Key facts
- Ernakulam Junction is also called Ernakulam South, and Ernakulam Town is also called Ernakulam North.
- Ernakulam South metro station, near Ernakulam Junction railway station, opened on 4 September 2019 on the Maharaja’s–Thaikoodam extension.
- Town Hall metro station is about 300 metres from the eastern entrance of Ernakulam Town railway station, according to Wikipedia.
- From Ernakulam South or Town Hall, northbound Kochi Metro trains towards Aluva stop at Cochin University and Kalamassery.
- A skywalk linking Ernakulam Junction’s redeveloped west side with Ernakulam South metro station is part of the station redevelopment plan.
First, which Ernakulam station are you at?
Kochi has two main railway stations with confusingly similar names. Ernakulam Junction (code ERS) is the bigger one, also called South, near Kadavanthra and the KSRTC bus station side of the city. Ernakulam Town (code ERN) is also called North, close to Kaloor and the Town Hall area. Your ticket shows the code. Many trains stop at both; some only at one.
| Railway station | Also called | Nearest metro station | Metro direction to Kalamassery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ernakulam Junction (ERS) | South | Ernakulam South | Towards Aluva |
| Ernakulam Town (ERN) | North | Town Hall (about 300 m from the eastern entrance) | Towards Aluva |
From Ernakulam Junction (South) by metro
Ernakulam South metro station opened in September 2019 and sits near the railway station; Southern Railway’s redevelopment plan includes a skywalk from the railway station’s west terminal to the metro. Until that is complete, follow signs or ask for the metro — it is close but you may have to cross a road with your bags.
Board a train towards Aluva. It runs through Maharaja’s, MG Road, Town Hall, Kaloor, JLN Stadium, Palarivattom, Changampuzha Park, Edappally and Pathadipalam before reaching Cochin University and then Kalamassery. It is the most predictable way to cross the city, especially at rush hour when roads through Edappally are slow.
From Ernakulam Town (North) by metro
From Ernakulam Town, leave by the eastern side and walk to Town Hall metro station, roughly 300 metres according to Wikipedia. Take a northbound train towards Aluva. You skip a few stops compared with Ernakulam South, so the ride is shorter.
Other ways: train, bus, auto
- Local train: a few MEMU and passenger trains from Ernakulam stop at Kalamassery. Only worth it if one leaves soon — see Kalamassery railway station.
- Bus: city and private buses run north towards Edappally, Kalamassery and Aluva. Cheap but slow in traffic; see the bus guide.
- Auto or taxi: door to door, sensible with heavy luggage or after the metro stops. Kerala’s government fare rules apply — read auto and taxi tips first. The route usually follows NH 544 through Edappally; see the NH 544 guide for why that stretch can be slow.
Which metro stop for your destination?
- CUSAT, South Kalamassery, Thrikkakara side: Cochin University — see the CUSAT station guide.
- Kalamassery town, Premier Junction, HMT side, NAD Road: Kalamassery, then road — see the Kalamassery station guide.
- Muttom, Companypady: stay on a few more stops.
If your train arrives after the metro has closed (services have generally ended around 10.30 pm), use a prepaid or app-based taxi, or an auto with an agreed fare. Read arriving in Kalamassery late at night.
Timing, crowds and luggage
Long-distance trains from the south and east often arrive at Ernakulam Junction early in the morning, just as the metro starts running, while evening arrivals coincide with office traffic. A few things make the trip easier:
- Morning arrivals: the first metro trains run from about 6 am. If you arrive before that, a tea at the station and a short wait is often cheaper than a pre-dawn taxi.
- Evening arrivals: northbound trains from Ernakulam fill up with office workers heading home to Edappally, Kalamassery and Aluva. With a big suitcase, stand near the doors at the end of the coach.
- Heavy luggage: metro stations have lifts and escalators, but the walk from the railway platform to the metro is not covered everywhere. In the monsoon, a taxi may be worth the extra cost.
- Sundays: metro services start later on Sundays, so check the first train if you arrive early.
If you have some time to spare on the way, the old shopping streets around Broadway are close to Ernakulam’s stations; see Broadway shopping from Kalamassery for when to come back properly.
Coming to Ashraf Gents Hostel from Ernakulam
If you are moving to Ashraf Gents Hostel on NAD Road, Kalamassery, the metro gets you most of the way; the last stretch from Kalamassery or Cochin University station is by auto, bus or a pick-up by a friend. Call +91 90746 23855 before you set off to confirm the room and ask which station suits your arrival time best.
The hostel is for men only — students, staff and working men — and the photos show twin-sharing rooms, a balcony and a shared kitchen. The indicative rate from its public profile is about ₹2,000–3,000 per head per month, negotiable, with one month’s advance. If you are still deciding where to live, compare Edappally, Kalamassery and Aluva.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ernakulam Junction the same as Ernakulam South?
Yes. Ernakulam Junction (ERS) is commonly called South, and Ernakulam Town (ERN) is called North.
Which metro station is nearest to Ernakulam Town railway station?
Town Hall, about 300 metres from the station’s eastern entrance according to Wikipedia.
Do I need to change metro lines to reach Kalamassery?
No. Kalamassery and Cochin University are on the same Line 1 as Ernakulam South and Town Hall; take a train towards Aluva.
What if my train arrives after the metro closes?
Use a taxi, a ride-hailing app or an auto with an agreed fare.
Related guides
Sources
- Wikipedia: Ernakulam South metro station
- Wikipedia: Ernakulam Junction railway station
- Wikipedia: Ernakulam Town railway station
- Rail Analysis: Ernakulam Junction redevelopment work gains momentum
Facts about Ashraf Gents Hostel come from the hostel’s own profile and photos; rates are indicative and confirmed on the call. Last reviewed . How we write these guides: editorial notes. Map embeds © Google.