Bus Timings to Wayanad: Complete Schedule & Fares
Wayanad is well connected by bus from all major cities in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. KSRTC (Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu state transport) and private operators run daily services to the three main Wayanad towns — Kalpetta, Sultan Bathery, and Mananthavady. Below you'll find updated schedules, approximate fares, local bus routes within Wayanad, and practical travel tips.
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Long Distance Bus Routes to Wayanad
Bangalore (Bengaluru) → Wayanad (Kalpetta / Sultan Bathery)
| Departure | Arrival | Operator | Type | Fare (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 PM | 4:30 AM | KSRTC Karnataka | Airavat AC Sleeper | ₹900-1200 |
| 8:30 PM | 5:30 AM | Kerala SRTC | AC Sleeper | ₹800-1100 |
| 9:00 PM | 6:00 AM | Kerala SRTC | Super Deluxe | ₹550-700 |
| 9:30 PM | 6:30 AM | Private (SRS/VRL) | AC Sleeper/Semi-Sleeper | ₹700-1500 |
| 10:00 PM | 7:00 AM | KSRTC Karnataka | Non-AC Sleeper | ₹500-650 |
| 11:00 PM | 7:30 AM | Private (Orange) | Multi-Axle AC | ₹800-1400 |
Kozhikode (Calicut) → Wayanad (Kalpetta)
| Departure | Arrival | Operator | Type | Fare (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | 8:00 AM | KSRTC | Super Fast | ₹120-150 |
| 6:00 AM | 8:30 AM | KSRTC | Fast Passenger | ₹90-110 |
| 7:00 AM | 9:30 AM | KSRTC | Super Deluxe | ₹150-200 |
| 8:00 AM | 10:30 AM | Private | AC Mini Bus | ₹180-250 |
| 9:00 AM | 11:30 AM | KSRTC | Super Fast | ₹120-150 |
| 11:00 AM | 1:30 PM | KSRTC | Fast Passenger | ₹90-110 |
| 1:00 PM | 3:30 PM | KSRTC | Super Fast | ₹120-150 |
| 3:00 PM | 5:30 PM | KSRTC | Fast Passenger | ₹90-110 |
| 5:00 PM | 7:30 PM | KSRTC | Super Deluxe | ₹150-200 |
Mysore (Mysuru) → Wayanad (Sultan Bathery)
| Departure | Arrival | Operator | Type | Fare (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:30 AM | 10:00 AM | KSRTC Karnataka | Express | ₹200-280 |
| 7:00 PM | 10:30 PM | KSRTC Karnataka | AC | ₹300-400 |
| 8:00 PM | 11:30 PM | Private | Sleeper | ₹350-500 |
| 9:00 PM | 12:30 AM | Kerala SRTC | Super Fast | ₹250-350 |
Kochi (Cochin / Ernakulam) → Wayanad (Kalpetta)
| Departure | Arrival | Operator | Type | Fare (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 PM | 3:00 AM | KSRTC | Super Deluxe | ₹500-650 |
| 8:00 PM | 4:00 AM | KSRTC | AC Sleeper | ₹700-900 |
| 9:00 PM | 5:00 AM | Private | AC Multi-Axle | ₹800-1200 |
| 10:00 PM | 6:00 AM | Kerala SRTC | Super Fast | ₹450-600 |
Coimbatore → Wayanad (Sultan Bathery)
| Departure | Arrival | Operator | Type | Fare (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | 10:30 AM | KSRTC Tamil Nadu | Express | ₹200-300 |
| 8:00 AM | 12:30 PM | Private | AC Mini | ₹300-450 |
| 2:00 PM | 6:30 PM | KSRTC Tamil Nadu | Express | ₹200-300 |
Ooty (Udhagamandalam) → Wayanad (Sultan Bathery)
| Departure | Arrival | Operator | Type | Fare (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | 10:00 AM | KSRTC Tamil Nadu | Express | ₹120-180 |
| 11:00 AM | 2:00 PM | Private | Mini Bus | ₹150-200 |
| 3:00 PM | 6:00 PM | KSRTC Tamil Nadu | Express | ₹120-180 |
Kannur → Wayanad (Mananthavady)
| Departure | Arrival | Operator | Type | Fare (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | 9:00 AM | KSRTC | Fast Passenger | ₹100-140 |
| 8:30 AM | 11:30 AM | KSRTC | Super Fast | ₹130-170 |
| 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM | KSRTC | Fast Passenger | ₹100-140 |
| 4:00 PM | 7:00 PM | KSRTC | Super Fast | ₹130-170 |
Chennai → Wayanad (Sultan Bathery)
| Departure | Arrival | Operator | Type | Fare (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00 PM | 6:00 AM | Private (SRS/KPN) | AC Sleeper | ₹1200-1800 |
| 7:00 PM | 7:00 AM | SETC (Tamil Nadu) | Semi-Sleeper AC | ₹900-1200 |
| 8:30 PM | 8:30 AM | Private (Orange) | Multi-Axle Volvo | ₹1500-2200 |
Need help with transport to Wayanad?
