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How to Get from Kochi to Varkala

How to Get from Kochi to Varkala

Last updated: October 15, 2026
🇮🇳 India
Contents

Varkala, known for its cliffs and beaches, lies south of Kochi on the Kerala coast. Most travelers go by train or road, because Varkala has no airport.

Train, Bus, Flight and Ferry tickets

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Kochi to Varkala by Train

Trains run from Ernakulam Junction (ERS) and Ernakulam Town (ERN) to Varkala Sivagiri station, which is a short rickshaw ride from the cliff area. Journey times and fares depend on the train and class, so check the current schedule and book on the IRCTC website or app. Day trains offer AC Chair Car (CC) and Second Sitting (2S) seats, and some services have AC sleeper berths and the non-AC Sleeper class (SL).

Kochi to Varkala by Road

A private car or taxi takes you from your Kochi hotel to your accommodation in Varkala without changing at stations, and can be useful if you carry heavy luggage or your accommodation is away from the main road. The drive takes a few hours depending on traffic. Government and private buses also serve the corridor, so ask for current departures at the Kochi bus station.

Kochi to Varkala by Flight via Thiruvananthapuram

Varkala has no airport. IndiGo operates one non-stop flight from Kochi to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum International Airport, TRV).[1] From there you still need a taxi or train to Varkala, so this is rarely quicker than going by train or car directly from Kochi.

Tips for Traveling from Kochi to Varkala

  • Book trains early: AC classes can sell out, especially in peak season.
  • Station selection: Ernakulam Junction (ERS) and Ernakulam Town (ERN) are different stations in Kochi, so check which one is on your ticket.
  • Arrival in Varkala: At Varkala Sivagiri station, agree on a price or ask for the meter before you get into an auto-rickshaw.
  • Monsoon: Heavy rain from June to September can slow road traffic, so allow extra time.

Timetable

Kochi India - Trivandrum More info / Tickets
Flight Kochi India - Trivandrum $ 39.33–42.91 50m
  • →  Economy 10:00
Kochi India - Varkala More info / Tickets
Bus Kochi India - Varkala $ 13.75–40.11 5h – 6h 25m
  • →  AC Sleeper 03:45, 05:35
Taxi Kochi India - Varkala $ 99.02–131.98 2h 39m
  • →  SUV 6pax
  • →  Hatchback 4pax
  • →  Sedan
Train Kochi India - Varkala $ 4.23–19.24 2h 48m – 4h 14m
  • →  2S - Second Sitting Class 05:10, 05:20, 13:55, 16:20, 17:25
  • →  1A - AC First Class Sleeper 00:07, 01:55, 02:50, 03:05, 06:30, 07:15, 12:55
  • →  2A - AC 2-Tier Sleeper 00:07, 00:45, 03:05, 03:50, 06:30, 07:15, 12:25, 12:55, 23:15
  • →  3A - AC 3-Tier Sleeper 00:07, 00:45, 01:02, 01:55, 02:50, 03:05, 03:50, 06:30, 07:15, 12:25, 12:55, 16:35, 23:15
  • →  3E - AC 3-Tier Economy Sleeper 03:50, 07:15, 12:25, 16:35, 23:15
  • →  CC - AC Chair Class 05:10, 05:20, 13:55, 16:20, 17:25
  • →  SL - Sleeper Class 00:07, 00:45, 01:02, 03:05, 03:50, 06:30, 07:15, 10:22, 12:25, 12:55, 14:32, 16:35, 23:15
Ernakulam - Varkala More info / Tickets
Taxi Ernakulam - Varkala $ 102.71–136.91 2h 44m
  • →  SUV 6pax
  • →  Hatchback 4pax
  • →  Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Kochi India to Varkala?

Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Kochi India to Varkala, including current prices and schedules.

What is the best way to get from Kochi to Varkala?

Most travelers take a train from Ernakulam to Varkala Sivagiri station or go by car. Check the current train schedule on IRCTC.

Does Varkala have an airport?

No. The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram (TRV), and IndiGo operates one non-stop flight there from Kochi.

Is flying from Kochi to Varkala worth it?

Usually not. You still need a taxi or train from Thiruvananthapuram, so the total trip is rarely quicker than going directly from Kochi.

Which train station in Kochi should I use?

Trains to Varkala usually leave from Ernakulam Junction (ERS) or Ernakulam Town (ERN). Check the station on your ticket.

How do I get from Varkala Sivagiri station to the cliff?

The station is a short auto-rickshaw or taxi ride from the cliff area. Agree on the fare or ask for the meter first.

Should I book transport in advance?

For trains, yes, because AC classes can sell out. Private cars can often be arranged closer to the date.

Sources and background

Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.

  1. [1] IndiGo: Kochi to Thiruvananthapuram Flights. Retrieved October 15, 2026.

Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.