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Trivandrum to Kanyakumari

The journey from Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) to Kanyakumari is a classic pilgrimage and coastal route along the southern tip of India. Covering approximately 90 kilometers by r

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90 kmDistance

2 hrsDuration

Tentative Fare Estimate

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Car / Taxi

Swift Dzire₹5,855

Ertiga₹7,430

Innova₹7,745

Innova Crysta₹9,570

Tempo Traveller (12)₹13,100

Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST

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Bus

Non-AC Seater₹100

AC Seater₹160

Non-AC Sleeper₹140

AC Sleeper₹210

Volvo / Multi-Axle₹300

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Train

Sleeper₹80

Economy₹120

Third AC₹160

Second AC₹210

First AC₹280

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Tentative estimate only, based on typical Indian public-transport tariffs (state transport bus fares, IRCTC sleeper/AC class rates, standard outstation taxi per-km rates) — not a live quote from any operator.

Overview

The journey from Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) to Kanyakumari is a classic pilgrimage and coastal route along the southern tip of India. Covering approximately 90 kilometers by road, the drive typically takes around 2 hours via the NH66 highway, offering scenic views of the Arabian Sea, coconut groves, and lush green landscapes. The nearest major airport is Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), making it the common gateway for travelers approaching from Kerala. This route is popular among pilgrims heading to the famous Kanyakumari Temple and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Along the way, travelers can explore the Padmanabhapuram Palace, a historical wooden palace, and enjoy the serene beaches of Kovalam and Vizhinjam. The journey is well-connected by road, rail, and bus, with frequent services. This guide provides detailed information on all modes of transport, stopovers, and essential travel tips to ensure a smooth and enriching pilgrimage.

Route Map

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By Car: Trivandrum to Kanyakumari

90 km · ~1h 48m · About 2h of driving, plus stops.

Start from Trivandrum
An early start keeps you ahead of city and highway traffic.
90 km · 1h 48m drive from previous stop
Arrive in Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu

Stops are typical for this road, not a fixed itinerary. Timings assume about 50 km/h on average — traffic, tolls and road conditions vary.

By Bus: Trivandrum to Kanyakumari

90 km · ~2h · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.

Board at Trivandrum
Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Trivandrum. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.
Trivandrum → Kanyakumari
Non-AC or AC Seater · ~90 km
~2h|Tentative fare ₹100–₹300
Search buses Trivandrum to Kanyakumari
Arrive in Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Hotels in Kanyakumari

Halts and change points are typical for this route, not a specific operator’s schedule — check live availability and timings when booking.

By Train: Trivandrum to Kanyakumari

Nearest railway stations: Trivandrum Central for Trivandrum, Kanyakumari for Kanyakumari.

Direct trains

Bilaspur Tirunelveli SF Express#12787 · Superfast

01:35 AMTrivandrum Central

1h 14m13 stops

02:49 AMNagercoil Jn

2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Mumbai CST - Kanyakumari Express#16381 · Express

10:20 AMTrivandrum Central

1h 25m13 stops

11:45 AMNagercoil Jn

2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Kochuveli Nagercoil Passenger#56317 · Passenger

11:00 AMTrivandrum Central

1h 29m12 stops

12:29 PMNagercoil Town

Running days & live status ↗

Hapa-Tirunelveli Express#12998 · Superfast

02:25 PMTrivandrum Central

1h 13m13 stops

03:38 PMNagercoil Jn

3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

TRIVANDRUM - CHENNAI EGMORE Anantapuri Exp#16724 · Express

04:20 PMTrivandrum Central

1h 20m13 stops

05:40 PMNagercoil Jn

1A2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Train details come from a 2015 railway timetable snapshot — newer trains, changed timings and running days are not included, so confirm on IRCTC before you plan around a train.

Stops & Places Along the Route

Good places to break the journey from Trivandrum to Kanyakumari.

Padmanabhapuram PalaceAbout 55 km from Trivandrum (on the route) from Trivandrum
A magnificent wooden palace, once the capital of Travancore, now in Tamil Nadu. Known for its intricate murals, carved ceilings, and ancient architecture.
Parking areaTicket counter and restroomsSmall snack shop and guide services
Kovalam BeachAbout 13 km from Trivandrum (detour from route) from Trivandrum
A world-famous beach with crescent-shaped shores, lighthouse, and vibrant shacks. Ideal for a quick break or a longer stay.
Beach shacks and restaurantsChanging rooms and showers (paid)Parking and lifeguard services

Hotels in Kanyakumari

Comfortable 3-star stays in Kanyakumari. Tell us your dates and we'll get you a rate.

