Skip to main content
Rent a Car in Kerala – Self Drive & Chauffeur Services | Apple Car Rentals

Renting a Car in Kerala – The Complete Guide

Self Drive · Chauffeur · Airport Pickup · Luxury · Monthly Rentals

Rent a Car in Kerala – Experience God's Own Country at Your Own Pace

Kerala, famously known as "God's Own Country," is a land of breathtaking diversity — from the emerald backwaters of Alleppey and the misty tea gardens of Munnar to the sun-drenched beaches of Kovalam and Varkala. While public transport serves the state reasonably well, nothing matches the freedom, comfort, and flexibility of renting a car in Kerala and exploring on your own terms.

Whether you are an NRI returning home for a holiday, a tourist discovering the Malabar coast for the first time, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a business traveller heading to the IT corridors of Kochi and Trivandrum — Apple Car Rentals has the perfect vehicle and the most seamless rental experience in Kerala.

With a fleet of over 50 well-maintained vehicles, transparent pricing, zero security deposit, and round-the-clock support, Apple Car Rentals is the most trusted name in car hire in Kerala — serving Trivandrum, Kochi, and destinations across the state since over a decade.

Why Choose Apple Car Rentals for Your Kerala Road Trip?

Finding a dependable car rental service in Kerala can be challenging. Here is what sets Apple Car Rentals apart as the leading choice for travellers across the state.

Diverse, Well-Maintained Fleet

From economical hatchbacks for city drives to rugged SUVs for mountain terrains and opulent luxury sedans for weddings and events — every vehicle undergoes a thorough pre-rental inspection.

Transparent, All-Inclusive Pricing

No hidden costs. No surprise charges. No security deposit required. The price you see is exactly what you pay — making us the most honest and affordable car rental in Trivandrum and across Kerala.

24/7 Roadside Assistance

Our dedicated support team is available around the clock. In the unlikely event of a breakdown anywhere in Kerala, we provide immediate assistance and, if needed, a replacement vehicle.

Flexible Pickup & Drop

We serve all major Kerala airports: Trivandrum (TRV), Kochi (COK), Calicut (CCJ), and Kannur (CNN). Doorstep delivery to hotels, homes, and railway stations is also available.

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Stay connected throughout your Kerala journey. All vehicles in our fleet come equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi — because modern travel should never leave you disconnected.

Fully Insured Vehicles

Every car in our fleet carries comprehensive insurance cover as mandated by Indian motor vehicle regulations, giving you complete peace of mind on every journey.

Our Car Rental Services in Kerala

Apple Car Rentals offers a comprehensive range of vehicle hire services tailored to every type of traveller and every occasion across Kerala.

Self-Drive Car Rental in Kerala

For those who love the freedom of the open road, our self-drive car rental in Kerala is the ultimate choice. Enjoy complete privacy with your family or friends — no driver means no intrusions, and the liberty to change your itinerary on a whim. Stop wherever the scenery takes your breath away. Explore hidden backroads that tour buses cannot reach.

  • Valid driving licence required (Indian or International)
  • Cars delivered to your door, hotel, or airport
  • Daily, weekly, and monthly rental plans
  • No security deposit required
  • Comprehensive insurance cover included
Explore Self Drive Cars

Popular Self-Drive Cars in Kerala


Luxury Car Rental in Kerala

Make a statement at weddings, corporate events, high-end vacations, or milestone celebrations. Our luxury car rental in Kerala segment features premium European brands that redefine comfort and prestige on Kerala's scenic roads.

View Luxury Cars

Premium Experiences

Whether it's your wedding day in Thrissur, a corporate conference in Kochi, or a luxury vacation along the Malabar coast — arrive in style with Apple Car Rentals' premium chauffeur service.

Wedding Cars

Airport Car Rental in Kerala

Arriving at a Kerala airport? Skip the taxi queues and haggling. Apple Car Rentals offers seamless airport car rental in Kerala with your chosen vehicle waiting for you at the arrival terminal. We serve:

  • Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) – Thiruvananthapuram
  • Cochin International Airport (COK) – Nedumbassery, Kochi
  • Calicut International Airport (CCJ) – Kozhikode, North Kerala
  • Kannur International Airport (CNN) – North Kerala
Airport Rental Details

Why Book Airport Pickup in Advance?

  • Avoid long taxi queues at arrivals
  • Fixed rates — no surge pricing
  • Driver with name board waiting for you
  • Immediate transfer to hotel or destination
  • Available 24/7, including odd-hour flights

Monthly Car Rental & NRI Packages in Kerala

Visiting Kerala for a month or more? Our monthly car rental in Kerala offers significant savings over daily rates — giving you the convenience of a personal vehicle without maintenance, insurance, or registration concerns.

