Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Airport Overview
Kempegowda International Airport (IATA: BLR, ICAO: VOBL), named after the 16th-century founder of Bangalore, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, is the primary aviation gateway to Bengaluru — India's technology capital and third-most-populous metropolitan area. The airport is located in Devanahalli, approximately 40 km north of the city centre (MG Road/Brigade Road area) and 35 km from the central business district of Whitefield. It opened on 24 May 2008, replacing the old HAL Airport (now closed to commercial traffic) in the city's inner suburbs.
BLR is operated by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), a public-private partnership in which Fairfax India Holdings and Siemens hold stakes, along with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Karnataka State Government. The airport serves as a significant hub for IndiGo and Air India, and as an important focus city for Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and Vistara (merged into Air India). In 2024, BLR handled approximately 37.2 million passengers, making it India's third-busiest airport and one of the fastest-growing major airports in the world over the past decade, driven directly by Bengaluru's explosive technology, startup, and services sector expansion.
The airport's original Terminal 1 was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and remains in use for domestic operations. The transformative new Terminal 2 (T2), known as "Terminal in a Garden," was inaugurated in November 2023. Designed by the global firm Zaha Hadid Architects in collaboration with local partners, T2 is celebrated for its extraordinary integration of 10,000 sq m of indoor gardens — including live trees, vertical green walls, and curated plant species — within its terminal structure. It won the 2024 World Architecture Festival award for Best Transport Building and has rapidly become an architectural landmark. T2 handles international operations and selected domestic routes, with a designed capacity of 25 million passengers per year in its first phase.
Bengaluru's status as India's Silicon Valley creates a distinctive passenger profile: a high proportion of frequent business travellers, international tech workers, and NRI traffic to and from the US, UK, Singapore, and Gulf states. Long-haul international connectivity has expanded significantly since 2022, with Air India operating nonstop services to San Francisco, London, and Frankfurt, and Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, Lufthansa, and Cathay Pacific all maintaining significant operations.
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Terminals & Gates
Terminal 1 (T1) — Original Terminal
T1 was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and opened with the airport in 2008. It covers approximately 105,000 sq m and has a design capacity of around 11 million passengers per year, though it has long operated well above this. T1 handles primarily domestic operations for IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India domestic routes.
- Airlines: IndiGo (primary user), SpiceJet, Akasa Air, Air India domestic
- Gates: ~50 gates; mix of aerobridges and remote stands
- Check-in: Self-service kiosks and staffed counters; separate zones by carrier
- Lounges: IndiGo 6E Lounge; Encalm Lounge (Priority Pass eligible, from ₹2,200/~€26); BIAL lounge
- Facilities: Food court, Cafe Coffee Day, Subway, McDonald's, pharmacy, ATMs, prayer room, baby care room
Terminal 2 (T2) — "Terminal in a Garden"
T2 is one of the most architecturally significant airport terminals opened anywhere in the world in the 2020s. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, it was inaugurated in November 2023 and covers approximately 255,000 sq m in Phase 1, with a capacity of 25 million passengers per year (expandable to 45M in Phase 2). The terminal's defining feature is its integration of 10,000 sq m of living gardens — 850+ species of plants, mature trees, cascading green walls, and natural light wells — creating an indoor biophilic environment unlike any other airport terminal.
- Airlines: All international flights; Air India full-service domestic; selected IndiGo international routes
- Gates: 38 aerobridges in Phase 1, expandable to 100+
- Check-in: 96 check-in counters; Air India First/Business dedicated rows; biometric fast-track
- Lounges (T2):
- Air India Maharaja Lounge (international airside) — Star Alliance eligible
- Encalm Lounge by BIAL (Priority Pass, pay-per-use ~₹3,000/~€35)
- Airline-specific: Singapore Airlines SilverKris, Emirates, Lufthansa Business Lounge
- Facilities: Extensive duty-free (Flemingo), luxury retail, Bengaluru specialty food (MTR restaurant, Koshy's), art installations, 4,000+ pieces of Karnataka heritage art embedded in architecture, prayer room, medical centre, children's play area
Inter-Terminal Connection
T1 and T2 are connected by an airside shuttle bus (for connecting passengers) and a landside road. The metro Yellow Line has stations serving both terminals. Allow at least 45 minutes for terminal transfers.
---Transportation Guide
Getting to and from Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Bengaluru's rapid urban growth and notoriously congested road network make airport access a frequent challenge. The 40 km distance to MG Road can take anywhere from 45 minutes (early morning, pre-6 AM) to over 2 hours during peak hours (8–10 AM, 6–9 PM). The long-awaited Namma Metro Airport Line has been a game-changer since its phased opening, and for most travellers heading to key city districts, the metro is now the recommended option.
