Trivandrum has its own international airport located just 6kms from the city centre. Only a handful of global destinations are covered here, such as the Middle East, Singapore, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. However, most major Indian cities are serviced, ensuring a range of ongoing connections to Europe, North America and other parts of Asia. Jet Airways, Indian Airlines and Air India are the three carriers which operate out of Trivandrum International Airport.

Trivandrum’s airport has two terminals, with a third under construction which will be exclusively used for international flights. A bank, currency exchange bureau and post office can be found in the terminal, as well as an internet kiosk, restaurants and snack shops. A duty-free shop is in the international departures lounge, but there are no business facilities at the airport. Information booths are located in the arrivals area of each terminal to help with all your travel needs: +91 471 250 1424.

There are several transportation options to make the short trip from the airport to your destination in Trivandrum. The safest and easiest choice is to book a prepaid taxi at one of the counters located in the arrivals areas of both terminals. Auto-rickshaws and taxis will be waiting in droves outside the terminal.

A city bus service operates frequently throughout the day from the airport to the East Fort bus terminal near Padmanabha Swami Temple. This is the cheapest way to get into the city, and if you’re travelling light it is an exciting way to start your visit. Rental cars are also available from a number of local car hire firms if you plan to drive yourself around. Getting from the airport into Trivandrum is quite easy thanks to numerous signs pointing the way straight into town.

Since it’s the capital of Kerala, Trivandrum is well-linked to the rest of India via rail, bus and road. The city has a central railway station located in Station road at Thampanoor, which is a major stop along the country’s southern railway line. Direct and express passenger trains leave throughout the day for destinations all over Kerala and India.

Indian buses offer another colourful way to travel between Trivandrum and other parts of the country. The city’s main Thampanoor bus station can be found directly opposite the central railway station, making for easy travel connections. Private coach companies have recently started overnight service between Trivandrum and distant cities like Bangalore and Cochin. The surprisingly comfortable air-con coaches make the long trip quite pleasant. All long distance buses depart from Thampanoor; but for local buses, the main station is at the Fort.

Kerala’s roads are well maintained and the countryside is simply amazing. A great way to travel around the region is either by renting your own car, or hiring a car and driver to chauffeur you around. In the city, taxis and auto-rickshaws are the easiest way to get from one point to the other. Although metres are standard on taxis, you almost always have to barter over the fare; so be prepared for a lot of interaction when you hail a taxi. Tourist taxis and yellow-top taxis are the two types that operate around Trivandrum. For something a bit more fun, visitors can rent Honda and Enfield motorcycles in the city by the day.