Ooty Toy Train
When you think of Ooty, the Queen of Hill Stations, few of the first thing that comes to our mind – sooner or later – is the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) famously known as the Toy Train. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this train, more than just getting you from point A to B, It showcases the very essence what the Nilgiris is all about – the beautiful views, the mist-covered hills and old-world charm.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway was first built by the British in the early 20th century, with the line opening in 1908. Even today, it stands as a marvel of engineering, as the tracks climb steep slopes using a unique rack-and-pinion system. This allowed the train to navigate through sharp curves, steep gradients, and dense forests—something quite rare in the world of railways.
How to Book Ooty Toy Train Ticket
Online Ooty Toy Train Ticket Booking (IRCTC Website/App)
Step 1 : Go to the IRCTC website www.irctc.co.in or download the IRCTC Rail Connect app.
Step 2: Login with your IRCTC ID. (If you don’t have one, create a free account first.)
Step 3: In the booking section:
- From Station: Mettupalayam (MTP) or Coonoor (ONR)
- To Station: Udhagamandalam (Ooty – UAM)
- Select your journey date.
Step 4 : Choose the train (Nilgiri Mountain Railway) from the list shown.
Step 5 : Select your class:
- First Class (FC) – Limited seats, more comfort.
- Second Sitting (2S) – Regular class, budget-friendly.
Click Check Availability → If seats are available, click Book Now.
Step 6 : Enter passenger details (name, age, gender, ID proof).
Step 7 : Make online payment using UPI, net banking, or card.
Step 8 : Once booked, you will get an e-ticket. You can show it on your mobile or take a printout while travelling.
Important: Booking opens 60 days in advance. For peak season, tickets sell out fast—so book early.
Ooty Toy Train Ticket Booking Through Travel Apps or Agents
You can also book via trusted apps/website like MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip (they connect to IRCTC). Some local travel agents in Ooty/Mettupalayam also help with booking (extra service charge may apply)
Booking Ooty Toy Train Ticket At Railway Station
- Go to the booking counter at Mettupalayam (MTP), Coonoor (ONR), or Ooty (UAM) stations.\
- Fill the reservation slip with travel details.
- Submit it at the counter and pay cash/card.
- Collect your printed ticket.
- For offline booking, reach at least 1–2 hours before train departure, as tickets are limited and queues can be long.
Ooty toy train timing
Toy Train from Mettupalayam to Ooty
Train No. 56136 departs from Mettupalayam (MTP) at 7:10 AM, arriving at Ooty (UAM) around 11:55 AM. Duration is 4 hours 45 minutes, covering approximately 46 km. The Nilgiri Mountain Train traverses a distance of 26 km, goes through 208 curves, 16 tunnels, and across 250 bridges.
Toy Train from Coonoor to Ooty
Here are multiple departures:
Coonoor (ONR) → Ooty (UAM)
- 7:45 AM → 9:00 AM (1 hour 15 minutes)
- 10:40 AM → 11:55 AM (1 hour 15 minutes)
- 12:35 PM → 1:45 PM (1 hour 10 minutes)
- 4:00 PM → 5:10 PM (1 hour 10 minutes)
Return Journey
Toy Train from Ooty to Mettupalayam
Train No. 56137 departs Ooty (UAM) at 2:00 PM, arriving at Mettupalayam (MTP) by 5:30–5:35 PM. Duration is around 3 hours 30–35 minutes.
Toy Train From Ooty to Coonoor
Four departures each day:
- 9:15 AM → 10:20 AM (1 hour 5 minutes)
- 12:15 PM → 1:15 PM (1 hour)
- 2:00 PM → 3:05 PM (1 hour 5 minutes)
- 5:30 PM → 6:35 PM (1 hour 5 minutes)
Key Stations on the Route:
- Mettupalayam – The starting point at the base of the Nilgiris.
- Coonoor – A beautiful halfway point known for tea estates and misty valleys.
- Lovedale – A quaint station near Ooty with lush green surroundings.
