Beach town in Kerala, India
Getting around Varkala
How to get around Varkala
The cliff and nearby beaches are walkable. Autos link the cliff to the station and Papanasam; trains and buses run to Trivandrum.
Ways to get around Varkala
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-rickshaw | About ₹100–250 | To Varkala station or Helipad; agree the fare first |
| Train to Trivandrum | ₹30–60 | Varkala Sivagiri station, 30–50 min to Trivandrum Central |
| Rented scooter | About ₹400–600 a day | Easy for Kappil, Odayam and Anjengo |
Taxis in Varkala
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. No reliable ride apps. Autos charge fixed local rates; ask your guesthouse to call a driver for the airport.
Arriving in Varkala
Thiruvananthapuram International (TRV)
About 50 km: prepaid taxi ₹1,500–2,200, 1–1.5 h; or train from Trivandrum Central to Varkala ₹30–60.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rented for about ₹400–600 a day; police ask for a licence and helmet use is enforced.
- 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 Varkala?
No ride-hailing apps work here. No reliable ride apps. Autos charge fixed local rates; ask your guesthouse to call a driver for the airport.
What's the best way to get around Varkala?
The cliff and nearby beaches are walkable. Autos link the cliff to the station and Papanasam; trains and buses run to Trivandrum.
How do I get from the airport to Varkala?
About 50 km: prepaid taxi ₹1,500–2,200, 1–1.5 h; or train from Trivandrum Central to Varkala ₹30–60.
Is Varkala walkable?
Very walkable.
More about Varkala
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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 Spotted something out of date?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.