

How to Reach Alleppey: Best Routes by Air, Road & Train
Alleppey (Alappuzha), also known as the “Venice of the East,” is one of Kerala’s premier tourist spots renowned for its serene backwaters, palm lined canals, beautiful beaches, toddy shops and luxurious houseboats. Travellers planning relaxing holidays or honeymoon trips often underestimate how straightforward reaching Alleppey can be. In reality reaching Alleppey is much simpler than most think.
This guide offers comprehensive, accurate, and up to date information on how to reach Alleppey from major cities like Bangalore, Kochi, Thekkady and Hyderabad via train routes, taxi options, bus timings and nearest airport details providing answers to common queries like how far Alleppey is from Bangalore or which railway station serves Alleppey as well.
We answer frequent inquiries like ‘How far away is Alleppey from Bangalore? And ‘Which railway station can I use for train travel from Alleppey? We answer frequently asked questions like these as well!
These comprehensive guides also include details regarding train routes available as train options or taxi options as well as bus timings between these places as well. They answer common queries such as ‘Which train station services are used between both locations? And more. You’ll get answers like ‘Which station is closest? And more. Check Availability Today!
How to Reach Alleppey From Cochin Airport or Kochi City
What Is The Best Route from Thekkady or Munnar
By the end, you’ll know exactly which path is the most direct one. Be it flights, trains, buses, ferries or private transfers.
Where Is Alleppey Located (Quick Geography for Better Travel Planning)

Alleppey (officially Alappuzha), is situated along Kerala’s Arabian Sea coastline between Kochi (to its northern side) and Kollam (its southern). Due to its convenient position between Kochi (on one end of Kerala’s Arabian Sea coastline) and Kollam (on its southern edge) via road, rail and water routes making access smooth whether traveling within Kerala itself or from major metro cities outside.
Key Distances & Typical Travel Times
| Route | Distance | Typical Travel Time |
| Kochi to Alleppey | 75–82 km | 1.5–2 hours |
| Cochin Airport to Alleppey | 82 km | 2–2.5 hours |
| Bangalore to Alleppey | 590 km | 11–12 hours on road / Overnight train |
| Thekkady to Alleppey | 135 km | 4–4.5 hours |
| Hyderabad to Alleppey | 775 km | 17–20 hours by road or overnight train + connections |
How to Reach Alleppey by Flight (Nearest Airports)
Flying is often the fastest option when traveling from Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi or Mumbai. Alleppey does not have its own airport but nearby airports provide quick links en route.
Cochin International Airport (COK) Located 82 km away, is best for this journey from Cochin
Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) 150 km from Alleppey, is better connected for South Kerala, Maldives and Sri Lanka routes, allowing 3.5 to 4 hour travel times respectively.
From Cochin Airport (COK) to Alleppey
Cochin Airport (COK) is used by most travellers. When travelling from COK to Alleppey from Cochin Airport, several options exist to get there more comfortably and directly; these are:
Option 1: Private Taxi (Most Comfortable & Direct)
- Duration: 2 2.5 hours
Option 2: Train + Taxi/Auto [Aluva/Ernakulam to Alleppey by Train + Auto/Taxi]
- Take a taxi/auto from COK Airport to Aluva Railway Station (12 km) or Ernakulam Junction (36 km)
- Train Duration: 1.5 2 hours
- Total Travel Time: 3 3.5 hours with train + Auto/Taxi
Option 3: KSRTC Buses from Alleppey Airport
- This option offers budget travelers an affordable method of reaching Alleppey, but direct buses may not always run frequently enough
- Your best bet might be Airport Aluva Alleppey
- Cost: Rs 150 Rs 250 per ride
- Total Time: 3 4 hours to complete this trip
How to Reach Alleppey by Train
Train travel is one of the fastest and most economical methods of reaching Alleppey, offering comforting scenery at an economical cost.
Main Railway Station
Alappuzha Railway Station (ALLP) 1.5 2 kilometers from city center, is your closest station with direct trains running at regular intervals.
Alternative Stations:
- Cherthala (CLS) 22 km away
- Haripad (HAD) 29 km away
A) Reach Alleppey from Bangalore by Train
Direct trains available (Kanyakumari Express or Bangalore Kochuveli Express trains between these stops).
B) Reach Alleppey from Hyderabad by Train
Travel time: 20 24 hours via Ernakulam/Kollam
C) Reach Alleppey from Kochi by Train
Direct trains available from:
- Ernakulam Junction (ERS)
- Ernakulam Town (ERN)
D) How to Reach Alleppey from Thekkady By Train

