Trivandrum International Airport

Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), also known as Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, is the first air gateway built in the picturesque state of Kerala. Established in 1932, it became India's first international airport located outside the metropolitan cities. Today, it is a vital transport hub for tourists heading to resorts in southern India, as well as a convenient transit point for travel to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The airport is conveniently located very close to the city, making it a starting point for exploring the cultural and natural treasures of the region.

The airport consists of two terminals: Terminal 1 serves the majority of domestic flights, while Terminal 2 handles all international flights as well as Air India domestic operations. Thanks to its strategic location, the airport serves as a gateway not only to the state of Kerala, renowned for its beaches and Ayurvedic resorts, but also to neighbouring countries such as Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Passengers will find everything needed for a comfortable wait at the airport: Duty Free shops, cafes and restaurants, lounges, prayer rooms, and luggage storage facilities.

To ensure your journey through Trivandrum goes smoothly, we have compiled all the necessary contact details for Trivandrum International Airport (TRV). Save this information — it may come in handy.

• Official Website: You can always find the latest information on flight schedules, available services, and passenger regulations on the official portal: www.tial.aero.
• Helpline Phone: For immediate enquiries and information, you can call: +91 471 270 2600.
• Address: Airport Rd, Chacka, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695008, India.
• Email: For general queries, you can contact info@tial.aero. For more specific requests, such as commercial enquiries, we recommend checking the contact section on the airport website.
• Social Media: Follow airport updates and news on official accounts:
  • Facebook: TrivandrumInternationalAirport
  • X (formerly Twitter): @tvmairport
  • Instagram: @tvm_airport
• Lost & Found Information: In case of lost or damaged luggage, you should first contact your airline's representative. There is also a Lost & Found service at the airport, details of which are available on the official website.
• Passenger Support Service: For questions related to services and your stay in the terminals, you can contact the main phone number or use the feedback form on the website.

Getting to Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) from the city centre of Trivandrum is quite simple, as it is located just 6-7 kilometres from key points such as the central railway station. The journey usually takes 20-30 minutes, however, it is always wise to allow extra time in case of traffic, especially during peak hours. Depending on your budget, amount of luggage, and comfort preferences, you can choose from several methods.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. The state-run bus company KSRTC provides regular connections between the city and the airport. Buses depart from the East Fort central bus station and stop near the terminals. The fare is very low, making this method ideal for economical tourists. However, it is worth noting that buses can be crowded, and space for bulky luggage is limited.

Taxis and Auto-rickshaws are the most convenient and common methods. You can use mobile apps popular in India, such as Uber or Ola, to book a car at a fixed price. Traditional taxis and the ubiquitous auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuks) serve as alternatives. To avoid overcharging, it is strongly recommended to use the pre-paid taxi counters available in the city and at the airport. A taxi ride from the centre will cost a few hundred rupees, while an auto-rickshaw will cost slightly less, offering an authentic local experience.

If you plan to travel around the region independently, car rental is a good solution. Services are provided by both local and international rental agencies. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, there is paid parking on the terminal premises with zones for short-term and long-term parking. This is a convenient option if you are seeing off friends or relatives and plan to spend some time at the airport.

Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) consists of two separate terminals located approximately one kilometre apart. It is important to verify in advance which terminal your flight departs from, as they are not connected by a pedestrian walkway, and transport is required to move between them.

Terminal 1 (T1) — Domestic Terminal. This is an older yet functional building serving the majority of domestic flights across India, with the exception of Air India flights. The terminal is quite compact, which simplifies navigation. Departure and arrival areas here are small, and services include basic cafes and shops. Due to its small size, orienting yourself inside is easy, and procedures are relatively quick if there is no peak congestion.

Terminal 2 (T2) — International Terminal. This is a modern and more spacious building that serves all international flights, as well as domestic flights by the national carrier Air India. The terminal's architecture and facilities meet modern standards. Here you will find more shops, including Duty Free, restaurants, business lounges, and more comfortable waiting areas. The terminal layout is intuitive: the arrival area is on the ground floor, and the departure area with numerous check-in counters is on the first floor.

Transfer between terminals. Since the terminals are located on different sides of the runway, to move between them you need to use the free shuttle bus that runs regularly, or take a taxi or auto-rickshaw. The journey takes about 10–15 minutes, but always factor in extra time, especially if you have a connecting flight.

Procedures and Navigation. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3-4 hours before an international one. This time is usually sufficient for check-in, baggage drop, and pre-flight security checks. Navigation inside each terminal is simple thanks to signs in English and Malayalam. The main thing is not to confuse the departure terminal itself; all other logistics inside the buildings will not cause difficulties.

Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) is not just a transport hub, but a living page in the history of aviation in India. Established in 1932, it became the first airport in the state of Kerala and one of the oldest in the country. Its creation was initiated by Colonel Goda Varma Raja, the consort of Princess Karthika Thirunal Lakshmi Bayi of the Travancore royal family, highlighting its aristocratic origins.

The airport took its first steps into the sky together with Tata Airlines (the predecessor of Air India). It was their aircraft that began operating the first commercial flights, connecting Trivandrum with Bombay (now Mumbai) and Madras (now Chennai). This event was a turning point for the region, opening it up to the rest of the country and laying the foundation for future economic growth.

