How To Reach Kerala

The good news is that Kerala is well-connected to the rest of India and to many other countries. You can travel here by flight, train, bus, car, or even by ship in some cases. This guide will explain all the possible ways, including how to reach Kerala by flight and how to reach Kerala by train, in the easiest language so that travellers of every age can understand. We will also share tips for families, couples, solo travellers, and NRIs planning their trips.

Key Takeaways:

• Kerala is well-connected by air, train, road, and waterways
• The fastest way to reach Kerala is by flight
• Kerala has 4 international airports: Kochi, Trivandrum, Calicut, and Kannur
• Trains are budget-friendly and offer scenic routes
• Road trips from Bangalore, Chennai, and Coimbatore are popular
• Direct international flights are available from the Gulf and Southeast Asia
• Suitable for families, honeymooners, backpackers, NRIs, and solo travellers
• Local transport, like taxis, buses, ferries, and train,s is easily available after arrival

How to Reach Kerala by Air (Fastest and Most Convenient)

If you want to save time and travel with comfort, the best way to visit Kerala is by flight. For travellers wondering how to reach Kerala by flight, the state has four international airports, which is rare in India. This makes it easy for both Indian and foreign travellers to arrive directly without long road or train journeys.

Cochin International Airport (COK)

This is the busiest airport in Kerala. It connects with the Middle East, Europe, Southeast Asia, and all major Indian cities. It is also close to popular destinations such as Munnar, Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Thekkady, making it a favourite entry point for tourists.

Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)

This airport is perfect for travellers going to Kovalam, Varkala, or Kanyakumari. It serves South Kerala and is one of the oldest international airports in the state.

Calicut International Airport (CCJ)

Best for those travelling to North Kerala. It is close to Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Kannur. This airport is useful for people who want to explore Kerala’s Malabar region.

Kannur International Airport (CNN)

This is the newest airport in Kerala. It mainly serves the northern districts and is slowly gaining popularity among domestic and Gulf travellers.

For International Travellers

Direct flights connect Kerala with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and London. Connections from the Gulf are especially strong, which is why many NRIs choose flights to Kerala every month.

For Domestic Travellers

Daily flights connect Kerala to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. For example, a flight from Delhi takes just 3–4 hours, while a flight from Mumbai takes only 2 hours. This makes how to reach Kerala by flight quick and convenient.

Best For

• Families with kids

• Business travellers

• NRIs coming from the Gulf

• Anyone who wants to save time and avoid long journeys

How to Reach Kerala by Train (Budget-Friendly and Scenic)

If you enjoy long journeys and want to travel at a lower cost, trains are one of the best ways to reach Kerala. The state is part of the Southern Railway Network, which connects it with almost all major cities in India. Travelling by train is cheaper than flying, and the routes offer beautiful views of hills, rivers, and villages.

Major Railway Stations in Kerala

Kerala has many important railway stations that connect it with the rest of India. Each station serves different parts of the state, making it easy for travellers to reach their destination.

• Thiruvananthapuram Central

This is the main station in South Kerala. It is useful for travellers visiting Trivandrum, Kovalam, and Varkala.

• Ernakulam Junction (Kochi)

It is convenient for tourists heading to Kochi, Munnar, and Alleppey. It is one of the busiest stations in Kerala.

• Kozhikode

It is the entry point for North Kerala. From here, you can travel easily to Wayanad and nearby areas.

• Thrissur

This is known as Kerala's cultural hub. Many travellers stop here to explore temples and festivals.

• Kannur

It is very important for people travelling to the Malabar region. It connects to many towns in North Kerala.

• Alappuzha

It is best for tourists planning houseboat stays and backwater trips.

• Kottayam

This is a gateway to Kumarakom and the nearby hill regions. It is also close to popular religious centres

Important Train Routes

• Superfast and Express Trains: Connect Kerala with Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Goa.

• Konkan Railway Route: From Mumbai to Kerala, this is one of the most scenic train rides in India, with tunnels, bridges, and sea views.

• Rajdhani Express: Runs from Delhi to Trivandrum. This is the best choice if you want to know how to reach Kerala from Delhi by train.

Why Choose Train Travel?

If you are wondering how to reach Kerala by train, the answer is simple—train journeys are safe, affordable, and filled with natural beauty. It is a perfect choice for those who love to watch the landscape change slowly as they travel.

Best For

• Backpackers

• Families on a budget

• Solo travellers who enjoy scenic and peaceful journeys

How to Reach Kerala by Road (Flexible and Adventurous)

If you love road trips, driving to Kerala can be a memorable experience. The state is connected by National Highways like NH 66, NH 44, NH 544, and NH 183. These highways link Kerala to Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Goa.

By Bus

Government buses like KSRTC (Kerala), KSRTC (Karnataka), and SETC (Tamil Nadu) run frequently between Kerala and nearby states. For example, buses are available from Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, and Mangalore. Many private operators also run Volvo and sleeper buses. If you are planning to travel late at night or early morning, you can always check Kerala bus timings online.

By Car

• Bangalore to Kerala: Around 7–8 hours by road through NH 44 and NH 544. You will first reach Palakkad or Thrissur.