No direct trains travel between Thekkady (Kumily) and Alleppey, however travellers typically:
- Drive/Bus from Thekkady to Kottayam and then train
- Or from Kottayam directly
- Kottayam is 45 km away and currently the nearest railway station from Thekkady
How to Reach Alleppey By Road (Bus, Car, Bike or Self Drive)
Traveling by road offers you flexibility, scenic routes and allows you to stop whenever desired; Kerala highways boast smooth green surfaces dotted with backwater views making for the ideal journey towards Alleppey.
By Bus (KSRTC or Private Operators)
Kerala and Karnataka both boast excellent bus transportation from Bangalore to Alappuzha. You will have many choices such as:
- KSRTC AC/Non AC buses
- Karnataka State Transport Corporation Volvo buses
- Private Volvo/Sleeper buses
Travel Times:
- Cochin to Alleppey: 1.5 2 hours
- Bangalore to Alleppey: 12 14 hours (depending on route)
- Thekkady to Alleppey: 4 4.5 hours
Buses offer the least costly transportation option if you are travelling alone or desire an uninterrupted journey.
By Car or Self Drive
A road trip to Alleppey from anywhere in Kerala can be breathtaking, especially from Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady or Bangalore. Enjoy smooth highway stretches lined with coconut trees as you view first glimpses of backwaters en route many travellers take this scenic journey as their route.
Common Driving Routes:
Kochi to Alleppey (75 82 km | 1.5 2 hours)
- NH 66 (National Highway) offers one of the fastest and most scenic routes
Bangalore to Alleppey (590 612 km | 11 12 hours)
- Route: Salem → Coimbatore → Palakkad → Thrissur → Alleppey
- Highways with good food stops
Thekkady to Alleppey (4 4.5 hours)
- Via Kumily which passes lush plantations to Kottayam which winds into Alleppey along winding country lanes with breathtaking vistas
Bikers in particular enjoy biking from Munnar, Thekkady, and Kochi to Alleppey. Expect forest patches, misty hills (if coming from the hills), backwater bridges with plenty of tea shops as pit stops.
City to City Travel Guide (Quick Breakdown)
From Bangalore to Alleppey
- By Train: 11 13 hours (overnight)
- By Bus: 12 14 hours (Volvo sleepers available)
- By Car: 11 12 hours
- By Flight: Fly to Cochin; Taxi/Train to Alleppey (fastest combo)
From Kochi to Alleppey
- By Car/Taxi: 1.5 2 hours
- By Train: 1.5 2 hours from Ernakulam/Aluva station
- By Bus: 1.5 2 hours
- From Kochi Airport: 2 2.5 hours by Car/Taxi; 3 hours via Aluva station
From Thekkady to Alleppey
- By Car: 4 4.5 hours via Kottayam
- By Bus: 4 4.5 hours via Kottayam
- Train Service: Not Available Kottayam is nearest railway station
From Hyderabad to Alleppey
- By Train: 20 24 hours via Ernakulam/Kollam
- By Plane: Hyderabad to Cochin to Alleppey (fastest route)
- By Bus: No direct bus services exist; transfers may occur in Bangalore along the journey
Local Transportation Within Alleppey
Once in Alleppey, getting around is relatively effortless and relaxing. As this town isn’t large, most attractions such as backwaters, beaches, markets and houseboat jetties are within close range and easily reached.
Auto Rickshaws
Autos offer the fastest way of exploring Alleppey with affordable fares that offer good local knowledge by drivers familiar with every canal road, neighborhood and eatery nearby. Auto Rickshaws may also serve short distance trips between locations like:
- Railway station to houseboat jetty
- Bus stand to resort
Taxis or Private Cars
Taxis offer the ideal transport solution for travellers traveling with luggage or families; taxis provide safe, hassle free transport between:
- Jetty of Alleppey Backwater
- Marari Beach
- Kuttanad villages
- Resorts or homestays
Prepaid taxi booths can easily be found near railway stations and major intersections.
Houseboat Transfers
Many operators provide direct pick up from railway stations or bus stands to ensure your transfer runs as smoothly as possible. Once onboard, your houseboat becomes your transport, taking you past canals, paddy fields, coconut groves and tiny hamlets along its course.
Local Ferries
Kerala State Water Transport Department runs local ferries that link villages across Alleppey’s backwaters. With slow, scenic routes at unbelievably affordable rates, local ferry travel offers one of the most authentic experiences available here.
Rent a Scooter or Bicycle
Travellers looking for an adventure at their own pace often opt for scooters and bicycles as modes of transport, making exploring quiet canal side roads early morning more memorable and lasting impressions on many visitors long after leaving.
Most Scenic Routes to Alleppey for Beautiful Drives
While some travellers seek quick travel experiences, others look forward to scenic drives filled with lush roads, relaxed backwater views and memorable slow travel moments en route to Alleppey. Here are the routes which offer more than convenience alone:
Kochi Alleppey via National Highway 66
This scenic road offers breathtaking scenery of smooth highway, sea breezes, glimpses of coastlines and cafes/tearooms along the route.
