How to Reach

How to Reach

Kottayam, located in central Kerala, is easily accessible by train, road, and nearby airports. Whether you’re heading to Kumarakom backwaters, visiting churches and temples, or planning a quiet retreat in the hills, getting to Kottayam is smooth and well-connected.

 By Air: Nearest Airports

✅ Cochin International Airport (COK)

 Distance: ~85 km | Travel Time: 2–2.5 hours

• The closest major airport to Kottayam
• Regular domestic and international flights to/from:
  • Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata
  • Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur

 Tip: From the airport, you can book a cab, KSRTC bus, or hire a car to reach Kottayam.

✅ Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)

 Distance: ~150 km | Travel Time: 4–4.5 hours

• Another option for international travelers, especially from the southern belt
• Well-connected by road and rail

 By Train: Kottayam Railway Station (KTYM)

 Located within the city

• One of the busiest stations in central Kerala
• Connected to major cities across India:
  • Ernakulam (Kochi), Trivandrum, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad
• Daily and weekly trains from across South and North India

 Popular Trains to Kottayam:

• Kerala Express
• Netravati Express
• Venad Express
• Trivandrum Express
• Sabari Express

 Tip: Book your train tickets in advance, especially during festivals and vacation periods.

 By Road: Well-Connected Highways

 By Bus:

• Kottayam is well connected by KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) and private buses
• Buses to/from:
  • Kochi (2 hrs), Trivandrum (4 hrs), Alappuzha (1.5 hrs), Thekkady (3 hrs)
• Both AC and non-AC buses are available

 Major Bus Stations:

• KSRTC Bus Stand (Near railway station)
• Nagampadam Private Bus Stand

 By Car/Taxi:

• Smooth highways and scenic routes
• Ideal for road trips from:
  • Kochi (85 km)
  • Alappuzha (48 km)
  • Munnar (140 km)
  • Vagamon (65 km)
• Self-driving or hiring a cab gives you flexibility to explore nearby destinations

 Tip: Roads through the Western Ghats can be winding—drive cautiously in hill areas.

 By Water (via Kumarakom & Vembanad Lake)

While not a direct route to Kottayam town, nearby Kumarakom (~15 km) connects to Kottayam by road and offers backwater boat rides. You can reach Kottayam by:

• Houseboat or ferry from Alleppey or other backwater towns
• Then take a short auto/taxi ride into Kottayam city

 Tip: Great for leisure travelers looking to combine water travel with scenic views.

 Distance from Major Cities

Kottayam is well-connected and easy to reach, whether you're arriving by train, flying into Kochi, or cruising in from the backwaters. Once you arrive, you’re perfectly placed to explore Kumarakom, the rubber hills, temples, churches, and beyond.
Getting to Kottayam is the start of a calm, cultural, and scenic journey into the heart of Kerala.