India Guide
Karnataka
Arrival
All flights arrive into and depart from the new Bengaluru International Airport, 35km northeast of the city in Devanahalli. Reportedly the priciest airport in India, BIA includes self-service check-in kiosks, high-end bars and cafés, a well-maintained tourist office and helicopter transport into the city (Rs3500). Until the much-discussed express rail is up and running, those unwilling to splash out for the chopper must choose between a few select airline shuttles (Rs70–150), varna minibuses (Rs100) or pre-paid taxis (Rs500–600), and expect one to one and a half hour travel times to the MG Road area.
Bangalore City railway station is east of the centre, near Kempe Gowda Circle, and across the road from the main bus stands (for the north of the city, get off at Bangalore Cantonment Station). As you come into the entrance hall from the platforms, the far left-hand corner holds an ITDC booth (daily 8am–4pm; 
080/2220 4277), where you can rent cars, book tours, or book a hotel for a fee of ten percent of the day's room rate. The KSTDC tourist information office (daily 7am–8pm; 080/2287 0068), to the right, also books tours and can provide useful advice. To hire an auto-rickshaw it is best to pay the Rs1 fee at the pre-paid booth to guarantee the proper fare – a typical charge is Rs25–40 to MG Road, depending on the time of day.
Innumerable long-distance buses arrive at the big, busy Central (KSRTC) stand, opposite the railway station. There is a comprehensive timetable in English in the centre of the concourse. A bridge divides it from the City stand, for local services.