How to Reach Poovar Island: Complete Travel Guide (By Road, Train & Flight)

Poovar Island lies around 30 km south of Trivandrum in Kerala's southern coastal region. The island sits where the Neyyar River meets the Arabian Sea and is famous for its backwaters, mangrove channels, golden sand beach and boating experiences.

The easiest way to reach Poovar Island is by road from Trivandrum. A taxi takes about 45 to 60 minutes, while regular KSRTC buses connect Trivandrum to Poovar throughout the day. Travellers arriving by train should get down at Neyyattinkara Railway Station, which is only 11.7 km away. If you're flying, Trivandrum International Airport is the closest airport, located about 28 km from Poovar.

Travelling from Kovalam is even easier. The drive takes around 20 to 25 minutes. Visitors coming from Chennai or Bangalore can either take a direct flight to Trivandrum or use trains that stop at Neyyattinkara, the nearest railway station to Poovar Island.

This guide explains every major route to Poovar Island, including transport options from Trivandrum, Kovalam, Chennai, Bangalore, Kanyakumari and Nagercoil. You'll also find distances, travel times, train information, airport details and estimated taxi fares to help plan your trip.

Quick Reference: Distance and Travel Time from Major Cities

Nearest Airport to Poovar Island

Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) is the nearest airport to Poovar Island, about 28 km away. It connects to all major Indian cities and key Gulf destinations, making it the main entry point for travellers flying in from Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi.

Flight Connectivity to Trivandrum

From Chennai (MAA to TRV)

More than 12 non-stop flights operate daily on this route. Airlines include IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, and Akasa Air. Air India alone runs 17 daily connections between Chennai and Trivandrum. Flight time is 1 hour 5 to 20 minutes. The first departure from Chennai is around 06:55, and the last is around 21:25. Economy fares start from approximately Rs. 4,400.

From Bangalore (BLR to TRV)

IndiGo runs 4 direct daily flights from Bangalore, starting around 07:20. Air India, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet also operate on this route, bringing the total to about 13 daily options. Direct flight time is 1 hour 20 to 30 minutes. Fares start from approximately Rs. 3,800.

From other major cities:

From the airport to Poovar: A taxi from Trivandrum Airport to Poovar costs Rs. 800 to Rs. 1,200 and takes 45 to 55 minutes. The driver takes the coastal road through Vizhinjam, which keeps you clear of city traffic for most of the drive.

Nearest Railway Station to Poovar Island

Neyyattinkara Railway Station (station code: NYY) is the nearest railway station to Poovar Island at 11.7 km. It is part of the Southern Railway zone, has 2 platforms, and handles 42 trains per week on routes connecting Chennai, Bangalore, Kanyakumari, Nagercoil, and other major cities.

An auto-rickshaw from Neyyattinkara to Poovar costs Rs. 150 to Rs. 250 and takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVC), at 26.5 km, is the right choice if your train does not stop at Neyyattinkara, or if you plan to spend time in Trivandrum before heading to Poovar.

Key Trains Stopping at Neyyattinkara (NYY)

Verify schedules and seat availability on irctc.co.in before booking. Timings are from published timetables and are subject to change.

How to Reach Poovar Island from Trivandrum

Trivandrum is the most common base for a Poovar trip. The distance is 30 km by road. The drive takes you through Kovalam and along the coast near Vizhinjam, with most of the route running through palm-lined roads and small coastal villages.

By Taxi

A taxi from Trivandrum city centre or the railway station costs Rs. 700 to Rs. 900 one way. If you are on a day trip, book the taxi as a half-day hire covering 4 to 5 hours. That includes the driver waiting at Poovar while you explore the Poovar backwater boating. The total comes to Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,000 and saves you the trouble of finding a cab on the way back.

Ask the driver to take the coastal bypass through Vizhinjam on NH-66 rather than the city road. It is faster during peak hours and far more scenic.

By Bus

KSRTC runs buses from Thampanoor and East Fort Bus Station in Trivandrum directly to Poovar. The bus will be parked near the railway mail service and is just outside Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station. The journey takes 45 to 60 minutes and costs under Rs. 50.

Here is the contact number for the Poovar KSRTC depot for enquiries: 0471-2210047

By Auto-Rickshaw from Neyyattinkara

If your train stops at Neyyattinkara (11.7 km from Poovar), auto-rickshaws wait outside the station. The fare to Poovar is Rs. 150 to Rs. 250. Settle the fare before you get in.

How to Reach Poovar Island from Kovalam

Poovar is 16 to 18 km from Kovalam, making it one of the easiest day trips from any Kovalam hotel. The drive takes 20 to 25 minutes, and the road is straightforward.

By Taxi

A taxi from Kovalam to Poovar costs Rs. 500 to Rs. 700 one way. Book the return trip with the same driver upfront so you are not stuck at Poovar looking for a cab.

The route goes south on NH-66 and then turns onto Vizhinjam-Uchakkada Road (also called Poovar Road). The same road continues to Kanyakumari, so Poovar fits naturally as a stop if you are heading south.

Combining Kovalam, Poovar, and Kanyakumari in One Day

Start from Kovalam by 7:30 or 8:00 AM. Spend 2 to 3 hours at Poovar. Then drive the 85 km to Kanyakumari for the afternoon. A full-day taxi for this circuit costs Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 3,500 and is a popular route among travellers doing the southern Kerala circuit.

