Kerala

Kochi International Airport (Formerly Cochin) (COK)

Location

15 miles (25km) north of Nedumbassery. The drive takes from 45mins to an hour.

Getting to the city

Taxis are available outside the main terminal and there are pre-paid taxi desks in the arrivals halls of both terminals. The KSRTC bus stops outside the departures terminal and buses go to a number of areas throughout Kerala. There is no train station at the airport, however the railway line from Kanyakumari to Delhi is adjacent to the airport between Alwaye and Angamaly Railway Stations.

Time

+5.5.

Airport Taxis

Metered taxis are available outside Arrivals for both terminals. Cochin International Airport offers pre-paid taxis through kiosks found inside both the Domestic and International Terminals, these need to be paid in cash.

Facilities

A 24hr ATM can be found in the car park opposite both terminals. Wi-fi is available throughout the terminal but access to an Indian mobile telephone number is needed in order to register for the service. There are a number of restaurants and snack bars as well as book shops, curio stalls and a money exchange facility.

Parking

Car parking facilities are available opposite the terminals.

Website www.cochin-airport.in

Terminals are located within walking distance of each other.

Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)

Location

3.7 miles (6km) from Thiruvananthapuram

Getting to the city

Train: There is no train or subway service to Trivandrum Airport. There are train connections in Thiruvananthapuram to other cities in India.

Bus: There is a city bus service from Trivandrum into Thiruvananthapuram. KSRTC Bus No. 14 runs from outside the International Terminal to the city bus terminal at East Fort, near the Padmanabhaswamy temple. The trip takes about half an hour. KSRTC buses run to other cities fairly regularly as well, but with no real timetable.

Several hotels in the Thiruvananthapuram area offer private shuttles for guests, including Hotel Pankaj, Leela Kempinski, Taj Green Cove, Hotel Uday Samudra, and Hotel Samundra.

Taxi: There is a prepaid taxi desk in the baggage claim area with fares listed to various destinations. To get the advertised fare, collect a coupon from the desk and give it to the driver along with your money. The prices listed are for non-air-conditioned cabs; air-conditioned taxis will cost about 50% more.

Time

GMT +5.5

Car rental

There are no internationally-recognised companies that have car hire offices at Trivandrum, but there are many local companies represented. Most companies provide a driver with the car as driving in India is notoriously difficult and unpleasant. In order to rent a car, you will need to provide your local driver's licence along with your International Drivers' Permit.

Airport Taxis

There are taxis available outside the airport terminal.

Facilities

Money and communications: Bank, currency exchange, post office, and internet kiosks.

Luggage: There is a lost and found office in International Terminal, and free baggage trolleys are available for use in the airport. Conference and business: There are no business or conference facilities at Trivandrum, but there is internet available in the International Terminal, which has a Business Class lounge. Other facilities: Amenities at Trivandrum include medical facilities, dormitories, wheelchairs, child care facilities, phone-charging points, and free local calls.

Wi-Fi: No reliable information on wi-fi access is available.

Information: There are information desks located in all three terminals.

Shopping: There is duty-free shopping in the International Terminal with the usual selection of alcohol, cigarettes and perfume. Other shopping opportunities are slim but you can find books, small gifts and souvenirs and mobile phones in both terminals.

Food and Drink: There are a couple of nondescript restaurants and cafes in each terminal, and kiosks selling snacks and soft drinks.

Parking

Parking at Trivandrum Airport costs INR 60 for up to four hours. Long-term parking is also available.

Website airportsindia.org.in

The terminals are close enough together for you to walk from one to the other.