Kanyakumari, also known as Cape Comorin, is where India ends and the three mighty water bodies—the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean—meet. Located in Tamil Nadu, this coastal town is not just geographically significant but also rich in spiritual, cultural, and natural heritage. Whether you’re coming from the north, west, or east of India, reaching Kanyakumari is a journey in itself, filled with options for all types of travelers—budget seekers, luxury tourists, solo explorers, and pilgrims.
In this detailed guide, we will walk you through all the best ways to reach Kanyakumari—by air, train, road, and nearby city connections—along with travel tips and insights to make your trip smooth and memorable.
Where is Kanyakumari Located?
Kanyakumari lies at the southernmost point of mainland India in Tamil Nadu, approximately:
- 705 km from Chennai
- 90 km from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
- 240 km from Madurai
- 400 km from Kochi
Its proximity to Kerala makes it a popular add-on destination for travelers exploring the southern states.
Reaching from Kanyakumari by Air
Though Kanyakumari doesn’t have its own airport, it is easily accessible from nearby airports. The closest and most convenient one is:
Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)
- Distance from Kanyakumari: 90 km
- Driving Time: Around 2.5 hours
- Connectivity: Excellent domestic and international connections including flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Gulf countries.
From the airport, you can hire a cab or take a direct bus/train to Kanyakumari.
Other Nearby Airports
- Madurai Airport (IXM): 245 km away
- Tuticorin (Thoothukudi) Airport: 90–100 km away but limited flights
Travel Tip:
Trivandrum is your best bet if you’re flying. Pre-book a taxi or use ride-share apps from the airport to Kanyakumari for a smoother transfer.
Reaching from Kanyakumari by Train
Traveling by train is one of the most scenic and economical ways to reach Kanyakumari. The town has a well-connected railway station:
Kanyakumari Railway Station (CAPE)
Located just 1.5 km from the town center and the main tourist spots, this station is well-maintained and functional.
Popular Trains to Kanyakumari
- Vivek Express (Dibrugarh – Kanyakumari): One of India’s longest train routes
- Kanyakumari Express (Bangalore – Kanyakumari)
- Tirunelveli – Kanyakumari Passenger
- Nagercoil – Kanyakumari Express
Major Cities with Direct Connectivity
Travel Tip:
Book your train tickets well in advance, especially during festival times and holidays. If you’re a foreign tourist, opt for IRCTC’s Foreign Tourist Quota for reserved seats.
Reaching from Kanyakumari by Road
Driving to Kanyakumari can be a rewarding experience, especially if you’re on a South India road trip. The town is well connected by a network of highways.
Routes from Major Cities
From Trivandrum (90 km – 2.5 hours)
- Route: NH66
- Scenic coastal drive with several viewpoints
From Madurai (240 km – 5.5 hours)
- Route: NH44
From Kochi (310 km – 7 hours)
- Route: NH66 → NH744 → NH44
From Bangalore (665 km – 11-12 hours)
- Route: NH44 → NH7
Bus Services to Kanyakumari
Several government and private buses ply to Kanyakumari:
- Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC)
- KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation)
- Private Volvo & sleeper buses from Chennai, Madurai, Bangalore, etc.
Bus options include regular, deluxe, and sleeper coaches.
Travel Tip:
If you are driving, start early to avoid traffic and reach by evening to catch the iconic sunset. For buses, opt for overnight journeys from distant cities to save on accommodation costs.
Reaching from Kanyakumari from Major Cities
Here’s a quick overview of different ways to reach Kanyakumari from popular Indian cities:
Chennai to Kanyakumari
- By Air: Fly to Trivandrum (1.5 hours) + taxi (2.5 hours)
- By Train: Direct trains take 12–14 hours
- By Road: Approx. 705 km via NH44 – takes about 12 hours
Bangalore to Kanyakumari
- By Air: Fly to Trivandrum + 2.5-hour drive
- By Train: 13–15 hours on direct trains
- By Road: Around 660 km, approx. 11–12 hours via NH44
Trivandrum to Kanyakumari
- By Taxi/Bus: 2.5 hours
- By Train: Multiple daily trains – under 2 hours
Madurai to Kanyakumari
- By Road: 240 km, approx. 5.5 hours
- By Train: Direct trains in 5–6 hours
- By Bus: Frequent government and private buses
Reaching from Kanyakumari from Kerala
Kanyakumari is often visited as a day trip or final stop from Kerala destinations like Kovalam, Varkala, or Alleppey.
- From Varkala: 135 km – 3.5 hours
- From Kovalam: 90 km – 2.5 hours
- From Alleppey: 240 km – 6 hours
- Best Mode: Road (taxi or bus) or a combination of train and road
Travel Tip:
Use Trivandrum as a hub if you’re exploring Kerala and wish to include Kanyakumari in your itinerary.
Local Transport in Kanyakumari
Once you arrive, getting around is easy and affordable.
Options:
- Auto-rickshaws: Easily available and negotiable
- Cycle rickshaws: For short distances and local charm
- Rental bikes/scooters: Available near the railway station
- Walking: Most key attractions are within a 2–3 km radius
Best Time to Travel to Kanyakumari
While you can visit throughout the year, consider:
- Winter (Oct–Feb): Best weather and sightseeing conditions
- Monsoon (June–Sep): Lush green surroundings but frequent rain
- Summer (Mar–May): Hot and humid, but fewer crowds
Travel Tips for Reaching Kanyakumari
- Book in advance for festivals and long weekends
- Carry cash – card payments may not work in rural areas or autos
- Avoid night driving in unfamiliar routes in Kerala/Tamil Nadu
- Download offline maps if heading to remote areas
- Pack light cotton clothes for summer and a shawl for windy evenings
Conclusion
Reaching Kanyakumari is not just about logistics—it’s a journey through the diverse geography and cultures of South India. Whether you choose to fly, ride a scenic train, or take a road trip, every route brings you closer to the magic of this southern tip. With proper planning, you can combine spiritual discovery, scenic landscapes, and historic marvels in one enriching trip. So pack your bags and begin your journey to the place where land ends and spirituality begins.
Suggested Articles:
- Things to Do in Kanyakumari: Travel Guide
- Top Reasons to Visit in Kanyakumari
- Kanyakumari Most Popular Temples
- Trip from Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari: Ultimate Guide
- Kanyakumari Most Popular Resorts
- Things to Buy from Kanyakumari
- Kanyakumari Tourist Places to See
- Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari
- Tamil Nadu Travel Places to Visit in June 2025
- Places to See in July in Tamil Nadu 2025
- Tamil Nadu in August Travel for Best Places
- Places to See in Tamil Nadu in September 2025
- Tamil Nadu Destinations to Visit in October 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the nearest airport to Kanyakumari?
The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, about 90 km away.
2. Is there a railway station in Kanyakumari?
Yes, Kanyakumari Railway Station is connected to major cities across India.
3. Can I take a direct bus to Kanyakumari from Bangalore?
Yes, many overnight buses operate from Bangalore to Kanyakumari.
4. Is it safe to travel to Kanyakumari at night?
Daytime travel is safer, especially for long drives. If arriving late, ensure your accommodation is pre-booked.
5. Which is the most scenic route to Kanyakumari?
The coastal road from Trivandrum offers beautiful views of the Arabian Sea.
6. How much time does it take from Trivandrum to Kanyakumari?
About 2.5 to 3 hours by road depending on traffic.
7. Can foreigners book trains to Kanyakumari easily?
Yes, through IRCTC and tourist quota counters or apps like 12Go Asia or Cleartrip.
