Key hubs
Varkala airport and railway station
- Nearest airport
- Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV), roughly 50–60 km south, 1.5–2 hours by road, traffic dependent
- Railway station
- Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station (VAK), on the main line; Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVM) is also accessible via local trains or taxis
- Getting around
- A private taxi or driver is easiest; local autos (tuk-tuks) are cheap for short hops within town. The clifftop promenade is walkable. State buses connect to Thiruvananthapuram and nearby towns.
How to reach Varkala by air
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) is the nearest, roughly 50-60 km south, about 1.5-2 hours by road depending on traffic.
How to reach Varkala by train
Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station (VAK) sits on the main line through the town; Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVM) is also accessible by local train or taxi.
How to reach Varkala by road
Varkala is roughly 1.5-2 hours by road from Thiruvananthapuram along the coastal highway, which is generally in good condition.
Getting around Varkala
The clifftop promenade is easily walkable, while a private taxi or auto is the easiest way to reach day-trip spots like Neyyar or Kappil; state buses also connect to nearby towns.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Varkala
- Hire a private taxi or auto for day trips to Neyyar or Kappil. The roads are reasonable, but public buses can be crowded and stop frequently.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.