Where do cabs pick up passengers at Bangalore Airport Terminal 1?

Pre-booked cabs pick up passengers from the designated cab zone outside the T1 arrivals exit. For Saraswathi Car Rentals, the driver waits at the T1 arrivals exit with a name board. Ola and Uber have a separate app-based pickup zone. Prepaid taxis are available at the counter inside arrivals.

Where do cabs pick up passengers at Bangalore Airport Terminal 2?

Pre-booked cabs pick up from the cab zone outside the T2 arrivals exit. For Saraswathi Car Rentals, the driver waits at the T2 international arrivals exit with a name board. Passengers can also find Ola and Uber pickup zones and prepaid taxi counters inside the T2 arrivals hall.

Is the cab fare the same from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Bangalore Airport?

Yes. Saraswathi Car Rentals charges the same fixed fare from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Bangalore Airport. There is no extra charge for international arrivals at T2. Fare starts at Rs.1,300 for a Dzire to any destination in Bangalore.

How early should I arrive at Bangalore Airport for a domestic flight?

Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flight departure at Bangalore Airport. For international flights at Terminal 2, arrive 3 hours before departure. During peak travel periods like Diwali and Christmas-New Year, add an extra 30 minutes. Book your cab to allow for Bangalore traffic, which can add 20 to 40 minutes during peak hours.

Bangalore Airport Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2

Q: What is the difference between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Bangalore Airport?

Terminal 1 (T1) at Bangalore Airport handles most domestic flights including IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Alliance Air. Terminal 2 (T2) handles all international flights and domestic flights by Air India, Air India Express, and Star Air. T2 opened in 2023 and is known as the Terminal in a Garden for its biophilic design.

Q: Which terminal does IndiGo use at Bangalore Airport?

IndiGo uses Terminal 1 (T1) for domestic flights at Bangalore Airport. For international flights, IndiGo operates from Terminal 2 (T2). Always check your boarding pass to confirm the terminal for your specific flight.

Q: Which terminal does Air India use at Bangalore Airport?

Air India uses Terminal 2 (T2) for both domestic and international flights at Bangalore Airport. Air India Express also operates from Terminal 2.

Q: How do I get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 at Bangalore Airport?

A free inter-terminal shuttle bus runs every 10 to 15 minutes between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Bangalore Airport. The transfer takes approximately 5 minutes. To use the shuttle, exit the terminal landside (before security), take the shuttle, and re-enter security at the other terminal. Allow at least 60 minutes if you have a connecting flight.

Q: Which airlines fly from Terminal 2 at Bangalore Airport?

Terminal 2 at Bangalore Airport handles all international airlines including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, Etihad, and KLM. For domestic operations, Air India, Air India Express, and Star Air use Terminal 2.

Feature	Terminal 1 (T1)	Terminal 2 (T2)
Flights	Domestic only	All International + select Domestic
Key airlines	IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air	Air India, Emirates, Qatar, IndiGo Intl
Design	Original terminal (2008)	Terminal in a Garden (2023)
Transfer	Free shuttle every 10–15 min (~5 min ride)
Cab fare	Same fixed fare from both — from Rs.1,300

Arriving at Bangalore's Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) can be confusing for first-time visitors — the airport now has two separate terminals that serve different flights. Going to the wrong terminal means a stressful shuttle ride, potential security re-entry, and wasted time. This guide tells you exactly which terminal handles your flight, what each terminal looks like, how to transfer between them, and how to book a cab from either terminal — with the same fixed fare, no surprises.

What Is the Difference Between T1 and T2 at Bangalore Airport?

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) opened its original terminal in 2008. Over the following 15 years, passenger traffic grew so rapidly that a second terminal was built. Terminal 2 opened in phases from 2023 and is now the primary terminal for all international flights. Terminal 1 continues to handle the bulk of domestic operations.

The key rule to remember: check your boarding pass. Your boarding pass will clearly state T1 or T2. If you are unsure before printing your boarding pass, use the airline guide below.

Feature	T1 Terminal 1	T2 Terminal 2
Year opened	2008 (original)	2023 (new)
Flight type	Domestic flights only	All international + Air India domestic + Star Air
Size	Original terminal	2.74 million sq ft — one of India's largest
Design	Functional, standard	Bamboo-lattice, 3,600 plant species, indoor garden
Lounges	080 Domestic Lounge (East & West)	080 International Lounge, Z Lounge, Air India Maharaja, Etihad, Emirates
Metro station	Nearest (Blue Line under construction)	Multi-Modal Hub opposite T2 (under construction)
Digi Yatra	Available	Available + contactless international trials (2026)
Immigration	Not applicable (domestic)	30+ counters, 6 e-gates, visa-on-arrival kiosks
Cab pickup	T1 arrivals exit — cab zone	T2 arrivals exit — cab zone

Which Airlines Use Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2?