• Chennai to Kerala: Around 10–12 hours via NH 183. This route is long but scenic, especially near the ghats.

If you are travelling in a group of friends or with family, a road trip allows you to stop at tea stalls, small towns, and viewpoints on the way.

Best For: Road trippers, bikers, and adventure seekers.

How to Reach Kerala by Waterways (Unique Experience)

This option is not as common but can be very special.

• Passenger Ships: Ships operate between the Lakshadweep Islands and Kochi. If you are visiting both Lakshadweep and Kerala, this can be a fun experience.

• Backwaters and Ferries: Once you are in Kerala, you can enjoy houseboats and ferries, especially in Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Kollam. While these are not primary entry points, they are a unique way to travel within Kerala.

Best For: Luxury travellers, honeymooners, and explorers.

How to Reach Kerala from Major Indian Cities

Kerala is well connected to major Indian cities, and travellers can reach the state by flight, train, or road, depending on their preferences and budget. Each option has its own travel time, comfort level, and experience.

From Delhi

The fastest way to travel from Delhi to Kerala is by flight, which takes about three to four hours. This is the most convenient option if you are searching for how to reach Kerala from Delhi. If you choose to travel by train, the journey will take more than forty hours and is suitable only for people who enjoy very long rides. This clearly explains how to reach Kerala from Delhi by train for travellers who prefer budget-friendly and scenic journeys.

From Mumbai

Travelling from Mumbai to Kerala by flight takes only 2 hours, making it the easiest option for most travellers. The train journey via the scenic Konkan Railway takes about sixteen to twenty hours and offers beautiful coastal views. If you plan to drive, the distance is almost 1,300 kilometres, so the answer to Kerala how many kilometres from Mumbai is 1,300 kilometres by road.

From Bangalore

If you are starting from Bangalore, the quickest option is a one-hour flight to Kerala. Train journeys usually take around eight to ten hours and are comfortable and affordable. Travelling by road takes seven to eight hours, and many people prefer this route for weekend road trips because it is smooth and enjoyable.

From Chennai

Reaching Kerala from Chennai is also simple. A flight takes only 1.5 hours and is the most convenient option. The train journey takes about twelve hours and is popular among budget travellers. If you travel by road, it usually takes between 10 and 12 hours, and the drive passes through scenic hills and forests.

From Hyderabad

From Hyderabad, the flight to Kerala takes about 1.5 hours, which is fast and comfortable. If you choose to travel by train, it takes about sixteen to twenty hours, making it a longer but cheaper option. Road travel takes about fourteen to sixteen hours and is best for those who enjoy long drives and group trips.

How International Travellers Can Reach Kerala

International tourists can fly directly to Kerala from many cities.

• Direct Flights: Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and London.

• Indirect Flights: Via Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, or Chennai.

• Visa: Many travellers can apply for an e-visa or get a visa on arrival, depending on the latest Indian government rules.

Tip: Most international tourists prefer landing at Cochin International Airport because it is centrally located and offers easy access to tourist spots.

Traveller-Specific Guidance

Every traveller is different, so here are some simple suggestions:

• Families with Kids: Air travel is best. Choose Kochi or Trivandrum airports as they are closest to popular tourist areas.

• Honeymooners: Fly into Kochi and then drive to Munnar or Alleppey for a houseboat experience.

• Backpackers: Use trains and budget buses. If you want to save more money, check local Kerala bus timings to plan your trips.

• Adventure Lovers: Plan a bike or car road trip from Bangalore or Coimbatore. The ghat roads are scenic, but be ready for curves.

• NRIs from the Gulf: Direct flights from Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi make travel very easy.

Local Transport After Reaching Kerala

Once you reach Kerala, you will need local transport to move around. Luckily, Kerala offers many options:

• Taxis and Cabs: Available at airports, railway stations, and cities. Online apps also work in most areas.

• Private Cars/Self-Drive: You can rent a car to explore at your own pace. Many tourists prefer this for flexibility. 

• Buses and Ferries: Affordable and reliable for short distances.

• Trains within Kerala: Efficient for longer routes like Kochi to Trivandrum or Kozhikode to Kannur.

Tips Before You Travel

• Book flights early during December, January, April, May, and August–September as these are peak tourist months.

• Train tickets should be booked on IRCTC at least 2 weeks in advance. If you are wondering how to go Kerala by train, it is easy, but tickets sell out quickly.

• Road journeys may involve ghat roads, so carry motion sickness medicine if needed.

• During monsoon (June–August), check weather updates as heavy rains may delay flights, trains, and buses.

Conclusion

Reaching Kerala is simple, no matter where you are coming from. You can fly in through one of the four international airports, enjoy a scenic train journey, take a long but adventurous road trip, or even arrive by sea from Lakshadweep. Once you arrive, exploring Kerala becomes even easier with its strong local transport options.

So, if you are planning your next trip and wondering how to reach Kerala, remember that there are many options to suit your time, budget, and travel style. Families, couples, solo travellers, backpackers, and NRIs can all find a way that fits them best. Kerala is waiting for you with open arms, ready to share its beauty, culture, and hospitality.