# Cochin International Airport (COK) > Kochi, IN · approximately 25 km from Kochi city Web: https://airport.flights/airport/cok JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/cok.json ## Facts - **IATA**: COK - **ICAO**: VOCI - **Timezone**: Asia/Kolkata - **Runways**: 1 - **Terminals**: 3 - **Passengers**: 10.3M/yr - **Hub for**: Air India Express - **Official site**: https://www.cial.aero ## Overview ## Welcome Cochin International Airport (COK) isn't just a transit point; it cracks the mold of the typical mid-size Indian airport by offering a venue-like feel that invites exploration. Located about 25 km from Kochi city, the solar-panel-lined runway offers a unique view during your approach. Frequent flyers appreciate that beyond the sometimes-chaotic check-in and security, especially during Gulf flight peaks, the tranquil airside at Terminal 3 feels unexpectedly calm — nearly resort-like, even during frantic travel schedules. ## At a glance With a throughput of 10.3 million passengers annually, Cochin International Airport serves as a crucial hub for Air India Express. It comprises three main terminals: T1 (Domestic), T2 (Business Jet), and T3 (International). Beyond its aviation services, Cochin delights with Kerala-focused dining and a cluster of on-site hotels that serve both travelers and locals. Sitting at an average 30-45 minutes from the heart of Kochi by taxi, accessibility is balanced by its comprehensive facilities. ## Terminals & layout COK organizes itself into three primary terminals, each serving different travel needs. T1 handles domestic flights where IndiGo and SpiceJet operate, while T3 caters to international flights with airlines like Air India, Emirates, and Etihad Airways. The business jet segment runs through T2. International travelers appreciate that the airport combines efficiency with a semblance of tranquility once the security lines clear, especially in T3. ## Getting to and from the city Whether you're heading to Kochi city or beyond, COK offers a variety of ground transport options. The CIALTOS Prepaid Taxi service takes around 30-45 minutes, though rideshare platforms like Uber and Ola are preferred by budget travelers, especially if operating from nearby pickup spots like the Athani area. The KSRTC public and feeder buses range between Rs. 50–200 based on the options chosen, with the Pavandoot Feeder Bus completing the journey in approximately 30-40 minutes. ## Traveller essentials COK's amenities cater to seasoned travelers. Short and long-stay parking options come at Rs. 350 per day, while valet parking jumps to Rs. 1,000. High-speed travel essentials are available through accessible parking and EV stations. Those on international routes should note immigration queues are notorious for congestion, particularly around Gulf flight schedules: arriving at least three hours early is recommended. ## Dining & shopping highlights Dining at Cochin International surprises with Kerala authenticity. The Kerala Kitchen and Sanchaari by Chef Pillai in T3 serve upscale local cuisine, while budget options like Dosa Express in T1 keep things casual. For distinctive souvenirs, Cochin Duty Free in T3 offers a vast selection of local spices and handicrafts. Just be aware that some airport shops may lack the international brands one might expect. ## Lounges Passengers in search of rest can access multiple lounges, with prices accommodating varied budgets. Earth Lounge in T3, at Rs. 1,500, is noted for its clean shower facilities which are lauded for unexpected luxury. Lounge access via Priority Pass or credit cards should consider location metrics, as some lounges like the one in T1 might involve a trek from intended departure gates. ## Insider tips - **Insider:** Sanchaari by Chef Pillai in T3 offers upscale meals that could easily belong in a luxury hotel, not just an airport. - **Time:** Frequent Gulf-bound flyers recommend arriving at least 3 hours early for Middle East routes to avoid massive check-in and immigration queues. - **Quiet:** For peace in T2, Takeoff Cafe offers a quieter escape with exceptional runway views and excellent coffee. - **Avoid:** Skip terminal taxis for nearby app-based pick-ups in Athani, especially if you're traveling light and want to save on fare. - **Money:** Reviews suggest eating at Lila’s Kitchen at Port Muziris before passing security for great value and local dishes. - **Local:** Those keen on a local touch should head to the spice stalls for authentic Kerala spices at reasonable prices. ## Terminals (3) - **Domestic Terminal** — IndiGo, SpiceJet A hub for domestic flights with modern amenities. - **Business Jet Terminal** Exclusive services for business travelers. - **International Terminal** — Air India, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways A modern gateway for