🛬 Bangalore Airport T2 Guide (2025)
Navigate India’s Garden Terminal with confidence – travel tips, hacks, local insights & airport secrets
🛬 1. Arriving at Bangalore T2
🔍 Immigration & VISA
Bangalore Airport T2 Immigration is generally efficient but expect 15–45 minute waits depending on flight timing. Separate counters are marked for e-VISA, OCI/PIO, and Business Travelers. Officers may ask for your return ticket and hotel details.
🛂 Tip: Be ready with a printed hotel confirmation and return/onward ticket. Digital is fine, but printed is faster.
🧾 Customs Process
After immigration, you’ll pass through Customs. Choose Green Channel if you have nothing to declare, or Red Channel for items like drones, gold, electronics, or excess liquor. Random bag checks are common.
⚠️ Warning: Vape devices, knives, and satellite phones may be confiscated or fined.
📱 SIM Card / eSIM
SIM card kiosks (Airtel, Jio) are located after customs near Arrivals. Plans start around ₹299 for 28 days (unlimited data + calls). Activation takes 10–60 minutes with passport and photo.
eSIM? You can pre-order an Indian eSIM from providers like Airalo or Nomad — usually works instantly upon landing.
💱 Forex (Rate Comparison)
There are 24×7 currency exchange counters in Arrivals, but rates are poor (₹76–78/$ vs market ₹83/$). Better to withdraw INR from ATMs.
💡 Hack: Bring a Zero-FX card (like Niyo or Wise) and withdraw directly from ATMs for best conversion rates.
🏧 ATMs & UPI Access
ATMs from SBI, ICICI, and HDFC are near the exit gates. International cards work fine. UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe) is accepted almost everywhere in the city, but not inside the airport for foreigners unless linked to Indian bank accounts.
📱 Tip: If you’re staying longer, open a Niyo Global or ICICI travel account for full UPI access.
🎒 Cloak Room
No official cloakroom inside Bangalore Airport T2 yet. If you’re in transit, you can ask the porters or airline counters about short-term baggage holding (₹300–₹500 per bag). T1 has paid storage if you’re switching terminals.
🧳 Hack: Use Smartr or Bagbnb in the city for daily luggage storage.
💊 Pharmacy / Medical Store
There’s a 24/7 Apollo Pharmacy inside Arrivals near the exit. It stocks basics like painkillers, ORS, and travel meds. Ask for generic names if you’re coming from abroad.
🛡️ Travel Insurance
If you forgot to get insurance before flying, there’s an ICICI Lombard kiosk near baggage claim. But prices are high. Best to buy online from PolicyBazaar or SafetyWing before arrival.
👶 Baby-Friendly Facilities
Bangalore Airport T2 is baby-friendly with dedicated mother-care rooms (nursing & diaper stations) near all major gates. There are also stroller rentals and child-safe toilets.
🍼 Tip: Ask airport staff if you need hot water for baby bottles — they’re usually happy to help.
♿ Disabled Access
Excellent wheelchair access, disabled-friendly toilets, and battery carts are available. You can also request pre-arrival wheelchair assistance via your airline or BLR app.
🧳 Lost Baggage Help
If your luggage doesn’t arrive, go to the airline’s Lost & Found counter near baggage belts. Bangalore Airport T2 also has a general Lost Items Desk near Arrivals Exit B.
🔍 Warning: Don’t leave the airport without filing a report or you’ll face delays in claims.
🔐 Security & VISA Counters
Need a last-minute visa correction or forgot to register your e-VISA? There’s a VISA Assistance Desk in the arrivals hall. Immigration supervisors are generally helpful if you’re polite.
🔄 International Transfers
If you’re connecting to another international flight, follow the “International Transfers” signs after immigration. Transit desks are marked for major airlines (Emirates, Lufthansa, Singapore Air). No need to exit unless changing terminals.
🛏️ Sleeping Pods / Prayer / Spa
There are no dedicated sleeping pods yet, but the quiet lounge zones near Gate 25 and Gate 31 are dimly lit and ideal for naps. Prayer rooms (multi-faith) are available both landside and airside.
💆 Tip: There’s a Bangalore Airport T2 mini-spa near Arrivals offering head/foot massage (~₹800 for 20 mins) if you’re feeling jetlagged.
📂 Staff Stories / Porters
The BLR “At Your Service” porters are friendly and fluent in English, Kannada, and Hindi. For ₹400–₹600, they’ll assist with luggage, navigation, or elderly travelers. Many travelers say it’s worth it, especially for tired families.
🌟 Local Insight: Ask porters about hidden photo spots or food joints — some are ex-cabin crew with fun tips.
🧰 2. Facilities & Navigation
🚰 Water Points
Good news — Bangalore Airport T2 has filtered drinking water stations in almost every major zone: near gates, washrooms, and food courts. The bottle fillers are sensor-activated, clean, and marked with blue signs saying “Potable Water.”
