Kochi Metro is one of India’s most modern and eco-friendly rapid transit systems, offering fast, reliable, and affordable transportation across the vibrant city of Kochi, Kerala. Since its launch, the metro has transformed urban mobility, reduced traffic congestion, and boosted tourism and business development.
This comprehensive guide covers the history of Kochi Metro, station list, timings, fares, tourist attractions, hospitals, tech parks, religious places, and more — perfect for travelers, daily commuters, and first-time visitors.
Traveling from Kannur to Kochi is now easier than ever, thanks to excellent road, rail, and air connectivity, allowing visitors from North Kerala to enjoy Kochi Metro’s modern facilities.
1. Kannur to Kochi by Road
- Distance: ~275 km
- Travel Time: 6–7 hours
- Route: NH-66 (Kannur → Kozhikode → Thrissur → Kochi)
- Comfortable options: KSRTC Super Fast, private buses, cabs, and self-drive.
2. Kannur to Kochi by Train
Kochi has two major railway stations:
- Ernakulam Town (North)
- Ernakulam Junction (South)
Daily express and superfast trains are available from:
- Kannur
- Kannur South
- Payyanur
Travel Time: 4.5–6 hours
From the station to Metro:
- Walk or take an auto to the nearest metro station (Ernakulam South is directly connected).
3. Kannur to Kochi by Air
- Kannur International Airport → Kochi International Airport
- Daily flights available (45 minutes)
From Cochin Airport:
- Take a prepaid taxi to Aluva Metro Station (closest metro stop).
- From there, begin your Kochi Metro journey.
How to Travel in Kochi Metro After Reaching From Kannur
Closest Metro Stations for Visitors
- Ernakulam South Station: perfect if you arrive by train
- Aluva Station: ideal for airport travelers
- Edappally Station: if your first stop is Lulu Mall
- SN Junction: for those visiting Hill Palace
You can easily explore Lulu Mall, Marine Drive, Fort Kochi (via ferry), Hill Palace, Vyttila Mobility Hub, and many other attractions using the metro after reaching Kochi.
Why Kannur Travelers Prefer Kochi Metro
- Avoid Kochi’s heavy traffic
- Quick access to malls, hospitals, offices, and tourist spots
- Clean, safe, air-conditioned travel
- Budget-friendly pricing
History of Kochi Metro
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) began the ambitious metro project to modernize Kochi’s transport system. Key milestones include:
🔹 Timeline
- 2012: Construction officially begins.
- June 2017: Kochi Metro Phase 1 inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi.
- 2017–2023: Continuous expansion of stations.
- 2023 onwards: Extensions toward Tripunithura and Kakkanad in progress.
🔹 Unique Features
Kochi Metro stands out for:
- India’s first metro to use solar power extensively.
- World’s first metro to employ transgender staff.
- Integration with water metro, buses, and feeder services.
- State-of-the-art driverless train-ready technology.
Kochi Metro Timings
Operational Timings
- Monday–Sunday: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Frequency
- Peak hours: Every 8 minutes
- Non-peak hours: Every 10–12 minutes
Kochi Metro Ticket Fare (Approx)
- Minimum Fare: ₹10
- Maximum Fare: ₹60 (depending on distance)
Smart cards and QR tickets are available for easy travel.
Kochi Metro Stations List (Phase 1)
Kochi Metro currently operates from Aluva to SN Junction, covering major residential and commercial hubs.