We can arrange private car pickups from Bangalore, Calicut, or Mysore — with stops at attractions on the way.
Local Bus Routes Within Wayanad
KSRTC and private mini-buses connect attractions, towns, and villages across the district.
From Kalpetta
| Destination | Distance / Time | Frequency | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sultan Bathery | 35 km, 1 hr | Every 20-30 mins (5:30 AM - 9 PM) | ₹40-60 |
| Mananthavady | 32 km, 1 hr | Every 30-45 mins (6 AM - 8 PM) | ₹50-70 |
| Edakkal Caves (Ambalavayal) | 25 km, 45 min | Every 30 mins (6 AM - 6 PM) | ₹30-40 |
| Banasura Dam | 21 km, 40 min | Every 45 mins (7 AM - 5 PM) | ₹25-35 |
| Pookode Lake | 15 km, 25 min | Every hour (8 AM - 4 PM) | ₹15-20 |
| Meppadi (for Chembra Peak) | 14 km, 25 min | Every 30 mins (6 AM - 7 PM) | ₹20-30 |
| Vythiri | 18 km, 30 min | Every 20-30 mins (6 AM - 8 PM) | ₹25-35 |
| Lakkidi | 22 km, 35 min | Every hour (7 AM - 6 PM) | ₹30-40 |
| Kozhikode (Calicut) | 85 km, 2.5 hrs | Every 30-45 mins (5:30 AM - 7 PM) | ₹90-150 |
From Sultan Bathery
| Destination | Distance / Time | Frequency | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary | 18 km, 30 min | Every hour (7 AM - 4 PM) | ₹15-25 |
| Wayanad Heritage Museum | 5 km, 10 min | Every 30 mins (7 AM - 6 PM) | ₹10-15 |
| Jain Temple (Sulthan Seri) | 8 km, 15 min | Every 45 mins (7 AM - 5 PM) | ₹15-20 |
| Mysore | 120 km, 3.5 hrs | 4-5 services daily (6 AM - 9 PM) | ₹200-400 |
From Mananthavady
| Destination | Distance / Time | Frequency | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thirunelli Temple | 32 km, 1 hr | Every hour (6 AM - 5 PM) | ₹30-40 |
| Kuruva Island | 17 km, 25 min | Every 45 mins (7 AM - 5 PM) | ₹15-25 |
| Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary | 20 km, 30 min | 3-4 services daily (7 AM - 3 PM) | ₹25-35 |
| Kannur | 100 km, 3 hrs | Every hour (6 AM - 6 PM) | ₹100-170 |
Online Booking Links
Government (KSRTC)
- Kerala SRTC: keralartc.com / SWIFT app
- Karnataka KSRTC: ksrtc.in (Airavat buses)
- Tamil Nadu SETC: tnstc.in
- Book up to 30 days in advance
Private Operators
- RedBus: redbus.in (widest selection)
- AbhiBus: abhibus.com
- MakeMyTrip: makemytrip.com/bus
- Compare fares across platforms
KSRTC Depot Contact Numbers
Kalpetta KSRTC Depot
Sultan Bathery KSRTC
Mananthavady KSRTC
Kozhikode (Calicut) KSRTC
Bangalore Kempegowda (Majestic)
Ernakulam (Kochi) KSRTC
Bus Travel Tips for Wayanad
Choosing the Right Bus
For the Bangalore overnight route, AC Sleeper buses offer the most comfortable journey — you sleep through the 7-hour ride and wake up in the hills. KSRTC Airavat and Kerala SRTC AC Sleepers are the best government options. Among private operators, SRS Travels, VRL, and Orange Travels run multi-axle Volvo coaches on this route. Non-AC Super Deluxe buses are significantly cheaper and perfectly comfortable during winter months (November to February).
