Quick answer: Government buses (KSRTC and TNSTC) run from Theni to Munnar through the day via Bodi, Bodimettu, Pooppara and Devikulam. The trip is about 81 km and takes roughly 3 to 3 hours 45 minutes. The government bus fare is about ₹115. KSRTC departs Theni at 1:00 AM, 2:15 AM, 2:50 AM, 6:15 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM, and TNSTC runs more frequent services.
First published 20 Feb 2023 · Last updated 9 Nov 2026
The Theni to Munnar road is one of the best hill drives in South India. It climbs the Western Ghats from the Tamil Nadu plains, crosses the border at Bodimettu and runs through tea country into Munnar. This guide gives you the Theni to Munnar bus timings, fare, route and practical tips so you can plan a budget trip.
Timings note: Schedules below are compiled from published KSRTC and TNSTC timetables and were last cross-checked in November 2026. Sources do not always agree and government schedules change without notice, so confirm at Theni bus stand before you travel.
Theni to Munnar Bus Timings
KSRTC (Kerala) departures from Theni
| Time | Notes |
|---|---|
| 1:00 AM | Night service |
| 2:15 AM | One listing shows 2:00 AM |
| 2:50 AM | Night service |
| 6:15 AM | Best morning bus; reaches Munnar around 10:00 AM |
| 12:30 PM | Arrives around 4:15 PM |
| 2:30 PM | Arrives around 6:15 PM |
| 5:30 PM | Last KSRTC bus; arrives around 9:15 PM |
TNSTC (Tamil Nadu) departures from Theni
One published TNSTC schedule shows buses roughly every 30 to 60 minutes through the day on this route. These are non-AC buses.
| Period | Departures from Theni |
|---|---|
| Early morning to forenoon | 12:45 AM, 1:10 AM, 1:45 AM, 2:20 AM, 3:30 AM, 5:00 AM, 6:15 AM, 6:45 AM, 7:35 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:15 AM, 9:50 AM, 10:05 AM, 10:45 AM, 11:15 AM |
| Afternoon | 12:15 PM, 12:45 PM, 1:15 PM, 1:45 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:05 PM, 5:00 PM, 5:30 PM |
| Night | 9:00 PM |
TNSTC lists many more departures than KSRTC. Since timetable sites differ, ask at the Theni enquiry counter which buses are actually running that day.
Tip: For a full day in Munnar, take a bus between 5:00 AM and 7:35 AM. You will be in Munnar by mid-morning.
Munnar to Theni Bus Timings (Return Journey)
These return timings come from older published timetables, so confirm at Munnar bus stand.
| Operator | Departures from Munnar |
|---|---|
| KSRTC | 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 10:00 PM |
| TNSTC | 4:15 AM, 5:00 AM, 6:15 AM, 7:45 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:15 AM |
KSRTC Munnar buses reach Theni about 3 hours 45 minutes after departure. The KSRTC Munnar bus stand enquiry number listed on timetable sites is 04865 230201.
Theni to Munnar: Distance, Travel Time and Fare
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Distance by bus | About 81 km (some sources say 80–85 km) |
| Travel time | About 3 hours; KSRTC timetables show up to 3 hours 45 minutes |
| Government bus fare | Around ₹115 (TNSTC and KSRTC) |
| Bus type | Ordinary, non-AC |
Travel time increases in monsoon rain, fog and holiday weekends, when the ghat road gets busy.
Theni to Munnar Bus Route and Stops
Both TNSTC and KSRTC buses use the same road:
Theni → Bodi → Bodimettu → Pooppara → Anayirangal → Devikulam → Periyakanal → Chinnakanal → Munnar
Bodimettu marks the Tamil Nadu–Kerala border. After Pooppara the road runs through tea estates and cardamom hills, and near Chinnakanal you will pass Power House Waterfalls beside the road. Travellers often prefer this route because it is more scenic than the plains road via Udumalpet.
Types of Buses on This Route
Theni to Munnar is served mainly by government ordinary buses from TNSTC and KSRTC. Long-distance AC and sleeper buses to Munnar, such as services from Chennai, pass through Theni but do not start here, so seats are limited and availability changes. If you need a specific coach type, check with the operator in advance.
How to Book Theni to Munnar Bus Tickets
- At Theni bus stand: Most passengers buy tickets at the counter or from the conductor. Arrive 30 minutes early for morning and night buses.
- KSRTC online: KSRTC Kerala buses can be booked through the official KSRTC SWIFT booking site.
- TNSTC online: The Theni to Munnar service has not been available for online reservation on tnstc.in, so plan to buy at the stand.
How to Reach Theni
Theni is well connected by bus from Madurai (about 2 hours), Dindigul, Cumbum and Periyakulam. If you are coming from Kodaikanal, you will usually travel down to Batlagundu or Periyakulam and change for a Theni bus. For long journeys from the capital, read our guide on how to reach Munnar from Chennai.
Travel Tips for the Theni to Munnar Bus
- Carry a photo ID, since you cross a state border at Bodimettu.
- Pick a window seat if you can. The best views are after Pooppara.
- Ghat roads have many hairpin bends. Take a motion sickness tablet if you need one.
- Carry water and snacks, as food stops thin out in the hills.
- Avoid the night buses if you want to see the scenery, since you will cross the best stretch in the dark.
- Book your stay before you arrive if you take an evening bus.
Where to Stay in Munnar
If you arrive late, a room near the Munnar bus stand saves you a transfer. Budget rooms start from around ₹1,200 a night.
Check budget stays near Munnar bus stand on Agoda →
FAQs: Theni to Munnar Bus
About 3 hours, and up to 3 hours 45 minutes on KSRTC timetables, depending on traffic and weather.
About 81 km by road through Bodimettu, Pooppara and Devikulam.
The government bus fare is around ₹115. Fares can change, so confirm at the counter.
Buses start from around 12:45 AM on TNSTC and 1:00 AM on KSRTC. The last KSRTC bus leaves at 5:30 PM, and one TNSTC listing shows a 9:00 PM departure.
The local Theni services are ordinary non-AC buses. AC and sleeper coaches only pass through on long-distance routes, so do not count on them.
You can book KSRTC buses online through KSRTC SWIFT. TNSTC tickets on this route are generally bought at the bus stand.
More Munnar Travel Guides
- Udumalpet to Munnar bus timings
- Eravikulam National Park guide
- How to reach Munnar from Chennai
- Palani to Kodaikanal bus timings
- Madurai to Kodaikanal tour package
Conclusion
For the Theni to Munnar bus, expect a scenic 3 to 3.75 hour ride on an ordinary government bus for about ₹115. Take the early morning bus for a full day in Munnar, confirm timings at the stand and keep your ID handy. Save this guide for your trip, and call +91-6382505650 if you want help planning the Kodaikanal part of your journey.
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Thanks for sharing bus timings, will really help lots of people !!!
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