Located on the Malabar Coast of Northern Kerala, Kannur (formerly Cannanore) is famous for its serene drive-in beaches, historic forts, handloom heritage, and centuries-old Theyyam temple rituals. Thanks to modern infrastructure upgrades, including the expansion of the coastal National Highway 66 (NH 66) and Kannur International Airport (CNN, traveling to this coastal town from major Indian metros or international hubs is easier than ever. Whether you are flying in from the Middle East, taking a scenic train ride along the Konkan coast, or embarking on a road trip from Bengaluru, here is your comprehensive unstumbled transit guide to reaching Kannur.
How To Reach Kannur? Travel Guide
By Flight
Primary Gateway: Kannur International Airport (IATA: CNN)
Opened in late 2018 at Mattannur, Kannur International Airport (CNN) is Kerala’s fourth international airport. It sits about 25 km inland from Kannur city.
- Domestic Flight Routes: Direct and connecting flights operate daily connecting Kannur to major Indian hubs including Bengaluru (BLR), Mumbai (BOM), Delhi (DEL), Hyderabad (HYD), and Chennai (MAA) via carriers like IndiGo and Air India Express.
- International Connections: CNN serves as a primary hub for Kerala’s large expatriate community. Direct non-stop flights run daily between Kannur and Gulf destinations, including Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), Sharjah (SHJ), Doha (DOH), Muscat (MCT), Bahrain (BAH), and Kuwait (KWI).
Airport-to-City Transit Options
- Prepaid Taxis: Available at the arrivals terminal hall. A ride from the airport to Kannur town takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes and costs around INR 800 to INR 1,200.
- KSRTC Feeder Buses: Regular Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses connect the airport terminal to Mattannur bus stand and Kannur main bus stand.
Alternative Nearby Airports
If direct flights to CNN are unavailable on your travel dates, you can fly into Kozhikode International Airport (CCJ) (115 km south) or Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) (145 km north), and cover the remaining distance in 2.5 to 3 hours by train or private cab.
By Train
Kannur is an important railway junction situated on the Shoranur-Mangaluru section under the Palakkad Division of the Southern Railway Zone.
- Kannur Main (Station Code: CAN): The principal station where almost all express, superfast, and Vande Bharat trains halt.
- Thalassery (Station Code: TLY): Located 21 km south of Kannur, convenient for travelers heading to heritage resorts in Thalassery.
- Kannur South (Station Code: CS): A smaller satellite station primarily serving local passenger trains.
Major Direct Train Routes
- From Bengaluru: Kannur Express (Train 16511/16527) provides overnight daily connectivity via Mysuru or Mangaluru.
- From Mumbai And Konkan Belt: Popular daily options like the Matsyagandha Express, Mangala Lakshadweep Express, and Netravati Express connect Mumbai (LTT/CSMT) directly to CAN via Goa and Mangaluru.
- From Chennai And Eastern India: The Chennai-Mangalore Superfast Express and West Coast Express offer direct overnight connectivity.
- Intra-Kerala Transit: The Kasargod-Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express stops at Kannur, cutting travel time from Kochi (Ernakulam) to under 4.5 hours.
By Road
Driving or taking an intercity bus to Kannur is a popular choice, particularly for travelers coming from Karnataka or neighboring districts in Kerala.
Major Highway Corridors
- NH 66 (Coastal Highway): Runs north-south through Kannur, linking it directly to Kasaragod/Mangaluru to the north and Kozhikode/Kochi to the south.
- Kannur-Mysuru-Bengaluru Highway (via Coorg/Madikeri): Passes through Virajpet/Madikeri, offering a scenic route through the Western Ghats and coffee plantations.
| Starting Point | Distance | Typical Route | Travel Time |
| Bengaluru | Around 310 km | Bengaluru —> Mysuru —> Hunsur —> Madikeri —> Virajpet —> Kannur | 6.5 to 8 Hours |
| Kozhikode | Around 90 km | Kozhikode —> Vadakara —> Thalassery —> Kannur (NH 66) | 2 to 2.5 Hours |
| Mangaluru | Around 140 km | Mangaluru —> Kasaragod —> Kanhangad —> Kannur (NH 66) | 3 to 3.5 Hours |
| Kochi | Around 285 km | Kochi —> Thrissur —> Shoranur —> Kozhikode —> Kannur | 6.5 to 8 Hours |
| Mumbai | Around 1,060 km | Mumbai —> Pune —> Kolhapur —> Goa —> Mangaluru —> Kannur | 18 to 22 Hours |
Intercity Bus Routes
Both government operator KSRTC (Kerala & Karnataka SWIFT/Airavat) and private bus operators run overnight luxury sleeper/seater buses to Kannur from major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mysuru, and Coimbatore. Buses drop off passengers at the Kannur KSRTC Bus Stand or the Thavakkara Bus Terminal.
Here is a convenient breakdown of the three modes of transportation available to reach Kannur:
| Mode | Primary Hub/Highway | Distance to Town Center | Key Cities Connected |
| Air | Kannur International Airport (CNN) | Around 25 km east (Mattannur) | Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha |
| Rail | Kannur Main Railway Station (CAN) | Located in Kannur town center | Mumbai, Mangaluru, Kochi, Chennai, New Delhi, Bengaluru |
| Road | National Highway 66 (NH 66) | Passes directly through Kannur | Kozhikode, Kasaragod, Mangaluru, Kochi, Mumbai |
How To Know Pick The Best Way To Travel For You
Flying Directly Into Kannur (CNN): Best For Travelers From Bengaluru, Mumbai, Or Abroad
If you are coming from major metros or the Middle East, book a non-stop flight directly to Kannur International Airport (CNN). Take a 45-minute prepaid taxi or KSRTC feeder bus from Mattannur to your coastal hotel.
Taking An Express Or Vande Bharat Train: Best For Budget And Scenic Coastal Travel
If traveling from within Kerala, Tamil Nadu, or along the Konkan corridor (Mumbai/Goa/Mangaluru), book an overnight or Vande Bharat train directly to Kannur Main (CAN). The station is situated right inside the city center.
Road Trip Via Coorg Or NH 66: Best For Road Trips And Western Ghats Views
If starting from Bengaluru or Mysuru, drive down via Madikeri/Coorg for scenic mountain views. If driving along North Kerala, follow the upgraded NH 66 coastal highway.
Also Read: Best Time To Visit Kannur: Month-By-Month Travel Guide
Summing Up
Reaching Kannur is hassle-free regardless of your origin. With direct air links to international and domestic cities, a well-connected central railway station, and scenic highways, you can easily plan your trip to experience the culture and beaches of Malabar.
