Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
How to reach Kerala by train depends on your starting point, but the journey itself is part of the reward. Trains from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru connect directly to Kerala. As you travel, the view shifts—green hills rise, rivers widen, and bridges stretch across valleys. You don’t just travel through India; you feel its shape changing. Kerala’s railway network is strong, making it accessible from almost anywhere. For those who value the road as much as the destination, the train offers the most immersive route into Kerala’s heart.
How To Reach Kerala By Train
How to reach Kerala by train: follow scenic routes that connect major cities to Kerala’s peaceful landscapes.
Why Trains Are The Smart Way To Enter Kerala
Photo: Vijayanrajapuram / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Many travellers choose trains for one reason above all: comfort. You can lie down, move around, and carry more than you could on a flight. For long journeys, this makes a huge difference. Families, solo travellers, and older passengers all benefit from this. The scenery is also a reason people keep choosing this path. Kerala is a place of hills, backwaters, and forests. Watching it arrive from a train window is peaceful in a way few things are. The slow rhythm of the wheels matches the pace of the land itself.
The Main Train Stations That Serve Kerala
Kerala has more than one doorway for trains. The network is wide and spread across the state. Each major station acts as an entry point for different destinations and experiences.
1. Thiruvananthapuram Central
Photo: NICK SUKHDEVE / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
This is the southern tip of Kerala’s railway system. It welcomes trains from Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. It also connects directly to nearby beaches and cultural landmarks. If you are heading toward Varkala or Kovalam, this station is ideal.
2. Ernakulam Junction
Photo: Aditya Menon / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
This is the best station for those planning to explore Kochi. It also works as a strong link to Munnar, Alleppey, and Thekkady. Many travellers use this as their base before heading into the hills or the backwaters.
3. Kozhikode Station
Photo: Jaganath Jena / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Situated in northern Kerala, Kozhikode works well for anyone planning a trip to Wayanad. It is also a stop for several coastal trains coming from Goa, Mangaluru, and beyond.
4. Kottayam Station
Photo: Nishant Dwivedi / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Kottayam is important for travellers going toward Kumarakom and Thekkady. From here, it is a short road journey to reach these green and watery lands.
Trains That Connect Kerala With The Rest Of India
If you are wondering which train to take, the good news is that there are many choices. Some of them are fast, some are scenic, and others are built for long routes with many facilities.
1. Kerala Express
Photo: GOWTHAM AGM / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This train runs between New Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram. It covers over three thousand kilometers. Along the way, it passes through important cities and offers both AC and non-AC options. It runs daily and is well known for being reliable.
2. Malabar Express
Photo: Ranjit Pradhan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This train links Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram. It passes through many towns across Kerala. It is useful for those who want to get down at smaller stations along the coast.
3. Netravati Express
Photo: Shantum Singh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This one connects Mumbai to Thiruvananthapuram. If you live in western India and want to visit Kerala, this train makes it easy. It is also helpful for reaching places like Ernakulam and Alappuzha.
4. Chennai Mail
Photo: Brett Sayles / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This train is used by many travellers from Tamil Nadu. It travels daily and connects Chennai with several parts of Kerala. It stops at places like Kollam, Kottayam, and Ernakulam.
Reaching Hill Areas And Backwaters Through Train-Road Combinations
Some places in Kerala are not directly connected by train. But that does not mean they are hard to reach. All it takes is a short road journey from the nearest station.
1. Munnar
There is no train station in Munnar. You can reach Ernakulam Junction first. From there, take a cab or a local bus. The road journey takes about four hours through tea plantations and hills.
2. Wayanad
Photo: Nakkeeran Raveendran / Unsplash
Wayanad also has no train stop. Kozhikode is your best option. From the station, you can take a taxi to Wayanad. The drive takes two to three hours and is full of views worth watching.
3. Thekkady
Photo: ARUNAVA MONDAL / Unsplash
To reach Thekkady, get off at Kottayam. Then take a bus or hire a cab to go up toward the Periyar forest area. The ride is around three hours, but pleasant.
Local Train Travel Within Kerala
Once inside the state, trains can still help you move around. You do not always need a car. Kerala has several short-distance trains that connect cities and towns easily.
1. Vanchinad Express
Photo: Kishore V / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
This one runs between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam. It is useful for people visiting more than one city. It stops at Kollam, Kottayam, and other busy points.
2. Jan Shatabdi Trains
Photo: Dibyendu Sekhar Das / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
These are fast, seated trains that run between major towns in Kerala. They are good for day travel and cost less than premium trains.
How to reach Kerala by train lies in its wide network that touches nearly every corner of the state. From hill stations to coastal towns, every route offers something unique. Trains move slowly through changing views, letting you notice the land before you arrive. The journey itself becomes part of the story. With TripXL, plan a trip where travel is not rushed, but deeply felt from the moment you board.
Cover Photo: Suman Boipai / Pexels