3 Star Hotel

Kanyakumari

Things to Do in Kanyakumari

Visit the Kanyakumari Amman Temple

Explore the ancient temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanya Devi, with its distinctive conical spire and intricate carvings. Participate in the morning or evening…

1-2 hours

Take a Ferry to Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Board a ferry from the jetty to the rock islet where Swami Vivekananda meditated. Explore the memorial, the meditation hall, and the adjoining Thiruvalluvar Statue, all…

2-3 hours

Witness the Sunset and Sunrise

Head to the southernmost point of the mainland or the viewing gallery to watch the spectacular sunset over the ocean. On full moon days, stay for the rare sight of both…

1-2 hours

Pay Homage at Gandhi Memorial Mandapam

Visit the memorial built where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were kept, and observe the unique architecture that allows sunlight to fall on the exact spot on his birthday. The…

1 hour

Explore Padmanabhapuram Palace

Drive about 55 km to the Padmanabhapuram Palace, a 16th-century wooden palace of the Travancore kings. Wander through its ornate halls, murals, and courtyards to…

Half day

Relax at the Beach Promenade

Stroll along the Vivekananda Promenade, a scenic walkway facing the sea, where you can watch fishing boats, enjoy local snacks, and feel the breeze from three oceans.…

1-2 hours

See all places in Kanyakumari →

Suggested Kanyakumari Itinerary

Day 1Arrival & Coastal Shrines in Kanyakumari

Take a ferry to Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue (ferry operates 8:00–16:00; allow 2–3 hours).
Visit the ancient Kanyakumari Amman Temple (Bhagavathy Amman Temple), a Shakti Peetha on the shore.
Watch the sunset at the confluence point where the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean meet.

Day 2Morning Sunrise, Gandhi Memorial & Padmanabhapuram Palace

Watch the sunrise at the viewpoint near the Gandhi Memorial (around 6:00–6:30 AM).
Explore the Gandhi Memorial Mandapam, designed so a sunbeam falls on the urn spot on October 2.
Drive 55 km to Padmanabhapuram Palace (open 9:00–17:00, closed Mondays) and tour the 16th-century wooden palace.

Day 3Madurai Temple City & Departure

Take an early morning train or bus to Madurai (e.g., Kanyakumari–Madurai Express).
Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple (not part of Kanyakumari, but a separate highlight of this circuit).
Wander through the colorful bazaars around the temple and try local snacks.

Full 3-day itinerary →

Travel Tips

Start early (before 7 AM) to avoid traffic and have more time in Kanyakumari.

Carry a valid ID for temple entry and ferry bookings.

Check ferry timings for Vivekananda Rock Memorial; they may close by 4 PM.

Use sunscreen and carry water, especially if traveling by bus or train.

If driving, keep cash for tolls and parking; not all places accept cards.

During peak season (Dec-Jan), book trains and hotels in advance.

Budget Estimate

road

Toll fee: approx. ₹100 for a car one-way

Fuel cost: approx. ₹800-₹1000 for a small car (petrol/diesel)

Driving from Trivandrum to Kanyakumari is the fastest and most flexible option, taking about 2 hours via NH66. The road is well-maintained, with scenic coastal views and several eateries along the way.

train

Second class (unreserved): approx. ₹30-₹50

Sleeper class (if available): approx. ₹145

Trains from Trivandrum Central to Kanyakumari take about 1.5 to 2 hours, offering a comfortable and scenic journey. Several daily trains connect these two cities, including express and passenger services.

bus

Ordinary bus fare: approx. ₹60-₹80

AC bus fare (KSRTC): approx. ₹150-₹200

State-run buses from Trivandrum to Kanyakumari are frequent, with both Kerala and Tamil Nadu transport corporations operating services. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on stops and traffic.

Extend Your Trip

Add a nearby place to your Kanyakumari trip and see the full Trivandrum → Kanyakumari → next stop route.

Kanyakumari → Neyyattinkara

About 80 km by road

Plan Trivandrum → Kanyakumari → Neyyattinkara Neyyattinkara guide

Kanyakumari → Kovalam

About 90 km by road

Plan Trivandrum → Kanyakumari → Kovalam Kovalam guide

Kanyakumari → Kovalam Beach

About 90 km by road

Plan Trivandrum → Kanyakumari → Kovalam Beach Kovalam Beach guide

Kanyakumari → Tirunelveli

About 95 km by road

Plan Trivandrum → Kanyakumari → Tirunelveli Route Tirunelveli guide

Plan My Trip: Trivandrum to Kanyakumari

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How far is Kanyakumari from Trivandrum?

The distance is approximately 90 kilometers by road, taking about 2 hours to drive.

2. What is the nearest airport to Kanyakumari?

Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) is the nearest major airport, about 90 kilometers away. There is also a small domestic airport at Nagercoil, but it has limited flights.

3. Are there direct trains from Trivandrum to Kanyakumari?

Yes, several direct trains operate daily, including the Kanyakumari Express, taking about 1.5-2 hours.

4. What is the best time to visit Kanyakumari?

The best time is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. The festival of Chithirai (April/May) is also significant.

5. Can I visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue?

Yes, both are accessible by ferry from the mainland. The ferry operates daily except when seas are rough. Timings are usually from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.