Ideal for: Travellers from Kochi city, Fort Kochi area of Fort Cochin or Cochin Airport
Thekkady Alleppey via Kottayam
An idyllic green route of rubber plantations, spice gardens and peaceful countryside is especially gorgeous during monsoon season particularly its approach into Kottayam with its vast paddy fields that look majestic against their green background.
Best for: Travelers departing Thekkady, Munnar (via Thekkady Road) or Kumily
Bangalore to Alleppey via Salem and Coimbatore
Road trip enthusiasts love this route from Bangalore, through Palakkad and on towards Thrissur in Kerala it offers long open highways transforming into tropical scenery along the coastline, gradually greening and turning more coastal as you progress further inland.
Best For: Travellers driving or riding bikes from Bangalore
Kumarakom to Alleppey via Backwater Belt
This picturesque drive winds past canals on one side and paddy fields on the other, creating one of Kerala’s most relaxing drives often used by travellers staying at both backwater hubs.
How to Find Alleppey (Quick Recommendations)
Everyone prefers different modes of travel. If you need help selecting an approach or mode that’s suitable, here is a short, experience based guide designed to find you an efficient route and mode.
If You’re Flying
Select Cochin International Airport (COK), as it provides the simplest journey. Most travellers opt to use taxi or pre paid cab from its arrivals gate as this route offers the simplest experience for:
- Families travelling with luggage
- Elderly travellers
- Short weekend getaways
If You Want the Most Economic Choice
Train travel can be the easiest and most economical choice when visiting Alappuzha; Alappuzha Railway Station lies conveniently inside town; autos outside take you directly to the backwaters within minutes of arrival at Alappuzha Station. In particular, consider this method when coming from:
- Bangalore or Hyderabad
- Ernakulam Junction Station in Kochi (Ernakulam Junction)
If You Prefer Scenic Drives
Road trips to Alleppey can be highly satisfying; Kerala’s tropical landscapes make the drive an integral part of your holiday experience. Here are recommended road trips:
- Bangalore to Alleppey (long but smooth)
- Thekkady Alleppey (lush greenery and gorgeousness)
- Kochi Alleppey (coastal and straightforward)
If You’re on a Budget
Buses offer reliable and cost effective travel from Kochi, Trivandrum, Kottayam and Thekkady.
- KSRTC buses operate daily
- Private AC buses connect Alleppey with major cities overnight
If You’re Booking Houseboats and Premium Stays
Visitors looking for an effortless arrival are in luck: many houseboats and premium stays offer direct pickup from airports or train stations meaning all they have to worry about is arriving!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Can I Reach Alleppey?
To arrive in Alleppey you have various ways: flights (via Cochin Airport), trains (Alappuzha Railway Station), or roads like National Highway 66 from nearby cities most travelers opting for flight into Kochi then taxi transportation directly into Alleppey as this option provides for the fastest transportation experience.
How Can I Reach Alleppey from Cochin Airport?
Take a prepaid taxi from the airport terminal; travel time should take 90 minutes. Bus services also operate, though cabs tend to be faster.
How Can I Travel Between Kochi and Alleppey?
The easiest route is NH 66, offering frequent KSRTC buses, taxis and private taxis as well as scenic drives on smooth asphalt road surfaces.
Which railway station is close to Alleppey?
Alappuzha Station (ALLP), conveniently situated within town limits. Travel is straightforward from there on out!
How Can I Reach Alleppey by Train?
Alappuzha Railway Station connects major cities including Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai Coimbatore and Kochi Ernakulam with trains arriving frequently throughout the day and autos waiting outside its station.
Can You Get From Bangalore To Alleppey By Air Or Train?
Yes, both overnight trains and flights (via Kochi) connect Bangalore to Alleppey.
Is there a direct train from Thekkady to Alleppey?
No, you’ll need to travel via Kottayam (nearest railway station).
How do I reach Alleppey from Hyderabad?
Take an overnight train from Hyderabad to Alappuzha or Ernakulam and travel on taxi or bus; once at Alappuzha or Ernakulam take another overnight train before continuing by taxi or bus to Alleppey.
What are my options for traveling from Cochin to Alleppey?
Options include:
- Flying directly into Kochi then taxi/bus transportation between Kochi Alleppey
- Bus (long duration, but available)
What are my transportation options from Thekkady to Alleppey?
Travel via Kottayam where spice gardens, forests and villages await. Taxis and buses run daily along this route.
Get in Touch Now!
Similar Blogs

How to Reach Kasauli in 2025: Complete Travel Guide by Road, Rail & Air

How to Reach Alleppey from Kochi: Best Routes, Travel Time & Local Tips






