Moving Around

Find the best way to travel across God's Own Country — by bus, train, car, bike, or boat.

Auto Rickshaw

The quintessential Kerala ride for short distances

Auto rickshaws (three-wheelers) are everywhere in Kerala and are the most common way to get around within a city or town. They are ideal for short distances of up to 10–15 km.
Always agree on the fare before getting in, or insist that the driver uses the meter. Many drivers prefer to quote a fixed fare — this is normal, but you can negotiate.
Typical fare: ₹30 for the first 1.5 km, then about ₹15 per km. Fares may be higher at night or during festivals.
You can book auto rickshaws through Uber and Ola apps in major cities (Trivandrum, Kochi, Kozhikode), which gives you the convenience of cashless payment and upfront fare estimates.
Rapido also offers auto rickshaw bookings in Trivandrum and Kochi.
Auto-rickshaw stands are everywhere in Kerala's cities — roughly every 300 metres. The rickshaws are lined up in a queue, so always get into the first one in line.
Major train stations like Trivandrum Central have pre-paid auto-rickshaw counters — they offer fixed, better rates and save you from haggling.
If you spot an empty auto-rickshaw on the street, feel free to hail it — ask the driver for a rate, and hop in if it works for you.
Your typical ride shouldn't cost more than ₹200 ($2). A 2–3 km ride should cost less than ₹100 ($1).
If you plan to spend a full day exploring a city like Trivandrum or Kochi, consider hiring an auto-rickshaw driver for the day — many are happy to double as your personal tour guide.
Auto rickshaws are not allowed to pick up passengers from inside airport areas. You'll need to walk to the main road or use a pre-paid taxi/ride-hailing app instead.
Auto rickshaws are best for short to medium distances — for trips over 20 km, a car (taxi or app-based cab) is a more comfortable and practical option.
Kerala sleeps early — you'll struggle to find auto-rickshaws on the street after 9 PM. Plan your evening travel in advance or use a ride-hailing app.
💡 Offering a tip of around 10% at the end of the journey will make your driver extra happy and ensure a great experience.
💡 Auto rickshaws are open-sided — they're fun and breezy but can get wet during rain. Keep an umbrella handy during monsoon season.