Key takeaways
- From Kochi airport, take a taxi: about 80–85 km and 2 hours, with no change of vehicle.
- From Ernakulam city, the train is cheapest and fastest; unreserved fares start at about ₹15.
- KSRTC buses from Vyttila and the Ernakulam stand take about 1h 15m–1h 30m, for about ₹70–150.
- Houseboats usually board around noon, so a morning departure from Kochi is enough.
On this page
How to reach Alleppey from Kochi: all options
| Mode | From | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train | Ernakulam Jn or Ernakulam Town | About 50m–1h 15m | From about ₹15 (unreserved); about ₹100–500 in reserved classes | Budget travellers, solo, couples |
| KSRTC bus | Vyttila hub or Ernakulam KSRTC stand | About 1h 15m–1h 30m | About ₹70–150 | Budget, frequent departures |
| Taxi | Kochi airport | About 1h 45m–2h 15m (80–85 km) | About ₹2,000–2,800 for a sedan | Families, luggage, houseboat check-in |
| Taxi | Fort Kochi or Ernakulam city | About 1h 15m–1h 30m (55–60 km) | About ₹1,500–2,000 | Groups of 3–4 |
| Airport bus + train | Kochi airport | About 2h 30m–3h 30m | Under ₹200 per person | Backpackers with time |
Taxi fares are typical app and local-operator rates in October 2026 and change with fuel prices and the time of day; ask for the toll to be included in the quote.
By train from Ernakulam
The line from Ernakulam to Alappuzha runs along the coast via Cherthala, about 57 km. Trains run through the day: MEMU passenger services and many long-distance expresses heading to Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram stop at both stations. The journey takes about 50 minutes on an express and up to 1h 15m on a MEMU.
Unreserved tickets cost about ₹15 on a MEMU and a little more on an express. Buy them at the counter or on the UTS app; the app works only within a set distance of the station, so buy it when you reach Ernakulam. Reserved seats are sold on longer-distance trains such as the 22639 Alleppey Express from Chennai, which reaches Ernakulam at about 08:40 and continues to Alleppey, arriving a little after 10:00.
Ernakulam has two main stations: Ernakulam Junction (South), which most trains use, and Ernakulam Town (North). Check which one your train leaves from; they are about 3 km apart.
Alappuzha station is about 3–4 km from the houseboat jetties at Punnamada and Finishing Point. An auto takes 10–15 minutes and costs about ₹80–150; agree the fare before you get in, or ask your houseboat operator to arrange a pickup.
By KSRTC bus
KSRTC buses leave from the Vyttila Mobility Hub and the Ernakulam KSRTC stand near the South station. Fast passenger and superfast buses on the Ernakulam–Alappuzha–Kollam–Thiruvananthapuram route run every few minutes along NH66. The trip takes about 1h 15m–1h 30m, longer in evening traffic, and fares are about ₹70–150 depending on the bus type. AC low-floor buses are more comfortable but less frequent.
The Alappuzha KSRTC stand is in the town centre, close to the boat jetty and the State Water Transport ferry station.
By taxi from Kochi airport
Kochi airport (Nedumbassery) is north of the city, so Alleppey is 80–85 km away, about 1h 45m–2h 15m depending on traffic through Ernakulam and Aroor. There is no direct train from the airport. A prepaid taxi from the airport counter or an app taxi is the simplest choice if you are going straight to a houseboat.
The budget alternative is the airport feeder bus to Aluva Metro station or Ernakulam, then the train or bus. It takes about 2h 30m–3h 30m in total, which can make you miss a noon houseboat boarding.
By road from Fort Kochi
From Fort Kochi, a taxi takes the coastal road via Thoppumpady and Aroor to NH66, about 55–60 km and 1h 15m–1h 30m. There is no train from Fort Kochi; budget travellers can take a ferry or bus to Ernakulam and then the train.
Which option is best?
- Flying into Kochi and going straight to a houseboat: taxi from the airport.
- Staying in Ernakulam or arriving by train: train to Alappuzha, then an auto.
- Budget, no fixed check-in: KSRTC bus or MEMU train.
- Families with luggage or elderly parents: taxi; the station and bus stand are not at the jetties.
- Coming from Munnar: road only, about 162–176 km and 4h 30m–5h.
Last mile: from Alleppey town to the houseboat
Most houseboats start from the Punnamada and Finishing Point area on the northern edge of town, where the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held, though some start from Kainakary, Pallathuruthy or other jetties around Vembanad Lake. Confirm the exact jetty with your operator, and ask whether they offer a pickup from the station or bus stand. Check-in is usually around noon and check-out around 09:00 the next morning.
If you only want a few hours on the water, the State Water Transport Department's public ferries from the Alappuzha boat jetty to Kottayam and nearby villages are a very cheap way to see the backwaters with local commuters.
Travelling back from Alleppey to Kochi
The same options work in reverse. If you have a flight after a houseboat night, leave the boat at 09:00 and take a taxi straight to the airport; you will reach it by about 11:30. Allow extra time on weekday mornings, when traffic around Aroor and Edappally is heavy.
Our recommendation
If you fly into Kochi for a houseboat night, book a taxi from the airport and plan to arrive by noon. If you are staying in Kochi first, take the train the next morning: it is cheaper and avoids city traffic. For the whole Kerala route, see the Kerala 5-day itinerary or the Kerala 7-day itinerary, and for costs, the Kerala trip cost from Hyderabad.
Sources we checked
Checked on 20 October 2026. Official sources win if anything here differs.
- https://enquiry.indianrail.gov.in/
- https://online.keralartc.com/
- https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/alappuzha/
- https://swtd.kerala.gov.in/
- https://www.ixigo.com/trains/66300
- https://etrain.info/train/Alleppey-Exp-22639/schedule
Prices checked October 2026. We re-check every 90 days. Spotted something out of date? Write to taazeem@choose4choice.com.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Alleppey from Kochi?
About 55–60 km from Ernakulam city and 80–85 km from Kochi airport.
What is the best way to go from Kochi to Alleppey?
The train from Ernakulam, which takes about 50 minutes to 1h 15m and costs from about ₹15. From the airport, a taxi is easier.
How much is a taxi from Kochi airport to Alleppey?
About ₹2,000–2,800 for a sedan, taking 1h 45m–2h 15m.
Is there a direct bus from Kochi to Alleppey?
Yes. KSRTC buses from Vyttila and the Ernakulam stand run every few minutes, taking about 1h 15m–1h 30m.
How far is Alleppey railway station from the houseboat jetty?
About 3–4 km, or 10–15 minutes by auto.
Can I do Alleppey as a day trip from Kochi?
Yes. Take an early train, book a day cruise or a public ferry ride, and return by train or bus in the evening.