A key moment in the airport's history was 1991, when it received international status. This was a landmark event: TRV became the first international airport in India located outside the four main metropolises (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata). This achievement significantly raised the prestige and importance of the airport on the national and international stage.

With the growth of passenger traffic, the airport has been modernized repeatedly. The most significant expansion phase was the opening of the new, modern international terminal (Terminal 2) in 2011. This project significantly increased capacity and allowed for the provision of world-class services to passengers. Today, Trivandrum Airport is an important operating base for Air India Express and continues to play a key role in the development of tourism and business in southern India.

Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) offers passengers a wide range of services to make waiting for flights as comfortable as possible. Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, here you will find everything you need for a pleasant start or end to your journey.

Diverse cafes and restaurants operate within the terminals, where you can grab a snack before departure or have a full meal. The menu includes both local Kerala cuisine and popular international treats. Duty Free shops offer a standard assortment of perfumes, confectionery, and other goods, while souvenir stalls allow you to purchase unique Indian souvenirs, tea, and handicrafts.

For those who value enhanced comfort, the airport features premium lounges. Here you can relax in silence, work, or enjoy snacks and beverages. Free Wi-Fi is available to passengers, and numerous charging stations for electronic devices ensure you stay connected.

Financial matters are easily resolved at the airport: ATMs and currency exchange counters are at your service. In case of need, a medical centre operates within the terminals to provide first aid. For travellers with young children, mother and baby rooms are equipped where you can care for your little one in a calm environment.

Trivandrum Airport is well-adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: it features ramps, special restrooms, and assistance services. For business travellers, conference rooms may be available, and for those with long layovers, several hotels of various price categories are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport.

At Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), passengers will find a decent selection of establishments to grab a snack or have a full meal before departure. Dining options are available in both the International (T2) and Domestic (T1) terminals, reflecting the culinary traditions of the region.

The main highlight of the airport food courts is the opportunity to taste authentic South Indian cuisine. We highly recommend trying dishes such as Masala Dosa (a crispy crepe with a spiced potato filling) or Idli (steamed rice cakes) with Sambar sauce or coconut chutney. This is a wonderful chance to enjoy local flavours before flying out of Kerala. Of course, you can also order a cup of aromatic Indian Masala Chai here.

Most cafes and restaurants are located in the airside area, after passing passport control and security checks. However, there are a few establishments in the public (landside) area where you can have a coffee while meeting or seeing off loved ones. The main food courts offer both spots for a quick bite and more comfortable areas for a full meal.

For those short on time, local cafes offering sandwiches, pastries, fresh juices, and coffee are ideal. If you have time to spare, it is worth visiting one of the sit-down restaurants serving not only South Indian but also popular North Indian dishes, as well as some Chinese cuisine.

Special dietary needs are well catered for here. Finding vegetarian dishes (veg) is effortless — they form the basis of the local menu. Many of them are also suitable for vegans. Meat dishes are generally Halal. Passengers following a gluten-free diet should look for rice-based dishes such as Idli or Dosa.

Prices at the airport, as everywhere, are higher than in the city but remain moderate by international standards. Most establishments in the departure zone operate around the clock or are aligned with flight schedules, so you won't go hungry even during a night departure.

To ensure your journey through Trivandrum airport goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. These recommendations will help save time and reduce stress, making your wait for the flight more comfortable.

Airport Arrival Time: For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 3-4 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 2-3 hours prior. Airports in India can be quite busy, and extra time will allow you to complete all formalities without rushing, especially during peak hours.

Check-in and Security Control: Most airlines offer online check-in, which significantly saves time. However, be prepared that your ticket and passport may be checked at the entrance to the airport building. Security checks here are quite thorough; sometimes there are separate queues for men and women. Keep your boarding pass and passport handy.

Seat Selection: If you are flying during daylight hours, choose a window seat to enjoy views of the Kerala coastline during takeoff or landing. For long-haul flights, an aisle seat will provide more freedom of movement and extra legroom.

Hand Luggage: Standard rules apply here: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Pay special attention to power banks — they can only be carried in hand luggage. If you are carrying spices, be prepared for possible additional inspection.

Transfer Passengers: Trivandrum Airport has two main terminals: T1 for domestic flights and T2 for international ones. Ensure you have enough time for the transfer, especially if moving between terminals is required. At check-in, verify if you need to collect and re-check your luggage.

Customs Control: Upon entering the country, you may need to fill out a declaration. There are "Green" (if nothing to declare) and "Red" channels. Familiarise yourself with duty-free import allowances in advance to avoid misunderstandings and fines.

Saving Time and Money: Use official Pre-paid Taxi counters in the arrival hall to avoid inflated prices. You can also book a transfer via online apps. Bring an empty water bottle, which can be filled at drinking water fountains after passing security control.

In Case of Flight Delay: First, contact your airline representative for the latest information. For long delays, airlines are obliged to provide vouchers for meals or hotel accommodation. The airport has several cafes and lounges where you can spend time comfortably. Having travel insurance may also cover unforeseen expenses.