Namma Metro — Airport Line (Yellow Line / Line 3)
Bengaluru's Namma Metro Yellow Line (Line 3) — also called the Airport Metro — connects the airport directly to central Bengaluru. The line opened in phases during 2023–2024:
- Airport (Kempegowda International Airport) → Hebbal → Nagawara → MG Road → Central Silk Board
- Journey time: Airport to MG Road ~50–55 minutes; Airport to Silk Board (southern IT corridor) ~70 minutes
- Frequency: Every 10–15 minutes during operating hours
- Operating hours: Approximately 05:30–23:00 (check BMRCL app for live schedules)
- Fare: ₹60–130 (~€0.70–1.55) depending on destination; use stored-value Namma Metro card for convenience
- Station at T1 and T2 connected via covered walkway; luggage trolleys available to metro concourse
Bus — KSRTC Vayu Vajra (Airport Bus)
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates the Vayu Vajra premium Volvo AC bus service from the airport to multiple city destinations. These were the primary public transport option before metro and remain popular for specific corridors:
- Route KIA-7 (MG Road / Shivajinagar): ~60–80 min, ₹280 (~€3.30)
- Route KIA-8 (Electronic City): ~90–120 min, ₹310 (~€3.65) — popular with IT workers
- Route KIA-6 (Majestic / KSR Railway Station): ~70–90 min, ₹220 (~€2.60)
- Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes depending on route; reduced late night
- Buy tickets at the KSRTC counter outside arrivals or on board
Taxi — Prepaid and App-based
- Prepaid taxis: Available from official counters outside T1 and T2 arrivals. AC sedan to MG Road: ₹800–1,200 (~€9.40–14). To Electronic City: ₹900–1,400 (~€10.60–16.50).
- Journey time: 45–120 minutes depending on traffic
- Night surcharge applies midnight–5 AM
Ride-Sharing (Uber & Ola)
- Uber and Ola operate from designated pickup zones outside T1 and T2 arrivals
- UberGo/Ola Mini to MG Road: ₹500–800 (~€5.90–9.40) off-peak; ₹700–1,200 during peak
- Namma Yatri (local ride-hailing app, auto-rickshaws) also available for shorter hops
- Surge pricing is common; booking at off-peak times saves significantly
Car Rental
- Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Zoomcar (self-drive), Myles available at T1 and T2 arrival areas
- Chauffeur-driven rentals from Savaari, Meru, and airport taxi operators
| Transport | Time to City Centre | Price (approx.) | Frequency | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Yellow Line (to MG Road) | 50–55 min | ₹100 (~€1.20) | Every 10–15 min | 05:30–23:00 |
| KSRTC Vayu Vajra (to MG Road) | 60–80 min | ₹280 (~€3.30) | Every 30–60 min | 04:00–23:00 |
| Prepaid Taxi (AC) | 45–120 min | ₹800–1,200 (~€9.40–14) | On demand | 24/7 |
| Uber/Ola | 45–120 min | ₹500–900 (~€5.90–10.60) | On demand | 24/7 |
Hotels Near the Airport
Hotels at / Adjacent to the Airport
- Taj Bangalore ★★★★★ — Directly within the airport campus, connected to T2 departure level via walkway. Rates from ₹12,000–25,000/night (~€141–294). The only true on-airport hotel in India at this tier. Restaurant, pool, spa.
- The Oterra (formerly Holiday Inn Bangalore) ★★★★ — 5-min drive from T1/T2. Rates from ₹6,000–10,000/night (~€70–118). Free airport shuttle, pool.
Hotels Within 5–10 km
- Marriott Bengaluru Whitefield ★★★★★ — 25 km (IT corridor). Rates ₹9,000–18,000/night (~€106–212).
- ITC Gardenia ★★★★★ — City centre (Residency Road). Rates ₹14,000–28,000/night (~€165–329).
- Lemon Tree Premier Ulsoor Lake ★★★★ — Budget-premium hybrid, city centre. Rates ₹4,500–8,000/night (~€53–94).
- ibis Bengaluru City Centre ★★★ — Budget, MG Road area. Rates ₹3,000–5,500/night (~€35–65).
- Zostel Bengaluru — Hostel, Koramangala. Dorm from ₹700/night (~€8.25).
Airport-Adjacent Budget
- Several budget hotels (FabHotel, OYO, Treebo) operate in Devanahalli (3–8 km from airport) from ₹1,500–3,000/night (~€18–35). Practical for very early departures but limited dining options.
