Moving Around

Car & Taxi Services

Multiple options for getting around by car in Kerala

• 🚕 Ride-hailing apps: Uber and Ola are available in Trivandrum, Kochi, and Kozhikode. You can book a cab on-demand with upfront fare estimates and cashless payment. Rapido also offers cab services in Trivandrum and Kochi.
• 🚗 Chauffeur-driven car (full day): Hiring a car with a driver is the most popular option for full-day sightseeing or multi-day trips. Your hotel or homestay can arrange this for you. A small car (e.g. Swift Dzire, 4-seater) costs around ₹2,500–₹3,500 per day. A larger car (e.g. Toyota Innova, 7-seater) costs around ₹4,000–₹5,500 per day. Prices include the driver but may not include fuel or tolls.
• 📱 Outstation cabs: For intercity travel, you can use Ola Outstation or Savaari to book one-way or round-trip cabs between cities.
• 🏨 Hotel-arranged taxis: Most hotels and homestays can arrange taxis for airport transfers, day trips, or multi-day tours. This is often the easiest option — just ask at reception.
• For multi-day trips, the driver typically stays with you throughout the journey. Tip the driver at the end of the trip — ₹300–₹500 per day is appreciated.
• Road speeds in Kerala average about 30 km/h due to narrow roads and traffic. Plan your journey times accordingly — Google Maps gives a good approximation.
• 💡 Tip: When hiring a car with a per-kilometre fare, drivers often charge for a round trip even if you're only going one way — because they have to drive back empty. For example, a 30 km trip from Trivandrum to Varkala may be billed as 60 km. Always clarify upfront whether the quoted rate is one-way or round-trip to avoid surprises.