Bangalore Airport: Are Private Vehicles Allowed On The Premises?

Auto rickshaws are a popular mode of transport in Bangalore, offering a fast and cheap way to get around the city. However, when it comes to travelling to and from Bangalore Airport, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The distance between the airport and the city centre is approximately 40 kilometres, which may be too far for a comfortable auto rickshaw ride. Additionally, auto rickshaws may not have sufficient space for voluminous baggage, and they may not be the safest option for travellers with luggage. While auto rickshaws can be found outside Bangalore Airport, taxi services are often recommended for a safer and more convenient journey to and from the airport.

Auto rickshaws are available outside Bangalore Airport

You can find auto rickshaws outside Bangalore Airport, and the minimum fare is Rs 25 for 1.9 km. At night, from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am, there is a surcharge of 1.5 times the regular fare, but you may be able to negotiate fares with the driver.

In addition to auto rickshaws, other taxi services are available at Bangalore Airport, including Uber, Ola, and Meru. However, there have been reports of these ride-sharing services being prohibited from picking up or dropping off passengers at the airport due to the airport taxi mafia strong-arming the authorities. Despite this, some drivers will still make drops at the airport and wait in the parking lot to pick up passengers heading back into the city.

A taxi is a better option for the 40km trip to the city centre

Bangalore, also known as Bengaluru, is a vibrant city with a rich culture and a major tech hub. The distance between Bangalore Airport and the city centre is approximately 40 kilometres. While auto rickshaws are a suitable option for short-distance trips within the city, the distance from the airport to the city centre is too far to travel by rickshaw. Therefore, a taxi is a better option for the 40km trip to the city centre.

Taking a taxi from Bangalore Airport to the city centre offers several advantages. Firstly, it is the quickest option, with a travel time of around 50 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic. Secondly, taxis are readily available outside the terminal building 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This convenience ensures that you don't have to wait long for transportation after a tiring flight. Additionally, taxis provide a more comfortable journey, especially if you have heavy luggage. The driver will take you directly to your destination, eliminating the need to navigate multiple buses or carry your bags through bus stations.

The cost of a taxi from Bangalore Airport to the city centre typically ranges from €22 (INR 1,800) during the day to €27 (INR 2,200) during the night. While there is no set fare, the price is usually calculated based on the distance travelled, time of day, and whether you choose an air-conditioned vehicle. You can also pre-book your taxi or use a ride-hailing app for added convenience.

In contrast, travelling by auto rickshaw for such a long distance may not be as safe or comfortable, especially with luggage. Additionally, auto rickshaws may not be suitable for travellers with voluminous baggage due to limited space. While auto rickshaws are a cheap option for short-distance trips within the city, the 40km journey from the airport to the city centre is more comfortably and quickly covered by taxi.

Uber and Ola are allowed to drop passengers at the airport

Uber and Ola are both permitted to drop passengers off at Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore.

Uber offers a range of options for passengers travelling to the airport, including private rides, premium cars, and more cost-effective alternatives. With Uber Reserve, passengers can request a ride up to 90 days in advance, and drivers will be informed of any changes to the arrival time. The Uber Zone is located behind the Quad by BLR retail plaza, and passengers can request a ride directly from the app. Uber also provides rental car services near the airport for those who prefer to drive themselves.

Ola Cabs also provides airport pickup and drop-off services at Bangalore Airport at a reasonable rate. Passengers can use the coupon code A399 to book an Ola cab to the airport. The company offers well-trained and reliable drivers, and their cars are audited for cleanliness, safety, and comfort.

While auto rickshaws are not banned from entering the airport premises, they are not recommended for travelling to and from the airport due to limited luggage space and safety concerns. The distance between Bangalore Airport and the city centre is also quite significant (about 40 km), making taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola a more suitable option.

Auto rickshaws are a cheap way to get around Bangalore

If you are looking for a cheap way to get around Bangalore, auto rickshaws are a good option. They are readily available throughout the city and offer a fast and affordable way to get from place to place. The minimum fare for an auto rickshaw in Bangalore is Rs 25 for 1.9 km. However, it's important to note that there is usually a surcharge for rides between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am, which is typically 1.5 times higher than regular fares. You may be able to negotiate fares with the driver during these hours.

When using auto rickshaws in Bangalore, be mindful of peak traffic hours as detours can result in longer trips and higher fares. It's also important to be cautious of drivers who may try to force you to cancel your ride by driving in the wrong direction or delaying your trip. To avoid missing flights or paying more than necessary, it's recommended to leave extra time for your journey and stick to the fastest and most direct route.

In addition to auto rickshaws, other ride-sharing services such as Uber and Ola are popular options for getting around Bangalore. These services are generally reliable and can be more convenient for airport travel, as they are allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at the airport. However, keep in mind that there may be times when these services are not readily available at the airport, and you may need to use one of the official airport taxis.

It's a long way from Bangalore Airport to Terminal 1, Kempegowda

The distance between Bangalore Airport, also known as Kempegowda International Airport, and the city centre is approximately 31-40 km. This distance is too big to travel by auto rickshaw, and it is not recommended to use one if you have voluminous baggage as there isn't enough space and it isn't the safest way to travel. Therefore, a taxi is a better option to transfer to the city centre safely and comfortably.

Bangalore Airport is one of the largest airports in India, serving as the third busiest airport in the country and 25th busiest in Asia. It is owned and operated by Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), a public-private consortium, and is named after Kempe Gowda I, the founder of Bengaluru. The airport features two terminals, with Terminal 1 being the main passenger terminal for domestic and international flights. It is a four-level building with world-class amenities and handles 11 million passengers annually.

In contrast, Terminal 2, also known as the Garden Terminal, is located on the northeastern side of Terminal 1 and began operations in November 2022. It is the first greenfield airport terminal operated by a public-private partnership. The distance between the two terminals is approximately 600 meters, and a complimentary shuttle bus service is provided for passengers travelling between them.

To get from Bangalore Airport to Terminal 1, Kempegowda, you can use various modes of transportation, including taxis, buses, and trains. The Yelahanka Junction Transit train station is located about 19.9 km from the airport, and you can use a taxi or bus to reach it. Additionally, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) provides bus transportation to all parts of the city through the Vayu Vajra service, which offers both direct and indirect routes.

So, while the distance between Bangalore Airport and Terminal 1, Kempegowda, may be quite far, there are convenient transportation options available to make the journey.

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