BLR Airport (Kempegowda Intl)
Terminals T1 & T2 · ~40 km north of the city
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) is ~40 km from central Bengaluru — budget 1–2 hours by road. It has two terminals: T1 (older) and T2 (the new 'Garden Terminal'). Getting the terminal right, and using the official taxi/bus options, saves the most hassle.
🛫 Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2
Which terminal — T1 or T2?
T2 (the new 'Garden Terminal') handles ALL international flights plus some domestic — Air India and select premium/domestic carriers. T1 handles most domestic flights — IndiGo, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Air India Express and Alliance Air. Airlines do get reassigned, so ALWAYS confirm your terminal on your ticket / airline app before leaving home.
How do I move between T1 and T2?
They're a short distance apart, connected by a FREE inter-terminal shuttle bus that runs 24/7, roughly every 10–15 minutes, taking about 10–15 minutes. For connections, BLR's 'Connections by BLR' program adds colour-coded wayfinding, sleeping pods and transit hotels.
Connecting between domestic and international?
Allow buffer time — a domestic→international (or vice-versa) transfer often means changing terminals via the shuttle, plus re-checking baggage and security. Give yourself at least 2–3 hours on a self-transfer.
🚕 Pickup & drop (per terminal)
Where do taxis and app cabs pick up?
Each terminal has its OWN arrivals curb. Government-licensed / prepaid taxis queue at the main curb; app cabs (Ola, Uber, Namma Yatri) pick up from a designated app-cab zone slightly beyond the main frontage to ease congestion. Tell your driver the correct terminal (T1 or T2).
Roughly what's the taxi fare to the city?
About ₹800–₹1,300 to central areas (MG Road, Koramangala, Indiranagar), more to far suburbs like Electronic City. It's ~40 km, so toll and night charges add up. Confirm the fare on the app or prepaid receipt first.
I'm receiving someone (meet & greet)?
Wait at that terminal's arrivals/greeters area. Curbside waiting is time-limited — if you'll wait a while, use short-term parking. Paid 'meet & assist' services (via airlines/agencies) help elderly or first-time flyers through the terminal.
Avoiding touts?
Use only the official prepaid taxi counters or the app-cab zone. Ignore anyone offering a cab inside the terminal — that's where overcharging happens.
🅿️ Parking (per terminal)
Where do I park for T1 vs T2?
Each terminal has its own adjacent parking — short-term lots closest to the frontage, long-term areas farther along the access road (linked by walkways and periodic shuttles). Park in the lot aligned to YOUR terminal so you're not hauling bags across terminals.
Parking charges?
Parking is time-based (P2 budget, P3 premium closest to the terminal). Check the live tariff at the plaza or the airport site. EV owners get ~20% off in P2/P3 plus free charging.
Just dropping/picking up — do I pay?
Curbside drop is free for a brief stop only. For anything longer (waiting on an arrival), use short-term parking to avoid moving-violation hassles.
🚌 Buses & metro
Is the Vayu Vajra airport bus worth it?
Yes — BMTC Vayu Vajra AC Volvo buses (KIA-X routes) run 24/7, every ~15–30 min, to Majestic, Whitefield, Electronic City, Banashankari and more. ₹150–₹300+ by destination, pay cash/UPI on board. Cheapest reliable option. Buses serve both terminals' bus bays.
Is there a metro to the airport?
Not yet. The Airport (Blue) Line is under construction with phased opening expected from 2026. Until then use Vayu Vajra or a taxi. See Projects → Metro Phase 2B for status.