How to Reach Palakkad
Palakkad (Palghat) sits at the famous Palakkad Gap — the only major break in the Western Ghats — making it one of the best-connected towns in Kerala by all modes of transport.
By Train
Easiest and most popular way — direct trains from major cities
Rail is the most convenient way to reach Palakkad. The town has two major railway stations on the Shoranur–Coimbatore main line.
The primary station serving Palakkad town. Well connected to:
- Chennai — ~6–8 hrs (multiple daily trains)
- Bangalore (Bengaluru) — ~5–6 hrs
- Coimbatore — ~2 hrs
- Kochi (Ernakulam) — ~3–4 hrs
- Thrissur — ~1.5 hrs
- Mumbai (via Konkan) — ~26–30 hrs
- Delhi — ~40–48 hrs
About 35 km from Palakkad town. An important junction connecting:
- Thiruvananthapuram — intercity expresses via coastal line
- Calicut (Kozhikode) — ~2 hrs
- Mangalore — ~4–5 hrs
- Many long-distance expresses stop here before reaching Palakkad Jn
By Road
Excellent highway connectivity — KSRTC buses and private cabs available
National Highway
NH 544 (formerly NH 47, Salem–Kochi corridor) passes directly through Palakkad, connecting the town to Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) in the east and Thrissur/Kochi in the west. This is the primary road route for visitors from:
| From | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Coimbatore | ~55 km | ~1.5 hrs |
| Thrissur | ~75 km | ~2 hrs |
| Kochi | ~145 km | ~3 hrs |
| Calicut | ~130 km | ~3 hrs |
| Bangalore | ~360 km | ~6 hrs |
| Chennai | ~490 km | ~7–8 hrs |
| Thiruvananthapuram | ~310 km | ~5–6 hrs |
By Air
Palakkad has no airport — use Coimbatore or Kochi
Palakkad does not have its own airport. The two most convenient airports are:
- Distance from Palakkad: ~55 km · drive ~1.5 hrs
- Direct flights from: Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Dubai, Singapore, Sharjah, Doha
- Airlines: Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air Arabia, Emirates (codeshare)
- Taxis and cabs (Ola/Uber) available from airport to Palakkad
- Distance from Palakkad: ~145 km · drive ~3 hrs
- Largest airport in Kerala — wider international connectivity (Gulf, Europe, SE Asia)
- Frequent KSRTC buses and private taxis to Palakkad
- Train from Ernakulam Jn to Palakkad Jn (~3 hrs) is a comfortable option from Kochi
Getting Around Palakkad
Local options once you arrive
Auto-Rickshaw
Best for short distances within Palakkad town and nearby areas. Metered or negotiated fare. Available throughout the town.
Taxi & Cab
Ola and Uber operate in Palakkad. Local taxis available from the railway station and bus stand for day trips to Nelliyampathy, Malampuzha, and other places.
Local KSRTC Buses
Regular services connect Palakkad town to Ottapalam, Mannarkkad, Chittur, Alathur, Shoranur, and most taluks. Very affordable option.
Two-Wheeler Rental
Local rental shops near the railway station offer scooters and motorcycles — ideal for exploring Malampuzha, the fort area, and countryside roads at your own pace.
Useful Contacts
Quick numbers for transport enquiries