If you’re planning a premium, fast, and comfortable train journey between Kozhikode (Calicut) and Ernakulam (Cochin), this guide is your one-stop answer.
The Vande Bharat Express service on the Kozhikode–Ernakulam corridor is a huge leap for daily and leisure travelers alike. This semi-high-speed train gives you modern comfort, fast travel, and excellent connectivity — perfect for work trips, weekend getaways, and business travel alike.
Whether you’re commuting between Malabar and Kochi, heading to a flight at Cochin Airport, or exploring Kerala’s backwaters, this train is a premium choice over buses or standard express trains.
Vande Bharat Express Kozhikode ↔ Ernakulam Timings
Here’s how the service operates in both directions (based on the latest confirmed schedule):
| Direction | Train No. | Departure Station & Time | Arrival Station & Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kozhikode → Ernakulam | 20633 | Kozhikode Main (CLT) – 16:35 | Ernakulam Town (ERN) – 19:12 |
| Ernakulam → Kozhikode | 20634 | Ernakulam Town (ERN) – 08:28 | Kozhikode Main (CLT) – 11:03 |
Detailed Timetable (Kozhikode ↔ Ernakulam)
Here’s the station-wise breakdown — perfect for planning where to board or deboard:
| Stop No. | Station | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kozhikode Main (CLT) | — | 16:35 |
| 2 | Shoranur Junction (SRR) | 17:48 | 17:50 |
| 3 | Thrissur (TCR) | 18:05 | 18:07 |
| 4 | Ernakulam Town (ERN) | 19:12 | — |
Quick Summary
- Departure station: Kozhikode Main (CLT)
- Arrival station: Ernakulam Town (ERN)
- Approx. journey duration: 2 hrs 37 mins
- Best choice for: Fast, comfortable travel between Kozhikode and Kochi.
Ticket Prices
Vande Bharat pricing is a premium fare compared to other trains — but worth it for the speed and comfort.
| Class | Quota | Fare (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| AC Chair Car (CC) | General | ₹700–₹900 |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | Tatkal | Higher, varies |
| Executive Chair (EC) | General | ₹1,300–₹1,600 |
| Executive Chair (EC) | Tatkal | Higher, varies |
📌 Important Notes:
• Fares vary by date, season, and IRCTC pricing rules.
• Tatkal quota opens one day before travel (typically at 10:00 AM for AC).
• Catering may be optional; final fare shows on IRCTC at booking.
What’s Included in Your Ticket
When you book Vande Bharat:
✔️ Comfortable AC Chair Seats with good legroom
✔️ Executive class with premium seating
✔️ Automatic doors, onboard information display
✔️ Wi-Fi & announcement system (where available)
✔️ Basic onboard catering (often optional food choice)
✔️ No sleeper — it’s a day train
Key Stations & Stops Explained
- Kozhikode Main (CLT): Major Malabar city and boarding point.
- Shoranur Junction (SRR): Important interchange en route south.
- Thrissur (TCR): Cultural heart of Kerala.
- Ernakulam Town (ERN): Close to Kochi city center and transport hubs.
How to Book Tickets
🛒 Online – Via IRCTC
- Go to irctc.co.in or IRCTC Rail Connect app.
- Enter Kozhikode Main (CLT) → Ernakulam Town (ERN).
- Select date and Vande Bharat (20633/20634).
- Choose seat class & quota.
- Pay and confirm PNR.
⚡ Tatkal Booking
• Opens one day before departure (10 AM for AC).
• Seats sell out fast — be ready at Tatkal time.
☎️ Assisted Booking
• Use travel agents or IRCTC centers if you prefer help.
Seat Availability & Booking Strategy
- Best days to book: Plan 30+ days ahead if traveling on weekends/holidays.
- Weekends & festivals: Seats fill early. Book early.
- Return journeys: Check both ends early — availability syncs separately.
Why Choose Vande Bharat Here?
- 🕒 Fastest train on this route.
- 💺 Modern comfort, better than standard trains.
- 📶 Good option for day travel with connectivity to Kochi airports and buses.
- 🏙️ Ideal for business and leisure travelers alike.
Travel Tips
- Arrive station 15–20 mins early.
- Carry printed or e-ticket on your phone.
- Keep valid ID (Aadhaar, Passport).
- Check platform info on real-time apps before departure.
FAQs — (Frequently Asked Questions)
The Vande Bharat Express Kozhikode to Ernakulam operates as Train No. 20633 in the Kozhikode to Ernakulam direction and Train No. 20634 in the return direction. These are officially notified Southern Railway Vande Bharat services running between Kozhikode Main (CLT) and Ernakulam Town (ERN).
Vande Bharat Express Kozhikode to Ernakulam departs from Kozhikode Main at 16:35 and arrives at Ernakulam Town at 19:12. In the reverse direction, it departs Ernakulam Town at 08:28 and reaches Kozhikode at 11:03, as per the latest railway timetable.
Vande Bharat Express Kozhikode to Ernakulam covers the journey in approximately 2 hours 37 minutes. It is currently the fastest daytime train option on this route, offering limited stoppages and semi-high-speed travel under Southern Railway’s premium Vande Bharat service category.
Vande Bharat Express Kozhikode to Ernakulam has limited intermediate stops at Shoranur Junction and Thrissur before reaching Ernakulam Town. The reduced stoppage pattern ensures faster travel compared to conventional express trains operating between North Kerala and Kochi region.
The approximate fare for Vande Bharat Express Kozhikode to Ernakulam is ₹700–₹900 for AC Chair Car and ₹1,300–₹1,600 for Executive Chair Car under General quota. Tatkal fares are higher and dynamically priced. Final payable fare is displayed during booking on IRCTC.
Yes, Vande Bharat Express Kozhikode to Ernakulam offers Tatkal quota in both AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car. Tatkal booking opens one day before travel at 10:00 AM for AC classes. Seats are limited and usually sell out quickly on weekends.
Catering is generally included in the ticket fare of Vande Bharat Express Kozhikode to Ernakulam unless passengers opt out during booking where the option is provided. The meal service depends on journey timing and railway catering policy applicable on the date of travel.
Vande Bharat Express Kozhikode to Ernakulam operates six days a week and remains cancelled on one notified weekday for maintenance, as per Southern Railway schedule. Passengers must verify the exact running day on IRCTC before booking to avoid schedule confusion.
Vande Bharat Express Kozhikode to Ernakulam offers two seating classes: AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC). There are no sleeper coaches. Both classes are fully air-conditioned with reserved seating and premium onboard amenities designed for daytime travel comfort.
Yes, Vande Bharat Express Kozhikode to Ernakulam is currently the fastest scheduled train between Kozhikode and Ernakulam, completing the journey in under three hours. Its limited stops and upgraded track operations allow significantly quicker travel than standard express trains.
Final Verdict
For anyone seeking rapid, reliable, and comfortable rail travel between Kozhikode and Ernakulam, the Vande Bharat Express is the top choice — beating buses and other trains in speed and experience.
👉 Pro tip: Book early on IRCTC, especially for weekends/holidays, and double-check your schedule a day before departure.
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.