Tirunelveli to Trivandrum by cab
Trivandrum, officially Thiruvananthapuram, is the capital of Kerala and about 150 km south-west of Tirunelveli. The drive takes three to three and a half hours on the national highway through Nagercoil and across the border at Parassala. People go for the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, for the beaches at Kovalam, for business and for flights from Trivandrum Airport.
Because the route enters Kerala, the vehicle needs an inter-state permit, which carries extra charges. We confirm them when you book, so you know the total before you travel.
Route and travel time
The usual route is the national highway through Nagercoil and Parassala into Kerala. The distance is about 150 km, and the drive takes 3 to 3.5 hours. A round trip is about 300 km.The best time to go is october to March.
What to see in Trivandrum
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
A major Vishnu temple with a strict traditional dress code and restrictions on phones and cameras. Check the rules before you go.
Kovalam
A well-known beach about 15 km from the city, popular for a sunset.
Napier Museum and the zoo
Two easy stops in the city centre, with a large garden around them.
Vizhinjam
A fishing port and cove close to Kovalam.
Suggested plan
- Day trip: leave early, see the temple before the afternoon closing and finish at Kovalam before returning.
- Overnight: stay near the beach and take the temple darshan the next morning.
- Airport: see our Trivandrum Airport page for flight timing advice.
Good to know before you go
- Inter-state travel to Kerala needs a permit, which carries extra charges. Toll and parking are extra.
- The Padmanabhaswamy Temple has fixed visiting hours and a strict dress code, and phones are not allowed inside.
- Traffic on the coastal roads is heavy in the evening.
Which car to book
A sedan handles up to four guests. Families choose an SUV, and groups a Tempo Traveller. Tell us about luggage if you are catching a flight.
Fare guide
Taxi fare for Tirunelveli to Trivandrum
Outstation trips of 300 km and more are charged per kilometre by vehicle, plus driver bata of ₹400 to ₹700. A round trip to Trivandrum is about 300 km. Prices are as of 19 September 2026.
| Vehicle | Suits | Per km | Driver bata | Distance charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Dzire / Etios | Up to 4 guests | ₹13 A/C | ₹400 | ₹3,900 |
| Toyota Innova | Family of 6 to 7 | ₹18 A/C | ₹500 | ₹5,400 |
| Toyota Crysta | Family of 6 to 7, extra comfort | ₹21 A/C | ₹500 | ₹6,300 |
| Tempo Traveller | Groups of 12 and more | ₹24 A/C | ₹600 | ₹7,200 |
The distance charge is the per-km rate multiplied by about 300 km. It leaves out driver bata, toll, parking, permits and night charges, and trips of more than one day add local sightseeing kilometres. We confirm the exact fare before you travel.
See the full cab price list for every vehicle and package.