Travelling to Kerala for Vishu has become significantly more expensive this year, with KSRTC bus fares rising sharply and air ticket prices surging due to high demand.
Kochi: Vishu travel this year is turning into an expensive affair, with KSRTC bus fares rising sharply and flight ticket prices surging amid peak festive demand.
Passengers planning to travel from Chennai to Ernakulam for Vishu are facing steep fare increases, particularly on KSRTC’s AC sleeper buses. According to multiple reports, the ticket price for the popular 8.30 pm service on April 10 has risen to ₹2,456, compared to its usual fare of ₹1,640.
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The price increase is attributed to dynamic pricing, which adjusts fares based on demand. With Vishu being a peak travel period, ticket rates have surged significantly, making bus travel less affordable for many passengers.
Dynamic pricing leads to sharp fluctuations
Ticket prices vary widely depending on the travel date and demand. While fares for the 8.30 pm bus remain above ₹2,000 on April 11 and 12, they drop back to ₹1,640 on April 12 and 14 when demand is relatively lower.
Passengers have raised concerns about being forced to pay higher prices, especially as alternative travel options remain limited during the festive season.
Route and service details
The 8.30 pm AC sleeper service from Kilambakkam operates through key stops including Guduvancherry, Singaperumal Koil, Thindivanam, Villupuram, Salem, Coimbatore, Palakkad, Thrissur, Chalakkudy and Angamali before reaching Ernakulam the next morning around 8.30 am.
An alternative non-AC super deluxe bus departs at 6.30 pm, priced at ₹1,261. However, many passengers prefer the later sleeper service due to its more convenient overnight schedule.
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Limited train availability adds pressure
Train tickets on this route are largely unavailable due to high seasonal demand, forcing travellers to rely on buses or flights. This has further increased pressure on KSRTC services, contributing to the surge in fares
Airfares surge across Kerala routes
Air travel has also become significantly costlier during the Vishu period. Flights from Chennai to Thiruvananthapuram are priced between ₹6,700 and ₹7,400 between April 10 and 13.
Similarly, fares to Kochi range from ₹5,100 to ₹6,900, while tickets to Kozhikode can go up to ₹9,396 during peak days.
The highest fares are seen on routes to Kannur, where ticket prices exceed ₹10,000 and reach up to ₹12,000 on April 10.
Travellers face limited affordable options
With both bus and flight fares rising sharply and train tickets unavailable, travellers heading home for Vishu are left with limited affordable options. Many are compelled to book expensive tickets due to the lack of alternatives.
The increase in fares reflects the strong travel demand during Vishu, one of Kerala’s most important festivals. While dynamic pricing helps transport providers manage demand, it has raised concerns about affordability for regular passengers.
Published: 06 Apr 2026, 02:39 pm IST
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