Alleppey to Kovalam Distance, Route & Time
By the Kerala Escapes team · updated July 2026
Distance
≈155–165 km
By road
4–5 hours
Alleppey to Kovalam is about 155–165 km by road and takes roughly 4–5 hours, running south down the coastal NH66 through Kollam and Varkala toward Trivandrum. It's the classic backwaters-to-beach finish — we time it after houseboat check-out and include the private cab.
The drive: Alleppey to Kovalam
The coastal NH66 south via Kollam and Varkala is the usual route to Kovalam (just beyond Trivandrum). It's a steady drive with sea and lagoon scenery rather than ghats.
How to make the journey
Private cab (what we arrange)
Indicatively ₹2,000–3,500 one-way (sedan, market rate; SUV more). We include the transfer with a private cab — ask us for our rate.
By bus
KSRTC buses run the coast toward Trivandrum (then a short hop to Kovalam), roughly 5–6 hours; check KSRTC for current services.
By train
There are trains from Alappuzha to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), then ~16 km / 40 minutes by road to Kovalam.
Best time to leave & where to stop
Leave after houseboat check-out (~9 am) to reach Kovalam by mid-afternoon, in time for sunset on Lighthouse Beach. Trivandrum airport (TRV) is only ~16 km from Kovalam for your flight out.
- Varkala cliff and beach
- Kollam and Ashtamudi Lake
June–September the drive is fine, but Kovalam's sea gets rough and water sports largely pause — a quieter, cheaper time for the beach.
Local knowledge from our drivers
- Break the coastal drive at Varkala — the cliff and beach are worth an hour even if you're not staying the night.
- Kollam and Ashtamudi Lake make a good midway stop if you have the time.
- Trivandrum airport (TRV) is only about 16 km / 40 minutes from Kovalam — time your flight out so the last stretch isn't a rush.
- In the monsoon (June–September) Kovalam's sea gets rough and water sports mostly pause, so plan your beach time around the weather.
Doing this route as part of a Kerala trip?
We plan the whole route — private cab, the right stays in Alleppey and Kovalam, and everything in between — and quote real rates on WhatsApp. Planning is free.
Where to stay in Kovalam
A few Kovalam stays we can book for you — see them all on our Kovalam page.
The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel
4.6 on Google
Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
4.5 on Google
Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa, Kovalam
4.6 on Google
Alleppey to Kovalam — FAQs
How far is Kovalam from Alleppey?
About 155–165 km by road — a 4 to 5 hour coastal drive south via Kollam and Varkala.
How long does the Alleppey to Kovalam drive take?
Roughly 4 to 5 hours by car along the NH66 coast. We time it after houseboat check-out so you reach Kovalam for sunset.
Is there a train from Alleppey to Kovalam?
Trains run Alappuzha to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram); Kovalam is then ~16 km / 40 minutes by road.
Is Alleppey to Kovalam a good way to end a Kerala trip?
Yes — it's the classic backwaters-to-beach finish, and Trivandrum airport is just ~16 km from Kovalam for departure.