Cochin International Airport
Also known as: Kochi Airport, Cochin Airport, COK Airport, Nedumbassery Airport, Kochi International Airport, CIAL Airport.
Private transfer from COKSee pricesSee pricesAbout Cochin International Airport
Cochin International Airport (COK) is the main airport for Kochi and central Kerala in southern India. It stands at Nedumbassery in Ernakulam district, about 25 km (16 miles) northeast of Kochi city center, between National Highway 544 and the MC Road. Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), a public-private company in which the Government of Kerala holds the largest stake, runs it, and it handled about 11.3 million passengers in the year to March 2026.
Much of the traffic links Kerala with the Gulf: Air India Express, IndiGo, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Saudia, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways and Air Arabia fly to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat, Riyadh, Jeddah, Bahrain and Kuwait City. Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, SriLankan Airlines and VietJet Air add Southeast Asia and Colombo, and domestic flights reach Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and the Lakshadweep island of Agatti.
Scheduled flights use two terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 3 for international flights. The former Terminal 2 now houses the business jet terminal and the 0484 Aero Lounge.
From the airport, most travelers head south to Ernakulam, Marine Drive and the Infopark offices at Kakkanad, or on to Fort Kochi and Mattancherry by the harbor. The nearby towns of Aluva and Angamaly are a short drive away.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL)
- Passengers per year
About 11.3 million in the year April 2025 to March 2026
- Runway
One: 09/27, 3,445 m
- Terminals
Terminal 1 (domestic) and Terminal 3 (international)
- Opened
June 1999
Arrival tips for Cochin International Airport
On an international flight you arrive at Terminal 3 and go first to immigration. Foreign nationals, including OCI cardholders, need a valid visa or e-Visa and an e-Arrival Card filed online within 72 hours before landing, and show its QR code at the counter.
After immigration, collect your bags in baggage claim and walk through customs, using the green channel if you have nothing to declare. A cloak room near Gate 1A on the Terminal 3 arrivals level stores bags around the clock. Domestic flights arrive at Terminal 1, where you go straight from the gate to baggage claim.
Only passengers with a ticket may enter Indian terminal buildings, so people meeting you, including pre-booked drivers, wait outside the arrivals exit. Prepaid taxi counters are run by CIALTOS, and private cars pick up past the parking area, following the signs.
India uses the Indian rupee and is on India Standard Time (UTC+5:30) all year.
Ground transportation
A taxi or pre-booked car is the easiest way to Ernakulam and Fort Kochi with luggage; the feeder bus to the Metro suits light travelers heading into the city.
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Book a transfer from COKPrepaid taxi from Cochin airport
CIALTOS runs the airport's prepaid taxi service, with counters at the terminals. You pay before you leave the building, but at busy times you may wait in line.
App cabs
Ride-hailing apps such as Uber operate at the airport, with pickups at the signposted areas outside the terminals. Allow time to find your car after you request a ride.
Pavandoot feeder bus to the Metro
Kochi Metro Rail runs the Pavandoot feeder bus between the airport and Aluva Metro station, where the Metro continues south through Kalamassery and Edappally to Ernakulam. It is cheap but means a change, carrying your own bags.
KSRTC buses
Kerala's state bus company, KSRTC, runs bus services from the airport to towns around Kochi and the rest of Kerala. They suit travelers with little luggage and time to spare.
Train from Angamaly
Angamaly railway station, about 5 km from the airport, is on the main line through Ernakulam. You need a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach it.
Private transfer
A pre-booked car meets you outside the arrivals exit, useful for families, late-night arrivals and trips to Fort Kochi or beyond the city.
Moving between terminals
- 1
Walking
Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are separate buildings on the same airport road, so follow the signs between them outside the terminals and allow extra time with luggage.
- 2
Buggy service
The airport runs a buggy service for passengers who need help covering the distance; ask at the help desk or through your airline.
Terminals
Terminal 1
The domestic terminal, renovated and reopened in 2018. Flights within India arrive and depart here.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Air India, Alliance Air, Fly91
Terminal 3
The international terminal, opened in 2017. All international flights arrive and depart here, with immigration and customs on arrival.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Air Arabia, AirAsia, Batik Air Malaysia, Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, flynas, Gulf Air, Jazeera Airways, Kuwait Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Maldivian, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, VietJet Air
Airlines and destinations
Facilities
Restaurants and shops
Restaurants, cafes and convenience stores are in both passenger terminals.
Duty-free shopping
Cochin Duty Free has shops in Terminal 3 for international passengers.
ATMs
ATMs are inside and outside the terminals, available 24 hours a day.
Pharmacy
A pharmacy is available at the airport.
Medical rooms
Medical rooms with staff are open 24 hours a day, including two in Terminal 1.
Cloak room
Left luggage is in Terminal 3 arrivals, beside Gate 1A near the restrooms on the ground floor, open 24 hours for a fee.
Prayer rooms
Prayer rooms are in the terminals; follow the airport signs.
Baby care
Private Mama-friendly rooms are available for feeding infants.
Charging pods
Charging pods for phones and laptops are placed around the terminals.
0484 Aero Lounge
In the former Terminal 2 building, with 41 guest rooms bookable in 6, 12 or 24-hour packages, co-working space, conference halls, a gym and a spa.
