By Air
Fly to Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha town. A taxi offers a direct transfer to your accommodation or boarding point.
How to Reach Alleppey
Alleppey, also called Alappuzha, has its own railway station and road links along NH 66. If you are flying, arrive at Cochin International Airport and continue by road. Before booking a transfer, confirm whether you need a hotel drop or a houseboat boarding point; these can be in different parts of the backwater area.
Arrival overview
Find the Right Route
By Train
Book a train to Alappuzha railway station. Continue by auto-rickshaw, taxi or an arranged pickup to your stay.
By Road
Approach via NH 66 from Kochi or the southern coast. State-run and private buses provide options for travellers arriving without a car.
Most practical arrival route
Kochi Airport → Alleppey → Your Backwater Stay
For an airport arrival, a pre-booked car keeps the onward journey straightforward. Share your exact destination with the driver before setting out.
1. ArriveAllow time to collect your bags and meet your driver.
2. TransferHead to the confirmed hotel entrance or houseboat boarding point.
3. Check inKeep your host informed if your flight or road journey is delayed.
Route details
Plan Your Journey by Air, Train or Road
Reaching Alleppey by Air
Distance and time: The drive is roughly 85 km to town. Allow around 2–3 hours as a planning estimate, with extra time for traffic and your final drop.
Direct transfer: Use the airport taxi service or arrange a car through your hotel or tour provider.
Public transport: The airport feeder bus connects to Aluva Metro station. From there, plan an onward rail or bus connection; each change adds waiting and transfer time.
Plan aroundCheck your houseboat reporting time before choosing a flight. A flight landing close to check-in leaves little room for delays.
Reaching Alleppey by Train
From Kochi: Compare trains from Ernakulam Junction with road options based on where you are staying.
After an airport arrival: Aluva is another possible boarding station. Allow time to reach the railway station; Aluva Metro and Aluva railway station are separate stops.
Last stretch: Ask your accommodation or houseboat operator for the pickup location and expected transfer time from Alappuzha station.
Plan aroundCheck the current train timetable and seat availability before booking. Do not assume that every train through central Kerala runs via Alappuzha.
Reaching Alleppey by Road
From Kochi: Travel south along NH 66. The town-to-town distance is about 60–65 km; the airport journey is longer.
From Kottayam: Alleppey is about 50 km away by road, making it possible to combine a rail arrival there with a car transfer.
From Thekkady: Plan a road transfer of roughly 125–140 km, depending on your departure and drop points. Leave time for the hill section.
Plan aroundRoadworks, rain and town traffic can change journey times. Check the route before departure and leave a buffer before a flight or cruise.
Your trip, your pace
Make Your Alleppey Transfer Part of the Trip
Tell us your arrival time, travel dates and preferred stay. Our travel experts can coordinate your transfer and houseboat booking with the rest of your Kerala itinerary.
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FAQs
How to Reach Alleppey FAQs
How to reach Alleppey?
Alleppey is well-connected by road and rail network. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, around 85 km away. You can also take a train to Alappuzha Railway Station or travel by bus or taxi from Kochi, Kottayam, and other nearby cities.
Are Alleppey and Alappuzha the same place?
Yes, Alleppey and Alappuzha are the same place. Alappuzha is the official name, while Alleppey is the older, more commonly used name.
How can I get from Kochi airport to Alleppey without a taxi?
You can take a bus from Kochi Airport to Aluva and then catch a train to Alappuzha. Alternatively, you can take a bus toward Ernakulam and continue to Alleppey by bus or train. The journey usually takes around 3 – 4 hours, depending on connections.
What are the best tourist places in Alleppey?
Some of the best places to visit in Alleppey include Vembanad Lake, Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, Pathiramanal Island, and Krishnapuram Palace. You can also explore the beautiful Kuttanad backwaters on a traditional houseboat.
What is the best time to visit Alleppey?
The best time to visit Alleppey is from October to March, when the weather is generally pleasant for houseboat cruises, sightseeing, and beach visits. November to February is particularly comfortable, while the monsoon season brings heavy rainfall.
Which backwater is best in Alleppey?
Vembanad Lake is one of the best places for a backwater cruise in Alleppey. Its calm waters and scenic surroundings make it popular for houseboat trips. The Kuttanad backwaters are also worth exploring owing to its narrow canals, green paddy fields, and traditional village life.