Best Routes to Airport From Bengaluru
Reaching Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) from Bengaluru city is easier than many people think when you know the best roads and options. Kempegowda International Airport is main airport serving Bengaluru, located in Devanahalli in North Bengaluru, about 35–40 km from the city center. This guide explains the best routes, public transport choices, toll vs non toll roads, travel tips, and timing so you can travel easily and arrive on time.
The most common and direct way to reach Kempegowda International Airport is by taking NH 44, also called Bellary Road. This road connects the northern parts of Bengaluru—like Hebbal and Yelahanka—directly to the airport. Residents of North Bengaluru communities, such as Purva Northern Lights, benefit from this route because it provides a smooth and convenient drive right from their township to the airport.
Here’s why this route is often the best:
- NH 44 is wide, smooth, and easy to drive
- There are clear signboards showing the way
- It links quickly to key parts of the city
- Under normal traffic, travel time from central Bengaluru is around 45–60 minutes
- During busy hours, it may take longer, so plan ahead
This route works well for cars, taxis, and private vehicles, and is the easiest for kids and families—including residents of Purva Northern Lights —to follow on a map.
Sometimes the main highway (NH 44) gets busy. Mostly near the Hebbal junction where many vehicles come together. If that happens, you can use alternate roads to avoid traffic jams. Experts often suggest to take:
- Local roads via Yelahanka to join the highway later
- Roads going through Thanisandra or Hennur areas
- Smaller inner roads that connect to the Airport Link Road
These roads may take a bit longer, but they help you avoid slow traffic near busy spots. Leaving early in the morning also greatly reduces travel delays.
Another useful road is the Airport Link Road (ALR). This road connects the Outer Ring Road (ORR) direct to the airport and meets NH 44 near a special junction called the Trumpet Interchange.
The Trumpet Interchange helps vehicles join the airport road without stopping too often, which keeps the traffic moving smoother. This route is often helpful for people coming from ORR or eastern parts of Bengaluru.
When driving from Bengaluru to the airport, you will find both toll and non toll routes:
- Usually faster and smoother
- Better road surface and fewer bumps
- Small toll charges apply
- Best choice when you need to reach the airport on time
- No toll charges
- May have more traffic signals
- Can be slower in busy times
If your flight time is tight, most travelers prefer taking toll roads because they reduce travel delays and give a smoother ride.
The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) runs special air conditioned buses called Vayu Vajra that go to the airport from many parts of the city. These buses have space for luggage and are a budget friendly and comfortable option for travelers.
- They run from major hubs like Majestic, Silk Board, and other points
- Travel time is usually 1–2 hours depending on traffic
- They run frequently throughout the day
- Fares are affordable
These buses are ideal if you want a stress free trip without driving a car or hiring a cab.
Here are the main BMTC bus route numbers you can take from Bengaluru to Kempegowda International Airport (BLR). These are part of the city’s official Vayu Vajra airport shuttle services operated by BMTC — a popular and affordable way to reach the airport from different parts of the city.
- KIA 2 – From BEML Layout 5th Stage to Kempegowda Airport.
- KIA 4 – From HAL Main Gate to Kempegowda Airport (via Indiranagar, Tippasandra etc.).
- KIA 4A – From Whitefield TTMC to Kempegowda Airport.
- KIA 5 – From Banashankari TTMC to Kempegowda Airport (via key central stops).
- KIA 5D – From Brigade Meadows (Kanakapura Road) to Kempegowda Airport.
- KIA 6 – From Kengeri area to Kempegowda Airport.
- KIA 6A – From Kadugodi Bus Station to Kempegowda Airport.
These buses connect different parts of Bengaluru — such as Whitefield, HAL, Banashankari, Kengeri, and Kadugodi — directly to the airport with frequent services throughout the day.
- Buses usually run early morning until late night. Plan ahead based on your flight time.
- Most routes take about 1–2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
- You can catch these buses from major stops like Majestic, Silk Board, HSR Layout, Jayanagar, Whitefield, and more — check the specific route schedule.
- The buses typically run at regular intervals (roughly every 20–45 minutes), though times may vary with traffic.
For exact schedules, timings, and stop details, it’s best to check the official BMTC website or app, as routes and timings may change slightly over time.
Cabs are one of the fastest and most convenient ways to reach Kempegowda International Airport. You can book app cabs like Uber or Ola, prepaid taxis, or airport authorized taxis. These offer door to door service and are helpful if you have luggage or are traveling with family.
Taxi prices differs according to the pickup location, car type, and traffic, but they usually take about 45–60 minutes from central Bengaluru if traffic is normal.
The time that takes to reach Kempegowda International Airport from Bengaluru differs based on where you start and at what the time of day.
- From central areas to the airport: 45 to 60 minutes off peak
- During busy traffic hours: It takes around 60 to 90 minutes or more
- Early morning or late night: usually faster with less traffic
Pro Tip: Always leave extra time (1–1.5 hours earlier) before the flight. Airports need time for check in, baggage security, and boarding early.
Bengaluru is building a metro link to the airport as part of the city’s metro expansion project. This future line, known as the Blue Line airport extension, will connect key points of the city directly to the airport and make travel even easier once it opens.
Here are some easy tips for smoother travel to the airport:
- Check Google Maps or Waze for live traffic before you leave
- Avoid starting your journey in peak traffic hours (8–11 AM and 4–8 PM)
- Leaving early in the morning often gives faster travel times
- If using buses, check Vayu Vajra schedules in advance online or via the BMTC app
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
The easiest way is to take NH-44 (Bellary Road), which is the main and fastest route from North Bengaluru to the airport. You can drive, take a cab, or use BMTC Vayu Vajra airport buses.
BMTC operates Vayu Vajra buses with routes like KIA-2, KIA-4, KIA-4A, KIA-5, KIA-5D, KIA-6, and KIA-6A. They connect different parts of Bengaluru directly to the airport.
Travel time usually ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours, based on traffic and your starting point. North Bengaluru to the airport is around 30–45 minutes in normal traffic.
There are toll road on NH-44, that is faster and smoother, but there’s a small fee. Non-toll roads are free but may take longer due to traffic signals.
The best times are early morning (5 AM–8 AM) or late evening (8 PM–11 PM), because the traffic will be less. Avoid peak office hours (8–11 AM and 4–8 PM) to save time.
