Key hubs
Kannur airport and railway station
- Airport
- Kannur International Airport (CNN) at Mattannur, about 25 to 28 km from the city; it opened in December 2018
- Railway station
- Kannur (CAN) is central, about 1 km from the main bus terminals; Thalassery station is also on the same Shoranur-Mangalore line
- Getting around
- Autos, app cabs and local buses work in town; a car and driver is easiest for Thalassery, Madayipara and the beaches north of the city
How to reach Kannur by air
Kannur International Airport (CNN) at Mattannur is about 25 to 28 km from the city, roughly 40 to 60 minutes by road depending on traffic. It opened in December 2018. Mangalore and Kozhikode airports are alternatives for some routes.
How to reach Kannur by train
Kannur (CAN) is the main station, on the Shoranur-Mangalore line, about 1 km from the central bus terminals. Thalassery station is also on this line, which is useful for the Thalassery day trip.
How to reach Kannur by road
National Highway 66 runs along the Malabar coast, linking Kannur with Kozhikode to the south and Mangalore to the north. KSRTC and private buses serve the town and nearby coastal places.
Getting around Kannur
Autos and app cabs are the easiest way to move around the town. For Thalassery, Madayipara, Muzhappilangad and Aralam, a car and driver for the day is more comfortable than public buses.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Kannur
- Hire a car and driver for Thalassery, Madayipara and the drive-in beach. It gives you shade, water and a place to rest.
- For theyyam and temple visits, go with a local guide or driver, accept that evenings run late and plan a rest earlier in the day.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.