Planning a trip from Bangalore to Kodaikanal? Whether you love road trips, prefer a comfortable bus, or want to take a scenic train ride, this guide covers all the best ways to reach Kodaikanal.
Kodaikanal, the "Princess of Hill Stations," is famous for its cool weather, misty mountains, and breathtaking landscapes. Located 465 km from Bangalore, it is a perfect getaway for a refreshing vacation.
Let’s explore the best travel options from Bangalore to Kodaikanal!
The distance from Bangalore to Kodaikanal is 465 km, and there are multiple ways to reach:
Let’s compare the best travel options!
| Mode of Transport | Duration | Cost (Approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚗 Car/Bike | 8-9 hours | ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 (fuel) | Adventure & flexibility |
| 🚌 Bus | 9-10 hours | ₹600 – ₹1,500 | Budget-friendly travel |
| 🚆 Train + Taxi | 7-9 hours | ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 | Comfortable journey |
| ✈ Flight + Taxi | 3-4 hours | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 | Fastest option |
A Bangalore to Kodaikanal road trip is an amazing experience! You’ll pass through lush green forests, winding mountain roads, and beautiful valleys.
📍 Bangalore → Hosur → Salem → Dindigul → Kodaikanal
🛣️ Distance: 465 km
⏳ Travel Time: 8 to 9 hours
✅ Enjoy the journey – Stop at scenic viewpoints along the way.
✅ Flexibility – Take breaks, explore small towns, and enjoy local food.
✅ Bike-Friendly Roads – Many bikers love this route for the smooth roads and twisty hill sections near Kodaikanal.
✔ Start early in the morning (around 5-6 AM) to avoid traffic.
✔ Fuel up before reaching the hill roads (limited petrol stations).
✔ Drive safely on the ghat section (sharp curves & foggy conditions).
Taking a bus from Bangalore to Kodaikanal is the cheapest and easiest way to travel.
🚌 Bus Details:
🚍 Best Bus Options:
✔ AC Sleeper – Comfortable overnight journey
✔ Non-AC Sleeper – Budget option
✔ Volvo Luxury Buses – Extra comfort
🕗 Best Time to Take a Bus:
Take a night bus (9 PM - 11 PM) to reach Kodaikanal early in the morning.
There is no direct train from Bangalore to Kodaikanal, but you can take a train to Kodaikanal Road Railway Station (KQN) and then travel by taxi or bus.
🚆 Best Train Options:
| Train Name | From (Bangalore) | To (Kodaikanal Road) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuticorin Express | Bangalore City Jn | Kodaikanal Road | 7.5 hrs |
| Nagercoil Express | Bangalore City Jn | Kodaikanal Road | 8 hrs |
| Kanyakumari Express | Bangalore City Jn | Kodaikanal Road | 9 hrs |
🚖 From Kodaikanal Road to Kodaikanal (60 km)
🎯 Best for: People who prefer a comfortable, budget-friendly journey with scenic views.
The nearest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai Airport (IXM). You can take a flight from Bangalore to Madurai and then travel to Kodaikanal by road.
✈ Flight Details:
🚖 From Madurai to Kodaikanal (116 km)
🎯 Best for: Those who want to save time and travel comfortably.
The cheapest option is taking a non-AC sleeper bus, which costs around ₹600 – ₹800.
No, you need to take a train to Kodaikanal Road (KQN) and then a taxi or bus to reach Kodaikanal.
No, the nearest airport is Madurai Airport, and you need to travel by taxi or bus from Madurai to Kodaikanal.
✔ For a road trip: Take NH44 via Salem & Dindigul for the best driving experience.
✔ For a budget trip: Take an overnight bus for a comfortable journey.
✔ For a comfortable trip: Take a train to Kodaikanal Road & hire a taxi.
✔ For the fastest travel: Take a flight to Madurai & hire a taxi.
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