Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
Thiruvananthapuram, IN · 7 km from Thiruvananthapuram city centre
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Taxi Co-operative Taxi · : "prepaid | : "prepaid | : "prepaid |
| Public Bus Service Bus · : "prepaid | 60-90 min | : "prepaid |
| Hotel Shuttle Vans Shuttle · : "prepaid | : "prepaid | : "prepaid |
| KSRTC Bus Route A3 Bus · : "prepaid | : "prepaid | : "prepaid |
Insider notes
If traveling internationally from Terminal 2 early morning, arrive at least 3 hours in advance due to possible lengthy immigration queues lasting up to 90 minutes.
Skip Air India for domestic flights from TRV; IndiGo and Vistara often offer more reliable services.
Use prepaid or app-based taxi services—avoid touts and attempt booking your ride a bit away from the terminal to ensure better fares.
Welcome
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) may not be extensive by passenger numbers, yet it punches above its weight in atmosphere. Terminal 2, in particular, evokes a quasi-resort feel with its clean, airy, and relaxed environment, highlighted by greenery and local artwork. Frequent flyers note that while queues can sometimes feel chaotic, the airside experience is calmer than that found at Kochi or Bengaluru for international departures. The airport serves as a gateway to Kerala, seated just 7 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram city center.
At a glance
Handling approximately 4.56 million passengers annually, TRV consists of two main terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights. It serves notable airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. The proximity to the city center makes it accessible, though you should anticipate traffic during peak hours.
Terminals & layout
Terminal 1 caters to domestic flights, with airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet maintaining a significant presence. Terminal 2, on the other hand, is dedicated to international flights and boasts an impressively calm and pleasant environment. Notable airlines like Air India and Emirates operate from here. The terminals are distinct in their purpose, with T1 often bustling due to its smaller size and T2 providing a more open and tranquil experience.
Getting to and from the city
Options for getting to and from Thiruvananthapuram city include prepaid taxis, which take around 30-40 minutes, and rideshare services like Uber and Ola with similar journey times. Public buses take 60-90 minutes if more time isn't a concern. The prepaid taxi counters are located inside the airport, but beware of aggressive touts near arrivals. The official taxi counters or a short walk away from the main exit can result in smoother—and occasionally cheaper—fare experiences.
Traveller essentials
Wi-Fi at TRV is reported to be inconsistent, especially in Terminal 1, so many travelers recommend using an Indian SIM for reliable connectivity. Parking options are varied, with short-stay parking at ₹500/day, long-stay at ₹300/day, and valet services for ₹800/day. Be prepared for strict security checks; officers at TRV are known to be stringent about power banks and certain items in hand luggage, so organize bags accordingly.
Dining & shopping highlights
Dining options in TRV are basic with brands like KFC and Subway available in Terminal 1, while Tiffin and Le Café serve the passengers at Terminal 2. Prices tend to be high relative to quality; thus, extensive dining should be reserved for the city. Shopping provides a better experience, particularly for local products in Terminal 2 such as cashews and banana chips at reasonable prices—perfect for stocking up on edible souvenirs compared to those in the city markets.
Lounges
Both terminals host lounges offering a break from the usual hustle. In Terminal 1, the Adani Lounge and Executive Lounge are notable, while Terminal 2 offers the Kerala Tourism Lounge and multiple Bird Lounges among others. These lounges provide a peaceful retreat, offering a variety of services from snacks to Wi-Fi, though the Wi-Fi can be patchy in some parts of the airport.
Insider tips
- Insider: If traveling internationally from Terminal 2 early morning, arrive at least 3 hours in advance due to possible lengthy immigration queues lasting up to 90 minutes.
- Avoid: Skip Air India for domestic flights from TRV; IndiGo and Vistara often offer more reliable services.
- Local: Use prepaid or app-based taxi services—avoid touts and attempt booking your ride a bit away from the terminal to ensure better fares.
- Money: Duty-free liquor at Terminal 2 arrivals is a smart buy compared to city prices, thanks to Kerala's high taxes.
- Quiet: The "Moon Garden" in Terminal 2 is an unexpected peaceful spot worth visiting for photography.
- Time: Allow extra cushion for domestic baggage delivery—it's been known to take 30–40 minutes.
- Time: If you have 4+ hours layover, skip airside dining for a quick trip to nearby Kovalam Road or beachfront eateries.