Bengaluru International Airport - BLR Information Guide for Travelers

BLR was named Kempegowda International Airport in 2013 to honor the founder of the city. It first opened in 2008, and has since seen many expansions. In 2013, the expansion which took place approximately doubled the size of the airport terminal, the check-in counters, baggage screenings, immigration and weight checking machines that were increased for passengers. 

In 2015, a plan for adding a new runway and second terminal was started, and is still going on. This plan when complete will serve a much larger number of passengers than what BLR airport does now.

BLR is located in Devanahalli, located 40 kms (25 miles) northeast of the city of Bangalore. The complete address and phone number ofKempegowda International Airportis:

KIAL Rd, Devanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560300
IATA Code: BLR
Phone: 18004254425
Website:http://www.bengaluruairport.com/

Kempegowda International Airportis on Bangalore Hyderabad Highway NH7. It is a well signposted road for drivers, and there’s a clear entry and exit that leads to BIAL road from NH7. Passengers can take their own vehicle, hire a cab or use the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MyBMTC) shuttle to commute. The BMTC shuttle runs every half an hour from BLR terminal to all parts of the city via different routes.

The complete route guide can be found onmybmtc.com. The shuttle ticket cost is based on the distance, ranging from Rs. 100 to Rs. 350.

Taxis, on the other hand, are suitable for passengers who prefer to travel in the privacy and comfort of their own cab. Ola Cabs, Uber, Mega cabs, Meru, and other airport taxis are easily available, and range from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1,200. 

Official Kempegowda Int’l Airport cab providers are as below:

Mega Cabs- Telephone: 47474747; website:www.megacabs.com

Meru Cabs- Telephone: 4422 4422; SMS: MERU to 57575; website:www.merucabs.com

Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) Taxi - Telephone: 08044664466; website: www.karnatakaholidays.net

There is another less well known route which connects to NH7 via Old Madras Road, and is easy for people coming or going to Whitefield, EPIP, KR Puram, Marathahalli, Sarjapur and other areas of Bangalore near these industrial and residential hubs. This route doesn’t have BMTC shuttles, and can be used by personal as well as hired cabs. The good thing about taking this route is that it saves time as there are massive traffic jams along the way at the busy intersections and commercial corridors.

Arrivals:Baggage claim is on the ground floor of the terminal building. If you are brought in by bus, you’ll be coming straight to the claim area. Others may have to come from the first to the ground floor. From there, you can go straight to the arrivals hall.

Departures:International passengers taking a flight out of BLR will have to go through immigration and a security clearance before the pre-flight security check on the first floor. Domestic passengers can go straight to the first floor, and then to their boarding gate.

There are three different lounges at the airport: 
- The VIP lounge
- Plaza Premium lounge
- Upper Ground level Lounge 

For travelers arriving at BLR or waiting for their flight, there are duty free shops, food courts with all the major food chains, ATMs and money exchange counters, baby care rooms, etc. Free wifi and phone booths are also available for passengers whose mobile phone network is not operational when they land or are waiting.

BLR provides all the facilities that disabled passengers need, including wheelchairs on demand, ample two and four wheeler parking and drop off points managed efficiently by airport staff. Porter service on demand, with rates starting from Rs.200, is available to carry luggage for both domestic and international flights. 

A baggage counter is also available where you can leave the luggage for a few hours to a maximum of five days at a stretch. Staff at the airport information counter near Gate 5 will provide you any kind of information or assistance needed, including taking and solving any lost and found complaints. 

Bangalore Airport has a transit hotel (Day Hotel) available for travelers. If you prefer a 4-star business hotel easily accessible from BLR airport, and equidistant from both Whitefield and MG Road, please come for a luxurious stay atEvoma Hotel. Evoma also provides you with an airport shuttle to pick you up and take you back. For long term stays of a week or more, you may also want to try serviced apartments through a service such as99acres.    

Photo credit - Hayathkhan.h/wikimedia