How to Reach Guruvayur by Train, Road & Air – Complete Travel Guide
Guruvayur, often called the Dwarka of the South, is one of the most sacred pilgrimage towns in Kerala. The famous Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple attracts devotees and tourists from across India and abroad, making it one of the busiest temples in South India. Whether you are traveling for spiritual reasons or to experience Kerala’s cultural charm, knowing the best ways to reach Guruvayur will help you plan a smooth trip.
With excellent connectivity by train, road, and air, Guruvayur can be reached easily from major cities like Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Trivandrum, Bangalore, and Chennai. In this guide, we’ll explore the nearest railway stations, airports, road routes, and transport options to help you choose the most convenient way to reach Guruvayur.
Reaching Guruvayur by Train
Traveling by train is one of the most convenient ways to reach Guruvayur. The town has its own station – Guruvayur Railway Station (GUV) – located just 1 km from the famous Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple. Several passenger and express trains connect Guruvayur to nearby cities like Thrissur, Ernakulam (Kochi), Trivandrum, Kozhikode, and Chennai.
However, since Guruvayur station is a smaller terminal, most long-distance trains do not directly arrive here. For wider connectivity, travelers usually prefer Thrissur Railway Station (TCR), which is just 28 km away. Thrissur is a major junction on the Southern Railway network and has direct trains from big cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Kolkata. From Thrissur, you can easily take a bus, taxi, or a connecting local train to Guruvayur.
Quick View – Train Connectivity to Guruvayur
| City | Nearest Major Station | Distance to Guruvayur | Travel Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thrissur | Thrissur (TCR) | 28 km | Taxi, Bus, Local Train |
| Kochi | Ernakulam (ERS) | 90 km | Train, Taxi, Bus |
| Kozhikode | Kozhikode (CLT) | 100 km | Train, Bus, Taxi |
| Chennai | Guruvayur (GUV) / Thrissur (TCR) | 680 km | Direct Train to GUV or via TCR |
| Bangalore | Thrissur (TCR) | 470 km | Overnight Train, then Taxi/Bus |
NOTE : If you are coming from outside Kerala, booking a train to Thrissur is the best option for faster and more frequent connections.
Reaching Guruvayur by Road
Guruvayur is well connected by road to major towns and cities in Kerala and neighboring states. The town lies close to NH 544 (Salem–Kochi Highway) and NH 66 (Panvel–Kanyakumari Highway), making it easily accessible by both private vehicles and public transport.
If you prefer a comfortable ride, you can hire taxis or use app-based cab services from nearby cities like Thrissur, Kochi, and Kozhikode. For budget-friendly travel, regular Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private buses operate frequent services to Guruvayur.
Bus Connectivity to Guruvayur from Nearby Cities
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Thrissur to Guruvayur (28 km): Frequent KSRTC and private buses; travel time around 45 minutes.
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Kochi to Guruvayur (90 km): Direct KSRTC buses are available; travel time approx. 2–3 hours.
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Kozhikode to Guruvayur (100 km): Regular buses connect both cities; travel time about 3 hours.
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Palakkad to Guruvayur (82 km): KSRTC super-fast and express buses available; around 2.5 hours.
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Trivandrum to Guruvayur (300 km): Overnight KSRTC buses and private operators run daily services; 7–8 hours journey.
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Bangalore to Guruvayur (470 km): Several private sleeper buses and KSRTC Airavat services available; travel time 9–10 hours.
Road Distance to Guruvayur
| City | Distance | Approx. Travel Time | Bus/Taxi Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thrissur | 28 km | 45 min | Frequent KSRTC & private buses |
| Kochi | 90 km | 2–3 hrs | KSRTC, private buses, taxis |
| Kozhikode | 100 km | 3 hrs | KSRTC, private buses |
| Palakkad | 82 km | 2.5 hrs | KSRTC, taxis |
| Trivandrum | 300 km | 7–8 hrs | KSRTC, private sleeper buses |
| Bangalore | 470 km | 9–10 hrs | KSRTC Airavat, private Volvo sleepers |
Reaching Guruvayur by Air
If you are traveling from outside Kerala or from international destinations, flying is the fastest way to reach Guruvayur. Though the town itself doesn’t have an airport, it is conveniently accessible from two major airports in Kerala.
The nearest airport to Guruvayur is Cochin International Airport (COK), located about 80 km away. It is one of the busiest airports in Kerala with excellent domestic and international connectivity. From the airport, you can easily reach Guruvayur by taxi (2 hours) or KSRTC/private buses.
Another option is the Calicut International Airport (CCJ), situated around 100 km from Guruvayur. It serves several domestic and Gulf countries’ flights. Taxis and buses are available outside the terminal to connect you directly to Guruvayur.
For travelers coming from South Kerala or long-haul international routes, Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) can also be considered, though it is about 300 km away. From there, you can take a train, bus, or cab to Guruvayur.
Nearest Airports to Guruvayur
| Airport | Distance from Guruvayur | Approx. Travel Time | Transport Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cochin International Airport (COK) | 80 km | 2 hrs | Taxi, KSRTC, Private Buses |
| Calicut International Airport (CCJ) | 100 km | 2.5 hrs | Taxi, KSRTC, Private Buses |
| Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) | 300 km | 6–7 hrs | Train, Bus, Taxi |
NOTE: For faster and smoother travel, Cochin International Airport (COK) is the best choice to reach Guruvayur quickly.
Final Tips for Your Trip to Guruvayur
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Best Time to Visit: October to March is pleasant for temple visits.
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Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available.
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Advance Booking: If traveling by train or flight during festival seasons (like Guruvayur Ekadasi), book tickets in advance.
