What Is the Difference Between T1 and T2 at Bangalore Airport?
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) opened its original terminal in 2008. Terminal 2 opened in 2023 and is now the primary terminal for all international flights. Terminal 1 continues to handle the bulk of domestic operations.
The key rule: check your boarding pass. Your boarding pass clearly states T1 or T2. If unsure before printing, 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 |
| Immigration | Not applicable (domestic) | 30+ counters, 6 e-gates, visa-on-arrival kiosks |
| Digi Yatra | Available | Available |
| 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
Terminal 2 — The "Terminal in a Garden"
Terminal 2 at BLR Airport is unlike any other terminal in India. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), T2 features over 3,600 plant species, 7,700 transplanted trees, hanging indoor gardens, bamboo-lattice ceilings, and two stormwater-recycling lagoons. It is LEED Platinum certified and covers 2.74 million square feet.
All international airlines — Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, Etihad, and KLM — operate exclusively from T2. Immigration has over 30 counters, 6 e-gates, and visa-on-arrival kiosks.
How to Transfer from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2
If you need to transfer between terminals (for example, arriving at T2 then connecting to a domestic flight at T1), exit to landside and take the free shuttle. Allow at least 60 minutes including security re-entry.
How to Book a Cab from Both Terminals
Saraswathi Car Rentals provides pre-booked cab service from both T1 and T2 at BLR Airport. Same fixed fare from both terminals — no terminal surcharge, no international arrival extra charge.
Cab Pickup at Terminal 1 (T1)
After collecting baggage, exit through the T1 arrivals door. Your driver waits outside the arrivals exit with a name board showing your name. WhatsApp your flight number when you land and we track it live.
Cab Pickup at Terminal 2 (T2)
After clearing immigration, collecting baggage, and passing through customs, exit through the T2 international arrivals exit. Your driver waits with a name board at the arrivals exit. If your flight is delayed, the driver adjusts automatically. No extra charge for T2 international arrivals waiting time up to 60 minutes.
Cab Fare from Bangalore Airport — Both Terminals
| Vehicle | Seats | Airport Fare | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dzire / Swift | 4 | ₹999 | Book Now |
| Ertiga | 6 | ₹1,699 | 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.
How Early Should You Arrive at BLR Airport?
- Domestic flight (T1 — IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa): Arrive at least 2 hours before departure.
- International flight (T2): Arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
- Peak travel periods (Diwali, Christmas-New Year, long weekends): Add 30 minutes.
- From East Bangalore (Whitefield, Marathahalli): Leave extra early — traffic can add 40 to 60 minutes.
- From South Bangalore (Koramangala, HSR Layout, BTM): Allow 75 to 90 minutes to airport during peak hours.
BLR Airport Facilities — T1 vs T2
Terminal 1 Facilities
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
- Food courts and restaurants
- Retail and duty-free shopping
- 080 Domestic Lounge (East and West)
- ATMs and foreign exchange counters
- Family and senior passenger priority lanes
- Prepaid taxi counter at arrivals
Terminal 2 Facilities
- Free Wi-Fi throughout
- Extensive dining and luxury retail
- 080 International 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 — Airtel, Jio
- Baby care rooms, multi-faith prayer rooms
- Transit hotel and sleeping pods (Connections by BLR)
- Baggage storage, currency exchange
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. Until the metro opens, a pre-booked cab remains the most reliable airport transport. The metro will have two stations on the airport campus — one near T2 and one at Airport City.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 opened in 2023 with the iconic garden design.
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.
Air India uses Terminal 2 for both domestic and international flights. Air India Express also operates from Terminal 2.
Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, Etihad, and KLM all operate from Terminal 2 (T2) 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.
Yes. Saraswathi Car Rentals charges the same fixed fare from both T1 and T2. No terminal surcharge. Fare starts at ₹999 for a Dzire to any destination in Bangalore.
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. We track your flight so the driver is always there on time.
Domestic flights (T1): at least 2 hours before. International flights (T2): at least 3 hours before. Add 30 minutes during peak travel seasons. Add extra cab travel time from east and south Bangalore during peak traffic hours.
Terminal 2 is called the "Terminal in a Garden" — designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. It features over 3,600 plant species, 7,700 transplanted trees, bamboo-lattice ceilings, indoor hanging gardens, and LEED Platinum sustainability rating. One of the most distinctive airport terminals in Asia.