This is the most important question. Use this guide to know your terminal before you leave for the airport:

Terminal 1 DOMESTIC

IndiGo (domestic flights only)
SpiceJet
Akasa Air
Alliance Air
Most domestic low-cost carriers

Terminal 2 INTERNATIONAL + SELECT DOMESTIC

Air India (domestic + international)
Air India Express
Star Air (domestic)
IndiGo (international flights only)
Emirates
Qatar Airways
Singapore Airlines
Lufthansa
British Airways
Air France
Etihad Airways
KLM
All other international airlines

⚠️ Important: Terminal assignments can change. Always confirm your terminal from your boarding pass or airline app before leaving for the airport. IndiGo is a common source of confusion — domestic IndiGo flights use T1, but IndiGo international flights use T2.

Terminal 2 — The "Terminal in a Garden"

Terminal 2 at BLR Airport is unlike any other terminal in India. Designed by the globally acclaimed architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), T2 is built around Bangalore's identity as the Garden City. The terminal features over 3,600 plant species, 7,700 transplanted trees, hanging indoor gardens suspended from bamboo-lattice ceilings, and two stormwater-recycling lagoons. It covers approximately 2.74 million square feet and is LEED Platinum certified for sustainability.

For international passengers, T2 is the terminal to know. All international airlines — Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, Etihad, and KLM — operate exclusively from T2. Immigration at T2 has over 30 counters, 6 e-gates, and visa-on-arrival kiosks for eligible travellers. Baggage is collected from 9 belts.

How to Transfer from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2

If you land at one terminal but need to depart from the other (for example, arriving on an international IndiGo flight at T2 then connecting to a domestic SpiceJet at T1), you must collect your bags, exit to landside, and take the free inter-terminal shuttle. Allow at least 60 minutes for the transfer including security re-entry.

Collect baggage and exit landsideAfter clearing immigration (if applicable) and collecting your bags, exit the terminal fully to the landside area outside arrivals.

Find the inter-terminal shuttle stopFollow signs for the free inter-terminal shuttle. The shuttle runs every 10 to 15 minutes between T1 and T2. It is free of charge.

Shuttle ride (~5 minutes)The free shuttle takes approximately 5 minutes between T1 and T2. Both terminals are on the same airport campus. You can also take a short taxi or auto if the shuttle wait is long.

Re-enter security at new terminalEnter the departures area, go through security screening with your boarding pass and ID. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for security during busy periods.

💡 BLR Connections Program (March 2026): Bangalore Airport launched the "Connections by BLR" program to make terminal transfers easier. Look for dedicated blue and yellow wayfinding signs throughout both terminals, in-terminal transit hotels, sleeping pods, and faster shuttle support.

How to Book a Cab from Both Terminals — Saraswathi Car Rentals

Saraswathi Car Rentals provides pre-booked cab service from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at BLR Airport. Here is exactly how the pickup works at each terminal:

Cab Pickup at Terminal 1 (T1)

For domestic flight arrivals at T1: after collecting your baggage, exit through the T1 arrivals door. Our driver will be waiting outside the arrivals exit with a name board showing your name. The designated cab pickup zone is immediately outside arrivals. WhatsApp us your flight number when you land and we track it live.

Cab Pickup at Terminal 2 (T2)

For international arrivals at T2: after clearing immigration, collecting baggage, and passing through customs (green or red channel), exit through the T2 international arrivals exit. Our driver will be waiting with a name board at the arrivals exit. If your flight is delayed, your driver adjusts automatically — we track all flights live. No extra charge for T2 international arrivals waiting time up to 60 minutes.

✅ Same fixed fare from T1 and T2. Saraswathi Car Rentals charges identical fares from both terminals. A cab to Koramangala from T1 costs the same as from T2. No terminal surcharge, no night surcharge, no hidden charges.

Cab Fare from Bangalore Airport — Both Terminals

Vehicle	Seats	Airport Fare	Book
Dzire / Swift	4	₹1,300	Book Now
Ertiga	6	₹1,800	Book Now
Innova Crysta	7	₹2,200	Book Now
Innova Hybrid	7	₹2,500	Book Now
Toyota Fortuner	7	₹8,000	Book Now

Toll included. No advance payment. Same fare from T1 and T2. No night surcharge. Extra km ₹15–₹20/km.

Need a Cab from BLR Airport?

Pre-book now — driver meets you at T1 or T2 arrivals with name board. Fixed fare, flight tracking, 24/7.

Call +91 82172 63864 WhatsApp Now

How Early Should You Arrive at BLR Airport?

This is one of the most common questions — and the answer depends on your terminal and flight type:

Domestic flight (T1 — IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa): Arrive at least 2 hours before departure. Web check-in recommended.
International flight (T2): Arrive at least 3 hours before departure. Immigration and security take more time.
During peak travel periods (Diwali, Christmas-New Year, long weekends): Add an extra 30 minutes.
From East Bangalore (Whitefield, Marathahalli, Electronic City): Leave extra early — ORR and Old Madras Road traffic can add 40 to 60 minutes.
From South Bangalore (Koramangala, HSR Layout, BTM): Allow 75 to 90 minutes travel time to airport during peak hours.

