Public Transport

As Bangalore enjoys a moderate climate, the city can be visited at any time throughout the year. The season between June and September is characterised by monsoons, ranging from mild to heavy rainfall, whereas the winter months between October and February attract most tourists thanks to their mild temperatures, which are best enjoyed through the vibrant street life and beautiful nature.

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, a pioneering hub recognised as India’s first ‘Green Airport’, serves as the gateway to the lively city of Bangalore, located roughly 40 kilometres to the north. Travellers have multiple convenient options to reach the city centre: the Namma Metro’s Green Line offers a quick route, while airport taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola provide direct and flexible transfers. In addition, several car rental services are available for those preferring to drive themselves.

Bangalore boasts an extensive and diverse public transport system. Ordinary city buses are typically white and blue, with those featuring black display boards serving inner-city routes and red board buses covering long-distance routes to suburbs. The red Volvo buses, known as Vajra, are air-conditioned and highly recommended for tourists due to their comfort. Ordinary buses display route numbers in English, while destinations and routes are listed in Kannada. Bus maps and route information are available on the service company's website as well as at major bus terminals like Kempegowda Bus Stand (Majestic) and Shivajinagar. Be aware that bus services become less frequent after 10:30pm, and buses can be very crowded during the rush hour between 5pm and 7pm on weekdays. Many buses have reserved seats for women. A daily bus pass allows unlimited travel on all buses except Vajra routes. Given Bangalore’s challenging traffic conditions, with frequent lane discipline issues and continuous use of horns, using public transport is often more practical than driving.

In Bangalore, finding a taxi is relatively straightforward, as cabs are commonly available around the city, particularly in busy areas and near major landmarks. While traditional taxis in Bangalore do have meters, they are not always used consistently, so it’s wise to confirm the fare or negotiate beforehand. For a more seamless experience, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola are widely operational and highly popular.

In Bangalore, as in the rest of India, the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of electrical plugs commonly used are Type C, D, and M.