Kempegowda International Airport

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) splits its traffic between an original domestic terminal and the newer 'Garden Terminal'.

The most common mix-up at BLR: IndiGo flies domestic from T1 but international from T2. Always check your boarding pass rather than assuming based on past trips.

Bengaluru's metro doesn't yet reach the airport, so buses and cabs remain the main options — that's set to change as the Blue Line extension progresses.

Bengaluru's traffic is notoriously unpredictable — for a tight connection, budget more time than a map app suggests, especially on the Outer Ring Road approach.

BLR offers multi-level parking at both terminals with short-stay and long-stay options.

• Valet services are available at T2 for a smoother drop-off
• Pre-booking parking online is worth doing during peak travel weekends

Confirm current rates on bengaluruairport.com before you arrive.

T2's duty-free area — designed around Lalbagh Botanical Garden's aesthetic — is one of the more distinctive shopping experiences among Indian airports.

• Over 10,000 items across two stores spanning roughly 1,740 sq m in departures, operated by Avolta
• Premium fragrances and cosmetics (including Givenchy), and a dedicated 'Whisky House' with an interactive Whisky Finder
• Lindt and Baratti & Milano chocolates alongside other confectionery
• An 'Indian Market Place' section for local handicrafts and souvenirs, sitting next to international luxury names like Hennessy

Both terminals offer a mix of South Indian favourites and international chains, with T2 offering more variety.

• T2: a wide food court plus branded restaurants and cafés, open 24/7 across departures and arrivals
• T1: quick-service counters geared to a fast turnaround before domestic flights
• Regional South Indian filter-coffee and breakfast counters sit alongside the usual global QSR names

A cluster of airport hotels sits along the approach road, from budget stays to full-service properties.

Bengaluru's airport sits well outside the city centre, so an airport-adjacent hotel is often more practical than one downtown for an early departure.

T2 in particular has a distinctive garden-themed layout that's worth previewing before you fly.

• Check bengaluruairport.com's terminal guide ahead of time, especially if you haven't used T2 before
• Follow overhead signage closely — T2's design mixes indoor and semi-outdoor garden walkways that can feel different from a typical terminal
• Confirm your terminal in advance since IndiGo domestic and international flights depart from different buildings entirely

A little BLR-specific prep avoids most of the common snags.

• Double-check T1 vs T2 for your specific flight — this is the single most common point of confusion at BLR
• Allow generous time for road transport given Bengaluru's traffic, particularly during weekday rush hours
• Keep an eye on the Blue Line metro's progress — once open it will meaningfully change the fastest way into the city
• Arrive 2 hours before domestic and 3 hours before international departures, more during holidays