Trivandrum International Airport is only about 6 km from the city center, which keeps transfer costs low compared to most Indian airports. Here is what you can realistically expect to pay in 2026.
City Center (Thiruvananthapuram)
The prepaid taxi counter at TRV charges a fixed fare of 300-500 INR (about 3.50-6 USD) for the ride to central Thiruvananthapuram. This covers most areas within the city including the railway station, East Fort, and the Secretariat area. Auto-rickshaws will do the same trip for 150-250 INR, though you may need to negotiate.
App-based cabs through Ola or Uber typically fall in the 200-350 INR range for the same distance, but surge pricing during peak hours or rain can push this higher.
Kovalam Beach
Kovalam is about 16 km from the airport. Prepaid taxi fare runs 600-900 INR depending 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 will ask for 400-600 INR.
Varkala
At roughly 50 km from TRV, a taxi to Varkala costs between 1,500 and 2,500 INR. The price depends on vehicle type and whether you book through the prepaid counter or negotiate independently. This is a 1 to 1.5 hour drive.
Kollam and Alleppey
Kollam (75 km) will cost approximately 2,000-3,000 INR by taxi. Alleppey (155 km) runs 4,000-6,000 INR. For these longer distances, a pre-booked transfer often provides better value because the price is locked in before you travel.
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 or adding 50-100 INR 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. 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.