Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
Also known as: Trivandrum Airport, Thiruvananthapuram Airport, TRV Airport, Trivandrum International Airport.
Private transfer from TRVSee pricesSee pricesAbout Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV), widely known as Trivandrum Airport, is the airport of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala in southern India, and the gateway to Kovalam, Varkala and the southern tip of the state.
It is a base for Air India Express, which links the city with the Gulf and with Indian cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. Gulf carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways and Air Arabia fly here, along with IndiGo, Air India, SriLankan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Scoot and Maldivian, which serve Colombo, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and the Maldives.
The airport has two passenger terminals on opposite sides of the runway: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights, each with its own road entrance. Check your terminal before you travel.
The airport sits on the coast west of the city, about 3.7 km in a straight line from the city center and the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and close to Shankumugham Beach. Technopark is about 13 km away and Kovalam beach about 15 km, while travelers also head on to Varkala, Poovar and Kanyakumari.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
TRV (Kerala) International Airport Limited
- Passengers per year
About 4.69 million in the 2025–26 fiscal year (April 2025 to March 2026), after about 4.89 million in 2024–25
- Runway
One runway, 14/32, about 3,400 m long
- Base airlines
Air India Express and Air India
- Opened
1932; declared an international airport on January 1, 1991
Arrival tips for Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
After you leave the aircraft, follow the Arrival signs. On an international flight you arrive at Terminal 2: have your passport, visa and boarding pass ready for the immigration hall. Foreign nationals and OCI cardholders also need the e-Arrival Card, submitted online within 72 hours before landing, which gives a QR code to show at immigration.
Baggage belts are shown on the display screens: Terminal 2 has five carousels for international arrivals and Terminal 1 has three for domestic arrivals. With your bags, go through customs, using the green channel if you have nothing to declare and the red channel if you do.
Outside, prepaid taxi and car rental counters are in the arrival areas of both terminals, and Ola and Uber pick up from the curbside area. Pickup zones sit in front of each terminal at the arrival gates. The two terminals are on opposite sides of the runway, so make sure anyone meeting you knows which one you land at.
India runs on India Standard Time (UTC+5:30) all year, and the currency is the Indian rupee (INR).
Ground transportation
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Book a transfer from TRVPrepaid taxi from Trivandrum airport
Prepaid taxi counters are in the arrival areas of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, where you pay for your destination before you set off. The drive to Kovalam usually takes 25 to 35 minutes.
Ola and Uber
App-based cabs pick up from the curbside area of both terminals. You book from your phone once you have your bags, so expect a short wait for the car to reach the terminal.
Car rental
Car rental counters are in the arrival areas. A rental suits travelers who plan to drive on to Varkala or other parts of Kerala on their own.
KSRTC bus
Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses stop near the airport and run to the Thampanoor bus stand in the city center. They are the lowest-cost option but run less often late at night and are awkward with large bags.
Auto-rickshaw
Auto-rickshaws work for short trips into the city with light luggage. They may not use the meter, so agree the cost before you get in.
Private transfer
A pre-booked driver meets you outside your terminal and drives straight to your hotel in the city, Kovalam, Varkala or elsewhere. It suits families, late arrivals and anyone with plenty of luggage.
Moving between terminals
- 1
By taxi or app cab
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 stand on opposite sides of the runway, with separate road entrances, so moving between them means leaving the building and going by road. Take a prepaid taxi from the arrivals counters or book an Ola or Uber from the curbside pickup area.
- 2
Check your terminal before you travel
Domestic flights use Terminal 1 and international flights use Terminal 2. If you connect between a domestic and an international flight, allow extra time for the road trip, a fresh security check and check-in at the other terminal.
Terminals
Terminal 1
The domestic terminal, opened in 1992, handles domestic flights to cities across India. It has three baggage carousels for arriving passengers.
Terminal 2
The international terminal, opened in 2011 on the opposite side of the runway, handles all international flights to the Gulf, Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. It has immigration and customs halls, five baggage carousels and a duty-free shop.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Air Arabia, AirAsia, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Jazeera Airways, Kuwait Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Maldivian, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Scoot, SriLankan Airlines
Airlines and destinations
Facilities
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes in the terminals, which needs a valid Indian mobile number to log in. Longer paid plans are available.
ATMs
ATMs from several banks are available in both terminals.
Currency exchange
Foreign exchange counters serve both arriving and departing international passengers at Terminal 2.
Food and shopping
Cafés, restaurants and shops are open in both terminals, with Indian and international food and Indian handicrafts.
Duty free
A duty-free shop serves international passengers at Terminal 2.
Prayer rooms
Multi-faith prayer rooms are available in the terminals.
Baby care
Baby care rooms with changing and feeding facilities are available in the terminals.
Medical center
A medical center is available at the airport for passengers who need help.
Car rental
Car rental counters are in the arrival areas of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Airport lounges
Adani Lounge, Terminal 1
On the first floor after security in domestic departures, open 24 hours. Entry with a partner bank card or lounge program membership, or by paying at the door.
