Cochin - How to Get There

By Air

International Air Port at Nedumbassery, near Aluva, about 22 kms away from Ernakulam.

By Train

Kochi has 3 stations. Ernakulam Junction (South) , Ernakulam Town (North) and Cochin Harbour Terminus. Trains from the Northern cities/Southern parts of India stops at Ernakulam Junction.

By Road

KSRTC Central Bus station is near the Ernakulam Junction railway station. It runs fast services from Ernakulam to other major cities within Kerala and into the neighbouring states. Reciprocal services from other STCs are also available. Enquiry phone : 2352033, 2372033 There are plenty of private buses available for travel from Ernakulam to other cities. They operate from High Court Junction, Railway Station and Kaloor Junction.

Ferries

Ferries are the best way of getting about between islands. It reaches faster, cheaper and much more comfortable than buses or autos. There are two ferry stations in Ernakulam. The main Boat, Jetty is 1 Km from the Junction railway station and the other is near the High Court. There are two Ferry stops in Willington Island 'Embarkation' and 'Terminus'. Public Ferries are available every 20 minutes from High Court Jetty (Ernakulam) to Vypeen and Bolghatty islands from 6am to 10pm.There is a vehicular ferry service available from High Court Jetty to Vypeen jetty. Kerala State Government Ferry service to and fro is available for every 35 - 45 minutes from Ernakulam Main boat jetty to Mattancherry via Terminus jetty (Willington Island) and to Fort Kochi (Customs jetty) via Embarkation jetty (Willingdon Island). The ticket office opens 10 minutes before each sailing. Sail starts from 6am and ends at 9.30 pm. There are ferries from Fort Kochi to Vypeen island from 6 am to 10 pm. A vehicular ferry is also available every half an hour.

Local Transport

Auto-Rickshaws are fairly cheaper than taxi cars.In Ernakulam, auto-rickshaws are the most convenient mode of transport. There are around 800 or more autos running in the city. Pre-paid auto stands (booth) are available at Ernakulam Junction railway station and at Thoppumpady.

Buses are fairly frequent and cheap in Ernakulam. It connects Ernakulam, Willington, Fort Kochi and many other places. Local passenger buses are coloured in red and pale yellow on top.

Motorised boats of various sizes can be hired from the Sealord jetty or from the small dock adjacent to the Main jetty in Ernakulam. They are an excellent way of exploring Kochi harbour at your leisure and without crowds. Rowboats offer to shuttle between Willington Island, Fort Cochin or Mattancherry.