Land Transfers – Cochin International Airport

Posted in Travel Tips, Airport Transfer.| 03-Jun-2016 15:06 PM

This is your quick guide to available transport options to and fro your final destination after arrival at Cochin International (Also called CIAL / Nedumbassery / Kochi Airport) in the Kerala State, South India.

Cochin International Airport

BUS

Public Bus: Air Conditioned Low floor public bus services run by KSRTC / KURTCconnect the Airport with Cochin city (~ 38 km / 24 mi), Aluva, Fort Kochi etc. to the South. These are locations in Ernakulam District for which detailed bus schedules are given HERE and in photo below. Services are also available to Angamaly, Thrissur, Malappuram and Kozhikode to the North with no official schedules seen online. Please refer to the photo below for this, up to date as on 20th-Sep-2015. To find the bus departure bay at the Airport, turn right after exiting International Arrivals and walk till you reach the open area and look to your left for the orange coloured buses right in front of the terminal main building (photo above). Non A/c buses are also available.

Bus timing posted at Airport Bus Departure Bay

Fares are economic, distance based and range from around Rs.15 to Rs.300 (US$ 0.2 to 4.5). Tickets can be purchased on board. Services operate daily from 3:45 AM till 10.30 PM with frequency increasing during regular working hours. A trip to Cochin city can take well over an hour during peak hours. As construction work for Kochi Metro is in full swing, keep enough buffer time while planning return trips.

KURTC Bus Trunk Routes

If you arrive at late hours and wish to travel to Malabar area, you can hire a taxi (see below) to Angamaly KSRTC station which is reasonably connected round the clock. However, the buses from here are not very luggage friendly.

Private Bus: Malabar Safari operates a luxury bus that leaves the Airport late in the night, all the way up to Kanjangad, connecting most cities to the North. Please visit www.malabarsafari.com and re-confirm schedules & service availability etc. prior booking. This is particularly suitable for those arriving from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur late in the evening.

CAB / CAR / TAXI

Pre-paid Airport Taxi: Just after clearing Customs, you can see the pre-paid taxi counters. Approach them for a hassle free, reliable taxi service to any destination. Let them know how much luggage you have, A/C or non A/C etc. Reasonable choice of vehicles available. You will need local currency as Credit cards may not be accepted. For a rough quote, click HERE. You driver will be waiting for you outside at the meet and greet area. Show them your receipt.

Other Taxi: Licensed Taxi (yellow number plate) can be hired outside the terminal as well, and mostly okay to use. However, there wont be any fare meter and you will would better negotiate the fare prior hiring to avoid surprises. Fares are different with Air condition on and off. Recent choices such as Uber are also getting popular.

Return Auto / Taxi: If you move to the departures drop off area, you will find empty Cabs and Auto Rikshaws after drop-off. Talk to them and if they are going in your direction, you may most likely strike a great bargain. Just to be extra safe, avoid taking risks if you are not familiar or have family, kids etc. This is a good way to get to Angamaly for a few bucks.

TRAIN

The nearest Railway station is Angamaly to the South, and next is Aluva to the North. You can connect to the rest of the Country from here, and reserve tickets HERE (3rd party) or HERE (Railways). To reach these railway stations, you will need to take any of the above options. Take note that railway seats are always on high demand and reserve seats well in advance to secure a confirmed reservation.