logo
ayurveda
OUR PURPOSE
Ayurveda Centre Logo 1

How to Reach Rockholm from Trivandrum Airport – Travel Guide

Arriving at Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) puts you less than an hour away from a shoreline haven. Rockholm, a luxury Ayurveda beach resort set on Kovalam’s prized Lighthouse Beach, welcomes guests who value quick access, scenic coastal drives, and seamless comfort. This guide explains exactly how to reach Rockholm from Trivandrum Airport, so you can step off the plane and start relaxing by the Arabian Sea without delay.

Distance and Travel Overview
  • Distance: Approximately 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Average road time: 30–45 minutes in normal traffic
  • Primary route: Airport Road → NH 66 Bypass → Kovalam Junction → Lighthouse Beach Road

The journey skirts palm groves and glimpses of the backwaters before the road dips toward the famous red-and-white lighthouse. Whether you choose a private car or an economical bus, you will enjoy a refreshing transition from city bustle to beach serenity.

Best Ways to Travel from Trivandrum Airport to Rockholm
Taxi or Private Car

A private taxi is the most popular answer to the question how to reach Rockholm from Trivandrum Airport.

  • Where to book: Pre-paid taxi counter inside the arrivals hall, or the official Kerala Taxi booth outside.
  • Estimated fare: INR 800–1200 depending on vehicle category.
  • Duration: 30–45 minutes.
  • Pros: Door-to-door service, air-conditioned comfort, fixed fare if booked at pre-paid counter.
  • Cons: Slightly higher cost than rideshares, midnight surcharge may apply.

Tip: Ask the driver to take the NH 66 bypass rather than inner-city roads to avoid peak-hour congestion.

Ride-Sharing (Uber, Ola, inDrive)

Ride-sharing apps operate 24 hours in Thiruvananthapuram.

  • App pickup point: Designated rideshare zone outside Terminal 2 domestic arrivals.
  • Estimated fare: INR 600–1000. Fares can rise during heavy rain or holiday weekends.
  • Pros: Cashless payment, live tracking, competitive pricing.
  • Cons: Surge pricing, occasional wait for driver confirmation during late nights.

Booking tips:

  • Enable international roaming or airport Wi-Fi before opening the app.
  • Confirm that the driver’s drop-off pin is set to “Rockholm at the Lighthouse Beach Road end” to avoid confusion with other Kovalam hotels.
Airport Shuttle or Resort Transfer

Rockholm offers a pre-booked chauffeured transfer (subject to availability). Contact reservations at least 48 hours before arrival.

  • Vehicle: AC premium sedan or SUV.
  • Estimated cost: INR 1000–1500 per car.
  • Duration: 30–40 minutes thanks to priority parking at the terminal.
  • Pros: Driver waits with a placard, luggage assistance, bottled water onboard.
  • Cons: Must be arranged in advance, cancellation fees may apply.
Public Transport
KSRTC Airport Low-Floor Bus
  • Route: Airport → East Fort → Kovalam Bus Stand.
  • Frequency: Every 30–40 minutes from 05:30 to 21:30.
  • Fare: INR 50–80.
  • Duration: 60–75 minutes.

From Kovalam Bus Stand you can hire an auto-rickshaw (INR 50–70) for the final 1.2 km to Rockholm.

Local White-Line Bus

Cheaper ordinary buses run from the Chackai bypass stop (1 km walk from the airport). They are crowded and unsuited to large baggage, but cost as little as INR 30.

Quick Comparison of Travel Options
Travel Mode Duration (Approx.) Cost (INR) Pros Cons
Taxi or Private Car 30–45 mins Direct, comfortable Slightly higher cost
Ride-Sharing 30–45 mins Easy app booking Surge pricing at peaks
Shuttle / Resort Transfer 30–40 mins Hassle-free, driver waiting Needs pre-booking
Public Bus 60–90 min Very affordable Longer trip, multiple stops
Step-by-Step Directions With Landmarks
  1. Exit Terminal 2 onto Airport Road and follow signs for NH 66 Bypass / Kovalam.
  2. Turn left at Chackai Junction to merge onto NH 66 toward Kovalam. You will pass Lulu Mall on the right after 2 km.
  3. Continue straight for 10 km. Watch for Kerala Arts and Crafts Village on the left and Vizhinjam Road signboard on the right.
  4. At Kovalam Junction, take the right fork onto Kovalam Beach Road. Landmark: a large green overhead sign reading “Kovalam Lighthouse 2 km”.
  5. Proceed past Hawa Beach parking area then follow Lighthouse Road downhill.
  6. Look for the red-and-white lighthouse on your left. Rockholm’s gated entrance appears 200 m after the lighthouse viewpoint.
Tips for a Smooth Journey
  • Best travel window: 07:00–10:00 and 14:00–16:00 avoid city rush and midday heat.
  • Friday evening traffic: Starts building after 17:00 near NH 66 tolls; add 15 minutes buffer.
  • Luggage carts: Free trolleys are available right up to the taxi bay, no need for porters.
  • Currency: ATMs from SBI and Federal Bank inside arrivals dispense INR if you need local cash for taxis.
  • Advance bookings: Secure your taxi or resort transfer at least 24 hours ahead during December–February high season.
  • SIM cards: Airtel and Jio kiosks sell tourist SIMs at the airport which help with live navigation to Rockholm.
  • Eco-friendly tip: Choose a shared ride or KSRTC electric bus to reduce carbon footprint while enjoying spectacular coastal views.

For more on holistic stays once you arrive, explore Rockholm’s beach resorts in Kovalam overview or discover the resort’s Ayurvedic wellness programs and authentic Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala.

Conclusion

Covering just 15 kilometres, the route from Trivandrum International Airport to Rockholm is short, scenic, and served by multiple transport choices. Whether you opt for a quick taxi, a budget-friendly bus, or Rockholm’s own chauffeured pickup, the journey lets you swap airport tarmac for golden sand in under an hour. Pre-book your preferred transfer, pack a camera for coastal glimpses, and start your Kovalam beach escape smoothly.

faq's

Roughly 15 km, which takes 30–45 minutes by car.

A pre-paid airport taxi or Rockholm’s private transfer is usually the quickest and most direct option.

Expect INR 800–1200 for an air-conditioned sedan booked at the pre-paid counter.

Yes, both apps operate 24 hours. Pickup is from the designated rideshare zone outside domestic arrivals.

Yes, KSRTC low-floor buses run frequently and cost about INR 50–80. Transfer to an auto-rickshaw for the last stretch to the resort.

Lulu Mall, Kerala Arts and Crafts Village, Kovalam Junction, and the iconic Lighthouse are key markers before Rockholm.

It is advisable during peak tourist months (December–February) and for late-night arrivals to ensure a stress-free experience.