🚻 Toilets Review
The restrooms at Bangalore Airport T2 are surprisingly aesthetic — think garden-themed tiles, good lighting, and constant cleaning staff. Every major gate and concourse has toilets (including wheelchair-accessible and baby changing cubicles).
🔌 Charging Stations
Power running low? Look under almost every seat — you’ll find a mix of USB ports and universal plug points. Fast-charging ports are also built into high chairs near cafés.
🛋️ Lounges (Free vs Paid)
Bangalore Airport T2 has two main lounges: the 080 Lounge and BLR Domestic Lounge. Both are slick, leafy, and loaded with hot meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, showers, and nap areas.
- Paid Access: ₹2000–₹2500 per person (walk-in)
- Free Access: Many Indian cards like HDFC Infinia, SBI Prime allow lounge entry
🤫 Quiet Zones & Nap Corners
There are semi-darkened corners with recliners in both arrivals and departures, unofficially used by sleepy backpackers and transit zombies. They’re marked as “Quiet Zones” but no one checks how long you nap.
📶 Wi-Fi Speed
Bangalore Airport T2 offers free Wi-Fi for 45 mins. You register via OTP to your Indian number. Speeds are decent for YouTube, WhatsApp, and email. For longer usage, you’ll need to pay or tether off your SIM.
💳 Card Access Hacks
A lot of Bangalore Airport T2 services — lounges, SIM cards, even some food discounts — are tied to credit/debit card privileges. Visa Infinite, Mastercard World, and Amex Platinum often come with hidden freebies.
🛒 Baggage Trolleys
Free trolleys are available at every entry and exit. They’re well-maintained, and there are separate smaller ones for cabin luggage near the security check zone.
🚬 Smoking Zone
Designated smoking rooms are available near gate B4 and one after security in the domestic section. They’re sealed and ventilated — though always busy.
🖥️ Self Check-In
You’ll spot touchscreen kiosks for most airlines near entry gates. You can print your boarding pass and luggage tag, then drop bags at the counter.
📦 Bubble Wrap Points
If you’re flying with fragile goods, Bangalore Airport T2 has bubble wrapping stations after check-in. Prices range ₹100–₹300 depending on size. Look near the oversized baggage belt area.
🍴 3. Food & Shopping
💸 Food Under ₹100
Bangalore Airport T2 isn’t cheap, but there are a few hidden gems that won’t burn your wallet:
- Hatti Kaapi: Filter coffee for ₹40–₹60, mini idlis ₹70
- Chai Point Express: Cutting chai ₹30, bun maska ₹60
- Desi Street Vibes (food court): ₹99 thali combos
🤯 Weird Food to Try
Bangalore Airport T2 isn’t just for bland sandwiches — here are some quirky bites to try:
- Ragi Mudde Bowl: A South Indian millet ball in sambar — earthy and intense
- Jackfruit Tacos: A vegan twist at Go Native (Departures)
- Filter Coffee Ice Cream: Found at Café Noir — bold and sweet
🌯 Best ₹100 Snack
If you’re tight on time and budget, go for this combo:
- ➡️ Mini Masala Dosa + Filter Coffee at Hatti Kaapi for just ₹95
🍽️ Food Review
Overall, the food at Bangalore Airport T2 leans premium, but there’s enough variety to satisfy everyone — from dosa devotees to pasta lovers. Most cafés are open 24×7, and food delivery robots are spotted at the 080 Lounge (yes, really).
🍬 Vending Machines
Snack and drink vending machines are available near most washrooms and gates. They stock chips, biscuits, instant coffee cans, and water.
🛍️ Duty-Free (Pros & Cons)
Bangalore’s T2 duty-free is sleek, modern, and… pricey. You’ll find international chocolates, perfume brands, single malts, and quirky souvenirs. But beware of inflated prices post-conversion.
- ✅ Pros: Rare whiskies, quick billing, global cosmetics
- ❌ Cons: Most items are cheaper outside or online in India
🛫 4. Departing from T2
✈️ Airline Terminals
Bangalore T2 mainly handles international and premium domestic airlines. If you’re flying Vistara, Air India, or an international carrier (e.g., Emirates, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines), this is your terminal. Budget carriers like Indigo and Akasa usually operate from T1, but check your ticket closely — a few Indigo international flights use T2.
📍 Tip: Look for the giant garden wall after entering T2 — if you’re seeing it, you’re at the right place!
⏰ How Early to Arrive
Domestic flights: Arrive at least 2–2.5 hours early, especially if you want to explore lounges or shops.
International flights: At least 3.5 hours before departure — immigration and security can pile up fast, particularly at night.
🚀 Hack: Use BLR Airport app to monitor live security wait times.
⚠️ Warning: There’s no separate fast-track for economy class passengers, even if you’re late. Only business/priority tier gets fast-lane access.
