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How to Get to Bengaluru

How to Get to Bengaluru

Bengaluru Karnataka, India Travel Guide

Air Travel to Bengaluru

Airport & Connectivity

Bengaluru's main international and domestic airport, located 000 meters north of the central area.

Airline Network

  • International Carriers: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways.
  • Domestic Carriers: IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, Akasa Air.
  • Direct Routes: From major hubs across Europe, Middle East, Southeast Asia.

Airport Services & Transfers

BLR offers modern facilities and various transfer options to the city center.

Airport Offerings

  • Facilities: Duty-free shops, lounges, dining, currency exchange, Wi-Fi.
  • BMTC Vayu Vajra: Air-conditioned buses to various city points.
  • Taxi Services: Airport-authorized and ride-sharing (Ola/Uber).

Seasonal Pricing

Flight prices vary seasonally. Peak season (Oct-Feb) often brings higher costs.

Airport Expansion

Terminal 2, opened in 2023, expanded capacity for both international and domestic operations. It offers a modern and spacious environment.

Future Metro Link

A dedicated Namma Metro line linking the airport to the city is under construction. This will provide a rapid public transport option in the coming years.

Airport to City Transfers

Bus Options

  • Vayu Vajra: Air-conditioned Volvo buses, frequent, cost-effective (₹200-₹400).
  • Stops: Designated Vayu Vajra stops outside the terminal area.
  • Frequency: Operates 24/7 with high frequency.
  • Reach: Extensive network connecting various parts of Bengaluru.

Taxi & Ride-Share

  • Airport Taxis: Prepaid services (Meru, Mega, KSTDC) from dedicated counters.
  • Ride-Sharing: Ola and Uber have dedicated pick-up points.
  • Private Car: Car rental companies offer automobiles with or without drivers (driver recommended).
  • Suitability: Ideal with significant luggage or for direct transfers.

Driving & Road Conditions

Driving Requirements

An International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid home country driving license is necessary.

Road Challenges

Driving in India has challenges due to heavy traffic, varying road conditions, and diverse driving styles.

Recommendation

For tourists, hiring a car with a driver is generally recommended over self-driving for protection and ease.

Land Connections from Bengaluru

Extensive Train Network

Indian Railways provides broad connectivity from Bengaluru to cities nationwide.

Major Stations

  • KSR Bengaluru City Junction (SBC): Main station for long-distance trains.
  • Yesvantpur Junction (YPR): The station for trains towards Mumbai, Pune, North India.
  • Bengaluru Cantt (BNC): Station closer to central metropolitan areas, serving some trains.

Inter-City Bus Options

Buses offer flexible plus common travel to nearby states and within Karnataka.

Bus Terminals

  • Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic): Main inter-state and intra-state hub.
  • Shanti Nagar Bus Station: mainly for motorcoaches heading towards Tamil Nadu.
  • Kalasipalya Bus Station: Main hub for buses traveling to Kerala.

Train Booking & Services

Booking train tickets well in advance is highly recommended for popular routes.

Booking & Classes

  • Booking: IRCTC website or authorized agents (up to 120 days in advance).
  • Classes: Options include AC First Class, AC 2/3-tier, Sleeper Class, and General.
  • Connectivity: Services to all major cities and towns across India.

Bus Operators & Comfort

State and private operators offer various bus services for inter-city travel.

Operators & Booking

  • Operators: KSRTC (state-run), VRL, SRS, Orange Travels (private).
  • Booking: Online via KSRTC website, private operator sites, or RedBus.
  • Comfort: Volvo/Scania multi-axle AC sleeper and semi-sleeper buses on popular routes.

Important Land Travel Notes

  • Road Safety: High traffic density, mixed traffic, erratic driving.
  • Night Driving: Hazardous due to poor lighting, unlit vehicles.
  • Road Quality: Varies, city roads can have potholes after monsoon.
  • Border Crossing: Bengaluru is not near international land borders (not applicable).
  • Domestic: Internal state borders have no special requirements.
  • Focus: Travel within India uses domestic land networks.

Sea/River Arrivals Not Applicable

Bengaluru's Inland Location

Bengaluru is a city not on the coast, distant from any coastline or major navigable rivers.

No Water Access

  • Ferry Services: Not relevant for direct arrivals.
  • Cruise Ports: Not applicable for travel to the city.
  • River Transportation: No major navigable rivers for transport.

Immigration Procedures

As Bengaluru has no seaports, specific immigration procedures at seaports are not relevant for travel to the city.

Land/Air Focus

  • Air Travel: Main entry point is Kempegowda International Airport (BLR).
  • Land Travel: Train and bus networks connect Bengaluru domestically.
  • Connections: Focus on land transportation from domestic hubs.

No Ferry Services

Bengaluru's inland location means no direct access to ferry services or cruise ports for transportation.

No River Transport

There are no major navigable rivers within or immediately around Bengaluru that provide transportation services.

Travel Focus

Travel to Bengaluru concentrates solely on air and domestic land transportation methods.

Departing from Bengaluru

Departure Logistics

A well-planned exit ensures a smooth end to your trip from Bengaluru.

Considerations

  • International Flights: Arrive at BLR at least 3 hours before departure.
  • Domestic Flights: Arrive at BLR at least 2 hours before departure.
  • Immigration: Complete checks after security for international departures.

Airport & Station Services

Departure points in Bengaluru offer various facilities to make your wait comfortable.

Available Facilities

  • BLR Airport: Lounges, duty-free shopping, diverse dining options, Wi-Fi.
  • Railway Stations: Waiting rooms, refreshment stalls, bookstalls.
  • Bus Stations: Basic facilities, including refreshment stalls and waiting areas.

Traffic Awareness for Departure

City Traffic

Bengaluru's traffic can be noteworthy, particularly during rush hour (morning and evening commutes).

Buffer Time

Allocate extra buffer time for travel to the airport or railway station to avoid rushing.

Traffic Buffer Reminder

Factor in Bengaluru's traffic as you plan your travel time to the airport or train terminal. Allocate extra buffer time, especially during peak hours, to avoid rushing.