Parking Options & Rates
Parking at Kempegowda International Airport
| Type | Location | Hourly | Daily Cap | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T1 Short Stay MLCP | Direct T1 access | ₹80/hr (~€0.94) | ₹900 (~€10.60) | Best for short visits |
| T2 Short Stay MLCP | Direct T2 access | ₹80/hr (~€0.94) | ₹900 (~€10.60) | Covered, connected to T2 |
| Long Stay (Surface) | 5-min shuttle | ₹40/hr (~€0.47) | ₹550 (~€6.50) | Pre-book online for discount |
| Express Drop-off | Terminal forecourt | Free 15 min | — | ₹100 per 30 min after |
- EV charging bays available in T2 MLCP (Tata Power chargers, ~₹18/kWh)
- Online pre-booking at bengaluruairport.com recommended for stays over 24 hours
- Weekly long stay: approximately ₹3,500–4,500 (~€41–53)
Services & Facilities
WiFi
Free WiFi is available throughout T1 and T2 under the BIAL network. T2 offers enhanced high-speed WiFi (50+ Mbps) in keeping with its premium design ethos. Connect via mobile OTP verification. No time limits in T2; T1 may have a 45-minute free tier with paid extension.
Lounges
- Air India Maharaja Lounge (T2, international) — Star Alliance Gold, business/first class
- Encalm Lounge (T1 and T2) — Priority Pass, DragonPass, Lounge Key; walk-in ~₹2,200–3,000 (~€26–35). Hot buffet, bar, showers.
- IndiGo 6E Lounge (T1) — For IndiGo frequent flyers and eligible cardholders
Shopping & Dining
- T2 duty-free (Flemingo): Spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, electronics, luxury brands
- T2 dining highlights: MTR (iconic Bengaluru filter coffee and dosas), Koshy's (legendary city café), The Fatty Bao, Jamie's Italian
- T1 dining: Cafe Coffee Day, Subway, McDonald's, Punjabi Dhaba
- 24-hour outlets: McDonald's, CCD (both terminals)
Medical, Family & Accessibility
- Medical centre: T2 Level 2 (24/7); T1 first aid room
- Apollo Pharmacy (both terminals, 24/7)
- Baby care rooms and children's play area in T2 (near Gate 14)
- PRM assistance: pre-book via airline; dedicated lanes at security
- Biometric e-gates at T2 for DigiYatra-enrolled passengers (fastest security in India)
Currency Exchange & ATMs
- Thomas Cook, Centrum Forex at arrivals (both terminals)
- ATMs: HDFC, ICICI, SBI, Axis throughout both terminals
- Use ATMs for best INR rates; exchange counters carry 8–12% spread
Luggage Storage
- Left luggage at T1 and T2 arrivals: ₹200–300/bag/24 hrs (~€2.35–3.55)
- Stasher and Bounce city-side locations in Koramangala and MG Road
Smoking
No smoking indoors. Designated outdoor zones at T1 and T2 ground level (landside only). E-cigarettes banned in India.
Prayer Rooms
Multi-faith prayer rooms in both T1 and T2 (airside); ablution facilities adjacent. T2's prayer room is notably well-appointed as part of the terminal's overall design quality.
---Airlines & Destinations
Hub and Base Airlines
- IndiGo — Largest operator at BLR; domestic network of 80+ routes plus growing international (Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, Doha, Kuala Lumpur). Primarily T1.
- Air India (Star Alliance) — Long-haul hub; nonstop services to San Francisco, London LHR, Frankfurt, Paris CDG, Melbourne. International from T2.
- Akasa Air — Fastest-growing new carrier; domestic network expanding rapidly from T1.