The Lounge, Terminal 2
On the first floor after security in international departures, open 24 hours. Entry with a partner bank card or lounge program membership, and walk-in guests can pay at the door.
Accessibility and passenger assistance
Requesting assistance
Ask your airline for wheelchair assistance when you book or at check-in, and confirm it again before you fly so staff are ready when you land.
Reduced mobility
The airport offers help for passengers with reduced mobility and special needs. Pranaam, a paid meet-and-assist service booked in advance through the Adani One website or app, adds buggy transport, porter help and lounge access.
Parking
Parking areas at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
Paid parking is available close to each terminal and operates around the clock; there is no free parking. The parking area at the international terminal holds about 600 cars. Spaces can be pre-booked online through Adani One.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Trivandrum airport from the city center?
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport lies on the coast west of the city, about 3.7 km in a straight line from the city center and the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The road distance is longer and depends on your terminal, because Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have separate entrances on opposite sides of the runway. Technopark is about 13 km away and Kovalam beach about 15 km.
Is Trivandrum airport the same as Thiruvananthapuram airport?
Yes. Trivandrum is the older English name of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, and both names refer to the same airport, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, with the code TRV. Airlines, tickets and road signs may use either name, so a booking to Trivandrum and one to Thiruvananthapuram land at the same place.
How many terminals does Trivandrum airport have?
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has two passenger terminals. Terminal 1 handles domestic flights within India, and Terminal 2 handles all international flights. The two buildings stand on opposite sides of the runway with separate road entrances, so check your ticket and tell anyone meeting you which terminal you are using.
How do I get between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Trivandrum airport?
You travel by road, because Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are on opposite sides of the runway. Take a prepaid taxi from the counters in the arrival area or book an Ola or Uber from the curbside pickup area. If you connect between a domestic and an international flight, allow extra time for the drive, check-in and a fresh security check.
Which airlines fly to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport?
Air India Express has a base at Thiruvananthapuram and flies to the Gulf and to Indian cities. Other airlines include IndiGo, Air India, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways, Air Arabia, SriLankan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Scoot and Maldivian, serving cities such as Dubai, Doha, Muscat, Colombo, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Malé.
How do I get a taxi at Trivandrum airport?
Prepaid taxi counters are in the arrival areas of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and you pay for your destination at the counter before you leave. App-based cabs such as Ola and Uber pick up from the curbside area outside each terminal. Auto-rickshaws also serve short trips into the city, but agree the cost first because they may not use the meter.
Is there a bus from Trivandrum airport to the city?
Yes. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses stop near the airport and run to the Thampanoor bus stand in the city center, close to the central railway station. Buses are the lowest-cost way into town but run less often late at night and are not ideal with large suitcases.
How far is Kovalam from Trivandrum airport?
Kovalam beach is about 15 km south of Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, usually a 25 to 35 minute drive depending on traffic. Prepaid taxis, Ola and Uber cabs and pre-booked private transfers all cover the trip from both terminals. Poovar, further down the coast, and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu are also reached by road from the airport.
How far is Varkala from Trivandrum airport?
Varkala is about 55 to 60 km north of Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, usually 1.5 to 2 hours by road. Most travelers go by taxi or pre-booked transfer straight from the terminal, which saves changing to a bus or train with luggage. Allow extra time in the evening, when traffic leaving the city is heavier.
Do I need a visa and an arrival card to land at Trivandrum?
Most foreign visitors need an Indian visa, and nationals of many countries can apply online for an e-Visa at least four days before arrival; Thiruvananthapuram is an authorized e-Visa entry airport. Foreign nationals and OCI cardholders must also submit the digital e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before landing, through the Indian visa portal or the Su-Swagatam app.
Are there lounges at Thiruvananthapuram airport?
Yes. The Adani Lounge is on the first floor after security in Terminal 1 for domestic departures, and The Lounge is on the first floor after security in Terminal 2 for international departures. Both are open 24 hours and accept partner bank cards and lounge memberships, and walk-in guests can pay for entry at the door.
Is there Wi-Fi at Trivandrum airport?
Yes. The terminals offer free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes, and you need a valid Indian mobile number to receive the login code. Paid plans are available for longer sessions. Visitors without an Indian number may find it easier to use international roaming or buy a local SIM card after arrival.
Who operates Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and how busy is it?
The airport is operated by TRV (Kerala) International Airport Limited. It handled about 4.69 million passengers in the 2025–26 fiscal year (April 2025 to March 2026), after about 4.89 million in 2024–25, the highest on record. It has a single runway, 14/32, about 3,400 m long, and is a base for Air India Express and Air India.
What time zone and currency does Thiruvananthapuram use?
Thiruvananthapuram uses India Standard Time (UTC+5:30) all year, with no daylight saving time. The currency is the Indian rupee (INR). ATMs are available in both terminals, and currency exchange counters serve arriving and departing passengers at the international Terminal 2.