What is the cheapest way from Bengaluru airport to the city?

The BMTC Vayu Vajra AC bus, route KIAB-9, to Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic) — about ₹240 paid to the conductor, taking roughly 70–90 minutes depending on traffic.

Does the Bengaluru Metro go to the airport?

Not yet. The Blue Line extension to Kempegowda International Airport is under construction and due to open in phases from around late 2026, so the Vayu Vajra bus is currently the only direct public-transport link.

Where do I catch the airport bus at BLR?

At the Multi-Modal Transport Hub (MMTH) — a short walk from Terminal 2, or a free BIAL shuttle ride from Terminal 1. Vayu Vajra buses board from its mezzanine floor.

How do I pay for the Vayu Vajra bus ticket?

Pay the conductor directly in cash or by UPI as you board; there's no ticket counter or advance booking for route KIAB-9.

Is there a train from Bengaluru airport to the city?

There's a limited Indian Railways service (about ₹30, roughly six trains a day, none on Sundays) to KSR Bengaluru City, but it uses a halt station 3.5 km from the terminal linked by a separate shuttle — most travellers find the frequent Vayu Vajra bus far more practical.

What is the best way from BLR to downtown Bengaluru?

For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest one: the BMTC Vayu Vajra AC bus KIAB-9 to Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic) in the city centre — ₹240, roughly 70–90 minutes depending on traffic.

How do you get from Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport (BLR) to downtown Bengaluru — the cheapest way?

The cheapest way from Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) into central Bengaluru is the BMTC Vayu Vajra AC bus, route KIAB-9, direct to Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic): pay the conductor ₹240 (about $3) in cash or UPI as you board, for a ride of about 70–90 minutes depending on traffic via Hebbal and Mekri Circle. Buses run roughly every 25–30 minutes from around 5:20am to after 11pm, so there's no need to book ahead. Skip the prepaid taxi counter or an app cab, which run roughly ₹850–1,200 plus airport surcharges and surge pricing — Bengaluru's metro doesn't reach the airport yet, so the bus is currently the only direct public-transport option.

How to find it

AIRPORTKempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
01Follow the 'Bus Services / MMTH' signs from arrivals. If you land at Terminal 1, take the free BIAL shuttle bus to the Multi-Modal Transport Hub (a few minutes' ride); from Terminal 2 it's about a 100-metre walk. Vayu Vajra buses board from the MMTH's mezzanine floor.
02Board the next bus signed 'KIAB-9 – Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic)'; they run roughly every 25–30 minutes from about 5:20am to after 11pm. Pay the conductor ₹240 in cash or by UPI as you board — no ticket counter needed.
03Ride around 70 minutes (up to 90 in heavy traffic) via Hebbal, Mekri Circle and Shivananda Circle.
04Get off at the last stop, Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic). It sits next to Bengaluru City (KSR) railway station and the Majestic metro interchange (Purple & Green lines), so onward travel to MG Road or elsewhere in the centre is a short hop.
CITY CENTREBengaluru

Ticket

Vayu Vajra AC bus ticket, route KIAB-9 (Airport – Kempegowda Bus Station)

Where to buy: From the conductor on board the bus, at the Vayu Vajra boarding point on the Multi-Modal Transport Hub (MMTH) mezzanine floor; there is no advance online booking for this route.

How to pay: Pay the conductor in cash or by UPI as you board; keep your receipt until you get off.

Local's trick: Landing at Terminal 2 saves you the shuttle: the Vayu Vajra boarding point is a roughly 100-metre walk away, versus a shuttle ride from Terminal 1. Bengaluru's Metro Blue Line to the airport is still being built in phases (expected from late 2026), so for now the KIAB-9 bus is the only direct public-transport link to the centre — no need to compare with a metro fare.

Trap to avoid: Don't default to the prepaid taxi counter or an app cab (Uber/Ola): a prepaid sedan runs about ₹850–1,200 to the centre, and Uber/Ola add a roughly ₹200–260 airport pickup surcharge on top of steep surge pricing, especially late at night.

Frequently asked

What is the cheapest way from Bengaluru airport to the city?: The BMTC Vayu Vajra AC bus, route KIAB-9, to Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic) — about ₹240 paid to the conductor, taking roughly 70–90 minutes depending on traffic.
Does the Bengaluru Metro go to the airport?: Not yet. The Blue Line extension to Kempegowda International Airport is under construction and due to open in phases from around late 2026, so the Vayu Vajra bus is currently the only direct public-transport link.
Where do I catch the airport bus at BLR?: At the Multi-Modal Transport Hub (MMTH) — a short walk from Terminal 2, or a free BIAL shuttle ride from Terminal 1. Vayu Vajra buses board from its mezzanine floor.
How do I pay for the Vayu Vajra bus ticket?: Pay the conductor directly in cash or by UPI as you board; there's no ticket counter or advance booking for route KIAB-9.
Is there a train from Bengaluru airport to the city?: There's a limited Indian Railways service (about ₹30, roughly six trains a day, none on Sundays) to KSR Bengaluru City, but it uses a halt station 3.5 km from the terminal linked by a separate shuttle — most travellers find the frequent Vayu Vajra bus far more practical.
What is the best way from BLR to downtown Bengaluru?: For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest one: the BMTC Vayu Vajra AC bus KIAB-9 to Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic) in the city centre — ₹240, roughly 70–90 minutes depending on traffic.
How much is a taxi from Kempegowda International Airport to the city?: A prepaid sedan runs about ₹850–1,200 to the centre, and Uber/Ola add a roughly ₹200–260 airport pickup surcharge on top of surge pricing — versus ₹240 on the Vayu Vajra bus.

Last verified: Jul 2, 2026. Prices and timetables change — confirm at the official transport source.