710

Water transportation is widely used in the backwaters of Kerala. In Kochi, ferries and water metros are the best ways to commute. They are time-saving, shorten the distance, and are cost-effective, so the locals prefer them for their everyday commute. Another interesting thing is that you can spot dolphins if you’re lucky. 

This guide gives information about Kochi Water Metro and ferry services available at Kochi that visitors can effectively use for sightseeing and exploration. The water terminals or jetties differ for Water Metro, RO-RO ferry, and passenger ferry. However, the jetties are located close to each other.

Kochi Water Transports

Kochi Water Metro

Water Metro is an environment-friendly water transportation system introduced in Kochi in 2021. It is safe, comfortable, reliable, and punctual. These air-conditioned boats connect 38 jetties across 10 islands, covering a distance of about 76.2 km.

Timings & Cost

Kochi Water Metro operates between 8:30 AM and 7 PM. The boats leave every 30 minutes. You can use Google Maps to check the departure or arrival times of the Water Metro. The ticket price starts at INR 20 per person.

Water Metro Routes

• Route 1: High Court – Vypeen – Fort Kochi – High Court.
• Route 2: Vyttila – Eroor – Kakkanad – Info Park 1/2.
• Route 3: High Court – Embarkation Jetty – Mattancherry.
• Route 4 – High Court – Bolgatty – Thanthonnithuruth – Ponnarimangalam – Mulavukad Hospital – Mulavukad Panchayath – Mulavukad North – Korumkotta – South Chittoor – Moolam pilly.
• Route 5 – Thevara – Ernakulam – Willingdon Island – Mattancherry.
• Route 6 – Edakochi – Thoppumpady – Mattancherry.
• Route 7 – High Court – Ponnarimangalam – South Chittoor.
• Route 8 – Edakochi – Kumbalam – Nettoor – Thykoodam – Vyttila.
• Route 9 – Hight Court – Elamkunnapuzha.
• Route 10 – Pizhala – Chennur – Kothad – Cheranalloor – Eloor – V appuzha.
• Route 11 – Thevara – Kumbalam – Edakochi – Thevara.
• Route 12 – Moolampilly – South Chittoor – Pizhala – Paliyamthuruth – Kadamakkudy.
• Route 13 – Pizhala – Chariyamthuruth – Thundathumkadavu.
• Route 14 – Elamkunnapuzha – Kadamakkudy – Paliyamthuruth.
• Route 15 – Pizhala – Aster Medicity – Amrita Hospital.

Water Metro Ticket Booking

• The tickets are scanned at entry and exit.
• Everyone above 2 years of age must hold a valid ticket.
• Card payments, UPI payments, and cash are accepted at the ticket counters.
• The queue for the metro might be too long during weekends and peak hours.
• Online ticket booking is not yet available for the Kochi Water Metro. However, you can recharge your card through Paytm.
• You can also purchase a Kochi1 card from the Play Store or App Store and receive a 10% discount on water metro tickets.

Water Metro Facilities & Rules

• A boat can accommodate up to 96 passengers (seats for 50 passengers and standing space for 46 passengers).
• The seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Consumption of food inside the boat or terminal is strictly prohibited.
• A digital screen is placed at the terminal indicating the departure timings of the boats.
• Announcements are made in English and Malayalam.
• No washrooms or WiFi facilities are available onboard.

Passenger Ferry Service

Locals refer to the SWTD ferry – State Water Transport Department ferry – as the passenger ferry service. Vehicles are not allowed on passenger ferries. We traveled between Fort Kochi and Ernakulam and Vypin and Fort Kochi via ferry. Although the ferries are not air-conditioned like Water Metro, the boats are clean and well-maintained, and the service provides good value for money.

Passenger Ferry Routes

• Vytilla – Kakkanad
• Ernakulam – Fort Kochi (Direct & via Embarkation)
• Ernakulam – Mattancherry (Direct & via Embarkation)
• Ernakulam – Vypin (Direct & via Embarkation/ Fort Kochi)
• Ernakulam – Mulavukadu (Mulavukadu North – Highcourt – Kuramkottai – Mulavukadu Panchayat – Thathonnithuruthu)
• Ernakulam – Varappuzha (Chittoor – Kadamakkudy)

RO-RO Ferry Service

Roll-on-roll-off ferry services transport two-wheeler and four-wheeler vehicles over the water. Passengers are allowed to board as well. Ro-Ro ferries are locally referred to as Jankar. RO-RO ferry services are available between Fort Kochi and Vypin. The process is very simple – book your tickets, drive your vehicle onto the ferry, and easily journey through the waterways to reach the other side. The ferry journey takes 10-20 minutes, but the wait time can be longer depending on the day.

Passenger & RO-RO Ferry Details

The information below is common to both passengers and RO-RO ferry services. It can be useful when booking and traveling by ferry. 

Timings & Cost

The ferries commence operations at 5 AM and end at 10 PM on all days, serving longer hours than the Water Metro. The official website has passenger ferry schedules and routes.

The ferry timetable is synced with Google Maps, but they are inaccurate. The ferries usually depart once the seats are full. The ferry price starts from INR 3 for passengers, INR 10 for two-wheelers, and INR 40 for four-wheelers. 

Ferry Ticket Booking

• Tickets can be purchased only for one way. 
• Online tickets are not sold for passenger and RO-RO ferries. You can buy tickets only at the ticket counter at departure terminals.
• Only cash payments are accepted, QR or card payments are not accepted.
• Carry exact change with you if possible.
• Children above 5 years of age should hold a valid ticket.
• For the passenger ferries, when the ticket counters are closed at night, the tickets can be purchased on board the ferry.

Ferry Facilities & Rules

• Consumption of food is strictly not allowed inside the ferry.
• Safety jackets are available on board the ferry. It is not mandatory to wear them.
• The local ferries do not have large windows similar to the Water Metro ones.
• The ferry guards will warn you if you get too close to the water.
• The seating is limited and is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

If you like this content or have any queries, feel free to drop a comment below. We will do our best to answer them.