Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India, offers various transportation modes to help residents and tourists navigate the city efficiently. Below is a detailed guide covering Metro, Bus, Rail, Car, Auto-rickshaws, Taxis, Cycling, and Pedestrian-friendly routes.
Metro (Namma Metro)
Bengaluru Metro, called Namma Metro, is the fastest mode of transport within the city. It operates in two major corridors:
- Purple Line – Whitefield (Kadugodi) to Challaghatta
- Green Line – Nagasandra to Silk Institute
- Yellow & Blue Lines (Upcoming) – Expanding towards the airport and other IT hubs.
- Operating Hours: 5:30 AM – 11:30 PM
- Fare Range: ₹10 – ₹60
- Smart Cards: Available for frequent travelers
- Metro App: BMRCL app for live updates and recharge
Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) Buses
BMTC operates regular, AC, electric, and airport shuttle buses in the city.
- Ordinary Buses – Most economical option
- Vayu Vajra (Airport Shuttle) – Connects Kempegowda International Airport to major locations.
- Namma Electric Bus – Environment-friendly buses on selected routes.
- Metro Feeder Buses – Connects areas with Metro stations.
- Timings: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Fare: ₹10 – ₹150
- Passes: Daily/Monthly passes available
- BMTC App: MyBMTC App for routes, tracking
Indian Railways (Suburban Trains)
- Best for: Commuting to neighboring cities like Whitefield, Yelahanka, and Hosur.
- Key Stations: KSR Bengaluru, Cantonment, Yeshwanthpur, Whitefield, Hebbal
- Timings: 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Fares: ₹10 – ₹50
- Booking: IRCTC website & UTS Mobile App
Taxis & Ride-Sharing Services
- Ola, Uber, Rapido – App-based cab and bike taxis.
- Airport Taxis – Available outside terminals.
- Auto-rickshaws – Avoid overcharging by using Namma Yatri app.
- Fare Estimate: ₹25 for first 1.9 km, then ₹13/km
Private Cars & Rentals
- Self-drive rentals: Zoomcar, Drivezy, Revv.
- Chauffeur services: Savaari, Uber Intercity.
- Carpooling: Quick Ride for office commuters.
- Parking: Limited in CBD areas; use pay-and-park zones.
- Fuel Prices (as of Jan 2025): Petrol ₹105/L, Diesel ₹92/L, CNG ₹85/Kg
Cycling & Walking Friendly Areas
- Cycle Rentals: Yulu, PedL available in IT parks, Metro stations.
- Best Pedestrian Zones: MG Road, Brigade Road, Cubbon Park.
Roads & Traffic Conditions
- High Traffic Zones: Silk Board, Whitefield, Electronic City, Hebbal.
- Expressways:
- NICE Road (Bengaluru Bypass)
- Outer Ring Road (ORR) – Major IT corridor
- Airport Road – High-speed highway to Kempegowda International Airport
- Live Traffic Updates: Google Maps, Bangalore Traffic Police Twitter.
Bengaluru Local Transport Table
| Mode | Operator | Coverage Area | Cost (₹) | Timings | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro | BMRCL | Citywide | 10 – 60 | 5:30 AM – 11:30 PM | BMRCL App, Metro Station |
| BMTC Bus | BMTC | Citywide | 10 – 150 | 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM | MyBMTC App, Bus Stop |
| Suburban Train | Indian Railways | City & Nearby Cities | 10 – 50 | 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM | IRCTC, UTS App |
| Auto-rickshaw | Private | Citywide | ₹25 start, ₹13/km | 24/7 | Ola, Uber, Namma Yatri |
| Ola/Uber/Rapido | Ola, Uber | Citywide | ₹10 – ₹15/km | 24/7 | Ola, Uber App |
| Car Rental | Zoomcar, Revv | City & Intercity | ₹1500+/day | 24/7 | Zoomcar, Drivezy |
| Cycling (Yulu, PedL) | Yulu, PedL | IT Parks, Metro | ₹5/min | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Yulu App |
Future Transport Projects
- Metro Phase 3 (2026-2028) – Expansion to more suburban areas.
- Bengaluru Suburban Railway (2026) – High-speed trains for daily commuters.
- Electric Buses & Cabs – More EV infrastructure to be developed.
Bengaluru Tourist Information
- Best Time to Visit: October – March (Pleasant Weather )
- Top Attractions:
- Cubbon Park, Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bannerghatta National Park
- Bangalore Palace, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace
- MG Road, Brigade Road, UB City Mall (Shopping)
- Nandi Hills (Weekend getaway)
- Local Cuisine :
- Must-try: Benne Dosa (CTR), Idli-Vada (Brahmin’s Cafe), Mutton Biryani (Shivaji Military Hotel)
- Popular Cafes: Third Wave Coffee, Rameshwaram Cafe
- Hotels & Stays:
- Budget: Zostel, Treebo
- Mid-Range: Taj Vivanta, Hilton
- Luxury: The Oberoi, Ritz Carlton
Travel Tips
Use Metro for peak hours (7-10 AM, 5-8 PM).
BMTC buses are best for budget travel.
Auto-rickshaws often overcharge, use Namma Yatri app.
Avoid Silk Board Junction, KR Puram during peak hours.
Carry an NFC Metro Card for easy travel.