There is no metro to Kempegowda Airport yet. Compare the Vayu Vajra airport bus, the KIA halt train and taxis, and see how to connect to Namma Metro once you reach the city.
At a Glance
- Airport
- Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
- Journey time
- 60–90 min by Vayu Vajra bus to Majestic; 45–120 min by taxi, depending on traffic
- Fare estimate
- Airport bus roughly ₹250–₹350; taxi or app cab roughly ₹900–₹1,500
Your options at a glance
| Option | Time to city centre | Approx. cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vayu Vajra airport bus | 60–90 min | ₹250–₹350 | Most travellers; runs 24 hours |
| Bus + Namma Metro | 90–120 min | ₹280–₹400 | Reaching areas along the Purple or Green line |
| KIA halt suburban train | 45–60 min on board, plus shuttle | Lowest | Budget travellers whose timing matches a train |
| Taxi or app cab | 45–120 min | ₹900–₹1,500 | Heavy luggage, groups, late nights |
Fares and times are indicative and vary with route, time of day and traffic.
Option 1: Vayu Vajra airport bus
BMTC runs air-conditioned Vayu Vajra buses between the airport and most parts of Bengaluru. They leave from the bus bay just outside the Arrivals hall, and route boards show destinations such as Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic), Whitefield, Electronic City, HSR Layout and Banashankari.
You can pay the conductor on board. Buses run around the clock on the main routes, with departures roughly every 20 to 40 minutes during the day and less often at night.
Option 2: Airport bus plus Namma Metro
If your hotel or office is near a metro station, the airport bus plus metro combination is often cheaper than a taxi and more predictable than a bus alone at rush hour.
- Take the Vayu Vajra bus to Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic).
- Walk across to Majestic (Nadaprabhu Kempegowda) metro station. Follow the signs through the underpass.
- Buy a token or QR ticket, or a Smart Card if you will ride often during your stay.
- Take the Purple Line for MG Road, Indiranagar and Whitefield, or the Green Line for Yeshwanthpur, Jayanagar and Banashankari.
- For Electronic City, take the Green Line south to RV Road and change to the Yellow Line.
Option 3: KIA halt suburban train
The airport has its own small railway halt, KIA halt, on the line towards Devanahalli. A handful of suburban trains a day run between the halt and central stations such as KSR Bengaluru (Majestic) and Yelahanka. A shuttle bus connects the halt with the terminal.
This is by far the cheapest way to travel, but the service is infrequent. Check the train times before you rely on it, especially if you are heading to the airport for a flight.
Option 4: Taxi or app cab
Airport taxis and app-based cabs pick up from marked zones outside Arrivals. The drive to MG Road is about 35 to 40 km. Off-peak it takes around 45 minutes, but in evening traffic it can take two hours.
A cab makes sense for heavy luggage, travelling as a group, or arriving late at night when you would rather not change vehicles.
The airport metro: what we know
The Blue Line will run from Central Silk Board through KR Puram and Hebbal to Kempegowda International Airport. It is being built in two phases (Phase 2A to KR Puram, then Phase 2B to the airport). When complete it will link the airport with the Purple Line at KR Puram and the Yellow Line at Central Silk Board.
BMRCL has revised its opening targets more than once. We will update this page when the line opens. Until then, plan your trip with the bus, train or taxi options above.
Travel Tips
- There is no metro station at the airport yet. Some older guides say otherwise, but the airport line (Blue Line) is still under construction.
- Vayu Vajra buses leave from the bus bay outside Arrivals. The route to Kempegowda Bus Station ends opposite Majestic metro station, the best place to join the metro.
- From Majestic, the Purple Line takes you to MG Road, Indiranagar and Whitefield, and the Green Line to Yeshwanthpur, Jayanagar and Banashankari.
- Vayu Vajra buses run around the clock on the main routes, are air-conditioned and have luggage space.
- The KIA halt railway station has only a few suburban trains a day, but they are the cheapest way into the city. A shuttle bus links the station with the terminal.
- Evening traffic from the city to the airport can add an hour. Leave early if you have a flight between 18:00 and 22:00.
Paying for the Journey
Payment methods: Namma Metro Smart Card · QR ticket (Namma Metro app, WhatsApp and payment apps) · Token (single journey) · Day passes.
💡 The Smart Card saves 5% on every trip, plus an extra 5% on weekdays before 8:00, from 12:00 to 16:00 and after 21:00, and 10% all day on Sundays and national holidays. Keep at least ₹90 on the card, or the entry gate will not open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a metro to Bengaluru airport?
No, not yet. The Blue Line (Central Silk Board to KR Puram to the airport) is under construction. Until it opens, use the Vayu Vajra airport bus, the KIA halt train or a taxi.
When will the Bengaluru airport metro open?
BMRCL is building the Blue Line in two phases: Central Silk Board to KR Puram first, then KR Puram to the airport. Target dates have moved several times, so check BMRCL announcements for the latest opening estimate.
What is the cheapest way from Bengaluru airport to the city?
The suburban train from KIA halt station is the cheapest, but it runs only a few times a day. The Vayu Vajra airport bus (roughly ₹250–₹350) is the cheapest option that runs frequently and around the clock.
How do I get from the airport to MG Road using the metro?
Take the Vayu Vajra bus to Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic), cross to Majestic metro station, and ride the Purple Line four stops east to MG Road. Allow about 90 minutes to 2 hours in total.
See also: Namma Metro ticket prices · Payment card guide · Full Namma Metro guide
Source: Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). Journey times and fares are indicative, so verify before travel.