Palani to Kodaikanal Bus Timings 2026

Planning a budget trip to Kodaikanal from Palani? You’re in luck — at just 65 km and ₹60 by TNSTC bus, this is one of the most affordable hill-station journeys in Tamil Nadu. This complete guide covers Palani to Kodaikanal bus timings for 2026, TNSTC fare, the exact Palani to Kodaikanal distance of 65.5 km, and tips for a smooth journey.

Whether you’re a solo traveller, a family, or a pilgrim continuing your journey after visiting the famous Palani Murugan Temple, the TNSTC government bus is your best budget option to reach Kodaikanal.

Timings last verified: September 2026

Bus timings are subject to change without notice by TNSTC. We recommend confirming at the bus stand before travel.

Quick answer: TNSTC buses run from Palani to Kodaikanal 11 times a day, from 4:00 AM to 6:00 PM, take about 2.5–3 hours, and cost ₹60 per ticket.

Detail	Information
Route	Palani to Kodaikanal
Operator	TNSTC (government bus)
Distance	65.5 km
Journey Duration	2.5 – 3 hours
Bus Fare	₹60
First Bus	4:00 AM
Last Bus	6:00 PM
Total Daily Buses	11

Palani to Kodaikanal bus timings chart 2026 — palani to kodaikanal bus timings

Only Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) government buses operate on the Palani to Kodaikanal route. There are no private buses on this route. Below are the current departure timings from Palani bus stand:

Also check out: Palani to Kodaikanal cab services within budget price

All Palani to Kodaikanal TNSTC Bus Timings – 13 Daily Departures

Departure Time	Route	Type	Duration (hrs)
04:00 AM	Palani Bus Stand – Kodaikanal Bus Stand	TNSTC Bus	2.30 to 3.00
04:15 AM	Palani Bus Stand – Perumalmalai Bus Stop	TNSTC Bus	2.00 to 2.30
05:15 AM	Palani Bus Stand – Kodaikanal Bus Stand	TNSTC Bus	2.30 to 3.00
06:00 AM	Palani Bus Stand – Kodaikanal Bus Stand	TNSTC Bus	2.30 to 3.00
08:00 AM	Palani Bus Stand – Kodaikanal Bus Stand	TNSTC Bus	2.30 to 3.00
09:15 AM	Palani Bus Stand – Kodaikanal Bus Stand	TNSTC Bus	2.30 to 3.00
09:45 AM	Palani Bus Stand – Kodaikanal Bus Stand	TNSTC Bus	2.30 to 3.00
10:30 AM	Palani Bus Stand – Kodaikanal Bus Stand	TNSTC Bus	2.30 to 3.00
12:00 PM	Palani Bus Stand – Kodaikanal Bus Stand	TNSTC Bus	2.30 to 3.00
12:45 PM	Palani Bus Stand – Perumalmalai Bus Stop	TNSTC Bus	2.00 to 2.30
01:15 PM	Palani Bus Stand – Kodaikanal Bus Stand	TNSTC Bus	2.30 to 3.00
02:15 PM	Palani Bus Stand – Kodaikanal Bus Stand	TNSTC Bus	2.30 to 3.00
06:00 PM	Palani Bus Stand – Kodaikanal Bus Stand	TNSTC Bus	2.30 to 3.00

Palani Bus Stand helpline contact:
Palani Bus Stand Phone: 04545-242208
TNSTC Palani Depot Office: 04545-242543 or mobile 94875-99112
Statewide Transport Helpline: 149

Alternate Route: Palani to Kodaikanal via Thandigudi (Perumal Malai Transfer)

If you miss a direct Palani–Kodaikanal bus, or prefer this alternate route, you can travel via Perumal Malai and Thandigudi and transfer to a connecting bus for the final stretch to Kodaikanal.

Buses from Palani towards Thandigudi (via Perumal Malai) depart at: 4:15 AM and 12:45 PM.

At Perumal Malai, you can transfer to a Kodaikanal-bound bus to complete the journey. This route is a useful backup if you’ve missed the direct buses, or if you’re planning to stop and explore Perumal Malai along the way.

