Bangalore Airport Information

Bengaluru International Airport (BLR)

• (91)80 2354-0000 for Bangalore airport.
  
• (91)80 6678-2251/2255 for 24 hour general and flight inquiries.

Website: www.bengaluruairport.comDevanahalli, 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the city center.

One to two hours.

Bangalore Airport User Development Fee:

Departing international passengers must pay a 1,070 rupee ($25) fee, and domestic passengers 260 rupees.

Bangalore is the third busiest airport in India, with over 10 million passengers a year. The airport is brand new and has been constructed by a private company. It opened in May 2008. For a new airport, it's quite disappointing and not as good as the new Hyderabad airport. Despite having much improved facilities, the main issue is that the airport is too small -- particularly the departures area and toilets. It's also located a long way from the city center. Another drawback is the costly user development fee that's levied.Both the domestic and international terminals at Bangalore airport are in the same building, and share the same check-in hall.

• Free wireless internet is available in the terminal building, however users must get a password sent to their mobile phone.
• There's a separate access lane for passengers with special needs. Airlines will also provide wheelchair assistance.
• Porters can be hired to carry luggage.
• Money exchange counters and ATMs are provided.
• The terminal has a shopping area, with a number of shops and duty free outlets.
• There are also airline lounges and a sports bar.

A meter taxi from the airport to the city center costs around 800 rupees ($20) one way. Taxis wait in front of the terminal building and in the designated area. However, as a taxi is costly, many people prefer to take the airport shuttle bus service provided by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation. These air conditioned Volvo buses are scheduled to depart every 15 minutes from various locations around the city, and cost 100-200 rupees ($2.50-$5.00) one way.The user development fee is payable at the airport, by either cash or credit card. If you don't have a credit card, be sure to keep some cash handy. Bangalore airport often experiences fog from November to February early in the morning. If traveling at during these times, do be prepared for unexpected flight delays.

As the Bangalore airport has been newly built in a different location to the old airport, there are unfortunately no airport hotels as yet. A number of them are under construction and are planned to open in the later half of 2009 though. These include the Marriott, and Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.

Currently, the only option that exists for those who want to get a room close to the airport is to book into one of the holiday resorts in the area. The nearest one is the Fantasy Golf Resort, located around 10 minutes from Bangalore airport. It's not cheap though. A standard cottage or room costs 2,500 rupees ($55) plus tax.

The new Bangalore airport doesn't have any retiring rooms.