Kochi · India
Cochin International Airport (COK)
Cochin International Airport (COK) is located at Nedumbassery, roughly 28 kilometres northeast of Ernakulam, the commercial centre of Kochi. International passenger traffic is processed at Terminal 3, while Terminal 1 handles domestic operations and Terminal 2 serves executive aviation. It is the primary international gateway to the state of Kerala.
Terminals
- Terminal 1
- Handles all domestic flight departures and arrivals.
- Terminal 2
- Dedicated to executive jets and private aviation services.
- Terminal 3
- Handles all international flight departures and arrivals.
Arriving
International passengers disembarking at Terminal 3 move sequentially through passport control, baggage collection, and customs inspection before entering the public arrival concourse.
- Follow signage from the arrival gate towards the immigration hall in Terminal 3.
- Present your passport, printed e-Visa or visa document, and entry documentation at the immigration counters.
- Proceed to the baggage reclaim area to collect checked luggage from assigned carousels.
- Clear customs via the Green Channel if carrying non-dutiable personal items, or the Red Channel if carrying reportable goods or currency above mandatory thresholds.
- Exit into the arrivals hall where pre-paid taxi booking counters, currency exchange, and transit desks are located.
Getting to the city
Taxi
Pre-paid Taxi
Official prepaid taxi counters operate inside the arrivals hall. Payment is made at the desk before exiting to the driver stand.
- Time:
- roughly 45-75 minutes depending on traffic
- Typical cost:
- typically INR 800 - INR 1,400
Ride-hailing
App-Based Rideshare (Uber / Ola)
Rideshare pickups are arranged via mobile app and take place at designated pickup points outside the terminal complex.
- Time:
- roughly 45-75 minutes depending on traffic
- Typical cost:
- typically INR 700 - INR 1,200
Bus
KSRTC Public Bus
State buses connect the airport with Aluva Metro Station and Ernakulam city centre from designated stops outside the terminals.
- Time:
- roughly 60-90 minutes
- Typical cost:
- typically INR 50 - INR 250
Train
Feeder Bus + Kochi Metro
Take a short feeder bus or taxi (~12 km) to Aluva Metro Station, followed by a Kochi Metro train into central Ernakulam.
- Time:
- roughly 60-80 minutes overall
- Typical cost:
- typically INR 60 - INR 120 combined
Connections & transfers
Transfers between domestic and international flights require moving between separate terminal buildings within the airport complex.
- Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are located within walking distance along a covered precinct pathway.
- Passengers transferring from international to domestic flights must clear immigration, retrieve baggage, and check in at Terminal 1.
- Allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours for self-transfers between international and domestic services.
Wi-Fi & staying connected
Complimentary Wi-Fi access is available across the passenger terminals via a mobile verification portal.
- Connect to the official airport Wi-Fi network on your device.
- Enter a mobile phone number capable of receiving an SMS passkey.
- Passengers without roaming mobile service can request assistance at the main information desks.
Money, cards & tipping
Currency exchange desks and cash machines are situated in both arrival and departure zones.
- Automated teller machines (ATMs) accepting international debit and credit cards are situated in the arrivals hall.
- Official foreign exchange counters operate before and after customs clearance areas.
- Card payments are widely accepted at major airport outlets, though local transport and small vendors require cash in Indian Rupees (INR).
Food & drink
Dining facilities offering regional Indian cuisine and international options are present in all public and airside zones.
- Food courts in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 provide hot meals, fast food, and regional Kerala dishes.
- Cafes serving hot beverages and quick snacks operate 24 hours a day in main landside areas.
- Airside departure concourses feature a broader selection of sit-down and grab-and-go food outlets.
Lounges & rest
Premium lounge facilities operate in the departure areas of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
- Lounges provide air-conditioned seating, refreshments, Wi-Fi, and charging points.
- Entry is available to eligible class passengers, select lounge membership cardholders, or via paid walk-in access.
- Terminal 3 lounges are situated post-security in the international departures wing.
Airport hotels
Short-stay transit rooms and full-service accommodation options operate adjacent to the airport precinct.
- Airport guest rooms and transit suites operate close to the terminal complex.
- Multiple commercial hotels are situated within a 5-10 minute drive along the main airport access road.
- Passengers needing overnight accommodation should book in advance during peak tourist months.
Baggage & customs
Baggage trolleys, left luggage storage, and assistance desks are located inside the terminal buildings.
- Baggage trolleys are available free of charge in the arrival reclaim halls.
- Left luggage and cloakroom services are available near the terminal concourse for short-term storage.
- For missing or damaged luggage, approach the airline ground handler desk located in the arrivals hall.
Family & accessibility
Standard family facilities are accessible in major public and airside sections of the airport.
- Dedicated baby care rooms equipped with changing tables are situated near principal toilet blocks.
- Priority lanes at security screening are available for families travelling with infants.
Facilities
- Free Wi-Fi
- Pre-paid Taxi Desk
- ATMs
- Currency Exchange
- Left Luggage / Cloakroom
- Executive Lounges
- Baby Care Rooms
- Medical First Aid Room
Emergency & safety
Local emergency number: 112
- 112 is the primary national emergency number in India for police, fire, and medical response.
- A 24/7 medical room with qualified personnel operates inside the airport for emergency first aid.
- In case of lost travel documents, report immediately to the airport police station and inform your country's embassy or high commission.
Before you leave home
- Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
- Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
- Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
- Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
- Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
- Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
- Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
- Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.
Official sources
Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.
- Cochin International Airport Official WebsiteOfficial airport source
- Indian e-Visa Portal - Bureau of ImmigrationGovernment source
- Central Board of Indirect Taxes and CustomsGovernment source
- Kochi Metro Rail LimitedOfficial transit source
- Kerala State Road Transport CorporationOfficial transit source
Guide last reviewed November 8, 2026
Airport information can change. Verify terminal assignments, schedules, fares, entry requirements and operating hours with the official provider before travel.
Land connected
Airport Wi-Fi is slow, time-limited and not private. A travel eSIM activates before you fly, so maps, ride-hailing and your booking emails work the second you switch off airplane mode.
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Build my trip planTravel information disclaimer: passport, visa and entry requirements change frequently and vary by nationality, route and purpose of travel. Everything published here is general guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements with the official government sources for your citizenship and your destination before booking and before travel.