Kochi mini-bus and coach hire

The city of Kochi is a historic port city in the province of Kerala, India. Foreigners have been landing in Kochi on the Arabian Sea for 600 years. And it continues to wow visitors. Transportation services in Kochi are better than average for India, and you can find good transport links by road, rail, and air.

The Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi credit: Deepujoseph CC BY 2.5

Types of Transportation to and from Kochi

Minibuses and coach rentals in Kochi

In the city of Kochi bus and minibus rental is either an additional service provided by car hire companies, or provided by individual operators who receive business through travel or booking agents. The lack of operators focusing exclusively on bus rental should not be a concern. Travel agents in Kochi like Kerala Luxury Tourism on Karithala Road, and Ambika Tours and Travels on MG Road in Perumaanur, will organise bus rentals with local operators so you have a range of vehicles and sizes available. Grandeur Car and Coach hire on VIP road has a fleet of vehicles from 4 seater Indicas to 40 seater Volvo coaches. Would you like to rent a bus in Kochi? You can find a selection of bus rental companies with their profiles on our bus rental Kerala page.

If you are staying within the city expect to pay around €110 a day for a 40 seater coach and around €60 for a 22-27 seater minibus. Travelling outside Kochi will add on additional costs for each kilometre and you can estimate on paying €1 for every 2-3 kilometres. The local Indian vehicles are the cheapest and are comfortable but Volvo coaches are most comfortable.

Inside luxury coach from chaithanya

Airport Transfer in Kochi

Cochin International Airport (COK) is the 4^th largest in India and the main gateway to the Kerala province. While many new airports around the world go for the futuristic style, Cochin has stayed true to the architectural roots of Kerala and looks like something from the 19^th century. You could take a photo in front of it and convince your friends it was a colonial palace.

The airport has its own taxi company, Cochin Airport Taxi Society, which is a prepaid service. You must pay at the CATS counter and take your receipt to the correct driver. Follow the signs in the airport to locate the counter. There is a fixed price of approx. €8 for non air conditioned taxis and €10 for air conditioned taxis. Add €2 for travelling between 7pm and 6am. CATS also provide a limousine service on request.

If you are hiring other ground transportation services in Kochi like car with driver then your company can usually provide a free pick-up and drop-off service for your group.

Cochin Airport credit: pravin.premkumar CC BY 2.0

Taxis in Kochi

You will find 3 types of taxi in Kochi, offering different levels of comfort and price. Regardless of the taxi type you'll be amazed that private transportation can be so cheap when compared to Europe.

Tuctucs / autorickshaws - These classic Indian vehicles are extremely cheap and you'll find a rickshaw stand near most bus stops. For €1 you can go about 8kms but be prepared to have your hands over your eyes as your driver zooms, swerves, and puts hearts in mouth. This is best for short journeys between attractions.

Regular Taxis: Found at designated taxi stands these are generally old vehicles with formula 1 inspired drivers. Unlike elsewhere they don't have a clear TAXI sign or metre so you're best finding a taxi rank to take one.

Pre booked taxis: These taxis are pre booked and follow set tariffs usually around €1for the first 3kms and 15cents a km after. Kumar Taxis in Mattancherry, Taxi Car Kerala on Ravipuram Road, and Ernakulam South Pre-Paid taxi service in S Railway Station Rd, are reliable local taxi companies. For women traveling alone or when traveling at night we also recommend pre booking a taxi.

Minibus 17 seats from  Kerala CAR Rentals in Cochin

Car with Driver in Kochi

Probably the best way to see everything in Kochi and Kerala is to hire a car with a driver. Taxi companies and travel agents can organise this for you. Both will offer the service at a similar price. You'll have an English speaking driver eager to make friends and get a good recommendation, and you won't have to worry about constantly looking for a taxi. Prices vary on the quality of car and driver and start at around €20 for the cheapest per day service.

Many travel agents specialise in this service as tourists find it's the best way to get traditional sight seeing with the bonus of a local guide who can keep you entertained. For example there are agents like Naik Travels on Ammankovil Road, Shaja Travels in Mattancherry, and Kerala Tour Package in Amaravthy. Your driver will be working hard to please because if you give good feedback, he'll get more work. So if he's driving like a maniac tell him. And if you want the best cup of Masala Chai ask him where to go.

Car with driver from chaithanya

City Tours in Kochi

You can rent a bus in Kochi for tours in the city or in Kerala Province. 600 years old and bursting with different cultures Kochi is best given a few days in your itinerary. Admire the 14^th century Chinese city nets on Fort Kochi Beach, or go back to 1502 and the Portuguese Santacruz Basilica. Legendary explorer Vasco da Gama was buried at St Francis Church and at the VOC gate you'll see the remains of the Dutch East India Company time here.

Around Fort Kochi, Kerala credit: Bill Bourne CC BY-SA 2.0

It is the main attraction for the tourist and has wonderful sights to see here in Fort Kochi Beach.

Tours to Temples

Break up your historical monuments by visiting some of India's most important temples, like the Thrikkakara Temple which is devoted to Hindu deity Vanama. Temples are keen for foreigners to visit and will happily answer your questions about monkey gods, magical powers, and how you choose who to worship from over 2 million gods. The ornate Jain Mandir is visually stunning as well as being one of the oldest Jain temples in India.

Seeveli at Thrikkakara temple credit: Ranjithsiji Public Domain

After your spiritual fix head back out to explore history by checking out the Jew Town, the Dutch Palace, Bastian Bungalow, and David Hall. Finish your tour with a gentle walk around the Old Fort area where you'll be hypnotised by antique shops and the gossip of local women on the streets.

Antiques shop in Jew Town, next to Mattancherry. credit: fraboof CC BY-SA 2.0

Bus tour and travel info around Kochi

Want to know more about Kochi by bus? Read our tips about highlights for your bus or coach tour in Kochi:

Kochi bus tour ideas and itineraries
Highlights, tips and attractions for Kochi by bus

Kochi recent bus coach hire prices and cost examples

Tour with various destinations and 2 passengers

The coach hire starts on 08-03-2014 in Kochi, with a distance of 708 kms , and a duration of 6 days.

About the group: We are only two people and would prefer a normal sedan with A/C.

KOCHI COACH HIRE PRICE	₹13,069.10
Average quoted per person	₹6,534.55

Get me quotes for my coach hire in Kochi

Single trip in mimibus /coach transporting 2 passenger

The coach hire starts on 25-11-2013 in Kochi, with a distance of 0 kms , and a duration of 0 days.

About the group: Transfer to a cruise ship for 2 ladies

KOCHI COACH HIRE PRICE	€46.20
Average quoted per person	€23.10
Offer for a 5 seater with luggage space for 3 bags with a toyota altis (2011)

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