Cochin city center, also called Ernakulam, is where most people stay when visiting the Kerala city of “Kochi.” You have four transportation options to cover the Cochin Airport to Ernakulam distance: you can take a taxi or private transfer, or choose a combined bus and metro/train trip.
Taking a Cochin Airport taxi is the easiest and most reliable travel option, as taxis provide 24/7 door-to-door transportation, getting you to your Ernakulam hotel in under 1 hour. Alternatively, you can pre-book a private Cochin Airport transfer and enjoy additional benefits, including an English-speaking driver and air-conditioned vehicles.
For travelers on a budget, the alternative is to take a combined trip, starting with a bus, before connecting with either a local train or the metro. Both have similar journey times of around 70 minutes, so which one you prefer is up to you!
4 ways to get from Cochin Airport to the City Center
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €20 | 50min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Cochin Airport is often crowded and can be stressful to navigate. A private transfer alleviates any hassle on arrival, and is the best way to ensure a smooth journey from start to finish. | ||||||
Taxi | €9.90 | 50min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Taxis are very affordable in India, and even more so if you can split the fare between a group. Unless you're on a tight budget, it's better to take a taxi over a bus. | ||||||
Bus + Train | €3.20 | 70min | 05:30–23:00 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Catching the train in India can be a little overwhelming for first-time visitors. If you prefer to ease into your holiday, a taxi will be more relaxing. | ||||||
Bus + Metro | €2.60 | 60min | 06:45–22:00 | Convenience | Read more | |
| The metro is more modern than the train, which some people may prefer, and there is less chance of delays. | ||||||
A Cochin Airport taxi is one of the most convenient ways to travel from Cochin International Airport to Ernakulam. On average, a door-to-door service takes 50 minutes in light traffic, but during peak hour, you should allow for up to 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Available 24/7, CIALTOS is the approved taxi provider of Cochin Airport, offering prepaid rates for up to 6 passengers in air-conditioned and non-airconditioned vehicles.
Cochin International Airport to Ernakulam taxi fare
Taxis in Cochin calculate their fares using a taximeter based on the distance traveled, with higher rates for larger (6 passengers) and air-conditioned vehicles. For a standard vehicle, the Cochin Airport to Ernakulam taxi fare for up to four passengers will be around €9.90 (INR 1,000).
If you prefer to travel with a safe and reliable transfer company at a fixed price, you can pre-book your Cochin Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.
Where do I get a taxi from?
Official Cochin taxis can be found at the ranks outside the domestic and international terminals. Please note that you will have to pre-pay for your ride at the counter before joining the queue.
Convenience
Catching a taxi is a great way to travel as they are safe, available at any time, and very affordable. Ideal for any type of traveler, you’ll enjoy a door-to-door service in the safety and comfort of a private vehicle. To upgrade your experience even more, you can pre-book a ride with Welcome Pickups to ensure you’ll have zero wait time after landing and getting your luggage.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreSince there isn’t a direct bus service from Cochin Airport to Ernakulam, if you wish to save money by using public transport, you’ll need to take a train for part of the way.
Firstly, you’ll need to get a bus from Cochin International Airport towards Nalukettu, disembarking at Angamaly Railway Station after 22 minutes. From there, take a local train to Ernakulam Town Station, which takes 45 minutes. The total travel time will be roughly 1 hour 10 minutes, not including any wait times.
How much is the Cochin Airport to Ernakulam train and bus ticket?
The public bus network is operated by KSRTC, and tickets cost €0.30 (INR 26) per person using cash. You’ll need to purchase your train ticket separately, which costs €1.30 (INR 130), bringing the total cost to €1.60 (INR 156).
KSRTC buses operate between 05:30 and 23:00.
Where do I get the bus and train from?
Follow the signs from the Baggage Claim area to the Cochin Airport Bus Stand. Once at Angamaly (Kalady) Railway Station, purchase your ticket from the counter where you’ll be informed of which platform your train departs from.
Convenience
Although a great cost-saving option for travelers on a budget, taking the combined bus and train option can be stressful, especially if you have small children or heavy luggage.
However, since trains run fairly regularly and at all hours of the day, this is still a convenient choice if you’re not in a rush. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to take a taxi or an “auto” from the station to your Ernakulam hotel.
Timetables
Bus Information
Cochin Airport – Angamaly Railway Station
Indian Rail information
Angamaly Railway Station – Ernakulam Town
Useful Tips
The cheapest public transport combo is the Pavandoot feeder bus service (operated by KMRL) paired with the Kochi Metro network. This option requires taking the bus to Aluva Station, from where you can board the Metro for the rest of the way to Ernakulam South Station.
