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How to Get from Varkala to Kochi

How to Get from Varkala to Kochi

Last updated: October 15, 2026
🇮🇳 India
Contents

Leaving the dramatic red cliffs of Varkala for the historic spice trading hub of Kochi is a journey through the heart of Kerala's lush coastal belt. While Varkala is defined by its laid back beach culture and spiritual energy, Kochi offers a sophisticated blend of colonial history, contemporary art and bustling backwater life.

Train, Bus, Flight and Ferry tickets

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Varkala to Kochi by Train

Varkala is served by Varkala Sivagiri railway station, which Kerala Tourism places about 3 to 6 km from the cliff area.[1] In Kochi, trains call at Ernakulam Junction (ERS); some services use Ernakulam Town (ERN), so check which station your train uses and which one is closer to your hotel. Use the Indian Railways enquiry system (NTES) or IRCTC for departures and journey times on your date.

Reservations open 60 days before the journey, not counting the travel day.[2] For a last-minute plan, Tatkal booking opens one day before the journey, at 10:00 for AC classes and 11:00 for non-AC classes.[3] The free luggage allowance is 35 kg in second class and 40 kg in AC Chair Car and AC 3-tier.[4]

Airports

Varkala has no airport of its own. Kerala Tourism lists Trivandrum International Airport about 45 to 50 km from the cliff area.[1] If you fly out of Kochi, Cochin International Airport is located about 28 km northeast of downtown Kochi.[5]

Timetable

Trivandrum - Kochi India More info / Tickets
Flight Trivandrum - Kochi India $ 49.50–55.28 50m
  • →  Economy 18:10
Varkala - Kochi India More info / Tickets
Bus Varkala - Kochi India $ 13.84–36.74 5h 24m – 6h 30m
  • →  AC Sleeper 15:00, 16:30, 17:00, 17:16
Taxi Varkala - Kochi India $ 99.63–132.80 2h 39m
  • →  SUV 6pax
  • →  Hatchback 4pax
  • →  Sedan
Train Varkala - Kochi India $ 4.25–19.36 2h 37m – 4h 18m
  • →  2S - Second Sitting Class 04:14, 06:04, 06:33, 06:58, 18:03
  • →  2A - AC 2-Tier Sleeper 01:07, 07:22, 09:52, 11:23, 12:52, 13:26, 15:38, 19:32, 21:10, 21:32, 21:45
  • →  3A - AC 3-Tier Sleeper 01:07, 07:22, 09:52, 11:23, 12:52, 13:26, 15:38, 19:32, 21:10, 21:32, 21:45
  • →  3E - AC 3-Tier Economy Sleeper 09:52, 11:23, 12:52, 13:26, 21:45
  • →  CC - AC Chair Class 04:14, 06:04, 06:33, 06:58, 18:03
  • →  SL - Sleeper Class 01:07, 07:22, 09:52, 11:23, 12:52, 13:26, 15:38, 17:51, 19:32, 20:04, 21:10, 21:32, 21:45
  • →  1A - AC First Class Sleeper 07:22, 13:26, 15:38, 21:10
Varkala - Ernakulam More info / Tickets
Taxi Varkala - Ernakulam $ 102.73–136.93 2h 44m
  • →  SUV 6pax
  • →  Hatchback 4pax
  • →  Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Varkala to Kochi India?

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

Which railway station should I use in Varkala?

Varkala Sivagiri, which Kerala Tourism places about 3 to 6 km from the cliff area.

Which station should I use in Kochi?

Most trains stop at Ernakulam Junction (ERS), and some services use Ernakulam Town (ERN). Check which station your train uses and which is closer to your hotel.

Is there a flight from Varkala to Kochi?

Varkala has no airport. Kerala Tourism lists Trivandrum International Airport about 45 to 50 km away, and Kochi's airport is Cochin International Airport, about 28 km northeast of downtown Kochi.

How far ahead can I book a train ticket?

Indian Railways opens reservations 60 days before the journey, not counting the travel day.

Sources and background

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

  1. [1] Kerala Tourism: Varkala Paramotoring: distances. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  2. [2] Indian Railways: Advance Reservation. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  3. [3] Indian Railways: Tatkal Scheme. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  4. [4] Indian Railways: Luggage rules. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  5. [5] Cochin International Airport Limited: Cochin International Airport. 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.