- Aluva
- Pulinchodu
- Companypady
- Ambattukavu
- Muttom
- Kalamassery
- CUSAT
- Pathadipalam
- Edappally
- Changampuzha Park
- Palarivattom
- Kaloor
- JLN Stadium
- Town Hall
- MG Road
- Maharaja’s College
- Ernakulam South
- Kadavanthra
- Elamkulam
- Vyttila
- Thaikoodam
- Petta
- SN Junction (latest extension)
Key Attractions Near Kochi Metro Stations
1. Aluva Station
- Aluva Manappuram
- Sivarathri Festival Ground
- Periyar River View
2. Edappally Station
- Lulu Mall Kochi (India’s largest mall)
- St. George Forane Church
- Museum of Kerala History
3. Kaloor / JLN Stadium
- Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium
- Popular event & sports venues
4. MG Road
- Shopping streets
- Broadway Market
- Marine Drive (1 km from station)
5. Maharaja’s College
- Subhash Park
- Ernakulam Shiva Temple
6. Vyttila
- Vyttila Mobility Hub
- Water Metro Connectivity
7. Kadavanthra
- High-end restaurants
- Business centers
8. SN Junction / Tripunithura
- Hill Palace Museum
- Tripunithura Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple
Major Religious Places Near Metro Stations
Temples
- Ernakulam Shiva Temple (Maharaja’s Station)
- Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple (Near Tripunithura)
- Thamaramkulangara Sree Dharma Sastha Temple (Tripunithura)
Churches
- St. George Forane Church, Edappally
- St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam
- St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi (reachable via Metro + bus/ferry)
Mosques
- Kadavumbagam Synagogue area mosques
- Ernakulam North Town Mosque
Nearby Hospitals Along Kochi Metro Route
Many major medical centers are easily reachable:
⭐ Top Hospitals
- Aster Medcity (Reachable via Edappally)
- Lisie Hospital (Near Kaloor)
- Lakeshore Hospital (Via Vyttila)
- Renai Medicity (Palarivattom)
- Sunrise Hospital (Kakkanad – via feeder bus)
- Medical Trust Hospital (Ernakulam South)
Major Companies & IT Parks Connected by Metro
📌 Infopark Kochi
- Reach via Kakkanad, connected by Kochi Metro feeder services.
📌 SmartCity Kochi
- 5–6 km from nearest metro, easily accessible by bus/taxi.
📌 Other Business Hubs
- Edappally commercial zone
- Kaloor business district
- MG Road corporate offices
Kochi Water Metro – A Unique Integration
Kochi is the first city in India to integrate:
- Metro rail
- Water transport
- Bus systems
- Feeder services
Water Metro connects islands like:
- Vypin
- Bolgatty
- Kakkanad
- Fort Kochi
Making daily commuting efficient and tourism-friendly.
Top Tourist Places Near Kochi Metro
1. Marine Drive
- Promenade, boating, city views
- Closest station: MG Road / Maharaja’s
2. Fort Kochi & Mattancherry
- Dutch Palace
- Chinese Fishing Nets
- Jewish Synagogue
- (Reach via Maharaja’s → Bus/Ferry)
3. Lulu Mall
- Shopping, cinema, food court
- Nearest station: Edappally
4. Hill Palace Museum
- Largest archaeological museum in Kerala
- Nearest station: SN Junction
5. Kerala Museum
- Cultural exhibits
- Nearest station: Pathadipalam
Connectivity & Facilities
- Free Wi-Fi
- Elevators & Escalators
- Accessible for seniors & persons with disabilities
- Clean platforms & restrooms
- Solar-powered stations
Eco-Friendly Initiatives
Kochi Metro leads sustainable urban transit with:
- Solar panels on stations
- Composting & waste management
- Green gardens under viaducts
- Bicycle-sharing programs
Why Kochi Metro Is a Must-Experience
- Fast and affordable
- Safe for solo travelers
- Environment-friendly
- Connects major tourist attractions
- Beautifully themed stations showcasing local art and culture
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Until what time does Kochi Metro operate? A: Most days, services end by around 10:30 PM.
Q2. Where can I find the latest station list? A: Visit the official KMRL (Kochi Metro Rail Limited) website for updated details.
Kochi Metro is more than just a transport system — it is a symbol of Kerala’s progress, sustainability, and urban development. Whether you’re a tourist exploring Kochi or a daily commuter, the metro offers a smooth, scenic, and modern travel experience. With improved connectivity, cultural integration, and eco-friendly initiatives, Kochi Metro has earned its place as one of India’s best metro systems.