Major International Airlines
- Star Alliance: Lufthansa (Frankfurt), Singapore Airlines (Singapore), Swiss (via Frankfurt codeshare)
- oneworld: British Airways (London LHR), Qatar Airways (Doha), Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong)
- SkyTeam: Air France (Paris CDG), KLM (Amsterdam)
- Gulf/unaligned: Emirates (Dubai — multiple daily), Etihad (Abu Dhabi), Flydubai, Air Arabia, IndiGo Gulf routes
Top Routes from BLR
| Route | Airlines | Est. Annual Pax |
|---|---|---|
| BLR–Delhi (DEL) | IndiGo, Air India, Akasa, SpiceJet | ~5M |
| BLR–Mumbai (BOM) | IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet | ~3.5M |
| BLR–Dubai (DXB) | Emirates, IndiGo, Air India Express | ~1.5M |
| BLR–Singapore (SIN) | Singapore Airlines, IndiGo, Air India | ~900K |
| BLR–London (LHR) | Air India, British Airways | ~700K |
| BLR–Hyderabad (HYD) | IndiGo, Air India | ~2M |
Distances & Travel Times
Distances from Kempegowda International Airport
| Destination | Distance | By Car | By Metro/Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| MG Road / City Centre | 40 km | 45–120 min | 50–55 min (Yellow Line Metro) |
| Whitefield (IT Hub) | 48 km | 60–130 min | 70–80 min (metro + bus) |
| Electronic City (IT Hub) | 55 km | 70–140 min | 80–100 min (metro + bus/taxi) |
| Koramangala | 42 km | 55–120 min | 65–80 min |
| KSR Bengaluru City Railway Station | 38 km | 50–110 min | 55–70 min (metro) |
| Devanahalli (town near airport) | 3 km | 10 min | 15 min (bus) |
| Mysuru (Mysore) | 155 km | 3–3.5 hrs | 3.5–4 hrs (KSRTC bus) |
| Hassan (gateway to Hoysala temples) | 185 km | 3.5–4 hrs | 4–5 hrs |
Passenger Statistics
Kempegowda International Airport Traffic Statistics
| Year | Total Passengers | International | Domestic | Growth YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 33.4M | 8.1M | 25.3M | +7.2% |
| 2020 | 12.8M | 2.6M | 10.2M | –61.7% |
| 2021 | 12.1M | 1.9M | 10.2M | –5.5% |
| 2022 | 26.9M | 5.4M | 21.5M | +122% |
| 2023 | 34.0M | 7.5M | 26.5M | +26.4% |
| 2024 | 37.2M | 8.8M | 28.4M | +9.4% |
BLR is India's #3 airport by passengers (behind Delhi IGI and Mumbai BOM) and consistently one of the fastest-growing in the country. Aircraft movements: approximately 280,000–295,000/year (2024). The opening of T2 in late 2023 significantly expanded capacity, and Phase 2 of T2 will add further gates and a second pier. Bengaluru's tech sector boom — India's startup capital with 100+ unicorns — directly drives the high international business traffic. Busiest months: January (tech conference season), June–July (summer peak), December.
---Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Information
General Airport Information
Phone: +91 80 6678 2000
24/7
Official Website
Emergency (India)
Phone: 112
Social Media
Twitter: @BLRAirport
Facebook: BLRAirport
Instagram: @blrairport
Lost & Found
Phone: +91 80 6678 2052
Location: T1: Arrivals Level near baggage reclaim. T2: Arrivals Level information desk.
Open: 24/7
Pro Tips for Kempegowda International Airport
- MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Rooms) restaurant in T2 airside serves authentic Bengaluru filter coffee, idli, and dosas — this is the city's most iconic breakfast institution and having it at the airport is a genuine treat. Open from 05:30.
- T2's gardens are not just decorative — the temperature inside is noticeably cooler than typical airports due to the natural vegetation and BIAL's sustainable HVAC design. It's genuinely comfortable even in Bengaluru's summer heat.
- The Encalm Lounge in T2 (international, airside) tends to fill up quickly on early morning departure banks (05:30–08:30). Arrive at the lounge 30 minutes before you plan to eat rather than arriving when hungry.
- For Uber/Ola pickups at T2, the designated app-taxi zone is at the Arrivals Level, Gate 3 exit. Do not stand at the main terminal entrance — drivers cannot stop there.
- Take the Yellow Line Metro for all peak-hour journeys — Bengaluru traffic is among India's worst and the 40 km to MG Road can take 2+ hours on a bad day. The metro takes exactly 50–55 minutes regardless of traffic conditions and runs every 10–15 minutes.
- Enrol in DigiYatra before your domestic flight — it allows biometric boarding at T2 without showing ID or boarding pass at every checkpoint. Enrol via the DigiYatra app with your Aadhaar number at least 24 hours before travel.
- If flying international from T2, allow extra time to appreciate the Zaha Hadid terminal design — most passengers are surprised by how beautiful it is. The garden areas near the central atrium (Level 2–3) are the highlight.
- Check your credit card's lounge benefits before paying walk-in rates at Encalm. HDFC Infinia, Axis Magnus, and Amex Platinum all include BLR Encalm Lounge access — a ₹2,200+ saving per visit.
- Underestimating traffic from Whitefield or Electronic City to the airport during peak hours. These IT hubs are 50–55 km away and the Outer Ring Road can be severely congested. Budget 2.5–3 hours travel time from Electronic City to the airport during evening peak (6–9 PM).
- Arriving at T1 for an international flight (or T2 for a budget domestic flight). Always confirm terminal from your booking — the mistake costs 45+ minutes minimum for terminal transfer plus security.
- Trying to use e-cigarettes or vapes — these are completely banned in India under PECA 2019. Airport security will confiscate them and customs may issue fines. Leave all vaping devices at home.