The bus half of the journey takes between 20 and 45 minutes, and the metro takes 35 minutes, so you can expect an overall journey time of around 1 hour, depending on traffic.
How much does the bus and metro cost from Cochin Airport to Ernakulam?
A one-way bus ticket from Cochin Airport to Aluva Station costs €0.80 (INR 80), and the metro ticket from Aluva to Ernakulam costs €0.50 (INR 50), bringing the total price to €1.30 (INR 130). Payment can be made using a credit or debit card, or Indian rupees.
The Feeder bus operates daily between 06:45 and 23:15 and the metro operates between 06:00 and 22:00.
Where do I get the bus and metro from?
You can find the Airport Feeder bus at the bus stand at Cochin International Airport. Once in Aluva, head down into the subway to Platform 2, where you will find Metro Line 1 towards Ernakulam.
Convenience
The Feeder bus and metro are very well managed, and the journey between the airport and Ernakulam is usually pretty seamless. While this option is slightly cheaper than the bus and train combo, there is very little difference between the two, so it is a matter of preference and calculating which one aligns best with your schedule.
However, with the wait times and required transfer, it isn’t the most convenient way to travel. If you prefer to travel directly to your accommodation, a private transfer is far more relaxing and reliable.
Timetables
Feeder Bus Timetable
Cochin Airport – Aluva Station
Metro Line 1 Information
Aluva Station – Ernakulam South
Useful Tips
The best way to transfer from Cochin Airport to Ernakulam is by private transfer. When you book a Cochin Airport transfer, you’ll be met on arrival by a professional English-speaking driver, local to Cochin.
Serving as your friend on the ground, your driver will transport you directly to the door of your Ernakulam hotel in a modern, spacious, and air-conditioned vehicle. On top of that, you’ll receive:
One of the things that sets the Welcome service apart from a standard taxi is that you’ll be shown the mini-highlights tour of Cochin on the way to your destination, and be given the opportunity to ask any questions about the city and the surrounding region.
How much is a private transfer from Cochin Airport to Ernakulam?
One of the advantages of booking a transfer in advance is that you’ll know the cost of your trip upfront, and will have paid in advance, so you don’t need to withdraw or exchange cash on arrival.
Rides are fully inclusive, meaning what you pay at the time of booking is the final cost. For reference, the price of a sedan for three people is €20 (INR 2,032), whereas an SUV for 5 people will cost €35 (INR 3,557). Traveling in a larger group? No worries, our minivans can cater for up to 12 people for just €100 (INR 10,162).
The booking process is straightforward and takes less than a minute either online or through the Welcome app. Once you’ve entered all your details and a ready to hit confirm, we’ll send you a bespoke and final quote.
Private transfers can be arranged 24/7 from Cochin International Airport.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
Your driver will meet you on arrival at Cochin Airport, so there’s no need to worry about pre-paying for your cab or choosing which service is best. Instead, as you enter the Arrivals Hall, your driver will be waiting with a sign in hand, ready to show you to your pre-selected vehicle.
Convenience
While a standard taxi is a great option, a private transfer is a step above, providing an affordable and flexible way to travel, ideal for families, groups, and even solo travelers. Luggage storage is plentiful, the vehicles are comfortable, and you can chat with your driver along the way.
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Kochi Airport to Ernakulam?
On average, a standard taxi from Cochin Airport to Ernakulam will cost €9.90 (INR 1,000) for up to four passengers. Extra charges will apply for additional passengers, tolls, and an air-conditioned vehicle.
How to travel from Ernakulam to Cochin Airport?
There are four travel options from Cochin Airport to Ernakulam: you can take a taxi or a private transfer, which takes just 50 minutes in light traffic.
Alternatively, you can take a combined bus and metro journey, or a combined bus and train journey, both of which take between 60 and 70 minutes.
How do I get from Kochi Airport to the city?
From Cochin International Airport to Ernakulam, the distance is 27 kilometers, which takes at least 50 minutes to cover when traveling by taxi or private transfer. Both options are very affordable.
Otherwise, you can take the bus and then a train or the metro. These travel combinations are cheaper than a taxi but not as direct, although they can sometimes be quicker if you’re traveling during rush hour.
How far is Kochi from Ernakulam by train?
The train distance between Kochi and Ernakulam is quite short, approximately 3 km. The journey by train is very quick, taking only a few minutes.
Transfer Options in Cochin
Cochin Airport Taxi: Compare All Taxi Options & Prices
FromCochin International Airport (COK)
ToAlappuzha (Alleppey)
Cochin Taxi - Prices and Useful Tips for Taxis in Cochin