Planning a fast, comfortable train trip between Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) and Ernakulam (Kochi)? The modern Vande Bharat Express makes this coastal Kerala journey quicker and more enjoyable — especially for business travelers, tourists, and frequent flyers connecting to Kochi Airport or Kochi’s tech and business hubs.
Before booking, remember: rail timings and fares change. Always cross-check live schedules and prices on IRCTC or at your nearest reservation counter before purchase.
Overview of Trivandrum → Ernakulam Route
- Distance: ~206 km by rail.
- Fastest train: Vande Bharat Express (part of 20632 service).
- Why Travellers Love It:
- Time-saver relative to express/mail trains.
- Modern onboard amenities.
- Perfect for day trips, business, and quick connections.
Vande Bharat Express Trivandrum to Ernakulam Timing (Both Directions)
Here’s how the Vande Bharat portion of Train 20632 works specifically for the Trivandrum ↔ Ernakulam leg:
| Direction | Train No. | From (Dep) | To (Arr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trivandrum → Ernakulam | 20632 | Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVC) – 16:05 | Ernakulam Junction (ERS) – 18:42 |
| Ernakulam → Trivandrum | 20631 | Ernakulam Junction (ERS) – 18:45 | Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVC) – 21:22 |
Always reconfirm on IRCTC at time of booking — timings sometimes fluctuate with seasonal/timetable changes.
Detailed Time Table (Trivandrum → Ernakulam)
This Vande Bharat run is actually part of Train 20632 (TVC–MAQ), stopping at Ernakulam en-route:
| Stop No. | Station | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVC) | – | 16:05 |
| 2 | Kollam Junction (QLN) | 16:53 | 16:55 |
| 3 | Alappuzha (ALLP) | 17:55 | 17:57 |
| 4 | Ernakulam Junction (ERS) | 18:42 | 18:45 |
✳️ After Ernakulam, the train continues towards Mangaluru.
Quick Summary:
- Departure Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVC)
- Main Intermediate Halt: Ernakulam Junction (ERS)
- Approx Journey Duration (TVC → ERS): 2 h 37 m
- Best For: Day travel, quick business connections, afternoon departures
- Note: Final check on IRCTC before you travel!
Ticket Prices (Approximate)
Vande Bharat fares are dynamic and premium compared to ordinary express trains. They depend on demand, quota, and date of travel.
| Class | Quota | Approx Fare (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| AC Chair Car (CC) | General | ₹775 – ₹800 |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | Tatkal | ₹800 + dynamic charges |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | General | ₹1,430 – ₹1,500 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | Tatkal | ₹1,400 + dynamic charges |
Important Notes:
- Fares can vary daily based on demand and dynamic pricing.
- Tatkal quota opens 1 day before travel (10:00 AM) on IRCTC.
- Catering or meals may come extra or bundled depending on booking choice.
What Is Included in Your Ticket
✔ Reserved seat (window/aisle choice)
✔ Air-conditioned modern chair car comfort
✔ Onboard AC, charging points, GPS display
✔ Optional e-catering service to your seat
✔ Faster service and priority track clearance
Stations & Major Stops Explained
- Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVC): Capital city’s main railway hub.
- Kollam Junction (QLN): Key coastal city station with good local connectivity.
- Alappuzha (ALLP): Gateway to Kerala backwaters, popular tourist stop.
- Ernakulam Junction (ERS): Major railway junction for Kochi region, connecting local transport, airport links, and buses.
How to Book Tickets
📲 Online Booking via IRCTC
- Visit irctc.co.in or open the IRCTC app.
- Login or create an account.
- Search for 20634/20633 Vande Bharat Express, TVC ⇄ ERN.
- Choose your journey date & class.
- Check seat availability.
- Add passenger details & make payment.
- Receive e-ticket; show at the station before boarding.
📌 Tatkal Booking Option
- Opens one day before travel at 10:00 AM.
- Premium fares apply and seats sell out fast.
🛎️ Assisted Booking Support
If online isn’t your preference, visit a railway reservation counter or travel agent for help.
Seat Availability & Booking Strategy
- Best days to book: Weekdays, early morning.
- Peak times: Fridays, Sundays, holidays — book weeks ahead.
- Tatkal seats: Useful if regular seats are full close to travel date.
Why Choose Vande Bharat on This Route?
✔ Fastest train between Trivandrum and Ernakulam.
✔ Comfortable AC seating.
✔ Modern onboard facilities.
✔ Great for same-day round trips.
Travel Tips
- Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes early.
- Check coach position on IRCTC after booking.
- Carry a print or e-ticket and valid ID.
- Food options may be pre-booked or bought onboard.
FAQs (Quick Answers)
The Vande Bharat Express (part of Train 20632) departs Thiruvananthapuram Central at 16:05 and reaches Ernakulam Junction at 18:42 on its Trivandrum to Ernakulam run, covering the sector in ~2 h 37 m.
The Vande Bharat Express on the Trivandrum to Ernakulam sector operates six days a week (excluding Wednesday) as part of Train 20632’s schedule between Thiruvananthapuram and Mangalore.
On the Vande Bharat Express serving the Trivandrum to Ernakulam sector, AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC) classes are offered under Indian Railways’ premium seating configuration.
The Vande Bharat Express covers the Trivandrum to Ernakulam section of its run in about 2 hours 37 minutes, making it one of the fastest rail options between these cities.
Yes. Tatkal quota is available for both AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car on Vande Bharat Express Trivandrum to Ernakulam, opening at 10:00 AM one day before travel under IRCTC rules. (Standard Indian Railways Tatkal rule)
Approximate IRCTC fare for Vande Bharat Express Trivandrum to Ernakulam is around ₹775–₹800 for AC Chair Car and ₹1,430–₹1,500 for Executive Chair Car one way; final fare displays at booking. (Dynamic pricing; verify on IRCTC)
Vande Bharat Express Trivandrum to Ernakulam tickets do not include compulsory meals; passengers can opt for e-catering or onboard purchased meals as per IRCTC catering options.
Yes. On the Trivandrum to Ernakulam run, the Vande Bharat Express makes scheduled stops at Kollam Junction and Alappuzha before reaching Ernakulam Junction on the way to Mangaluru.
Yes. Live seat availability for Vande Bharat Express Trivandrum to Ernakulam is updated in real time on IRCTC website/app and should be checked before booking as seats fill quickly.
No. Reservation is mandatory for Vande Bharat Express Trivandrum to Ernakulam in all classes; unreserved or RAC tickets are not permitted on this premium service.
Final Verdict
For travellers between Trivandrum and Kochi, this Vande Bharat Express is by far the best daytime option — faster, smoother, and more comfortable than most alternatives.
If speed, comfort, and punctuality matter to you, book early on IRCTC and enjoy one of India’s top intercity train experiences.
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.