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The journey from Trivandrum, the administrative heart of Kerala, to the red cliffs of Varkala takes you from city bustle to seaside calm. Trivandrum is all grand temples and wide avenues. Varkala is more bohemian, a quiet beach town with yoga and meditation centres near the shore.[1]
Varkala has a remarkable stretch of red laterite cliffs, the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs meet the sea, and they are a national geological monument.[1] The distance is short, so you can choose between the train, a private car or a bus, each with its own view of the coconut groves and backwater glimpses in between.
Trivandrum to Varkala by Train
The train is the most authentic and efficient way to reach Varkala. Trains leave Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVC) and call at Varkala Sivagiri (VAK), a short rickshaw ride from the cliff area. The ride takes from about 30 minutes, which is faster than the often congested coastal road.[2]
Classes and Comfort
Second Sitting (2S) is the most economical class, with simple padded seats and a chance to chat with locals commuting between the cities. The AC Chair Car (CC) and the AC 3-Tier (3A) and 2-Tier (2A) sleepers give you air conditioning for the short hop. Sleeper Class (SL) is not air-conditioned, but the open windows let in the humid sea breeze and the scents of the tropical countryside.
Trivandrum to Varkala by Private Transfer
A private car picks you up at your hotel in Trivandrum or at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and drops you at your cliffside resort in Varkala. The drive takes from about 40 minutes. On booking platforms, private transfers cost about $27 to $54 depending on the vehicle (October 2026).[2]
It is the easy choice for groups, for surfboards and heavy bags, and for travellers landing on an international flight who want to skip the city centre and head straight for the ocean.
Vehicle Types
- Hatchback or Sedan: For solo travellers or couples with standard luggage.
- SUV or Van: For families or groups of up to 6 people, with room for larger bags or adventure gear.
- Comfort 3pax: A premium sedan for a newer vehicle and extra comfort.
Trivandrum to Varkala by Bus
Several AC sleeper coaches leave in the morning, and the ride takes from about 1 hour. On booking platforms, tickets start at about $15 (October 2026).[2] You can stretch out in the air-conditioned coach and watch Kerala go by.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Train | From about 30min[2] | Trivandrum Central to Varkala Sivagiri |
| Private transfer | From about 40min[2] | About $27 to $54, door to door |
| Bus | From about 1h[2] | From about $15, AC sleeper coaches |
Tips for Traveling from Trivandrum to Varkala
- Book Trains Early: Even on a short distance, trains in Kerala are popular. Book a few days ahead on GoAsia.cc to get your preferred class, especially for an AC seat.
- Station Logistics: At Varkala Sivagiri, ignore the most aggressive touts at the exit and walk a few metres to the official auto-rickshaw stand, where fares are more standard, for the ride to the North or South Cliff.
- Scenery: On the train, a window seat gives you occasional glimpses of backwaters and lush greenery.
- Monsoon Travel: From June to September, a private transfer is the most reliable way to stay dry, since the walk between the station and a rickshaw can be wet.
- Airport Arrivals: If you land at Trivandrum Airport, a private transfer is much easier than a taxi to the station and a train from there.
Timetable
| Bus Trivandrum - Varkala $ 14.96โ66.48 1h โ 1h 50m | |
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| Taxi Trivandrum - Varkala $ 26.53โ53.65 37m โ 45m | |
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| Train Trivandrum - Varkala $ 3.81โ20.29 28m โ 51m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Trivandrum to Varkala, including current prices and schedules.
The train is the cheapest, especially in Second Sitting (2S) or Sleeper (SL) class. Buses cost from about $15 and private transfers about $27 to $54 on booking platforms (October 2026).
The train is the fastest, from about 30 minutes. A private transfer takes from about 40 minutes depending on traffic.
Trains take from about 30 minutes, private transfers from about 40 minutes, and buses from about 1 hour.
Yes, direct trains run from Thiruvananthapuram Central to Varkala Sivagiri station on the main line along the coast. It is one of the most frequent links in the region.
Yes, you can book a private transfer or hatchback that picks you up at the airport and drives you straight to Varkala, so you do not have to go into the city first.
The buses listed on booking platforms are AC sleeper coaches, which are cool and comfortable but slower than the train because of road traffic.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Kerala Tourism: Varkala Beach, Thiruvananthapuram. Retrieved October 31, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Trivandrum - Varkala. Retrieved October 31, 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.