Cochin, India Hotels and City Guide

Cochin - Transportation

Cochin Transportation

Being the largest city in Kerala, the advanced Cochin transportation systems make it the ideal gateway to the state. Cochin's natural harbour has made the city attractive to the early Arabic spice traders, the Chinese and later the Europeans. Today, Cochin is home to a naval base, an international airport and a sophisticated road and rail network that provides convenient access to other major cities in India.

By Air

One of India's best airports, the Cochin International Airport is located 29 kilometres from central Cochin, along National Highway 47 in Nedumbassery. Domestic flights from Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore while international flights from destinations such as the Middle East, Singapore and Sri Lanka fly in to the Cochin Airport. A pre-paid taxi service is available for transportation from the city to the airport.

By Train

Many major Indian cities such as Bombay, New Delhi, Calcutta, Trivandrum, Kozhikode (Calicut), Madras and Bangalore are all connected by rail to Cochin. Ernakulam Town and Ernakulam Junction are the two main railway stations in the city.

Trains are divided in to separate classes and there are air-conditioned coaches as well. The cost of the ticket varies according to the class and not all trains offer all the classes. Travellers must be aware of the dangers of accepting food or drink from strangers as there have been cases of people being drugged and robbed.

One of the popular train rides to Cochin is from Mumbai, via the Konkan coast, which offers breathtaking views of the landscape.

By Road

The Kerala Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) provides state-run bus services to all parts of Kerala. This mode of transportation is cheap and reliable although drivers are known for their reckless driving. Buses come in the form of Ordinary Passenger, Limited Stop, Fast Passenger, Super Fast Passenger and Lightning Express. Garuda is also a state-run service, which provides air-conditioned buses.

Apart from these, several private buses also connect Cochin and other areas of Kerala. A few other private and state run services also operate scheduled bus services from Mumbai, Bangalore, Mangalore, Coimbatore and Chennai. These bus tickets are more expensive than others but they guarantee a more comfortable ride.

Taxi is another popular mode of Cochin transportation. Air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned taxis are available and the charge must be negotiated prior to starting the journey. Taxi drivers are experienced and helpful but have a tendency to drive recklessly.

Auto rickshaws are a cheap and a reliable mode of travelling short distances - mainly sightseeing. Rickshaw stands are available at most bus stops and it is best to agree upon the fee beforehand.

Another option is to use the 'parallel service', which runs parallel to the KSRTC bus service along the same route. It is not a state approved service. Travellers can also hitch a ride with the truck drivers although the ride is uncomfortable and drivers are reckless.

Cochin also features many car rental companies that rent cars with or without drivers according to your preference. For larger groups, the best option of transportation is to hire a tourist coach. It is advised to ask for the charges prior to departure.

Some of the most popular Cochin attractions are located within walking distances from one another.

By Sea

Cochin is reachable by sea in yachts or by cruise ships from Goa or Bombay.

By Ferry

The ferry is a quick and a cheap method of travelling to various areas in Cochin and surrounding islands. 'Junkar' is a popular ferry service, which operates between Fort Kochi and Vypeen.

Hotels in Cochin, India