Moving on From Thiruvananthapuram


Moving on from Thiruvananthapuram - By air, bus, train

Thiruvananthapuram is the main transport hub for traffic along the coast and cross-country.

Towns within a couple of hours of the capital - such as Varkala and Kollam - are most quickly and conveniently reached by bus. For longer hauls though, you're better off traveling by train as both the private and state (KSRTC) buses tend to hurtle along the recently upgraded coastal highway at terrifying speeds; they're also more crowded.

For an overview of travel services to and from Thiruvananthapuram, see Kerala Travel Details

By Air
Thiruvananthapuram's airport sees daily Jet Airways' and Indian Airlines' flights to Chennai, Cochin and Bangalore. Indian Airlines also fly daily to Mumbai and twice daily to Delhi. Air India has departures to Mumbai seven days a week to connect with international flights. Indian Airlines fly five times a week to Malé in the Maldives and Air Maldives flies the same route daily with additional flights on Fridays and Sundays. Indian Airlines (2 weekly) and Air Lanka (6 weekly) both fly to Colombo in Sri Lanka.

Indian Airlines have offices at Air Centre, Mascot Jctn (phone 0471/316870), and the airport (phone 0471/451537) while Jet Airways is at Akshaya Towers, 1st Floor, Sasthamangalam Jctn (phone 0471/321018). Air India is at Museum Road, Vellayambalam Circle (phone 0471/310310 or 501205), and the airport (phone 0471/501426), while Air Lanka is based at Spencer Bldg, Palayam, MG Road (phone 0471/322309) and has an office at the airport (phone 0471/501147).

Gulf Air, which operates regular flights to various Gulf states, is across town in Vellayambalam (phone 0471/328003 or 501205); and Air Maldives is also on Spencer Road (phone 0471/463531) with an office at the airport (phone 0471/501344). Other Middle East airlines include Saudi Arabian Airlines at Baker Junction (phone 0471/321321) and Oman Airways at Sasthamangalam (phone 0471/328137). British Airways is at Vellayambalam (phone 0471/326604) and KLM at Spencer Junction (phone 0471/463531)

By Bus
From the long-distance KSRTC Thampanoor bus stand (phone 0471/323886), frequent services run north through Kerala to Kollam and Ernakulam/Kochi via Alappuzha (3hr 15min). Three buses a day go up to Kumily for the Periyar Wildlife Reserve and there is one bus hourly to Kanniyakumari. Most buses running east and south are operated by the Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation (TNSRTC); these include regular services to Madurai and Chennai. Tickets for all the services we've listed may be booked in advance at the reservations hatch on the main bus stand concourse; note that TNSRTC have their own counter.

By Train
Kerala's capital is well connected by train with other towns and cities in the country, although getting seats at short notice on long-haul journeys can be a problem. Reservations should be made as far in advance as possible from the efficient computerized booking office at the station (Mon-Sat 8am-2pm & 2.15-8pm, Sun 8am-2pm). Sleepers are sold throughout Kerala on a first-come, first-served basis, not on local stations' quotas.

Thiruvananthapuram
The City
Moving on from Thiruvananthapuram
The City of the Snake Anantha
Arrival
Info and tours
Where to eat
Thiruvananthapuram festivals
Listings

Explore Thiruvananthapuram

Around Thiruvananthapuram
Ponmudi
Travel info
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta
Dhanwantari

Varkala
The Village
Arrival and info
Places to eat