How to Reach Poovar Island from Chennai

By Flight (Fastest)

Fly from Chennai International Airport (MAA) to Trivandrum International Airport (TRV). Over 12 non-stop flights run daily on this route as of June 2026. IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, and Akasa Air all operate here. Flight time is 1 hour 5 to 20 minutes. From Trivandrum airport, take a taxi to Poovar, 28 km, about 50 minutes, Rs. 800 to Rs. 1,200.

Total travel time from Chennai airport to Poovar is about 3 to 3.5 hours including transfers.

By Train

Three trains from Chennai Egmore stop at Neyyattinkara, the closest station to Poovar at 11.7 km:

Train 16127 is the most convenient option. It runs daily and drops you at Neyyattinkara at 23:33. An auto-rickshaw from there to Poovar takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Approximate fares: Sleeper class Rs. 350 to Rs. 500; 3AC Rs. 900 to Rs. 1,200. An overnight train is the most budget-friendly option and saves a night's accommodation.

By Bus

Private operators and government buses run AC and non-AC sleeper buses from Chennai to Trivandrum. Journey time is 12 to 14 hours. Fares range from Rs. 700 for non-AC to Rs. 1,500 for a Volvo AC sleeper. From Trivandrum bus terminal, take a taxi to Poovar - Rs. 700 to Rs. 900.

How to Reach Poovar Island from Bangalore

By Flight

Fly from Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) to Trivandrum (TRV). IndiGo runs 4 direct flights daily from Bangalore, starting around 07:20. Air India, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet add more options, putting the daily total at about 13 flights. Direct flight time is 1 hour 20 to 30 minutes. Fares start at around Rs. 3,800. From Trivandrum airport, a taxi to Poovar costs Rs. 800 to Rs. 1,200 and takes about 50 minutes.

By Train

One direct daily train from Bangalore stops at Neyyattinkara:

The return train, 16525 (Kanniyakumari–KSR Bengaluru Express), departs Neyyattinkara at 11:29 and reaches Bangalore by around 07:00 the next morning. Check current schedules on IRCTC before booking.

Approximate fares: Sleeper Rs. 400; 3AC Rs. 1,100.

By Road

The drive from Bangalore to Poovar covers about 700 km via NH-44 and NH-66. It takes 12 to 14 hours. This option makes sense only if you are road-tripping through multiple Kerala destinations.

How to Reach Poovar Island from Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari is 85 km from Poovar. The two destinations sit along the same coastal road, so many travellers visit both on the same day.

By Taxi

A taxi from Kanyakumari to Poovar costs Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 1,800 and takes 1.5 to 2 hours via NH-44 and the coastal stretch. A common approach is to catch the sunrise at Kanyakumari and stop at Poovar on the drive back toward Trivandrum or Kovalam.

By Train

Take the 16127 MS Guruvayur Express from Nagercoil Junction. It departs at 22:52 and arrives at Neyyattinkara at 23:39, a 47-minute ride. From Neyyattinkara, auto-rickshaws go to Poovar for Rs. 150 to Rs. 250. The Parasuram Express services also connect Nagercoil to Neyyattinkara daily.

By Bus

KSRTC buses run from Kanyakumari toward Trivandrum throughout the day. Get off at Neyyattinkara and take an auto-rickshaw to Poovar. Bus fare is under Rs. 100. Total travel time is about 2 to 2.5 hours.

How to Reach Poovar Island from Nagercoil

Nagercoil is 70 km from Poovar. Both road and rail options are available through Neyyattinkara.

By Taxi

A taxi from Nagercoil to Poovar costs Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 1,500 and takes 1 to 1.5 hours.

By Bus and Auto-Rickshaw

Board a KSRTC bus from Nagercoil Bus Stand heading toward Trivandrum. Get off at Neyyattinkara and take an auto-rickshaw to Poovar. The total cost comes to under Rs. 200.

By Train

The 16650 Parasuram Express departs Nagercoil at around 04:10 and reaches Neyyattinkara at 05:15. The 16127 MS Guruvayur Express departs Nagercoil at 22:52 and arrives at Neyyattinkara at 23:39. Train journey time between the two stations is 45 to 65 minutes.

Summary: How to Reach Poovar Island

Poovar Island connects to every major South Indian city through Trivandrum as the central hub. Here is the quick reference:

• Nearest railway station: Neyyattinkara (NYY), 11.7 km from Poovar, 42 trains weekly including Chennai and Bangalore expresses
• Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), 30 km, 12+ daily flights from Chennai and 13+ from Bangalore as of June 2026
• From Trivandrum: taxi Rs. 700 to Rs. 900, 45 to 60 minutes; KSRTC bus from East Fort under Rs. 50
• From Kovalam: taxi Rs. 500 to Rs. 700, 20 to 25 minutes
• From Chennai: fly MAA to TRV (1 hr 15 min) or overnight train 16127 to Neyyattinkara (arrives 23:33)
• From Bangalore: fly BLR to TRV (1 hr 20 to 30 min) or train 16526, departs 20:00, arrives Neyyattinkara 12:27 next day
• Best season: October to February