We also offer exclusive NRI car rental packages with flexible pickup from airports, priority support, and special long-stay pricing designed for our valued overseas clients.

Monthly Rental Benefits

  • Best per-day pricing for long-term stays
  • No hidden maintenance charges
  • Regular vehicle replacement if needed
  • Priority booking and support
  • Ideal for IT professionals at Technopark

Top Tourist Destinations to Explore in Kerala with a Rental Car

A rental car unlocks Kerala's most spectacular destinations — places that are difficult or impossible to reach comfortably via public transport. Here are the best places to explore on a Kerala road trip.

Munnar – The Hill Station Haven

Driving to Munnar requires a vehicle with strong torque and reliable braking for winding ghat roads. Our SUVs like the Jeep Compass or Toyota Fortuner handle the curves effortlessly. Breathe in the scent of tea plantations as you navigate 140 km of stunning mountain scenery from Kochi.

Best route: Kochi → Adimali → Munnar (130 km via NH183)

Recommended car: Toyota Fortuner or Jeep Compass

Alleppey (Alappuzha) – The Backwater Capital

Dubbed the "Venice of the East," Alleppey is famous for its network of serene backwater canals, houseboat cruises, and tranquil village life. Drive down from Kochi or Trivandrum at your own pace and park near the boat jetties for an unforgettable Kerala backwater experience.

Best route: Kochi → Cherthala → Alleppey (54 km via NH66)

Recommended car: Innova Crysta or Honda City

Wayanad – Into the Wild

Located in North Kerala, Wayanad offers dense rainforests, spice plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, and ancient caves. A self-drive car lets you reach hidden waterfalls and remote eco-lodges that tour buses simply cannot access — making your Wayanad experience genuinely immersive.

Best route: Calicut → Kalpetta → Mananthavady (80 km via NH766)

Recommended car: Mahindra Thar or Jeep Compass

Kovalam & Varkala – Coastal Gems

Experience the sun-kissed Arabian Sea coast. Kovalam is just 15 km from Trivandrum and offers pristine crescent beaches and the iconic lighthouse. Varkala, 54 km north, enchants with dramatic sea-cliff views. Drive down the scenic NH66 coastal highway for a truly memorable road trip experience.

Best route: Trivandrum → Kovalam → Varkala (NH66)

Thekkady – Periyar Wildlife & Spice Country

Home to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and spice lovers alike. Drive through cardamom estates and jungle roads for elephant sightings, boat safaris, and tribal cultural experiences. The drive itself through the Western Ghats is breathtakingly scenic.

Recommended car: Jeep Compass or SUV

Kochi (Cochin) – Kerala's Cosmopolitan Hub

Explore Fort Kochi's Portuguese heritage, Jew Town's antique markets, Marine Drive's waterfront promenade, and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. Kochi is also home to Cochin International Airport — making it the perfect starting point for a Kerala road trip with a Kochi airport car rental.

Recommended car: Honda City or Sedan

Also explore: Ponmudi (Trivandrum hill station) · Athirappilly Falls (Kerala's Niagara) · Guruvayur (sacred temple town) · Kasaragod (North Kerala beaches) · Kalpetta (Wayanad's gateway)

Need a Driver? Book a Taxi

Car Categories Available for Rent in Kerala

Apple Car Rentals offers the widest selection of vehicles for every budget, group size, and travel need across Kerala. Choose the category that suits your journey.

Vehicle Category Popular Models Capacity Best For
Hatchback Maruti Swift, i20, Baleno 4–5 passengers City driving, Solo/Couple travel, Short trips
Sedan Honda City, Hyundai Verna 5 passengers Highway drives, Comfort travel, Corporate trips
Compact SUV Jeep Compass, Creta, VW Taigun 5 passengers Hill stations, Ghat roads, Family trips
MUV / 7-Seater Innova Crysta, HyCross, Kia Carens 6–7 passengers Large families, Group travel, Pilgrimages
Premium SUV Toyota Fortuner, Jeep Wrangler, Mahindra Thar 5–7 passengers Off-road adventures, VIP travel, Hill drives
Luxury Car Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Jaguar 5 passengers Weddings, Corporate events, VIP occasions
Electric Car Tata Nexon EV 5 passengers Eco-friendly travel, City & highway drives
Automatic Cars Various models with automatic transmission 4–7 passengers Hilly terrain, Urban traffic, Comfortable touring
Luxury Bus Volvo, AC Tourist Bus 20–45 passengers Group tours, Corporate events, Pilgrimages

Affordable Car Rental Rates in Kerala

Apple Car Rentals believes that premium travel experiences should be accessible to everyone. Our pricing is straightforward, transparent, and competitive — with no surprises at the end of your rental.

