Kerala has a well-connected road transport system linking various cities. It has 11 national highways (4/6 lane), 72 state highways, and numerous district routes that are in good condition. Hence, road travel is a favoured option in Kerala. The efficient inter-city and inter-state bus services attract many passengers who prefer to travel by road. redBus connects you to several bus services on these routes. Read this article to learn about the ten famous bus operators in Kerala.
1) Kallada Travels
Kallada Travels is part of the Suresh Kallada Concern and is one of the largest bus operators in South India. It caters to Kerala and the neighbouring states. The head office is in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur district. Furthermore, it has a fleet of 7730 buses. It provides consistent and affordable services, including live bus tracking and premium safety features.
Bus Types
AC/Non-AC seater, sleeper and semi-sleeper (multi-axle)
Popular Bus Routes
- Thrissur-Bangalore
- Kottayam-Krishnagiri
- Ernakulam-Salem
2) Greenline Travels
Headquartered in Cochin, Greenline Travels is a renowned bus transportation service operating general and luxury buses. The buses are well-equipped with amenities like mobile charging points, bedding, and reading lights. With a fleet of over 25 buses plying more than 1100 routes, this bus operator is known for its punctuality and comfort.
Bus Types
Volvo and Mercedes multi-axle, AC/non-AC seater, sleeper, and semi-sleeper (executive and non-executive)
Popular Bus Routes
- Ernakulam-Bangalore
- Cochin-Coimbatore
- Palakkad-Bangalore
3) A1 Travels
With decades of experience in the travel industry, A1 Travels is well-known for its hospitality and customer services. This bus operator offers reasonable rates and discount offers for travelling across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. It covers approximately 2956 routes daily. Adjustable seats and video entertainment will make your journey more relaxing.
Bus Types
Bharat Benz, Volvo and Capella, AC/non-AC seater, sleeper, and semi-sleeper
Popular Bus Routes
- Kozhikode-Coimbatore
- Bangalore-Trivandrum
- Adoor-Chennai
4) Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)
Established in 1965, the KSRTC Kerala bus service (also known as Kerala RTC) has a network of over 6241 buses. It has numerous flagship services, such as the Garuda Maharaja, Garuda King Class, and Super Express Air Bus, connecting major and minor cities. The KSRTC Kerala bus service also offers special pilgrimage tour packages covering famous devotional destinations like Guruvayoor and Sabarimala.
Bus Types
AC/Non-AC Superfast Passenger, Super Deluxe (Sleeper and semi-sleeper), Luxury/Hi-tech, Single/Multi-axle Volvo
Popular Bus Routes
- Bangalore-Kannur
- Thrissur-Ernakulam
- Thrissur-Kottayam
5) Murahara Tours and Travels
Established in 2011 with its headquarters in Konni, Murahara Tours and Travels offers a broad selection of quality trips, such as pilgrimage tours and corporate packages. Its live bus tracking feature, comfort, security, and excellent customer support rank it as one of the most famous bus operators in Kerala. It also has central television and high-quality air-conditioning facilities.
Bus Types
Volvo and Bharat Benz multi-axle, AC/non-AC, seater/semi-sleeper/sleeper
Popular Bus Routes
- Wayanad-Ooty
- Edappally-Calicut
- Trivandrum-Kanyakumari
6) Kerala Lines
The Kerala Lines buses cater to 17 cities. They are equipped with WiFi, reading lights, and charging facilities. The operator runs buses in almost 52 routes daily. Known for its affordability and comfort, Kerala Lines connects multiple cities and is always on time.
Bus Types
Scania, Volvo and Luxura AC sleeper and semi-sleeper (multi-axle)
Popular Bus Routes
- Thiruvalla-Bangalore
- Adoor-Coimbatore
- Palakkad-Bangalore
7) Surya Travels
Popularly known as Surya Connect, this bus operator runs around 775 night buses across 1050 routes. Headquartered in Aluva, Surya Travels is well-reputed for its helpful staff and timely services. The bus facilities include blankets, charging points, and reading lights. The buses also give passengers adequate time at rest stops.
Bus Types
Bharat Benz and Volvo AC seater, semi-sleeper and sleeper
Popular Bus Routes
- Aluva-Chennai
- Ernakulam-Bangalore
- Thrissur-Alleppey
8) Rukma Travels
With new routes added frequently, Rukma Travels is emerging as one of the most preferred bus operators in Kerala and adjoining states. The regular offers and ladies’ special seat facilities add to its USP. It currently runs 79-night buses operating on approximately 109 routes daily.
Bus Types
Multi-axle Volvo, deluxe/semi-deluxe, AC seater/sleeper
Popular Bus Routes
- Thiruvalla-Hosur
- Chalakudi-Salem
- Kottayam-Hosur
9) Emerald Travels
Headquartered in Sulthan Bathery, Emerald Travels is known for its cleanliness, courteous staff, and punctual services. With 1260 buses covering approximately 1414 routes, Emerald Travels provides transportation to the interiors of Kerala and cities outside the state.
Bus Types
Bharat Benz and Volvo AC seater/semi-sleeper/sleeper
Popular Bus Routes
- Kollam to Thalasserry
- Alapuzha to Wayanad
- Thrissur to Mahe
10) Sona Travels
This bus operator provides budget and luxury buses with all the basic amenities. It is popularly known as Jabbar-Sona Travels since it was established in 1995 by Shri Abdul Jabbar in his hometown, Aluva, to serve interstate bus travellers. The company has expanded since then.
Bus Types
Volvo multi-axle seater (push-back), semi-sleeper and sleeper (AC/non-AC)
Popular Bus Routes
- Cochin-Bangalore
- Chennai-Ernakulam
- Bangalore-Palakkad
Explore all the bus routes and best operators in Kerala through the easy navigation options in redBus. Visit our website to plan your next bus journey and get the best deals on your bus ticket reservations.