Kochi Airport (COK) Flights & Information

Cochin International Airport (COK), commonly called Kochi Airport, is the main airport servicing the city of Kochi in Kerala in South India. It’s the eighth busiest international airport in India and one of the largest airports in the country, with several terminals catering to both domestic and international passengers.

The first thing I always notice when stepping off the plane in Kochi is the warm, humid air, but the fairly modern airport has all the right services to make the transition from plane to city as comfortable and streamlined as possible.

As with most transport hubs in India, it can get quite chaotic in busy periods, but no worries, everything is well organized here, making it a great place to fly into when exploring the beauty of South India.

Cochin Airport size and layout

CochinAirport spans a considerable area, making it one of the largest airports in India by land size. The airport features 3 main terminals that efficiently serve domestic (T1), international (T3) and business jet flights (T2). Ensure you know which terminal you need to reach before getting to the airport as it’s not overly simple to transfer from one to the other.

The domestic terminal is spread across one huge floor area and has been recently renovated to cater to more passengers with ease.

The international terminal only opened in 2017 and was constructed in traditional Kerala architecture. The terminal is built over 4 levels, with the first 2 serving arrivals and the third level for departures, while the fourth is for additional services and offices. The beautiful, traditional motifs adorning the walls always strike me upon arrival, and it’s a great way to be introduced to the unique Keralan culture.

Despite it being one of the larger airports in India, along with Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, the new renovations make it pretty easy to navigate with clear signage and a sensible flow from check-in to the gates. I’ve never had any major delays or queues like the ones more often found at other airports in India.

Best attractions near Cochin Airport

Cochin International Airport serves as a gateway to a wealth of attractions in and around the vibrant city of Kochi. Many are located within 45 minutes of the airport. One of my favorites is Fort Kochi, a charming coastal town known for its colonial architecture, historic churches and iconic fishing nets.

I’m also a fan of Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace. It’s a fascinating site for history enthusiasts. It showcases beautiful murals depicting Hindu temple art and offers insights into the history of the region and its royal family.

Just a short distance from the Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town is home to the famous Paradesi Synagogue, which is the oldest active synagogue in the country. Visitors can explore the charming antique shops and witness the vibrant culture of the local Jewish community. The synagogue itself, adorned with intricate Belgian glass chandeliers, is a must-visit.

Getting to and from Cochin Airport

A bit over 17 miles from the city center, it’s not the easiest airport to reach with very limited transport options available. The easiest transport option to get to and from Kochi Airport is by taxi. In the airport, there are prepaid taxis available to any destination in and around the city from either terminal. Fares are fixed in advance.

Public transportation is not the most convenient in Kochi. Currently, there’s no metro station in Cochin International Airport, but you can take a bus or taxi to the nearest metro station in Aluva, which is about 7 miles from the airport. Fortunately, there are plans to construct a metro line connecting the airport to the city in the future, and this will be a gamechanger.

The other option is to take the bus to and from the airport. There are AC buses that run between Fort Kochi and the airport with stops in Aluva, Vyttila and Thoppumpady along the way. The bus leaves roughly every hour, with extra services running during peak times. Be aware that the bus trip is not quick – it can take up to 90 minutes with traffic and frequent stops.

Dining options at Cochin Airport

Finding food is pretty easy at Cochin Airport. Both the domestic and international terminals have a designated food court where you can find a wide variety of food options from across India, plus a range of coffee and hot drinks, like chai. It’s quite convenient to grab something to eat and drink all in one spot, with plenty of tables and chairs for dining-in and take-away options if you’d rather hurry to your gate.

It’s a regular ritual for me to grab my last masala dosa and cup of chai at the food court before leaving Kerala. The incredibly unique and delicious food of South India is always dearly missed, so don’t forget to grab your last taste of it before you leave.

For little snacks and last-minute travel essentials, both terminals also have a small supermarket. It’s Shop O’Clock is my favorite stop for some handy items.

Shopping at COK

Retail therapy is big in India, so you’ll find plenty of shops to spend the last of your rupees. The duty-free area at the airport has everything you need for travel or leisure shopping. There is a range of spirits, wines, electronics, clothing and cosmetics, with plenty more between.

There’s also a range of international shops and brands in the international terminal for collecting anything you might want for your flight, from DC Books to Samsonite. There are also several souvenir stores, where you can find traditional Kerala arts and crafts, as well South India staples like spices, tea and dried fruits.

Connecting to Wi-Fi at Cochin Airport

Kochi Airport offers complimentary Wi-Fi services for a limited period. You can connect to the Wi-Fi in all the terminals pretty easily, but it’s restricted to 30 minutes of free use. After that you’ll have to pay for connection or head to one of the airport lounges for a faster connection.

You’ll need an local number to log into the Wi-Fi yourself. Otherwise, head to one of the help desks where they can connect it for you if you don’t have a local SIM card.

I found that the Wi-Fi works pretty well for the 30 minutes it’s available. However, there are some areas where it’s weak, including in the security area of arrivals, so make sure you have any documents you need pre-downloaded.

Currency exchange options at COK

Whether you’re arriving or leaving the country, you can easily manage your money with currency exchange desks and ATMs. There are currency exchange counters in both arrivals and departures, all open regular business hours.

If you’re arriving late or outside regular hours, some banks within the airport offer 24-hour ATMs so you can still get cash if you need it. ATMs can be found both inside and outside the terminals, so you’ll never be left without any cash to pay for your taxi.

Lounges available at Cochin Airport

If I have a bit of spare time at the airport before my flight, I usually visit one of the airport lounges. There’s certainly no shortage of them at COK. There are 3 lounges in international departures and another one in international arrivals, as well as 2 lounges in the domestic terminal. Referred to as Earth Lounges, they are the perfect place to relax before or after your flight.

Each lounge offers great Wi-Fi connection, conference rooms for business meetings, recliners for putting your feet up to relax, a kids play area for families and complimentary food and drinks. To gain free access to the lounges, you’ll need a qualifying credit card or premium airline ticket. Otherwise, you can opt for paid entry, so they’re open to everyone.