Daily Rental

Short-Term Plans

Perfect for one-day trips, airport transfers, and sightseeing around a single city. Contact us for current rates.

Get Quote
Weekly Rental

Save up to 15%

Ideal for week-long Kerala circuit tours covering Munnar, Alleppey, Thekkady, Kochi and more.

Get Quote
Monthly Rental ⭐

Save up to 35%

Best value for NRIs, long-stay tourists, corporate clients, and IT professionals at Technopark.

Learn More
NRI Special

Custom Packages

Exclusive pricing and priority service for NRIs visiting Kerala — including airport pickup and flexible durations.

NRI Offers

Car Rental vs. Taxis in Kerala: Which Is Better?

Comparison Factor Car Rental (Apple Car Rentals) Local Taxi
Cost for Long Distances Significantly lower per km for multi-day trips Higher due to driver charges and meter rates
Privacy Complete privacy — no strangers in your vehicle Driver always present
Flexibility Stop anywhere, change plans anytime Constrained by driver availability and schedule
Music & Comfort Your music, your comfort level Dependent on driver preferences
Vehicle Choice Wide selection from hatchbacks to luxury cars Limited to available taxi types
24/7 Support Round-the-clock roadside assistance Varies by operator

Safety, Insurance & Road Tips for Driving in Kerala

Your safety is our highest priority. Every Apple Car Rentals vehicle is fully insured, regularly maintained, and comprehensively inspected before every rental.

Vehicle Safety Standards

  • Pre-rental 50-point inspection on every vehicle before each rental
  • Comprehensive insurance cover as mandated by Indian motor vehicle regulations
  • Regular servicing — all cars are maintained at authorised service centres
  • Quality tyres and wipers — especially important during Kerala's monsoon season
  • Emergency breakdown kit — first aid, tyre repair, and emergency contacts in every car
  • 24/7 roadside assistance — a replacement vehicle dispatched if needed

Kerala Road Safety Tips

  • Seatbelts are mandatory for front-seat passengers — strictly enforced
  • No mobile phone use while driving — carry a holder or use hands-free
  • Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 70 km/h on state highways, 100 km/h on expressways
  • Monsoon caution: June–August bring heavy rains — drive slowly, use fog lights
  • Ghat road rules: Horn at blind curves, use lower gears on descents
  • Parking: Use designated parking lots in Kochi, Kozhikode, and Trivandrum city centres

Important Kerala Road Information

Kerala's road network has improved significantly over the past decade. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) maintains excellent expressways like the NH66 (coastal highway) and NH544 (Kochi–Coimbatore). However, interior roads and hill station approaches can be narrow and challenging.

Key Roads for Kerala Tourism

  • NH66 – Trivandrum to Kasaragod coastal highway (south to north Kerala)
  • NH183 – Kochi to Munnar ghat road (spectacular mountain scenery)
  • NH766 – Kozhikode to Mysore via Wayanad (forest and ghat route)
  • NH85 – Kochi to Thekkady via Kottayam (backwater and wildlife)
  • MC Road – Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam (central Kerala highway)

External Resources for Kerala Travellers

How to Book a Rental Car in Kerala with Apple Car Rentals

Booking a car with us is fast, simple, and hassle-free. Follow these four steps to start your Kerala road trip.

Choose Your Vehicle

Browse our full car catalogue and select the vehicle that fits your group size, budget, and travel style.

Contact Us

WhatsApp or call us at +91 944 779 5539 with your travel dates, pickup location, and chosen vehicle. We confirm availability instantly.

Submit Documents

Share a photo of your valid Driving Licence and a government-issued ID (Aadhaar or Passport). No security deposit required.

Drive & Explore!

Your car is delivered to your chosen location — airport, hotel, home, or railway station — clean, inspected, and ready to go. Hit the road!

Documents Required for Car Rental in Kerala
  • Valid Driving Licence – Original Indian DL (or IDP for international visitors)
  • Government-Issued Photo ID – Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID
  • No Security Deposit – Apple Car Rentals does not collect deposits

NRIs and foreign nationals require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country licence.

Round-the-Clock Customer Support

At Apple Car Rentals, we understand that travel plans can change and emergencies can arise at any hour. That is why our customer support team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — whether you need help with a booking, require a rental extension, or need roadside assistance in the middle of a Kerala highway.

  • Instant WhatsApp response during business hours
  • Emergency helpline available 24/7 for rental customers
  • Multilingual support – Malayalam, English, Hindi, Tamil
  • Breakdown assistance anywhere in Kerala
  • Rental extension facilitation on the go

Contact Apple Car Rentals

Puliyarthala, TC 847/1, Kumarapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695011

Frequently Asked Questions – Renting a Car in Kerala

Everything you need to know before renting a car in Kerala. Find answers to the most common questions about our services, policies, and driving in Kerala.

