If you’re planning to travel between Kozhikode (CLT) and Ernakulam (ERS) by train, the Vande Bharat Express is currently the fastest and most premium rail option available on this route.
The Vande Bharat Express has transformed train travel in South India with semi-high-speed service, modern coaches, and comfort rivaling air travel.
For travelers between Kozhikode and Kochi/Ernakulam, this train cuts journey times dramatically relative to regular express trains. It’s ideal for business trips, weekend getaways, airport connections, and day returns.
👉 This guide gives you up-to-date schedule details, practical booking tips, ticket pricing, and traveler-ready advice.
Overview of the Route
- Distance: ~190 km between Kozhikode and Ernakulam Town.
- Approx. Journey Duration: 2 hr 40 – 3 hr.
- Popularity: This is one of the fastest scheduled train services linking northern and central Kerala cities, preferred for speed and convenience. Travel times are much shorter than typical express trains on this corridor.
Vande Bharat Timings (Both Directions)
| Direction | Train No. | Departure Station & Time | Arrival Station & Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ernakulam Town → Kozhikode | 20633 | Ernakulam Town – 07:05 PM | Kozhikode – 04:28 PM (return) |
| Kozhikode → Ernakulam Town | 20634 | Kozhikode – 11:05 AM | Ernakulam Town – 08:20 AM |
Detailed Time Table (Selected Stops)
For accurate station times on Train 20634 (northbound) from Ernakulam Town → Kozhikode:
| Stop No. | Station Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ernakulam Town (ERN) | 08:17 AM | 08:20 AM |
| 2 | Thrissur (TCR) | 09:22 AM | 09:24 AM |
| 3 | Shoranur Junction (SRR) | 10:02 AM | 10:04 AM |
| 4 | Kozhikode Main (CLT) | 11:03 AM | 11:05 AM |
Published timetable shows the Ernakulam–Kozhikode timings for Train 20634.
Summary:
• Departure: Kozhikode (CLT) – 11:05 AM
• Arrival: Ernakulam Town (ERN) – 08:20 AM (northbound reversed)
• Approx. Distance Covered: ~190 km between KL stations
• Ideal For: Fast day travel where coach comfort and shorter time matter
Vande Bharat Express Ticket Price
Vande Bharat is a premium service, so expect higher prices than ordinary express trains.
| Class | Quota Type | Fare (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| AC Chair Car (CC) | General | ₹1,500 – ₹1,800 |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | Tatkal | ₹2,000 – ₹2,400 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | General | ₹2,800 – ₹3,200 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | Tatkal | ₹3,500 – ₹4,000 |
Important Notes:
• Fares change with demand and season.
• Tatkal quota opens as per IRCTC rules (1 day before departure).
• Catering is charged extra in most Vande Bharat bookings; you can often choose “No Food” if available.
• Service tax and dynamic charges may apply.
What Is Included in Your Ticket
When you book a Vande Bharat ticket, you get:
- Comfortable reclining AC Chair Car or Executive seating.
- Automatic doors, larger windows, onboard Wi-Fi, and infotainment.
- Professional onboard catering (optional).
- Bio-vacuum toilets, reading lights, and power outlets.
This service is designed for day travel with comfort and convenience in mind.
Stations & Major Stoppages
- Ernakulam Town (ERN): Major Kochi city station with easy connections to local transport.
- Thrissur (TCR): Important city hub between Kochi and Kozhikode.
- Shoranur Junction (SRR): Key rail junction connecting routes across Kerala.
- Kozhikode (CLT): Northern Kerala’s prime railhead.
How to Book Tickets
📱 Online Booking via IRCTC
- Open IRCTC website/app and login.
- Enter Kozhikode → Ernakulam Town & journey date.
- Choose Train 20634 Vande Bharat Express.
- Select class and seats, verify fare.
- Pay using cards/UPI/net banking.
- Save e-ticket or print.
🔔 Tatkal Booking Option
• Opens ~10 AM for AC classes (check IRCTC quota rules).
• Be online early — leftover seats vanish fast.
👩💼 Assisted Booking Support
• Travel agents and IRCTC counters can help for complex itineraries or group bookings.
Seat Availability & Booking Strategy
- Best days: Weekdays often have better availability than weekends.
- Early booking: Book 60 days in advance if possible.
- Tatkal: Use only if general class sells out.
Why Choose Vande Bharat on This Route?
✔ Fastest rail option between Kozhikode and Ernakulam.
✔ Modern comfort with premium features.
✔ Reliable schedule with limited intermediate stops.
Perfect for travelers who care about time and comfort.
Travel Tips
• Arrive 20–30 min early at the station.
• Keep valid ID ready for verification.
• Download your ticket in advance.
• Carry light snacks if catering isn’t selected.
FAQs
Yes. The 20633/20634 Kasaragod–Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express stops at Kozhikode Main and Ernakulam Town/Junction, so you can travel this sector by Vande Bharat Express.
Train 20633 runs through Kozhikode Main ~16:33–16:35 hrs and reaches Ernakulam Town ~19:12–19:15 hrs en route Thiruvananthapuram, covering the sector on scheduled service days.
The Vande Bharat Express covers the ~193 km between Kozhikode and Ernakulam in around ~2 h 40–45 m on its scheduled run.
The rail distance from Kozhikode Main (CLT) to Ernakulam is approximately 190–195 km, depending on the exact station and routing.
The 20633/20634 Vande Bharat Express offers AC Chair Car (CC) and AC Executive Chair Car (EC) with modern seating, onboard Wi-Fi/infotainment and power outlets at seats.
Typical segment fares between Kozhikode and Ernakulam on the Vande Bharat Express are higher than regular trains due to premium service, with AC Chair Car and AC Executive Chair Car pricing set by IRCTC (check IRCTC at booking).
Yes — Tatkal booking is generally available via IRCTC for this Vande Bharat Express, subject to seat availability and applicable Tatkal charges under Indian Railways rules.
Yes — onboard catering and e-catering services are available on the 20633/20634 Vande Bharat Express, with meals and refreshments served during the run.
The 20633/20634 Vande Bharat Express runs six days a week (typically excluding one weekly off day) as per the published Indian Railways timetable.
The main scheduled halt between Kozhikode Main and Ernakulam on the Vande Bharat Express is Shoranur Junction and Thrissur before reaching Ernakulam Town/Junction.
Final Verdict
For travelers between Kozhikode and Ernakulam, the Vande Bharat Express is the top choice for speed and comfort. Book early, compare class fare, and reconfirm schedules on IRCTC before travel for the best 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.