If you're eager to experience the scenic Nilgiri Mountain Railway ride but can't get tickets during the peak summer season, here's some great news. The Salem Division of Southern Railway has announced a special toy train service operating from March 27th to July 5th 2026.
Schedule:
Mettupalayam to Ooty and viceversa
- Uphill Journey (06171): Departs Mettupalayam at 9:10 AM every Friday and Sunday, arriving in Ooty at 2:25 PM
- Downhill Journey (06172): Departs Ooty at 11:25 AM every Saturday and Monday, arriving in Mettupalayam at 4:20 PM
Ooty to Coonoor
- 06176 (UAM ONR SPL): Operates on Friday and Sunday. Departs Ooty at 2:50 PM and arrives in Coonoor at 3:55 PM.
- 06180 (UAM ONR SPL): Operates on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Departs Ooty at 4:45 PM and arrives in Coonoor at 5:55 PM.
Coonoor to Ooty
- 06177 (ONR UAM SPL): Operates on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Departs Coonoor at 8:20 AM and arrives in Ooty at 9:40 AM.
- 06199 (ONR UAM SPL): Operates on Saturday and Monday. Departs Coonoor at 9:20 AM and arrives in Ooty at 10:45 AM.
Seating Capacity:
- Mettupalayam to Coonoor: 40 first-class and 140 second-class seats
- Coonoor to Ooty: 80 first-class and 140 second-class seats
Ticket Pricing:
Mettupalayam to Ooty & Ooty to Mettupalayam Special train:
- First Class: ₹1,470 (compared to ₹600 on regular trains)
- Second Class: ₹965 (compared to ₹295 on regular trains)
Coonoor to Ooty & Ooty to Coonoor Special train:
- First Class: ₹525 (compared to ₹365 on regular trains)
- Second Class: ₹365 (compared to ₹160 on regular trains)
Special Toy Train Timings:
Mettupalayam to Ooty & Ooty to Mettupalayam Special train:
- First Class: ₹1,470 (compared to ₹600 on regular trains)
- Second Class: ₹965 (compared to ₹295 on regular trains)
Coonoor to Ooty & Ooty to Coonoor Special train:
- First Class: ₹525 (compared to ₹365 on regular trains)
- Second Class: ₹365 (compared to ₹160 on regular trains)
Special Toy Train Timings:
| Train No.06171 Mettupalayam – Udagamandalam Special Train |
↓ | Station | ↑ | Train No.06172 Udagamandalam – Mettupalayam Special Train |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09.10 | Dep. | Mettupalayam | Arr. | 16.20 |
| 09.28 / 09.35 | (a/d) | Kallar | (a/d) | 15.50 / 15.55 |
| 10.46 / 11.00 | (a/d) | Hillgrove | (a/d) | 14.34 / 14.42 |
| 12.30 / 12.55 | (a/d) | Coonoor | (a/d) | 13.00 / 13.30 |
| 13.04 / 13.06 | (a/d) | Wellington | (a/d) | 12.35 / 12.45 |
| 13.16 / 13.18 | (a/d) | Aravankadu | (a/d) | 12.20 / 12.25 |
| 13.38 / 13.40 | (a/d) | Ketti | (a/d) | 12.00 / 12.05 |
| 14.00 / 14.13 | (a/d) | Lovedale | (a/d) | 11.37 / 11.41 |
| 14.25 | Arr. | Udagamandalam | Dep. | 11.25 |
While the fares are higher than regular service, this special toy train offers a valuable opportunity to experience the breathtaking Nilgiri landscape during peak season when standard tickets are difficult to secure. The premium pricing reflects the increased availability and convenience during the summer months.
Check our detailed guide on how to book the toy train in Ooty.
