Quick answer: The government bus from Udumalpet to Munnar (TNSTC) runs three times a day, at 6:00 AM, 10:30 AM and about 5:00 PM, via Chinnar and Marayoor. The ride takes roughly 3 hours 30 minutes and the ordinary fare is around ₹122–130. Kerala’s KSRTC buses also use this route.
First published 20 Feb 2023 · Last updated 9 Nov 2026
The Udumalpet to Munnar road is one of the prettiest bus rides in South India. It climbs out of the Tamil Nadu plains, crosses the Chinnar forest checkpost into Kerala and ends among tea estates. This guide covers the Udumalpet to Munnar bus timings, fare, travel time and what to expect on the way, so you can plan your day properly.
Timings note: Schedules below are compiled from published TNSTC and KSRTC timetables and were last cross-checked in November 2026. Government bus timings change without notice, so confirm at the Udumalpet bus stand before you travel.
Udumalpet to Munnar Bus Timings
| Departure from Udumalpet | Operator | Route | Bus type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | TNSTC | Chinnar – Marayoor – Rajamalai | Ordinary, non-AC |
| 10:30 AM | TNSTC | Chinnar – Marayoor – Rajamalai | Ordinary, non-AC |
| 5:00 PM (some listings say 5:30 PM) | TNSTC | Chinnar – Marayoor – Rajamalai | Ordinary, non-AC |
KSRTC (Kerala) also runs buses on this stretch, mostly starting from Munnar and Marayoor. Ask at the Udumalpet enquiry counter for the KSRTC departures on the day you travel.
Tip: If you want a full day in Munnar, take the 6:00 AM bus and you will arrive around 9:30 AM. The 5:00 PM bus reaches Munnar after dark, around 8:30 PM, so book your stay in advance.
Munnar to Udumalpet Bus Timings (Return Journey)
These return timings come from a 2023 timetable listing, so treat them as a guide and confirm at Munnar bus stand.
| Operator | Departures from Munnar |
|---|---|
| TNSTC | 7:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 3:00 PM |
| KSRTC | 5:30 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:30 PM |
The KSRTC Munnar bus stand enquiry number listed on timetable sites is 04865 230201.
Udumalpet to Munnar: Distance, Travel Time and Fare
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Distance by bus | About 90 km via Chinnar and Marayoor |
| Travel time | About 3 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes (KSRTC listings go up to 3 hours 45 minutes) |
| Ordinary bus fare | Around ₹122–130 per adult |
| Seating | Non-AC, 3+2 seating |
| Route | Udumalpet – Chinnar – Marayoor – Rajamalai – Munnar |
Travel time can stretch during monsoon rain, festival weekends and peak tourist months (April–June and December).
What You Will Pass on the Route
The bus goes through the Anamalai (Indira Gandhi) forest belt, so the ride is part of the trip:
- Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, about 25–30 km from Udumalpet. This is where you cross from Tamil Nadu into Kerala.
- Marayoor, known for its sandalwood forest, ancient dolmens and jaggery. Many travellers buy jaggery here.
- Eravikulam National Park area near Rajamalai, the home of the Nilgiri tahr, before you reach Munnar town.
Types of Buses on This Route
The Udumalpet to Munnar service is run by government corporations (TNSTC and KSRTC) with ordinary, non-AC buses. Direct AC or sleeper buses to Munnar usually start from larger cities such as Bengaluru or Chennai, not from Udumalpet.
How to Book Udumalpet to Munnar Bus Tickets
- At the bus stand: Most travellers buy tickets from the counter or the conductor. Arrive 30 minutes early, especially for the morning bus.
- TNSTC online: Check availability on the official TNSTC booking site, tnstc.in.
- Third-party apps: Platforms such as redBus show only a few services on this route, so do not rely on finding a seat online at the last minute.
How to Reach Udumalpet
Udumalpet is a major bus junction. From Coimbatore it is about 1.5–2 hours by bus, and buses also connect from Pollachi and Palani. If you are coming from further away, see our guide on how to reach Munnar from Chennai.
Travel Tips for the Udumalpet to Munnar Bus
- Carry a valid photo ID, since you cross a state border and a forest checkpost.
- Take a window seat on the left side coming up from Udumalpet if you can, for tea-garden and forest views. Seating is first come, first served, so board early.
- The ghat section has many curves. If you get motion sickness, take a tablet before boarding.
- Carry water and snacks. Food stops are limited between Chinnar and Marayoor.
- Keep cash for the fare and for small purchases in Marayoor.
- Best weather for the journey: October to March. Monsoon months are greener but slower.
Where to Stay in Munnar
If you arrive on the evening bus, a stay near the Munnar bus stand saves you a late-night transfer. Budget rooms start from around ₹1,200 a night.
Check budget stays near Munnar bus stand on Agoda →
FAQs: Udumalpet to Munnar Bus
How many buses run from Udumalpet to Munnar? TNSTC runs three daily buses, at 6:00 AM, 10:30 AM and around 5:00 PM. KSRTC also operates on this route, so ask at the stand for additional departures.
How long does the Udumalpet to Munnar bus take? About 3 hours 30 minutes on a TNSTC bus. It can take up to 3 hours 45 minutes in heavy traffic or rain.
What is the Udumalpet to Munnar bus fare? The ordinary bus fare is around ₹122–130 per adult. Fares change, so confirm at the counter.
What is the distance between Udumalpet and Munnar? About 90 km by the bus route via Chinnar and Marayoor.
Is there an AC or sleeper bus from Udumalpet to Munnar? No. The Udumalpet service uses ordinary non-AC buses. AC and sleeper coaches generally run from cities like Bengaluru and Chennai.
What is the first and last bus from Udumalpet to Munnar? The first TNSTC bus leaves at 6:00 AM and the last at around 5:00 PM.
More Bus Guides
- Theni to Munnar bus timings
- How to reach Munnar from Chennai
- Palani to Kodaikanal bus timings
- Palani to Kodaikanal tour package
Conclusion
For the Udumalpet to Munnar bus, remember three departures (6:00 AM, 10:30 AM, about 5:00 PM), a journey of around 3.5 hours and a fare of roughly ₹122–130. Take the morning bus for a full day in Munnar, confirm timings at the stand and keep your ID handy. Save or pin this guide for your trip, and contact us on +91-6382505650 if you need help planning the Kodaikanal side of your journey.
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