Kochi to Alleppey Distance, Route & Time
By the Kerala Escapes team · updated July 2026
Distance
≈53 km
By road
1–2 hours
Kochi to Alleppey is only about 53 km by road — a short 1 to 2 hour drive down the coast via the NH66 / Arthunkal road. It's one of Kerala's easiest transfers: there are frequent buses and a direct Ernakulam–Alappuzha train (~1½ hours) too. We include the leg with a private cab as part of your trip.
The drive: Kochi to Alleppey
We recommend the cab over the train — it's only about 2 hours, and both road options are scenic. The backwater route via Mararikulam, Thaneermukkom and Arookutty runs right beside the water; the coastal route passes the Arthunkal church and the sea. Either way you get views the train can't match.
How to make the journey
Private cab (what we arrange)
Indicatively ₹1,600–3,500 one-way (sedan to Innova, market rate). It's a short leg — we include it with your private cab; ask us for our rate.
By bus
Frequent KSRTC and private buses run Ernakulam–Alleppey (roughly ₹50–120, ~1½–2 hours) — one of Kerala's busiest short routes.
By train
About 11 trains a day run Ernakulam–Alappuzha, but if you're heading to a houseboat only the ones arriving before ~1:30pm work — roughly the 11am to 12:30pm departures. Miss that window and a cab is the better call (it's only ~2 hours).
Best time to leave & where to stop
Because it's short, you can leave Kochi mid-morning and still make an Alleppey houseboat's noon check-in comfortably.
- Cherai Beach, a short detour north of Kochi
- Marari Beach near Mararikulam, just before Alleppey
It's an easy coastal road year-round; in heavy monsoon rain allow a little extra time. The backwaters are lush and quiet in monsoon.
Local knowledge from our drivers
- For a houseboat day, take a cab, not the train — it's ~2 hours and you can choose a scenic road: the backwater side (Mararikulam–Thaneermukkom–Arookutty, beside the water) or the coastal side (past Arthunkal church and the sea bridge).
- If you do take the train, only the ones reaching Alleppey before ~1:30pm suit a houseboat check-in.
Doing this route as part of a Kerala trip?
We plan the whole route — private cab, the right stays in Kochi and Alleppey, and everything in between — and quote real rates on WhatsApp. Planning is free.
Where to stay in Alleppey
A few Alleppey stays we can book for you — see them all on our Alleppey page.
Uday Backwater Resort
4.7 on Google
Ramada by Wyndham Alleppey
4.2 on Google
Sterling Lake Palace Alleppey
4.4 on Google
Kochi to Alleppey — FAQs
How far is Alleppey from Kochi?
Only about 53 km by road — a 1 to 2 hour drive down the coast, making it one of Kerala's easiest transfers.
How long does the Kochi to Alleppey drive take?
Usually 1 to 2 hours for the ~53 km, via the NH66 coastal road. There's also a direct ~1½-hour train.
Is there a train from Kochi to Alleppey?
Yes — Ernakulam to Alappuzha is a direct train of about 1½ hours, a cheap and scenic alternative to the road.
Can I reach an Alleppey houseboat the same day from Kochi?
Easily — it's a short drive, so a mid-morning start gets you to the noon houseboat check-in with time to spare.