📱 Save the Offline Palani to Kodaikanal Bus Timetable: Mobile network signals can drop as you enter the ghat road section between Palani and Kodaikanal. Save or screenshot the offline timetable card below so you always have access to departure times, fare info, and route notes during your journey.

The hill road section is narrow in many places and involves 14 hairpin bends, steep drops on one side, and dense forest on the other.

Palani to Kodaikanal TNSTC bus timetable for offline use — Download or screenshot this Palani to Kodaikanal bus schedule card for offline reference.

Tip for Travelers: Board early at the main Palani Bus Stand during peak season (April–June & December–January) to guarantee a window seat!

Kodaikanal to Other Cities – Bus Timings

If you’re planning onward travel from Kodaikanal or need return bus timings, here are some useful links:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first bus from Palani to Kodaikanal?

The first TNSTC bus departs Palani at 4:00 AM daily.

What is the last bus from Palani to Kodaikanal?

The last bus departs at 6:00 PM.

How much is the bus fare from Palani to Kodaikanal?

The TNSTC bus fare is ₹60 per person. These are the only government bus timings and fare on this route — no private buses operate between Palani and Kodaikanal.

How long does the Palani to Kodaikanal bus journey take?

The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, covering 65.5 km through flat roads and winding hill roads.

Can I book the TNSTC bus ticket in advance?

No — TNSTC bus tickets on this route cannot be booked in advance. Tickets are purchased from the conductor on board. During peak season (April–June, December–January), board early at Palani bus stand to secure a seat.

Are there private buses from Palani to Kodaikanal?

No private buses operate on this route. Only TNSTC government buses run between Palani and Kodaikanal. For a private option, you can book a cab from Palani to Kodaikanal.

Which is the best time to travel from Palani to Kodaikanal by bus?

Early morning buses (4:00 AM – 6:00 AM) are best — less crowded, cooler weather, and you arrive in time to make the most of your day in Kodaikanal.

Is the Palani to Kodaikanal bus timing the same every day?

Yes — TNSTC runs the same 13 daily departures every day of the week, including tomorrow, with no separate weekend or holiday schedule.

Is there a direct bus, or do I need to change at Perumal Malai?

Most TNSTC buses run directly from Palani to Kodaikanal via Perumal Malai and Thandigudi without requiring a change. However, if you’re coming from a different starting point, you can also reach Perumal Malai and transfer to a Kodaikanal-bound bus from there.

Kodaikanal Tour Packages

Planning a trip to Kodaikanal? We offer budget-friendly packages with cab, hotel stay, and sightseeing from major nearby cities. Choose your pickup point below:

🚗 Palani to Kodaikanal Tour Package — 1 Day / 2 Days / 3 Days | Local + Mannavanur Sightseeing | Starting from ₹1,900 (see the 3-day itinerary & pricing in detail)
🚂 Kodai Road to Kodaikanal Tour Package — 1 Day / 2 Days / 3 Days | Railway Station Pickup | Best for train travellers
🏙️ Dindigul to Kodaikanal Tour Package — 1 Night & 2 Days | Pickup from Dindigul | Local & Village Sightseeing
🕌 Madurai to Kodaikanal Tour Package — 2 Days / 3 Days | Airport & Railway Station Pickup | Families & Couples
🚌 Chennai to Kodaikanal Tour Package — 2 Days (2026) | Overnight Bus + Hotel + Sightseeing | Starting from ₹15,000

📞 WhatsApp us at +91-6382505650 to get a custom quote for your travel dates and group size.

Conclusion

The Palani to Kodaikanal bus journey is one of those rare travel experiences where getting there is half the adventure. For just ₹60, you get a front-row seat to mist-wrapped hills, cascading waterfalls, and winding forest roads — all before you’ve even arrived at the hill station. With 13 daily departures, flexible timing is easy to plan around.

If you found this guide helpful, bookmark it for your trip and share it with fellow travellers. Have questions about the route, timings, or what to do in Kodaikanal? Drop them in the comments below — we’re happy to help!

Palani to Kodaikanal Bus Timings 2026 – Fare, Distance & Travel Tips

What’s Inside