Getting Around Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram has a well-developed transport infrastructure with multiple options for moving around the city. Visitors can choose from public buses, auto-rickshaws, taxis, ride-hailing services, or explore on foot. Understanding your transport options will help you navigate the city efficiently.
City Buses
Local buses are the cheapest way to get around Thiruvananthapuram. The state-owned Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) dominates intra-city public transport, though private bus services also operate within the city. Government buses are painted red with a yellow patch, while private buses are blue.
KSRTC operates various service classes including ordinary/Ananthapuri, City Fast, and Fast Passenger services. The corporation also runs specialized routes: City Circular, City Shuttle, and City Radial services that connect the metropolitan area and major outskirts. Additionally, KSRTC offers AC Volvo services to important destinations and AC buses for local transport, including city tours at budget fares.
The Central City Bus Terminal is located at East Fort (Kizhakke kotta), near Padmanabha Swamy temple. KSRTC city services operate from six depots: City depot, Vikas Bhavan, Peroorkada, Pappanamcode, Kaniyapuram, and Vellanad. Note that route descriptions on buses are primarily in Malayalam, though route numbers are displayed.
Buses become very crowded during peak hours. Minimum bus fare is around ₹10.
Auto-Rickshaws
Auto-rickshaws offer a cheap way to travel between attractions. You can hire an auto from bus stands, railway stations, or special auto stands located throughout the city. All legal, licensed autos should have fare meters, and drivers are required to turn them on before starting your journey. If a driver quotes a price instead, insist on the meter.
Pre-paid auto-rickshaw counters are available near the airport and railway station, offering a straightforward way to book transport without negotiating fares. If you have concerns about auto-rickshaw service, complaints can be made to RTO Trivandrum or via the traffic police website.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Taxis are a convenient option, particularly economical if traveling in a group. Unlike some other Indian cities, Thiruvananthapuram offers various types of vehicles as taxi cabs from taxi stands. You can hire taxis for short distances or arrange multi-day rentals through hotels.
Ride-hailing services including Ola and Uber operate in Thiruvananthapuram, providing an alternative to traditional taxis. These services offer flexibility for getting around the city.
Car Rental
Thiruvananthapuram has several car rental companies offering vehicles with drivers, which is the typical option available. Self-drive car rentals are difficult to find and often unreasonably expensive by local standards. It is advisable to ask someone with local knowledge before renting a car. The arterial Mahatma Gandhi Road (MG Road) starts from East Fort (Kizhakke kotta) and ends near the LMS Church in the Museum road, connecting major attractions; many roads in the city are 4- or 6-laned, making navigation relatively straightforward for drivers.
Two-Wheelers and Bicycles
Motorcycles and scooters are the favored personal transport in Thiruvananthapuram. However, renting or operating a motorcycle requires comfort with Indian traffic conditions and constant attentiveness. Traffic congestion can be significant, and you should adjust expected arrival times accordingly. Some companies arrange motorcycle tours on Royal Enfield Bullet bikes.
Bicycles are available for rent from some companies, though their use has declined over time. Thiruvananthapuram is a hilly city, and the absence of cycling lanes combined with hot weather makes bicycles impractical for most visitors.
Walking
Many attractions within Thiruvananthapuram are located near each other, making walking between them possible. However, crossing roads during peak hours requires caution and careful navigation through heavy traffic. Vehicles do not always stop at zebra crossings except at major junctions, so aim to move in predictable, straight lines to allow vehicles to weave around you.
Several walking routes offer pleasant exploration:
- Walk from the overbridge towards East Fort, visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple premises, and end at Gandhi Park in East Fort
- Walk from Secretariat towards Palayam to see Connemera market and browse local shops
- Walk from Museum Junction towards Vellayambalam, or explore inside the Museum compounds
Getting from the Airport to the City
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is located approximately 3.7 kilometres west from the city center. The airport is linked to the city by road, making it accessible by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or ride-hailing services.
Pre-paid auto-rickshaw counters at the airport offer a straightforward way to arrange transport without negotiating fares. Alternatively, you can use taxi stands or ride-hailing apps (Ola, Uber) available at the airport. Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is located at Thampanoor, 8 km from the airport, and is accessible by road-based transport from the airport.
Railway Stations
For those arriving or departing by train, Thiruvananthapuram Central is the main railway station. The city also has additional railway stations including Thiruvananthapuram North, Thiruvananthapuram Pettah, Thiruvananthapuram South, Kazhakoottam, Veli, and Kochuveli, which serve the metropolitan area and help distribute passenger traffic. Thiruvananthapuram North was developed as a satellite station to ease congestion at the Central station.