Getting Around | Kerala | India
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Kerala

Getting Around

Kerala is quite well connected with many modes of transport. The flat southern side is better connected than mountainous north.

By train[edit]

See also: Rail travel in India

Trains are good for long-distance travel within the state. Most trains are long-distance trains with stops at many of Kerala's stations. Short-distance trains are mainly intercity passenger trains, connecting only major cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Palakkad, Alappuzha, Kollam, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Kannur and Thrissur.

There are two Vande Bharat Express trains that run across the length of the state, from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram. They are uniquely identified by their different colours. The blue and white Vande Bharat Express train runs through Kottayam, while the orange and white one runs through Alappuzha.

Train fares[edit]

The average fare for a 200 km distance for different classes is given below :

  • First Class AC: ₹1,200
  • Two Tier AC: ₹617
  • Three Tier AC: ₹430
  • AC Chair Car: ₹203
  • Sleeper Class: ₹120
  • Second class seat in Express train: ₹70
  • Second class seat in Passenger train: ₹30

By car[edit]

Roads remain the primary, popular mode of transport. Nearly every nook and corner of the state is well connected by road. The primary roads are NH 47, NH 49, NH 17 and NH 212 and are all National Highways. The NH 47 is one of the busiest as it connects Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. The traditional primary road is MC Road, which covers some of the most scenic places in south Kerala. However travel on the NH 47 cuts the time by at least an hour when travelling between Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.

State Highways connect to almost all parts of Kerala. Most of the state highways are two-lane roads. Due to heavy rains, it's common to see potholes on most roads. Some of the wettest areas, like Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Iddukki, have very damaged roads.

By bus[edit]

Nadapuram Bus stand featuring a variety of buses

Kerala has a good network of private and KSRTC buses. Bus fare is usually ₹7 for 3 km with the Fast Passenger and Super-fast services of KSRTC charging a marginally higher price. The air-conditioned Volvo service operated by KSRTC charges around 250% the cost of ordinary fares. In every city of Kerala, there are separate private and KSRTC bus stations. In some cities, KSRTC buses service private bus stations, but never vice versa. Mini buses are more popular because they move very slowly and the crew are very courteous.

For distances exceeding 100 km, night services are better because daytime traffic is hopeless and you can save a lot of time travelling in the night.

By taxi[edit]

Taxis are a good but expensive way to cover short distances. Negotiate the price before you get into the taxi. Ambassador and Indica Taxis are the most common services. Ambassador Taxis are rarely air-conditioned and are most commonly used in Thiruvananthapuram. Indica is more common in Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kottayam areas. Most of the Indica taxis are air-conditioned. Normal rate is ₹ 50 as minimum rate for 2 km and ₹20 per km later. A/C cabs charge normally 10 to 15% more. In Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, day cabs are available that charge ₹ 450 for 4 hour trip anywhere within city limits or ₹850 for 8 hour trip within city limits. Most these will be Indica.

Terrain vehicles and 4 wheel SUVs are the most common form of taxi in hilly areas.

By auto-rickshaw[edit]

Auto-rickshaws, also called autos, are a convenient mode of transport for very short-distance travel. By law the auto driver has to start a meter for every journey. However at times this law tends to be overlooked. It is wise to ask the driver, politely, to ensure he starts the meter at the start of your journey, to avoid unnecessary arguments at the end of the trip. Most of the larger railway stations and all the airports have pre-paid auto-rickshaw and/or taxi stands. Just tell them where you want to go and you will get a slip of paper with the destination and amount written on it. Pay only that amount of money and nothing more.

By ferry[edit]

Kerala has an extensive series of water bodies with rivers, backwaters and lagoons making travel by ferry an effective service. In some places, ferries are more popular and easier than road transport. Most of the places in the Alappuzha-Kuttanad area are interconnected with regular ferry services.

The main waterways route, served by Kerala Water Transport Department boats, are as follows

  • (1) Vembanad Lake - 52 km², connecting between districts of Alappuzha and Kottayam and numerous of canals in Kuttanad
  • (2) Ashtamudi Lake - 200 km², connecting various points in Kollam district.
  • (3) Ernakulam - Vypeen - Fort Cochin ferry (Cochin port & Harbour)
  • (4) Muhamma - Kumarakom, connecting islands within Kottayam district
  • (5) Vaikom - Thavanakkadavu, connecting Kottayam with Ernakulam districts.
  • (6) Payyannur - Parassinikkadavu, connecting various parts of Kannur district.

In addition, the National Waterway- NW 3 has formally opened, which runs from Kollam in south Kerala to Kottapuram in Thrissur district, which will be served by large boats. The final touches to this waterway are underway and scheduled to open during the middle of the year.

By plane[edit]

Helicopter and air-taxi services are available between Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. These services connect the two major metros with District Headquarters. It's a very expensive way to travel.

There are no intra-city train/metro services in any Kerala city. Kochi has its own metro services, operating within the city limits. A dedicated Inter-city Rail called MEMU is under construction between Kochi and Kollam.