If you’re planning a fast, comfortable, and premium train journey between Ernakulam (Kochi) and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) in Kerala, the Vande Bharat Express service via Alappuzha is one of the best options Southern Railway offers today.
This easy-to-read guide is built for Indian travellers who want accurate train data, practical booking insights, and smart travel advice — all based on the latest Indian Railways info available as of February 2026. Always check IRCTC live details before booking for exact timings, fares, and seat availability.
Overview of the Route
The Vande Bharat Express is India’s semi-high-speed day train with modern coaches, ergonomic seats, and fast acceleration. On the Ernakulam to Trivandrum stretch, this service is popular with business commuters, frequent travellers, and anyone who wants speed + comfort without overnight travel.
Unlike overnight trains with sleepers, Vande Bharat runs during the day — perfect for same-day travel between Kerala’s two biggest cities.
- Train Service: 20631 / 20632 Mangaluru Central – Thiruvananthapuram Central Vande Bharat Express (via Ernakulam)
- Ernakulam → Trivandrum Distance: ~619 km (total route from Mangaluru to Trivandrum)
- Journey Time (Ernakulam to Trivandrum): ~3 hours 20–25 minutes segment of the full train run
- Why It’s Popular: Fast regional connectivity, premium seating, limited stops between major Kerala cities.
Vande Bharat Express Ernakulam ↔ Trivandrum Timings
Here’s the practical overview for both directions — based on latest reliable timetable sources (since the train’s full service runs between Mangaluru & TVC but includes Ernakulam):
| Direction | Train No. | Departure Station & Time | Arrival Station & Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ernakulam → Thiruvananthapuram | 20631 | Ernakulam Jn (ERS) 11:40–11:43 | Trivandrum Central (TVC) 15:05 |
| Thiruvananthapuram → Ernakulam | 20632 | Trivandrum Central (TVC) 16:05 | Ernakulam Jn (ERS) 18:42–18:45 |
Detailed Timetable (Station-Wise)
The table below shows the full run of Train 20631 — helpful if you’re planning to board or deboard at any intermediate station, including Ernakulam.
| Stop No. | Station Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mangaluru Central (MAQ) | — | 06:25 |
| 2 | Kasaragod (KGQ) | 06:58 | 07:00 |
| 3 | Kannur (CAN) | 07:55 | 07:57 |
| 4 | Kozhikode (CLT) | 08:57 | 08:59 |
| 5 | Tirur (TIR) | 09:22 | 09:24 |
| 6 | Shoranur Junction (SRR) | 09:58 | 10:00 |
| 7 | Thrissur (TCR) | 10:33 | 10:35 |
| 8 | Ernakulam Junction (ERS) | 11:40 | 11:43 |
| 9 | Alleppey (ALLP) | 12:33 | 12:35 |
| 10 | Kollam Junction (QLN) | 13:38 | 13:40 |
| 11 | Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVC) | 15:05 | — |
Summary
- Departure Station: Ernakulam Junction (ERS)
- Arrival Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVC)
- Total Distance: 619 km from Mangaluru to TVC — Ernakulam is one intermediate point
- Overall Journey (Mangaluru → TVC): 8 hrs 40 mins, runs 6 days weekly (no service on Wednesdays)
Vande Bharat Ernakulam → Trivandrum Ticket Prices
Vande Bharat has premium railway fares — here’s the typical price range based on recent fare data as a point of reference. Actual IRCTC fare may vary:
| Class | Quota Type | Fare (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| AC Chair Car (CC) | General | ₹785 – ₹900 |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | Tatkal | ₹900 – ₹1,100 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | General | ₹2,000 – ₹2,200 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | Tatkal | ₹2,200 – ₹2,400 |
Important Notes
- Fares for Vande Bharat are always premium and higher than standard express trains.
- These are approximate and can change on IRCTC at booking time.
- Tatkal quota opens as per IRCTC rules (usually 1 day before travel at 10:00 hrs for AC trains).
- Catering may be available at extra cost unless included in dynamic pricing.
What’s Included in Your Vande Bharat Ticket
When you book a Vande Bharat ticket, you get:
- Ergonomic air-conditioned chair seating (CC or EC).
- Faster acceleration and shorter stops.
- Modern features: automatic doors, GPS info screen, infotainment, reading lights.
- Optional onboard catering (paid) depending on train service.
Major Stations & How They Matter
- Ernakulam Junction (ERS): Major commercial hub of Kochi — all trains connect important city areas.
- Alleppey (ALLP): Gateway to Kerala backwaters — good for tourists.
- Kollam Junction (QLN): Strategic stop before capital region.
- Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVC): Capital city hub — great connectivity to bus/air links.
These stops make the Vande Bharat ideal for both business and leisure travellers.
How to Book Tickets
Online via IRCTC
- Open IRCTC website or mobile app.
- Login and enter “Ernakulam Jn – Trivandrum Central”.
- Select date, quota, and class (CC/EC).
- Choose seat and proceed to pay.
- You’ll get a PNR — save it!
Tatkal Booking
- Opens 1 day before travel (usually 10:00 AM).
- Book fast — Vande Bharat tatkal seats sell out in minutes.
Assisted Booking
IRCTC agents or travel desks can help with phone or in-person booking.
Practical Travel Tips
- Be at the station 15 min early — short halts at Ernakulam.
- Carry a water bottle and snacks even if catering is available.
- Keep your PNR and ID ready for checks.
- Check platform details on arrival boards — they can change.
FAQs
Yes. The Kasaragod – Thiruvananthapuram Central Vande Bharat Express (Train 20633/20634) serves Ernakulam en route to Trivandrum, offering premium semi-high-speed service.
On Train 20633/20634, the Vande Bharat Express halts at Ernakulam Town before proceeding to Thiruvananthapuram Central, with the full run from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram taking about ~8 h 30–9 h including stops; the Ernakulam → Trivandrum leg fits within that schedule.
The Ernakulam to Trivandrum segment on this Vande Bharat Express typically takes ~4–4 ½ hours depending on timetable and halt durations (sector as portion of full run).
The rail distance from Ernakulam Town (North)/Junction to Thiruvananthapuram Central is approximately 220 km via this route.
The train offers AC Chair Car (CC) and AC Executive Chair Car (EC) seating with modern amenities including onboard Wi-Fi, infotainment and power outlets.
Indicative segment fares are around ₹865 for AC Chair Car (CC) and ₹1,510 for AC Executive Chair Car (EC) between Ernakulam Town and Trivandrum on Train 20633/20634.
Yes — Tatkal quota is generally available via IRCTC for this Vande Bharat Express, subject to seat availability and applicable Tatkal charges (standard Indian Railways practice).
Yes. Onboard catering and e-catering services are offered on this Vande Bharat Express for passengers during the journey.
Yes — the train includes complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, infotainment systems and power outlets at seats for passenger convenience.
Key intermediate stations on this Vande Bharat Express include Kollam Junction and possibly Chengannur or Kottayam before terminating at Thiruvananthapuram Central, depending on the scheduled service pattern.
Final Verdict
For travel between Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram, the Vande Bharat Express (20631/20632) offers unmatched speed and comfort among daytime train options. It’s ideal if you value time savings and onboard experience.
I’m Rohit Kumar Sonkar, a senior travel writer and Indian Railways expert with 6+ years of hands-on experience in train route analysis, ticket fares, schedules, and IRCTC booking systems. I specialize in premium and scenic rail services such as the Vande Bharat Express, Vistadome Coach, and Tejas Express, and I focus on creating accurate, traveler-friendly content that helps people plan smooth and hassle-free train journeys across India.