How long does it take to travel from Mangalore to Kodaikanal?

By train: approximately 8 hrs 3 min. By road: approximately 9 hrs 3 min.

Mangalore to Kodaikanal Distance: 413 km

Q: What is the distance from Mangalore to Kodaikanal?

The aerial distance from Mangalore to Kodaikanal is approximately 413 km (257 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 523 km.

Q: What is the best way to travel from Mangalore to Kodaikanal?

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 8 hrs 3 min. Buses take about 10 hrs 28 min and are the most affordable.

Mangalore

Karnataka

Kodaikanal

Tamil Nadu

413 km

aerial distance (straight line)

257 miles · Road distance: ~523 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

523 km

Road distance

9 hrs 3 min

Drive time

413 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Mangalore to Kodaikanal

✈

By Flight

No direct flights

Nearest airport: Madurai (IXM)

🚆

By Train

8 hrs 3 min

523 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

10 hrs 28 min

523 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

9 hrs 3 min

523 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

413 km (257 mi)

Road distance

~523 km

Recommended

Train (8 hrs 3 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Mangalore to Kodaikanal distance overview

The straight-line distance from Mangalore to Kodaikanal is approximately 413 km (257 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 523 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Karnataka to Tamil Nadu.

413 kmAerial distance

~523 kmBy road

8 hrs 3 minTrain

✈️ Reaching Kodaikanal by air

No direct airport

Kodaikanal does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is Madurai (IXM). Fly to the nearest airport and continue by road or rail.

Search Flights to Nearest Airport

🚆 By train — Mangalore to Kodaikanal

8 hrs 3 min ~523 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Mangalore and Kodaikanal with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 8 hrs 3 min. Rajdhani and Shatabdi express trains are faster, while mail and passenger trains make more stops but cost less.

AC 2-Tier (2A)Curtained berths, comfortable

AC 3-Tier (3A)Popular, good value

Sleeper Class (SL)Budget, non-AC

Book in advance through IRCTC, especially during festivals and holidays when seats fill up quickly.

Check Trains on IRCTC

🚌 By bus — Mangalore to Kodaikanal

10 hrs 28 min ~523 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Mangalore to Kodaikanal route. The journey takes approximately 10 hrs 28 min covering ~523 km. Both government and private operators service this route.

Volvo ACPremium comfort, reclining seats

AC SleeperFull-length beds, ideal for overnight

AC SeaterAir-conditioned, mid-range

Non-ACBudget-friendly, frequent service

Night buses are popular for this distance — travel while you sleep and arrive fresh at your destination.

Search Mangalore to Kodaikanal Buses

🚗 By car — Mangalore to Kodaikanal

9 hrs 3 min ~523 km

A road trip from Mangalore to Kodaikanal covers approximately 523 km and takes around 9 hrs 3 min. Start early to make the most of daylight hours.

💡 Travel tips for Mangalore to Kodaikanal

📅

Book early
Book trains 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season (Oct-Mar) for better prices and availability.

🌧️

Check weather
Avoid monsoon (Jun-Sep) for road trips. Road conditions can deteriorate and flights may face delays.

💳

Carry valid ID
Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID is required for train travel and recommended for bus journeys.

💤

Plan rest stops
For drives over 9 hrs 3 min, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

Where to stay in Kodaikanal

Budget to luxury hotels. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Kodaikanal Hotels

🅞️ Weather in Kodaikanal

Powered by Open-Meteo

🔗 Useful travel resources

For official travel information, regulations, and booking services:

IRCTC — Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation — Book train tickets online

Airports Authority of India — Airport information and flight status

DGCA — Directorate General of Civil Aviation — Indian aviation regulator

Incredible India — Official tourism portal of India

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from Mangalore to Kodaikanal? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Mangalore to Kodaikanal is approximately 413 km (257 miles). The road distance is approximately 523 km, which takes about 9 hrs 3 min by car.

What is the best way to travel from Mangalore to Kodaikanal? ▼

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 8 hrs 3 min. Buses take about 10 hrs 28 min and are the most affordable. Kodaikanal doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is Madurai (IXM).

Are there buses from Mangalore to Kodaikanal? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Mangalore to Kodaikanal route. The journey takes approximately 10 hrs 28 min. You can search and book bus tickets on FareEagle with AC Sleeper, AC Seater, and Non-AC options.

How long does the train take from Mangalore to Kodaikanal? ▼

The train from Mangalore to Kodaikanal takes approximately 8 hrs 3 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Mangalore to Kodaikanal travel on FareEagle? ▼

Yes! FareEagle lets you compare and book bus tickets, and hotels for the Mangalore to Kodaikanal route. Compare prices across operators, get instant confirmation, and enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

Routes from Mangalore

Mangalore to Kodaikanal Distance & How to Reach