- Udhagamandalam (Ooty) – The final destination, nestled among rolling hills.
The train passes through tunnels, sharp curves, tea plantations, waterfalls, and deep valleys, making every moment of the ride a postcard-worthy memory.
Best Time to Experience the Toy Train
The Toy Train runs throughout the year, but the best time to enjoy the journey is between October and May, when the weather is pleasant, skies are clear, and the hills are alive with blossoms. During monsoons, the train ride offers lush greenery and misty mountain views, but you should be prepared for occasional delays. Sometimes, the train may even stop for a while due to heavy rain, fog, or landslides along the track, as safety is always given priority.
What Makes the Toy Train Special?
Nostalgic Feel
From the wooden coaches to the sound of the steam engine whistle, the Toy Train brings alive a sense of old-world romance that modern travel often misses.
Breathtaking Views
The train climbs from about 326 meters at Mettupalayam to over 2,200 meters at Ooty. Along the way, you’ll witness mist-covered mountains, pine forests, and serene villages.
Photography Heaven
Every turn offers stunning backdrops, perfect for photographers and nature lovers.
Slow Travel Experience
Unlike fast-paced travel, this train journey allows you to relax and truly enjoy nature’s beauty.
Tips for Travellers by YourKeys
Book in Advance – Tickets get sold out quickly, especially during holidays, long weekends, and summer vacations. Online booking through IRCTC opens 60 days before the journey—reserve your seats early.
Ticket Limit at Counters – At railway station counters, only 4 tickets per person are allowed. If you are travelling in a group, stand in line with multiple members to improve your chances.
International Travellers – Creating an IRCTC account may be slightly difficult for foreigners. Using third-party apps like ixigo, ConfirmTkt, or MakeMyTrip can make the process easier.
Arrive Early – If you are buying tickets offline, reach the station at least 1–2 hours before departure to avoid missing out, as queues can be long.
Choose the Right Seat – Window seats give the best views of the valleys and plantations. If possible, pick a left-side seat while going uphill from Mettupalayam to Ooty for better scenery.
Carry Essentials – Pack water, light snacks, and a jacket or shawl. The ride can feel chilly, especially in the morning and winter season.
Keep Your Camera Ready – The train passes through tunnels, bridges, waterfalls, and tea estates. It’s a paradise for photography lovers.
Expect Delays in Monsoon – Heavy rains or fog may sometimes slow down or stop the train for safety reasons. Keep your schedule a little flexible.
Respect Nature & Heritage – The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is over 100 years old and a UNESCO heritage site. Avoid littering and enjoy the ride responsibly.
Conclusion
The Ooty Toy Train is more than just a mode of travel—it is an experience that captures the soul of the Nilgiris. Every whistle of the engine, every curve on the track, and every glimpse of the misty hills takes you back in time to a simpler, slower world. So, the next time you plan a trip to Ooty, don’t just think of it as reaching a destination—make sure to take the Toy Train ride and let the journey itself become the highlight of your holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How to book Ooty Toy Train tickets?
You can book online through the official IRCTC website
or the IRCTC Rail Connect app. Tickets can also be purchased at railway station counters (Mettupalayam, Coonoor, Ooty) or through trusted travel apps like MakeMyTrip and ixigo.
2) How early should I book Toy Train tickets?
Tickets open 60 days in advance on IRCTC. For peak seasons like summer and long weekends, it is best to book as early as possible, as seats get sold out quickly.
3) What is the duration of the Ooty Toy Train journey?
Mettupalayam to Ooty: About 4 hours 45 minutes (longer ride), Coonoor to Ooty: About 1 to 1.15 hours depending on the train timing.
4) Is the Toy Train available throughout the year?
Yes, it runs all year. The best time to enjoy the ride is October to May, when the weather is pleasant and views are clear.
5) Which side of the Toy Train has the best views?
While going uphill from Mettupalayam to Ooty, the left side offers the most scenic views of valleys, tea gardens, and waterfalls.