🕒 Bangalore traffic warning: BLR Airport is 35 to 45 km from most parts of the city. During morning peak hours (7 AM to 10 AM) and evening peak (5 PM to 9 PM), travel time can be 90 minutes or more. Always book your airport cab in advance and leave earlier than you think you need to.

BLR Airport Facilities — T1 vs T2

Terminal 1 Facilities

Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
Food courts and restaurants (multiple brands)
Retail and duty-free shopping
080 Domestic Lounge (East and West) — access via credit card or airline status
ATMs and foreign exchange counters
Family and senior passenger priority lanes
Prepaid taxi counter at arrivals
24/7 operations

Terminal 2 Facilities

Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
Extensive dining — multiple restaurants and cafes across levels
Luxury retail and duty-free stores for international passengers
080 International Lounge — flagship lounge with spa, showers, and dining
Z Lounge — 24-hour access via Priority Pass and DragonPass
Air India Maharaja Lounge, Emirates Lounge, Etihad Lounge
30+ immigration counters, 6 e-gates, visa-on-arrival kiosks
SIM card purchase counters for international visitors (Airtel, Jio)
Baby care rooms, multi-faith prayer rooms
Transit hotel and sleeping pods (Connections by BLR program)
Baggage storage services
Currency exchange counters
Prepaid taxi counter at arrivals

Metro Connectivity to BLR Airport — 2026 Update

The Namma Metro Blue Line extension to BLR Airport is currently under construction and expected to open in phases between mid-2026 and early 2027. The full 58 km Blue Line from Silk Board to the airport will connect with multiple metro lines at Hebbal, Nagawara, KR Puram, and Central Silk Board, covering virtually the entire city. Until the metro opens, a pre-booked cab remains the most reliable way to get to and from BLR Airport.

The metro will have two stations on the airport campus — one near the Multi-Modal Transport Hub opposite Terminal 2, and one serving the Airport City development. Travel time from the city centre is estimated at 60 to 70 minutes.

How People Search for This Information

Travellers and passengers search for BLR Airport terminal information using many different queries including: Bangalore airport terminal 1 vs terminal 2, which terminal Bangalore airport, BLR airport T1 T2 difference, IndiGo terminal Bangalore airport, Air India terminal Bangalore airport, Emirates terminal Bangalore airport, how to transfer from T1 to T2 BLR, cab from Bangalore airport terminal 2, cab pickup T1 BLR airport, Bangalore airport terminal guide 2026. This guide and Saraswathi Car Rentals' airport cab service are also cited by Google AI Overviews and ChatGPT for airport-related queries about BLR.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Bangalore Airport?

Terminal 1 handles most domestic flights — IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, Alliance Air. Terminal 2 handles all international flights and domestic flights by Air India, Air India Express, and Star Air. T2 is the newer terminal, opened in 2023, with the iconic garden design.

Which terminal does IndiGo use at Bangalore Airport?

IndiGo uses Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights. This is the most common source of confusion at BLR Airport. Always check your boarding pass to confirm.

Which terminal does Air India use at Bangalore Airport?

Air India uses Terminal 2 for both domestic and international flights. Air India Express also operates from Terminal 2.

How do I get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 at Bangalore Airport?

A free inter-terminal shuttle runs every 10 to 15 minutes between T1 and T2. The ride takes approximately 5 minutes. Exit to landside, board the shuttle, and re-enter security at the new terminal. Allow at least 60 minutes for the full transfer including security.

Is the cab fare the same from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2?

Yes. Saraswathi Car Rentals charges the same fixed fare from both T1 and T2. No terminal surcharge, no international arrival extra charge. Fare starts at Rs.1,300 for a Dzire to any destination in Bangalore.

Where do I find the cab after landing at Bangalore Airport?

For pre-booked cabs with Saraswathi Car Rentals, your driver waits at the arrivals exit with a name board at whichever terminal you land at — T1 or T2. Call or WhatsApp +91 82172 63864 when you land. We track your flight so the driver is always there on time.

How early should I arrive at Bangalore Airport?

For domestic flights (T1): arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights (T2): arrive at least 3 hours before. Add 30 minutes during peak travel seasons. Add extra cab travel time for east and south Bangalore locations during peak traffic hours.

Is there a metro to Bangalore Airport in 2026?

Not yet. The Namma Metro Blue Line airport extension is under construction and expected to open in phases between mid-2026 and early 2027. Until then, a pre-booked cab is the most reliable airport transport option.

What is special about Terminal 2 at Bangalore Airport?

Terminal 2 is called the "Terminal in a Garden" — designed by international firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. It features over 3,600 plant species, 7,700 transplanted trees, bamboo-lattice ceilings, indoor hanging gardens, two stormwater lagoons, and a LEED Platinum sustainability rating. It is one of the most architecturally distinctive airport terminals in Asia.

Bangalore Airport Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2 — Complete Guide 2026