📋 Boarding Process
Once through security, keep an eye on the display boards. Bangalore T2 uses silent boarding — no announcements are made at most gates. You need to be near your gate early and alert.
There are some remote bus gates, so be sure to reach on time — even if your gate is showing “final call,” they might already be boarding a shuttle bus to the aircraft!
📢 Tip: If your gate number starts with B or C, it’s a bus gate — add 10 extra minutes for shuttle transit.
🛫 Airline Experience (In-Flight)
From T2, most full-service airlines offer a smooth experience. Expect free meals on Air India and Vistara (domestic) and the usual perks on international flights (entertainment, meals, blanket). Wi-Fi is still rare on Indian domestic routes.
🎧 Hack: Carry your own 3.5mm audio splitter or Bluetooth adapter — some international aircraft still use two-prong headphone jacks.
🚖 5. Transport
🚕 Taxi Stand
The designated taxi pickup zone at T2 is just outside Arrivals, clearly marked and covered. You’ll find Ola, Uber, and airport-authorized Meru/Eco taxis in separate lanes. Pricing varies, but expect:
- 🚖 Meru/Eco (Prepaid): ₹950–₹1200 to central Bangalore
- 📱 Ola/Uber: ₹700–₹1100 (can surge during peak hours)
💡 Hack: Walk 2–3 mins to the T1 Arrivals parking area and book an Uber from there to skip the airport surcharge and get cheaper rides.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid accepting taxi offers from strangers inside the terminal. Use the official counters or apps only.
🚌 Bus / Tuk-Tuk Station
BMTC Vayu Vajra AC buses operate 24×7 from T2 to various areas like Majestic, Koramangala, and Whitefield. They’re clean, air-conditioned, and budget-friendly.
- 🎫 Fare: ₹160–₹300
- ⏱️ Frequency: Every 30–45 minutes
Follow signs for the “Airport Shuttle” near Arrivals. Tickets can be bought onboard or via BMTC app.
🛺 Tip: Tuk-tuks (autos) are available at T1 but rare at T2 — and not ideal for long airport rides. Stick to buses or cabs.
🚇 Metro / MRT Train
No direct metro line connects to Bangalore Airport (T2) yet, but a line is under construction and expected in late 2026. For now, your best bet is:
- Take a bus or taxi to Yelahanka or Hebbal
- Transfer to a metro or local train into the city
⚠️ Warning: Do not rely on train connections unless you’re very familiar with Bangalore — transfers are time-consuming and poorly integrated.
🚗 Car Rentals
Self-drive and chauffeur-driven car rentals are available at T2. Popular operators include:
- Zoomcar, Revv (Self-drive)
- Savaari, DriveU (With driver)
Rental counters are available in the transport hub just outside the terminal.
📦 Tip: If you’re on a longer trip or plan to explore nearby cities (like Mysore or Coorg), renting a car with a driver is often more comfortable than public transport.
📸 6. Local & Travel Fun
📸 Best Photo Spots
The airport is practically a photoshoot waiting to happen. Don’t miss the:
- Garden Walkway (Arrivals area) – A lush vertical garden wall with bamboo art and hanging lights.
- Terminal 2 Welcome Fountain – Right outside, especially stunning at dusk with the golden light.
- “Terminal in a Garden” signboard – Attracts both aviation geeks and casual travelers.
🛬 Plane Spotting Corners
While T2 doesn’t officially offer an observation deck, there are two sneaky spots:
- Gate 25 & 28 seating area – Full view of runways with frequent aircraft activity.
- Near Starbucks (Level 1) – Glass walls overlook multiple taxiways.
✨ Instagrammable Corners
You’ll find plenty of aesthetic backdrops at T2:
- The Terracotta Wall (near domestic departures) – Earthy tones + elegant sculpture = chef’s kiss.
- Wooden Ceiling Panels – Ultra-architectural, shoot with upward angles.
- Ayatana Garden Zone – An indoor green sanctuary, peaceful and photogenic.
🗺️ Places to Visit Nearby
Got a long layover or staying near the airport? Here are a few places within 30–60 mins:
- Devanahalli Fort – A quiet 16th-century fort just 20 min away.
- Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple – Beautiful Hoysala architecture (~40 min ride).
- Skandagiri Sunrise Trek – For the adventurous. Time it right, starts at 3 AM.
⚠️ Tourist Traps to Avoid
Not everything near T2 is worth your time or money. Beware of:
- So-called “Handicraft Malls” on Airport Road – Overpriced, underwhelming, and often pushy.
- Day cabs offering “sightseeing packages” right at Arrivals – Usually expensive and rushed.
- Fake SIM / Forex stalls outside the airport gates – Stick to official counters inside T2.
💡 7. Hacks, Tips & Warnings
⚡ Smart Travel Hacks
💡 Helpful Travel Tips
🚨 Important Warnings