international travel. ## Dining (25) - **Bakes N Cakes** - **Baskin Robbins** — T2 - **Black Gold Cafe** - **Burger Bay** — T3 - **Cafe Cochin** — T1 · Local · Indian · $$ - **Cafe Coffee Day** — T1 - **Cocoa Tree** - **Dosa Express** — T1 - **Duty-Free Shop** — T3 · Shopping · Duty-Free · $$$ - **Infinity Bar** - **Juice Shack** — T2 - **Kochi Kitchen** - **Lila's Kitchen** - **Momo Cafe** - **Noodle Bar** — T3 - **Olive Tree** - **Raaga Roof Top Restaurant** - **Sanchaari by Chef Pillai** — T3 - **Sky Bar** — T3 · Bar · International · $$$ - **Spice Bowl** — T3 - **Spice Route** — T2 · Local · Asian Fusion · $$ - **Subway** — T1 - **Takeoff Cafe** — T2 - **Tea Stall** — T1 - **The Kerala Kitchen** — T1 · Local · Kerala Cuisine · $$ ## Lounges (13) - **0484 Aero Lounge** — T1 · Priority Pass, Day pass · Rs. 1,200 - **Air India Maharaja Lounge** — T3 · Terminal 3, Air India premium - **Axis Bank Lounge** — T3 · Terminal 3, credit card access - **Business Lounge** — T2 · Business Class passengers, Day pass · Rs. 1,500 - **Club Sulaimani Lounge** — T2 · Terminal 2, domestic, card access - **Earth Lounge** — T1 · Terminal 1, domestic, paid access - **Earth Lounge** — T3 · Priority Pass, Day pass · Rs. 1,500 - **GSN Lounge** — T1 · Terminal 1, domestic, walk-in paid - **HDFC Bank Lounge** — T1 · Terminal 1, credit card access - **IndiGo Lounge** — T2 · Terminal 2, IndiGo premium - **Kerala Spice Lounge** — T3 · Terminal 3, airline business class - **Taj Lounge** — T3 · Taj Hotels guests, Day pass · Rs. 1,800 - **VIP Lounge** — T3 · VIP access, Day pass · Rs. 2,000 ## Shops (23) - **Ayurveda Remedies** — T1 - **Ayurvedic Spa Kiosk** — T3 - **Book Store** — T3 · Books - **Cochin Duty Free** — T3 · Duty Free - **Coconut Grove** — T3 - **Electro World** — T1 - **Fashion Accessories** — T3 · Fashion - **Gift Gallery** — T1 - **Handloom House** — T3 - **Jewellery Corner** — T3 - **Kerala Handicrafts** — T3 · Souvenirs - **Kerala Souvenir Shop** — T3 - **Kids Zone Store** — T1 - **Mobile Accessories Hub** — T2 - **Perfume Boutique** — T3 - **Snack N Go** — T2 - **Spice Cart** — T2 - **Spice Market** — T3 - **Sweet Shop** — T1 - **Travel Essentials** — T3 · Travel Essentials - **Travel Gear Shop** — T2 - **Tridas Business Centre** — T3 - **Watch Studio** — T3 ## Parking (14) - **Accessible Parking** — next to terminal - **Bus Parking Bay** — Coach parking - **CIAL Park A** — Covered parking - **CIAL Park B** — Open-air economy parking - **EV Charging Stations** — next to terminal - **Hotel Guest Parking** — Airport hotel parking - **Long Stay Parking** — Long stay · Rs. 350.00/day, Rs. 30.00/hr · 0.5 mi - **Official Off-Site Shuttles** — 1 mi - **Remote Parking** — Remote · Rs. 150.00/day, Rs. 20.00/hr · 1 mi - **Short Stay Parking** — Short stay · Rs. 350.00/day, Rs. 100.00/hr · next to terminal - **Staff Parking Zone** — Employee parking - **Two-Wheeler Parking** — Motorbike parking - **Valet Parking** — Valet · Rs. 1,000.00/day, Rs. 300.00/hr · next to terminal - **VIP Car Park** — Premium parking ## Ground transport (15) - **Airport Taxi Cooperative** — Prepaid taxi - **Hotel Shuttle Flora Airport Hotel** — Hotel shuttle - **Hotel Shuttle Port Muziris** — Hotel shuttle · 10 mins - **Intercity Cab Services** — Prebooked car hire - **KSRTC Public Bus** — Bus · 60-90 min · Rs. 100-200 · Every 30-60 min Connects to various cities - **KSRTC Fast Passenger** — Bus route to Ernakulam - **KSRTC Low Floor AC Bus** — Airport to Fort Kochi - **Ola** — App-based taxi - **Pavandoot Feeder Bus** — Bus · 30-40 min · Rs. 50 · Every 30 min Operated by KMRL - **CIALTOS Prepaid Taxi** — Taxi · 30-45 min · Varies by destination Available at all terminals - **Private Volvo Coach** — Airport–Aluva–Thrissur - **Railway Connection via Aluva Station** — Train link with taxi/auto · 25-35 mins - **Rental Car Shuttle** — Shuttle · 15-20 min · Every 15-30 min Shuttles to rental car facilities - **Rideshare Services** — Rideshare · 30-45 min · Varies by distance Available via apps - **Uber** — App-based taxi ## Insider tips - _Insider_: Sanchaari by Chef Pillai in T3 offers upscale meals that could easily belong in a luxury hotel, not just an airport. - _Time_: Frequent Gulf-bound flyers recommend arriving at least 3 hours early for Middle East routes to avoid massive check-in and immigration queues. - _Quiet_: For peace in T2, Takeoff Cafe offers a quieter escape with exceptional runway views and excellent coffee. - _Avoid_: Skip terminal taxis for nearby app-based pick-ups in Athani, especially if you're traveling light and want to save on fare. - _Money_: Reviews suggest eating at Lila’s Kitchen at Port Muziris before passing security for great value and local dishes. - _Local_: Those keen on a local touch should head to the spice stalls for authentic Kerala spices at reasonable prices.