BLR Airport FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Kempegowda International Airport (IATA: BLR) serves Bengaluru from a modern campus about 35–40 km north of the city, near Devanahalli. It operates two terminals—T1 and T2. Terminal 2 (T2) is the striking "terminal in a garden" known for indoor greenery and bamboo finishes; it now handles all international flights, while domestic operations are split between T1 and T2 by airline. T2 began international operations on 12 September 2023. Today, you'll find major international carriers at T2, while domestic services are divided by airline.

• International flights: T2 (all international airlines).
• Domestic at T2: Air India (domestic and international) and select others as scheduled. Air India supports self-check-in and self-bag-drop in T2.
• Domestic at T1: IndiGo, Akasa Air, Alliance Air, SpiceJet (subject to changes—always check your boarding pass or airline app).

Pro tip: BLR runs a free inter-terminal shuttle between T1 and T2. If you're connecting domestic ↔ international across terminals, add buffer time.

Plan on 3 hours for international departures and 2–3 hours for domestic. Evenings and holidays tend to be busier, so give yourself extra time for check-in and security. Arriving a bit early keeps the process calm and avoids last-minute rushes.

DigiYatra is India's paperless, facial-recognition flow that speeds up entry and certain checkpoints. Register in the app before your trip, link your ID and boarding pass, and enter through the dedicated e-gates. BLR supports DigiYatra at T2. If you travel often, it's worth setting up once and using every time.

Yes. BLR offers free Wi-Fi across the terminals. Connect to the airport network and authenticate via OTP on your mobile number. Access in lounges is typically longer and often unrestricted. If you plan to work, pick a seat near a power outlet and keep a power bank handy.

BLR features multiple lounges, including the popular 080 lounges in both domestic and international areas. Many lounges allow paid entry and accept common memberships such as Priority Pass, DragonPass, and LoungeKey. There's also an 080 Arrival Lounge landside in T2 for freshening up after a long flight. Always check the specific lounge for timings, access rules, and menu details.

• On-airport transit hotel: Short-stay rooms with the convenience of being inside or adjacent to the terminals.
• Sleep pods and showers (Sleepin Lounge type facilities): Ideal for a quick nap and a hot shower without leaving the airport.
• Nearby business hotels: A range of properties sit within a short drive of the terminals if you need a full night's rest.

BLR provides a Left Luggage facility where you can store bags for short durations (usually up to five days). You'll need a valid ID and, for some counters, your boarding pass. Fees depend on bag size and the number of hours or days. It's a handy option if you want to step out for meetings or sightseeing between flights.

• Airport bus (BMTC Vayu Vajra): The air-conditioned KIA routes link BLR with major neighborhoods, including central Bengaluru, Outer Ring Road, Whitefield, and more. Buses run day and night on popular routes. They're reliable, well-marked, and budget-friendly.
• Taxis and app cabs: BLR has authorised taxi operators and dedicated Ola/Uber pickup zones outside both terminals. Travel time to central Bengaluru is typically 60–90 minutes, depending on traffic and where you're headed.
• Metro (under construction): The Namma Metro Blue Line airport link (Phase 2B) is under construction. Once open, it will connect BLR to the city's metro network. Until then, buses and taxis remain the most practical options for most travelers.

BLR offers multi-level and surface parking near both T1 and T2. You'll find options for short stays, day parking, and multi-day parking. Rates are displayed at the entry points and payment booths. EV charging points are available in designated zones. If you're dropping off or picking up, follow the signboards for quick curbside access and use the designated lanes to avoid penalties.

For international flights, the standard 100 ml per container rule applies to liquids, aerosols, and gels, all packed in a clear, resealable one-litre bag. For domestic flights, keep liquids light and be ready to show them if asked. Remove laptops and power banks at security, keep IDs and boarding passes handy, and avoid packing restricted items. When in doubt, check your airline's baggage page before you leave home.

Expect a mix of self-check-in kiosks and self-bag-drop—especially in T2 with airlines like Air India. If you've set up DigiYatra, use those gates for faster entry. Gate assignments can change, so watch the flight displays and keep push notifications on in your airline app. If you're connecting, follow the transfer signs and ask staff for the quickest route across terminals.

BLR hosts a 24×7 Airport Medical Centre on campus. You'll also find baby care rooms in each terminal, prayer rooms, pharmacies, and porters under the Care by BLR service for wheelchairs, baggage assistance, and elderly support. If you need help, look for the customer service desks in the check-in halls and arrival areas.

Policies vary with demand and the time of day. As a rule of thumb, 3 hours early for international and 2–3 hours for domestic works well. If you arrive too early, you may be asked to wait in the forecourt, retail, or food courts until your airline's check-in opens. T2 has generous seating and plenty of dining options, so once you're through security, you can relax.

T2 is designed as a "terminal in a garden." Expect lush green walls, hanging planters, skylights, and warm wood-and-bamboo finishes. It's photogenic, calming, and easy to navigate. Wayfinding is clear, the retail mix is expanding, and the gate areas feel more like a park than a traditional terminal. If you like arriving early, T2 is a pleasant place to spend an hour.

• BLR WhatsApp Helpline: +91 88849 98888
• Airport phone lines: 080 2201 2001 or 080 6678 5555
• Airline apps: Turn on notifications for gate changes, baggage belt info, and upgrade offers.
• BMTC app/website: For KIA airport bus timetables and live tracking.
• DigiYatra app: Register once, then use the e-gates on every trip.

If you fly often and want to cut down the airport commute, the Varthur–Whitefield belt is worth a look. A new mixed-use township—Prestige Evergreen—is planned on Varthur–Whitefield Road (SH-35, opposite Varthur Lake) with homes, a tech park, and retail. For frequent flyers, an east-side address with easy access to the Outer Ring Road can make those early-morning international departures far less stressful, while keeping you close to major tech parks in Whitefield and Sarjapur Road.

• Is BLR Airport international or domestic?
  Both. T2 handles all international flights, while T1 and T2 share domestic by airline. Always check your boarding pass.
• How early should I arrive?
  Aim for 3 hours for international and 2–3 hours for domestic. Add buffer time on holidays and weekend evenings.
• Does BLR have DigiYatra?
  Yes. Register in the app, link your boarding pass, and use the dedicated e-gates.
• Is there free Wi-Fi?
  Yes. Connect to the airport network and verify by OTP. Lounges usually offer longer, seamless access.
• Does BLR have left-luggage?
  Yes. You can store bags for short durations with ID and applicable fees.
• How do I get to the city?
  Use BMTC Vayu Vajra airport buses, authorised taxis, or rideshares from marked pick-up zones. The metro airport link is under construction.
• Are there lounges?
  Yes. Multiple lounges in T1 and T2, including 080 lounges. Paid entry or membership access is available.
• What about medical help?
  A 24×7 medical centre operates on campus, with first-aid support inside the terminals.

BLR is one of India's most passenger-friendly airports. With T2's green design, DigiYatra convenience, reliable airport buses, expanding lounges, and practical services like left-luggage and sleep pods, the experience is smooth even on busy travel days. Keep your documents ready, arrive with a little buffer, and you'll have time to enjoy the garden ambience before you board.