Trivandrum International Airport is only a few kilometers from the city center, which keeps transfer costs low compared to most Indian airports. We tried to verify current, official fares for this page from the airport operator and the prepaid taxi authority but could not confirm a stable published rate card, so instead of guessing we tell you where each fare actually comes from and what to check before you pay.
City Center (Thiruvananthapuram)
The prepaid taxi counter at TRV charges a fixed fare posted on the board at the counter for the ride to central Thiruvananthapuram, covering most areas within the city including the railway station, East Fort, and the Secretariat area. Auto-rickshaws will do the same trip for less, though you will need to negotiate or ask the driver to use the meter.
Fixed-price private transfer
TRV Thiruvananthapuram City Center
From€35for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €45 per vehicle, about €11 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
App-based cabs through Ola or Uber show the fare in the app before you confirm, but surge pricing during peak hours or rain can push this higher.
Kovalam Beach
Kovalam is about 16 km from the airport. The prepaid taxi counter's posted fare depends on the exact drop-off point within Kovalam; the Lighthouse Beach area is slightly further than Hawa Beach. Auto-rickshaws can do this trip but it is not comfortable, and drivers commonly quote inflated fares to tourists — negotiate before you get in.
Varkala
At roughly 50 km from TRV, a taxi to Varkala is priced by the prepaid counter or negotiated independently, and the price depends on vehicle type. This is a 1 to 1.5 hour drive.
Kollam and Alleppey
Kollam (75 km) and Alleppey (155 km, for the backwater houseboats) are both taxi-able from TRV at fares that scale with distance. For these longer distances, a pre-booked transfer often provides better value because the price is locked in before you travel — compare a live quote against what the prepaid counter quotes for the same route.
What Affects the Price
Several factors influence what you end up paying. Time of day matters since late-night rides often carry a small premium. Vehicle type is another factor as an SUV costs more than a sedan. During the monsoon season (June to September), demand for covered vehicles increases and auto-rickshaw rates go up.
Tipping is not expected in India for taxi rides but is appreciated. Rounding up the fare for a long or helpful ride is a kind gesture.
Pre-Booked Transfers
A pre-booked private transfer costs more than a prepaid taxi but includes flight monitoring, meet-and-greet at arrivals, and a guaranteed air-conditioned vehicle, at a fixed price shown before you book. For families or travelers heading to destinations beyond the city, the predictability and comfort often justify the price difference. You know exactly what you will pay before you land, with no surprises or negotiations at the curb.
When a private transfer from TRV is the right choice
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Thiruvananthapuram City Center is from €45, about €11 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
- Going to a specific address rather than the main station: the car goes to the door, so the public-transport fare is not the whole cost of the trip.
- Arriving tired or late: the driver waits at arrivals with your name, included for 60 minutes after landing.
TRV → Thiruvananthapuram City Center from €35Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.