The Calicut-Wayanad Ghat Route
The Kozhikode to Kalpetta route via Thamarassery Ghat is the most scenic entry to Wayanad. The road climbs through 9 hairpin bends from the coastal plains to the highland plateau. If you're prone to motion sickness, take medication 30 minutes before boarding, sit near the front, and look at the road ahead. The right-side window seats offer the best valley views on the ascent. During heavy monsoon (July-August), check road status before travel as occasional landslides can cause temporary closures.
What to Carry on the Bus
For overnight journeys: a light blanket or shawl (AC buses can get cold), earplugs, a neck pillow, a refillable water bottle, and light snacks. Phone chargers are available on most AC buses. For the ghat road, carry a plastic bag just in case of motion sickness. If arriving early morning, carry a light jacket — Wayanad mornings at 700+ metres elevation are notably cooler than the plains, especially October to February when temperatures drop to 12-15°C.
Getting Around After Arrival
Most long-distance buses terminate at Kalpetta or Sultan Bathery KSRTC bus stands. From there, local buses run to all major attractions. However, if you're arriving before 6 AM (common with Bangalore night buses), local bus services may not have started. Auto-rickshaws are available at bus stands round the clock — negotiate fare before boarding (expect ₹15-20 per km). For multi-day stays, consider hiring a private car (₹2,500-3,500 per day including driver) as it gives maximum flexibility, especially for reaching attractions with infrequent bus service.
Booking Strategy
For weekday travel, booking 2-3 days in advance is usually sufficient. For weekends, book by Wednesday. For long weekends and holidays (Onam, Diwali, Christmas, New Year), book 2-3 weeks ahead — popular timings sell out fast. KSRTC releases tickets 30 days in advance. If your preferred timing is sold out, check private operators on RedBus or try counter booking at the depot on travel day — cancellation seats often open up.
Related Travel Guides
Important Notes
- Timings and fares are approximate and may vary by season, day, and operator
- Holiday and peak-season fares can be 20-30% higher than listed
- KSRTC buses on the Mysore-Sultan Bathery route pass through Bandipur National Park — vehicle movement is restricted between 9 PM and 6 AM through the park
- Confirm schedules at the KSRTC depot or booking site before travel
Frequently Asked Questions
How to reach Wayanad from Bangalore by bus?
KSRTC and private overnight buses run daily from Bangalore (Kempegowda Bus Station) to Wayanad. The journey covers 280 km via Mysore, Gundlupet, and Bandipur, taking 7-8 hours. Most buses depart between 8 PM and 11 PM and arrive between 4:30 AM and 7:30 AM at Sultan Bathery or Kalpetta. Fares range from ₹500 (non-AC) to ₹1500 (AC Sleeper). Book online at ksrtc.in, keralartc.com, or redbus.in at least 3-5 days in advance for weekends.
How to reach Wayanad from Calicut (Kozhikode) by bus?
KSRTC buses run every 30-45 minutes from Kozhikode KSRTC Bus Stand (Mavoor Road) to Kalpetta via the scenic Thamarassery Ghat road. The 85 km journey takes 2.5-3 hours. Fares range from ₹90 (Fast Passenger) to ₹200 (Super Deluxe). First bus departs at 5:30 AM, last around 7 PM. This is the most frequent and convenient route to Wayanad. The ghat section has 9 hairpin bends — sit on the right side for valley views.
What is the bus fare from Bangalore to Wayanad?
