Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) — complete Bengaluru airport guide
Quick answer: Kempegowda International (BLR) is Bengaluru's airport at Devanahalli, roughly 35-40 km north of the city centre, typically 60-90 minutes by road, so allow generous time. It has two terminals: T1 for domestic flights and the newer, garden-themed T2 for all international flights plus some domestic. There is no airport metro yet (a Blue Line link is under construction), so AC Vayu Vajra buses and cabs are the main options. Busiest routes include Delhi, Mumbai and the Gulf. The key thing to know: budget for the long journey from the city and confirm whether you fly from T1 or T2. Verify on the official BLR site.
Last reviewed July 2026 by the FlightGPT flights desk · airport facts cross-checked against the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the airport operator · live Bengaluru fares are found in the FlightGPT search above.
Bengaluru airport (BLR) — quick facts
- IATA / ICAO code: BLR / VOBL
- City served: Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Distance to city: ≈ 35 km north of the city (Devanahalli)
- Operator: Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL)
- Traffic: ~37 million passengers a year — India's third-busiest airport.
Terminals at Bengaluru airport
BLR has two terminals. T1 is the domestic terminal, used by IndiGo, Akasa Air, SpiceJet and others. The newer T2, known for its 'terminal in a garden' design, handles all international flights plus domestic services by Air India and Air India Express; foreign carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways and Singapore Airlines operate from T2. The terminals are adjacent but separate buildings; a shuttle and wayfinding help transfers. Confirm your terminal by flight number on the official site.
How to get from Bengaluru airport to the city
- Vayu Vajra AC airport buses (operated by BMTC): the budget-friendly mainstay, running many routes between BLR and points across Bengaluru; check current routes and timings on the BMTC site.
- App cabs (Uber and Ola): available from designated pick-up zones, but fares are higher given the long distance and can surge at peak times.
- Prepaid and authorised taxi counters in arrivals: book a fixed fare before exiting, useful late at night.
- Self-drive and chauffeur car rentals via operators at the airport, plus pre-booked private transfers.
- No airport metro currently: the Namma Metro Blue Line to the airport is under construction and not yet operational, so do not rely on a metro link until it officially opens.
- Inter-terminal transfer between T1 and T2 is supported by shuttle and clear wayfinding for connecting passengers.
- Toll expressway access via NH 44 / the elevated road speeds the drive but still depends heavily on city-side traffic.
Airlines flying from Bengaluru (BLR)
T1 handles domestic carriers including IndiGo, Akasa Air and SpiceJet. T2 handles Air India and Air India Express (domestic and international) plus international airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France and Singapore Airlines. Common destinations include Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Goa domestically, and Dubai, Doha, Singapore, London and San Francisco internationally.
Lounges at BLR
Both terminals have lounges, with the international zone of T2 offering the more extensive options; operators include domestic and international lounge brands such as 080 and Plaza Premium. Access is typically via eligible credit/debit cards, Priority Pass or DragonPass, business-class tickets, or paid walk-in entry. Confirm current lounge names, terminal locations and access policies on the official airport site.
Popular flights from Bengaluru
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a metro to Bangalore airport?
Not yet. A Namma Metro Blue Line link to the airport is under construction but not operational, so do not count on a metro for now. The practical public option is the BMTC Vayu Vajra AC bus; otherwise use app cabs or prepaid taxis. Check the official site for the latest status.
Which terminal do I use at Bangalore airport?
T1 handles domestic flights by IndiGo, Akasa and SpiceJet. T2 handles all international flights plus domestic flights by Air India and Air India Express. Confirm your terminal by flight number on your airline app or the official BLR site, as it depends on the carrier and route.
How long does it take to reach Bangalore airport from the city?
Plan for roughly 60-90 minutes from central Bengaluru, as the airport is about 35-40 km north at Devanahalli and city traffic is unpredictable. Leave extra buffer for peak hours and check live traffic before setting out for a flight.
How early should I arrive at Bangalore airport?
Arrive about 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3-4 hours before an international flight, plus a margin for the long drive. Check-in generally closes around 60 minutes before domestic and about 75 minutes before international departures; confirm with your airline.
Is there parking at Bangalore airport?
Yes, paid short-stay and long-stay parking is available at both terminals. Charges vary by duration and terminal, and pre-booking may be possible. Check current rates and options on the official BLR Airport site before you travel.
Are there hotels near Bangalore airport?
Yes. Devanahalli and the airport corridor have hotels from budget to premium, convenient given the distance from the city and useful for early departures or layovers. Many offer airport shuttles; booking transfers in advance is the simplest approach.
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