Taj Cochin International Airport
A Taj hotel with 111 rooms and suites, opened in December 2024 about 500 meters from the terminals.
Self baggage drop and wrapping
Self baggage drop and baggage wrapping services are available for departing passengers.
Airport lounges
Earth Lounge
CIAL's Earth Lounge offers seating, refreshments and Wi-Fi. Entry depends on conditions such as eligible credit or debit cards, and paid entry is also available.
Accessibility and passenger assistance
Requesting assistance
Ask your airline for assistance when you book, and confirm it at least 48 hours before you fly, so a wheelchair and staff meet you at the aircraft.
Reduced mobility
Wheelchairs are available through your airline, and the airport runs a buggy service for passengers who need help with distances.
Accessible parking
Reserved parking spaces for passengers with disabilities are in parking area P at Terminal 1 and in areas G, H, L and M at Terminal 3.
Parking
Terminal 1 parking
Parking in front of the domestic terminal, partly under a solar carport with room for about 1,400 cars.
Terminal 3 parking
Parking in front of the international terminal, partly under a solar carport with room for about 1,400 cars. Long-term parking must be registered at the kiosk at the parking lot entrance.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Cochin airport from Kochi city center?
Cochin International Airport is about 25 km (16 miles) northeast of Kochi city center, at Nedumbassery near Aluva. The road trip south to Ernakulam follows National Highway 544 and usually takes around an hour, longer at rush hour. Fort Kochi, on the harbor, is farther still, so allow extra time if you are staying there.
Is Kochi airport the same as Cochin airport?
Yes. Kochi is the official name of the city, and Cochin is its older English name, still used by the airport. Cochin International Airport, Kochi Airport, COK and Nedumbassery Airport all mean the same airport, the only commercial airport serving Kochi and central Kerala. Its IATA code is COK and its ICAO code is VOCI.
How many terminals does Cochin airport have?
Cochin airport has two passenger terminals for scheduled flights. Terminal 1 handles domestic flights and Terminal 3 handles all international flights. The former Terminal 2 building now houses the business jet terminal and the 0484 Aero Lounge, with rooms for travelers. Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are separate buildings, so check your boarding pass before you go.
Which terminal is for international flights at Cochin airport?
All international flights use Terminal 3, opened in 2017. Passengers arriving from abroad clear immigration and customs there. Domestic flights use Terminal 1. Indian airlines such as IndiGo and Air India Express fly both domestic and international routes, so check whether your flight is international or domestic to know which terminal you need.
Is there a Metro from Cochin airport?
Not directly. The Kochi Metro does not reach the airport yet, but Kochi Metro Rail runs the Pavandoot feeder bus from the airport to Aluva Metro station. From Aluva, the Metro runs south through Kalamassery and Edappally to Ernakulam. It is a cheap option for light travelers, but you change once and carry your own bags.
Is there a train station near Cochin airport?
Angamaly railway station, about 5 km from the airport, is the nearest station and is on the main line through Ernakulam and Aluva. You need a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach it. Indian Railways approved a new station near the airport in October 2025, but it is not yet open, so plan around Angamaly or Aluva.
How do I get a taxi at Cochin airport?
Use the prepaid taxi counters run by CIALTOS, the airport's taxi service, where you pay before you leave the terminal. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber also operate at the airport, with pickups at the signposted areas. If someone you do not know offers a ride in arrivals, decline and use the counters, an app or a pre-booked car.
Can people meeting me wait inside Cochin airport?
No. As at other Indian airports, only passengers with a ticket for a flight that day may enter the terminal buildings. Family, friends and pre-booked drivers wait outside the arrivals exit of your terminal, usually holding a name sign. Agree on which terminal you arrive at, Terminal 3 for international or Terminal 1 for domestic flights.
What do I need to enter India at Cochin airport?
Most foreign visitors need an Indian visa or an e-Visa approved before departure, and a passport valid for the length of their stay. Since 1 April 2026 all foreign nationals, including OCI cardholders, must also file the e-Arrival Card online within 72 hours before landing and show its QR code at immigration in Terminal 3.
Are there lounges at Cochin airport?
Yes. CIAL's Earth Lounge offers seating, refreshments and Wi-Fi, with entry for eligible credit or debit card holders or on a paid pass. Separately, the 0484 Aero Lounge in the former Terminal 2 building is a lounge and transit hotel with 41 guest rooms, bookable in 6, 12 or 24-hour packages, plus co-working space and a gym.
Is there a hotel at Cochin airport?
Yes, two. The Taj Cochin International Airport opened in December 2024 about 500 meters from the terminals, with 111 rooms and suites. The 0484 Aero Lounge, run by the airport in the former Terminal 2 building, has 41 rooms you can book by the 6, 12 or 24 hours, which suits layovers and very early departures.
Can I leave luggage at Cochin airport?
Yes. A cloak room in Terminal 3 arrivals, beside Gate 1A near the restrooms on the ground floor, stores bags 24 hours a day for a fee. It is useful if you want to explore Kochi before a late flight or leave heavy bags while you take a short trip. Check the opening details with the airport help desk if you plan a long stay.
What time zone is Cochin airport in?
Kochi is on India Standard Time, UTC+5:30, all year. India does not use daylight saving time, so the time difference with Europe and North America changes when those regions switch their clocks. Flight times on your ticket and booking are always shown in local time at each airport.