and school holidays. During these periods, you should aim to book at least a month in advance for the shorter Ooty–Coonoor stretch and even earlier if you are planning the full Mettupalayam–Ooty route. For off-season months, you may still find tickets closer to the date, but it is always safer to book early and secure your preferred timings.

If you cannot get an advance booking, another strategy is to reach the station about 30 minutes earlier than departure and try for an on-the-spot or waiting list ticket. Many travellers have successfully boarded this way because not everyone with a confirmed ticket turns up on time.

Classes, Fares and What to Expect Onboard

The Ooty toy train generally offers First Class and Second Class seating. In First Class, you get slightly more comfortable and spacious seating, sometimes with basic snacks and a quieter compartment feel. The seats are usually arranged in a way where three to four people sit facing each other. In Second Class, four people sit together on a bench-style seat, making it a bit more compact, but for a short one-hour ride between Ooty and Coonoor, most travellers find it perfectly manageable.

The fares are affordable and vary depending on the class, route and season. First Class tickets cost more than Second Class, and the full Mettupalayam–Ooty route naturally costs more than the short Ooty–Coonoor leg. Since exact fares and timings can change with time, it is best to check the latest details directly on the IRCTC app or website while booking. However, overall, the toy train remains a budget-friendly experience compared to the value and views it offers.

Window Seat Tips and Which Side to Sit

For most travellers, the highlight of the Ooty toy train is the view outside the window. While booking online, make sure you select “Window Seat” as your seat preference. The tricky part is that the system does not allow you to choose which side of the train (left or right) your window seat will be on. Many travellers and vloggers have noticed that the right-hand side of the train generally has better views, especially on the Ooty–Coonoor stretch, because the valley and many iconic curves fall on that side.

If your seat is on the left side, don’t worry—this is where the friendly vibe of the toy train comes in. Most passengers stand near windows, lean to look outside, click photos and even request fellow travellers on the right side to allow them to take a photo or short video from their window. It is common and acceptable to politely ask, “Can I take one photo or one video from your window?” People often help each other so that everyone can capture the famous tea gardens, tunnels and bridges. Be respectful, quick and polite, and you will still get great shots even if you don’t get the “perfect” side.

How the Journey Feels: Onboard Experience

Once the train starts from Ooty, it moves slowly and steadily towards Coonoor, passing through pine forests, flowering bushes and tea plantations that roll down the hills. The air feels cooler and fresher with every curve, and the smell of plants and flowers adds to the charm. Often, four people sit on one bench, but because of the relatively fewer people during non-peak days, the coach may not feel too congested. There is space above the seats to keep your luggage, and the ride is slow enough that you can stand, stretch and shift near windows during non-crowded stretches.

The toy train also gives you a sense of stepping back in time. The heritage blue and cream coaches, the sound of the engine, the narrow tracks and the small hill stations along the way—like Lovedale and Wellington on some stretches—make it feel like an old movie scene. For those who have already done other toy train routes like Kalka to Shimla, the Nilgiri toy train offers a different charm with its tea estates and blue mountain views.

Quick Coonoor Add-On

If you are getting down at Coonoor, you can keep the rest of your day simple. Outside Coonoor station, autos and taxis are easily available. Autos can take you around key viewpoints and basic sightseeing circuits at a reasonable cost, while taxis cost a little more but offer more comfort and flexibility. Bike rentals are also available if you prefer exploring on your own. If you plan to stay in Coonoor for a night, budget accommodation is available near the railway station and in nearby localities.

Practical Tips for Your Ooty Toy Train Plan

It helps to travel light, especially if you are boarding early in the morning. Carry a refillable bottle, as plastic bottles are discouraged or banned in several hill regions. Wear layers because mornings can be cool and afternoons sunny. Always keep your ID proof handy for ticket checks. Most importantly, plan the toy train as a key part of your Ooty itinerary, not just an add-on. Whether you are a photographer, a couple, a family with kids or a solo traveller, the experience is both nostalgic and refreshing.

In short, the Ooty toy train is not just transport—it is the heart of the Nilgiri experience. Book your ticket in advance, aim for a window seat, stay flexible with sides, and let the slow, scenic ride introduce you to the magic of the blue mountains.

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You can also check live seat availability and book Ooty toy train tickets easily through ConfirmTkt (a reliable railway booking partner connected to IRCTC).

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