Bus fares from Bangalore to Wayanad range from ₹500-650 for KSRTC non-AC buses, ₹700-900 for KSRTC Super Deluxe/AC, ₹800-1200 for Karnataka KSRTC Airavat AC Sleeper, and ₹700-1500 for private operators like SRS, VRL, and Orange depending on bus type and season. Peak season (October-January) and holiday fares may be 20-30% higher. Children under 5 travel free, ages 5-12 get 50% discount on KSRTC.
Are there buses from Kochi (Cochin) to Wayanad?
Yes, KSRTC and private buses operate daily from Ernakulam KSRTC Bus Stand to Kalpetta. The 290 km journey takes 7-8 hours via Thrissur and Kozhikode. Most services are overnight, departing between 7 PM and 10 PM. Fares range from ₹450 (Super Fast) to ₹1200 (private AC sleeper). Alternatively, take a bus or train to Kozhikode first, then a frequent KSRTC bus to Kalpetta (2.5 hours), which gives more departure time flexibility.
How to travel between towns within Wayanad by bus?
Local KSRTC buses connect all three main towns — Kalpetta, Sultan Bathery, and Mananthavady — every 20-45 minutes from early morning to evening. Kalpetta to Sultan Bathery is 35 km (₹40-60, 1 hour), Kalpetta to Mananthavady is 32 km (₹50-70, 1 hour). Buses also run to major attractions: Meppadi for Chembra Peak, Ambalavayal for Edakkal Caves, and Banasura Dam. Auto-rickshaws are available for last-mile connectivity at ₹15-20 per km.
Can I book KSRTC bus tickets to Wayanad online?
Yes. Kerala SRTC tickets can be booked at keralartc.com or the KSRTC SWIFT app up to 30 days in advance. Karnataka KSRTC (for Bangalore routes) books at ksrtc.in. Private operators are available on RedBus (redbus.in), AbhiBus, and MakeMyTrip. Online booking is strongly recommended for weekend, holiday, and peak-season travel. Counter booking is available at all KSRTC depots but popular timings sell out early.
Is there a bus from Mysore to Wayanad?
Yes, Karnataka KSRTC and Kerala SRTC operate buses from Mysore to Sultan Bathery (120 km, 3-4 hours) via Nanjangud, Gundlupet, and Bandipur National Park. Services run morning and evening. The route passes through Bandipur Tiger Reserve — a highlight in itself where you might spot wildlife from the bus. Fares range from ₹200 to ₹400. From Sultan Bathery, take a local bus to Kalpetta (35 km, 1 hour) or Mananthavady (50 km, 1.5 hours).
What is the best time to catch a bus to Wayanad?
For Bangalore: take the 8-9 PM night bus to arrive by early morning and start your day fresh. For Calicut: the 6-7 AM morning bus gets you to Kalpetta by 9 AM with the full day ahead. For Mysore: the 6:30 AM morning bus arrives by 10 AM. Avoid afternoon departures from Calicut during monsoon as the Thamarassery Ghat road can have reduced visibility. Weekend buses fill up fast — book by Wednesday for Saturday/Sunday travel.
Are buses available from Wayanad to Ooty?
Yes, buses run from Sultan Bathery to Ooty (95 km, 3-3.5 hours) via Gudalur. Tamil Nadu KSRTC operates 2-3 daily services. The route passes through the Nilgiri hills with stunning mountain views. Fares are ₹120-200. This makes a popular day-trip or onward journey for tourists combining Wayanad with a Nilgiri circuit. From Kalpetta, first take a bus to Sultan Bathery, then connect to the Ooty bus.
What should I know about the Thamarassery Ghat road to Wayanad?
The Thamarassery Ghat road (NH-766) connecting Kozhikode to Wayanad has 9 famous hairpin bends climbing from the plains to 700+ metres elevation. The 20 km ghat section takes about 45 minutes by bus. Motion sickness is common — take medication 30 minutes before if prone. Sit near the front of the bus and look at the road ahead. The road is well-maintained but narrow in sections. During heavy monsoon rain (July-August), occasional landslides may cause temporary closures — check road status before travel.