Bangalore Airport: Prepaid Taxis Available?

The availability of prepaid taxis at Bangalore Airport is a topic that has been widely discussed on travel forums. While some travellers have mentioned the absence of prepaid taxi kiosks at the airport, others have stated that prepaid taxi counters do exist within the arrival terminal. However, it is important to note that the prices for these taxis can be significantly higher than regular taxi services. As an alternative, travellers can opt for the regular taxi stand at the arrival area, where they can find metered or kilometre-based taxis. Additionally, ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Ola are also popular options for airport transfers, although their prices may vary depending on demand and surge pricing. Bangalore Airport also offers bus services to the city centre, providing a more affordable and hassle-free transportation option for passengers.

Prepaid taxi kiosks at Bangalore Airport

Bangalore Airport, also known as Kempegowda International Airport, does have prepaid taxi kiosks. These kiosks are located before the arrival exit gate, and you will likely be approached by people offering this service. However, it is worth noting that these taxis are extremely expensive.

Alternative Taxi Options

If you are looking for a more affordable option, there are regular taxi services available at the airport. These postpaid, metered taxis can be found at the taxi stand outside the arrival terminal. Turn left when you exit the terminal, and walk for a few hundred yards. You will see a queue of passengers waiting for white cabs. Simply mention your destination to the supervisor, and they will assign a cab to you.

Other Transport Options

If you are not in a hurry to reach your destination, there are also bus services available from the airport to the city centre. The BMTC Vayu Vajra Volvo buses operate on various routes and can be found by walking 250 metres to the right when you exit the arrival terminal. These buses are a hassle-free and affordable option, costing around 250 INR.

Taxi prices from Bangalore Airport

Bangalore Airport, also known as Kempegowda International Airport, offers a range of taxi services for passengers arriving at the airport.

Pre-paid taxis

There is conflicting information on whether Bangalore Airport has a pre-paid taxi kiosk. One source states that there is no pre-paid taxi kiosk at the airport, while another mentions that there is a pre-paid taxi counter within the arrival terminal. This counter is said to be located before the arrival exit gate, with people accosting passengers for this service. However, it is noted that the prices at these counters are extremely expensive.

Metered taxis

Regular metered taxis are available at the airport. These taxis do not require pre-payment and will charge based on the distance travelled and the time taken for the journey. The basic fee for a metered taxi in Bangalore is Rs.80.00, with a kilometer price of Rs.19.50. For standing and waiting time, a fee of Rs.32.00 per hour is charged. These fees are applicable during the day, from 6:00 am to midnight. During the night, between midnight and 6:00 am, the basic fee increases to Rs.88.00, the kilometer price to Rs.21.45, and the standing/waiting time fee to Rs.36.00 per hour.

Taxi booking services

Bangalore Airport also has taxi booking services available, such as MakeMyTrip, where you can book a taxi online before your arrival. These services offer a range of cab options, including hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs, with different fare structures. For example, the extra fare for an Indica or Swift hatchback after 35 kilometers is Rs.18.13/km, plus taxes and charges.

Alternative options

Apart from taxis, passengers can also opt for ride-sharing services such as Uber or Ola, or utilize the bus services available from the airport to the city center.

Taxi alternatives from Bangalore Airport

Bangalore Airport, officially known as Kempegowda International Airport, does not have a prepaid taxi kiosk, although there are prepaid taxis operating from the airport. However, there are several other options for travellers looking for alternatives to taxis.

Bus Services

The airport is served by BMTC Vayu Vajra Volvo buses, which operate on various routes to key locations in the city. These buses are considered hassle-free and cost around 250 INR.

Ride-sharing Apps

Ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Ola are also an option, although they require a local SIM card to function.

Airport Shuttle

An airport shuttle service is available and can be pre-booked for a hassle-free experience.

Car Rentals

Several companies offer car rental services from Bangalore Airport, including U Taxi, MakeMyTrip, and Deepam Cabs. These services can be booked online or via phone and offer a range of vehicles, including hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs. Prices vary depending on the vehicle type, duration of the rental, and distance travelled.

Outstation Cabs

For those looking to travel to nearby destinations, outstation cab services are available from Bangalore Airport. Popular destinations include Mysore, Ooty, Coorg, and Pondicherry. These can be booked online or through dedicated cab service providers.

Tips for getting a reasonably-priced taxi from Bangalore Airport

Bangalore Airport is located 40 km away from the city centre. Here are some tips to help you get a reasonably-priced taxi to the city centre from the airport:

• Prepaid taxis are available at the airport, but they tend to be extremely expensive. If you're looking for a more affordable option, regular taxis are also available outside the arrival terminal. These taxis charge by the meter or kilometre and can be paid directly to the driver.
• If you don't mind a little walk, you can find a queue of white cabs a few hundred yards to the left when you exit the arrival terminal. These cabs are supervised and can be assigned to you immediately. The fare to the city centre should be around 700 INR, plus a 120 INR airport toll fee.
• If you have only one large piece of luggage and don't mind taking a bus, you can walk about 250 metres to the right after exiting the arrival terminal and look for the Volvo vajra vavu bus stop. These buses will take you to key locations in the city for around 250 INR.
• If you prefer to book your taxi in advance, you can use online services like MakeMyTrip and Welcome Pickups. MakeMyTrip offers a range of taxi options, including hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs, with transparent pricing and affordable packages. Welcome Pickups provides personalised airport transfers with English-speaking drivers at competitive prices.
• For even more affordable options, you can use taxi-booking apps like Ola and Uber, or try outstation cab services like U Taxi, which offers some of the lowest rates for outstation cabs in Bangalore.

Taxi booking options from Bangalore Airport

Bangalore Airport, also known as Kempegowda International Airport, is located 40 km away from the city centre. There are various taxi booking options available from the airport.

Pre-paid taxis

Bangalore Airport has pre-paid taxi counters within the arrival terminal. However, these are known to be extremely expensive.

Regular taxis

Outside the arrival terminal, you will find the regular taxi stand. These taxis are not prepaid but will run on a meter or kilometre-based system. You can pay the driver once you reach your destination.

Private taxi companies

There are several private taxi companies that offer airport transfers from Bangalore Airport, including MakeMyTrip, Welcome Pickups, and U Taxi. These companies offer online booking options and provide various vehicle options, such as hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs.

Ride-sharing apps

Ride-sharing apps such as Ola and Uber are also widely used in Bangalore. However, they may not always be available at the airport due to a lack of drivers, and they may have surge pricing during peak hours or festive seasons.

Airport bus

The BIAL AC bus service is a reliable and affordable alternative to taxis. These buses have pick-up and drop-off locations throughout the city and can be a good option for those travelling with a lot of luggage.

Frequently asked questions