Beach town in Kerala, India
Getting around Kovalam
How to get around Kovalam
Kovalam is small, so walk between the beaches and use autos for hills. Trivandrum city is a 30–40 minute taxi ride away.
Ways to get around Kovalam
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Auto rickshaw | About 100–250 INR | Agree fares; metered in Trivandrum city |
| KSRTC bus to Trivandrum | About 20–40 INR | Frequent, cheap, crowded; runs to East Fort |
| Uber / Ola cab | About 150–300 INR | Listed in Kovalam, but local taxi drivers resist app pickups |
| Walking | Free | Beach loop between Lighthouse, Hawah and Samudra |
Ride-hailing apps in Kovalam
A 5 km ride costs about ₹150–300 ($1.6–3.1).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Works from Trivandrum airport and city; fewer drivers here |
| Ola | Cabs and autos; coverage thins near the beaches |
- Use the airport prepaid counter; local taxi drivers resist app pickups at the beaches, and autos quote tourist prices, so agree the fare.
Arriving in Kovalam
Trivandrum International (TRV)
About 10 km; prepaid taxi or app cab 350–600 INR, 20–30 min; KSRTC buses run via Trivandrum.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Scooters rent for about 400–700 INR a day; keep to coastal roads and carry an IDP.
- Driving: on the left. IDP plus home licence required; scooters are rented in Goa and the Himalaya; most visitors hire a car with driver.
- Onward travel in India: Trains link most cities: book up to 60 days ahead on IRCTC or use the foreign tourist quota at big stations. Cheap domestic flights and sleeper buses fill gaps.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Kovalam?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, Ola.
What's the best way to get around Kovalam?
Kovalam is small, so walk between the beaches and use autos for hills. Trivandrum city is a 30–40 minute taxi ride away.
How do I get from the airport to Kovalam?
About 10 km; prepaid taxi or app cab 350–600 INR, 20–30 min; KSRTC buses run via Trivandrum.
Is Kovalam walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Kovalam
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.