Bengaluru airport: Kempegowda International Airport super tips and tricks

Kempegowda International Airport, commonly referred to as BIAL (Bengaluru International Airport), is the primary international airport serving Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka, India. The airport is named after Kempegowda, a 16th-century military leader who played a crucial role in the founding of Bengaluru.

Bengaluru Airport Information

• Location: Devanahalli, Karnataka, India
• IATA Code: BLR
• ICAO Code: VOBL
• Elevation: 2,334 ft (712 m) above sea level
• Runways: 3 (2,743 meters and 3,400 meters)
• Passenger Capacity: 35 million passengers per annum

Airlines and Destinations for Bengaluru

Kempegowda International Airport is a major hub for Indian Airlines and AirAsia India, and it also serves as a focus city for IndiGo and SpiceJet. The airport offers flights to several domestic and international destinations, including:

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• Domestic destinations: Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bhopal, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, and Thiruvananthapuram.
• International destinations: Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi, Dubai, Doha, Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (seasonal), Hong Kong International Airport (seasonal), Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Malaysia), Kuwait City (seasonal), London Heathrow (seasonal), Malé (Maldives), Muscat (Oman), Singapore Changi Airport (Singapore), Singapore-Seletar Airport (Singapore), Tokyo-Narita International Airport (Japan), Abuja (Nigeria), Sharjah (UAE), and Yangon (Myanmar).

Airport Facilities

Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru offers a range of facilities to passengers, including:

• Check-in counters: 32 counters
• Immigration counters: 12 counters
• Security checks: Biometric-based security screening
• Customs area: Duty-free shopping and customs clearance facilities
• Lounges: Priority Pass lounge and Plaza Premium Lounge
• Food and Beverage options: Restaurants, cafes, and food courts serving local and international cuisine
• Retail shopping: Duty-free shopping with various international brands
• Medical facilities: Medical center with 24/7 emergency services

Transportation around Bengaluru

The airport is well-connected to the city of Bengaluru through various modes of transportation:

• Pre-paid taxis: Available outside the terminal building
• Metro: Namma Metro Line connects the airport to the city center
• Bus: BMTC buses connect the airport to various parts of the city
• Auto-rickshaws and cabs: Available at the airport’s prepaid counter

History of Bengaluru airport

The airport was opened on May 24, 2008. It has undergone several expansions and renovations since then to increase its capacity and improve passenger amenities. The airport is expected to handle over 50 million passengers by 2025.

Things to Do Around Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru

Kempegowda International Airport is strategically located near Bengaluru, making it an excellent base to explore the city and its surroundings. Here are some things to do around the airport:

In and Around the Bengaluru Airport

1. Visit the Tannery Road Flea Market: The flea market, located near the airport, offers a variety of goods, including handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food.
2. Explore the Bangalore International Airport Museum: Learn about the history of Indian aviation and see vintage aircraft on display at the museum located within the airport premises.
3. Relax at the airport lounge: Enjoy the comforts of a lounge with complimentary snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi.

Nearby Attractions to Bengaluru airport

1. Lalbagh Botanical Garden: A beautiful botanical garden with a lake, glass house, and a variety of plants (10 km from the airport).
2. M G Road: A popular shopping and entertainment hub with restaurants, cafes, and movie theaters (15 km from the airport).
3. Cubbon Park: A peaceful park with walking trails, gardens, and a lake (12 km from the airport).
4. Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum: A science museum showcasing India’s scientific progress (15 km from the airport).
5. Nandi Hills: A scenic hill station with temples, trekking trails, and stunning views (30 km from the airport).

Day Trips

1. Hoskote Lake: A serene lake with boating facilities and birdwatching opportunities (45 km from the airport).
2. Ramanagara Rock Climbing: Go rock climbing or trekking in this scenic region (60 km from the airport).
3. Srirangapatna Fort: Explore this historic fort near Mysore city (100 km from the airport).
4. Mysore City: Visit the famous Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, and other attractions in this cultural city (110 km from the airport).

Food and Drink

1. The Olive Beach: A trendy restaurant serving international cuisine near the airport.
2. The Flying Elephant: A popular pub serving cocktails and snacks near the airport.
3. Biryani Blues: A cozy restaurant serving North Indian and South Indian cuisine near the airport.

Other Tips

• The airport offers car rentals, taxi services, and bus connections to various parts of Bengaluru.
• You can also book private taxis or cabs through apps like Ola or Uber.
• Be prepared for traffic congestion during peak hours.

Now that you know what to do around Kempegowda International Airport, plan your trip accordingly!