India is a land of extraordinary contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, and natural wonders coexist with vibrant cities.
Kannur, located in North Kerala, is well-connected by air, rail, and road, making it easy to reach whether you're traveling from within Kerala, nearby South Indian cities, or abroad (especially the Gulf). Here's a complete guide to get you there smoothly.
By Air – Kannur International Airport (CNN)
Location: Mattannur, ~25 km from Kannur city
Travel Time to City: ~45 minutes
✅ Kannur International Airport (CNN) is Kerala’s newest and one of its best-connected airports
✅ Direct flights to/from:
Airport to City Options:
Tip: Book cabs in advance if you're arriving late at night or during festival season.
By Train – Kannur Railway Station (CAN)
Centrally located in Kannur city
✅ Kannur is a major railway hub on the Southern Railway line (Shoranur–Mangalore stretch)
✅ Excellent connectivity to:
Popular Trains to Kannur:
Tip: Book early via IRCTC during peak travel season (Oct–March).
By Road – Highways & Bus Services
Kannur is connected via National Highway 66 (NH-66) and multiple State Highways, making road travel convenient.
Bus Options
Main Bus Stations:
Tip: For long journeys, opt for sleeper AC buses or trains for comfort.
By Car / Self-Drive
From City |
Distance |
Approx. Time |
Kozhikode |
90 km |
2 hrs |
Wayanad |
120 km |
3 hrs |
Mangalore |
150 km |
3.5–4 hrs |
Coorg (Madikeri) |
115 km |
3 hrs |
Bangalore |
340 km |
8–9 hrs |
Kochi |
275 km |
7 hrs |
✅ Scenic drives through ghat roads, forest paths, and coastal highways
✅ Car rentals and bike rentals available in Kannur, Kozhikode, and Mangalore
Tip: The Kannur–Coorg route is especially beautiful with forest views and hairpin curves.
Local Travel in Kannur
Summary: Best Way to Reach Kannur
Mode |
Best If... |
Air |
Coming from far-off Indian cities or Gulf countries |
Train |
Comfortable and scenic for intercity travelers |
Bus |
Budget option from South Indian cities |
Drive |
Ideal for road trippers and nearby towns |
Kannur is well-connected yet peacefully tucked away, making it both easy to reach and rewarding to explore. Whether you’re flying in from abroad or driving up from the coast, the journey to Kannur is as scenic as the destination.