You need a valid Indian Driving Licence (original). NRIs and international visitors require an International Driving Permit (IDP) plus their home country licence. A government-issued photo ID — Aadhaar Card or Passport — is also required for all renters.

No. Apple Car Rentals does not require any security deposit. You simply pay the agreed rental amount — no additional deposits, no hidden charges of any kind.

Yes. We provide direct car delivery to all major Kerala airports — Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), Cochin International Airport (COK), Calicut International Airport (CCJ), and Kannur Airport (CNN). Your car will be waiting at the arrival area with a driver holding a name board. Visit our airport rental page for more details.

The minimum rental duration is 24 hours. We also offer weekly and monthly packages with progressively better per-day rates. Monthly rentals offer savings of up to 35% compared to the daily rate.

Yes. Apple Car Rentals offers both self-drive and chauffeur-driven options. Our professional drivers are experienced, multilingual, and knowledgeable about all Kerala routes. For chauffeur-driven bookings, visit our taxi service page.

We follow a "same-to-same" fuel policy: the car is delivered with a specified fuel level, and you return it at the same level. A "full-to-full" option is also available. Most customers prefer the without-fuel plan — you pay only for what you use.

Yes. Outstation travel within Kerala is fully permitted. Interstate travel (e.g., to Tamil Nadu or Karnataka) is allowed with prior intimation and may attract additional charges depending on distance. Please inform our team of your full travel plan at the time of booking.

Yes. All Apple Car Rentals vehicles carry comprehensive insurance cover as required by Indian motor vehicle regulations. Basic insurance is included in the rental price. Standard insurance excess conditions apply in the event of an accident, as per the terms agreed at booking.

Apple Car Rentals provides 24/7 roadside assistance across Kerala. If the car cannot be repaired on-site, we will dispatch a replacement vehicle to your location to ensure your journey continues without significant disruption.

The renter is fully responsible for all traffic violations and fines incurred during the rental period. Apple Car Rentals is not liable for any fines, penalties, or violations arising from the renter's driving.

Yes. Rental extensions are possible subject to vehicle availability. Contact our team at least 24 hours before your rental period ends to arrange an extension. Call us at +91 944 779 5539 or WhatsApp us directly.

The peak season (October to March) offers the most pleasant weather for Kerala travel — ideal for beaches, backwaters, and hill stations. The monsoon season (June–August) is beautiful but can make driving challenging. We recommend booking 2–3 weeks in advance during peak season to secure your preferred vehicle.

Yes. Apple Car Rentals offers one-way rental services across Kerala — pick up at one location and drop off at another. Inter-city one-way fees apply. Please mention your preferred drop-off location at the time of booking so we can provide an accurate quote.

Yes. Our monthly car rental packages are ideal for NRIs visiting for extended holidays, IT professionals at Technopark, corporate clients requiring dedicated vehicles, and long-stay tourists. Monthly plans offer savings of up to 35% versus daily rates, with zero maintenance or insurance charges.

Apple Car Rentals offers a comprehensive fleet including hatchbacks, sedans, compact SUVs, 7-seater MUVs, premium SUVs, luxury cars (Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Jaguar), electric cars (Tata Nexon EV), automatic transmission cars, and luxury tourist buses. View the full catalogue here.

Your Kerala Road Trip Starts Here

Kerala is a land that deserves to be explored slowly, intimately, and comfortably — not rushed through bus windows or taxi windows. By choosing to rent a car in Kerala through Apple Car Rentals, you are choosing reliability, safety, transparent pricing, and the best value for your money.

From the misty mountain roads of Munnar to the golden sands of Kovalam, from the serene backwaters of Alleppey to the ancient streets of Fort Kochi — every destination in God's Own Country becomes infinitely more rewarding when you travel on your own terms. Our diverse fleet, from economical hatchbacks to opulent luxury sedans, ensures there is always a perfect vehicle waiting for your journey.

Whether you need a self-drive car in Trivandrum, a rental at Trivandrum Airport, a luxury car for a special occasion, or a monthly rental package for an extended stay — Apple Car Rentals has you covered with 24/7 support, zero security deposit, and the most trusted car rental service in Kerala.

Don't settle for cramped tour buses or expensive local taxis. Experience the freedom of the open road across God's Own Country.

Book Your Rental Car in Kerala Today

Contact us now for the best car rental deals across Kerala — transparent pricing, zero deposit, and 24/7 support from Trivandrum's most trusted car rental company.

WhatsApp icon Chat with Apple Car Rentals on WhatsApp