Bangalore Transport

Bangalore Transport - Getting Around Bangalore is easy through transportation options like City Bus Services, AutoRickshaws (Autos), Taxis and Private Cars. 

City Bus Services - BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan transport corporation)

The local bus service is one of the cheapest ways to see places around Bangalore. The normal local bus service (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC)) of the city is fairly frequent thought a bit crowded.  However, it also runs semi-luxury and super luxury bus services within the city. The luxury buses (built by Volvo) are fully air conditioned with comfortable seats. The number of passengers allowed is also limited so that it doesn't overcrowd.

Majestic Bus StationVia World offers bus booking services to selected destinations within Bangalore and booking for destinations cities within and outside Karnataka. http://www.viaworld.in/bdo Click on the buses tab on the top and search for availabiltuy.

You can visit BMTC's website at: http://www.bmtcinfo.com/

There is a ‘route mapping' facility available in the website - this one allows you to enter the destination you want to travel to, and it shows you the route the bus will take along with information on the distance and the bus numbers. This one's useful when you want to get down midway between tow destinations and also to plan your treip.

You can also buy daily, weekly or monthly passes and save a lot on local transport costs. A daily pass will cost you around Rs 30, a weekly pass for 180 and a monthly pass will cost Rs 800. They also issue passes for the comfortable Volvo buses for Rs 1750 for oen month.

Passes are available at these bus-stations:

The passes are also available at Bangalore One counters in the city:

Phone numbers for BMTC (call center and general inquiries)

• Assistant Traffic Manager, Kempegowda Bus Stand, SubashNagar: Telephone No: 2295 2311 / 2295 2314
• Assistant Traffic Manager, Shivajinagar Bus Stand: Telephone No: 2295 2321 / 2295 2324
• Control Room: Telephone No: 2295 2522 / 2295 2422
• Chief Traffic Manager (Operations), BMTC Central Offices, Shanthinagar, Bangalore - 560 027: Telephone No: 2295 2536 / 2295 2535
• Call Centre No: 2555 0565 / 2667

BMTC also has a page on their website which has a fare chart alonn with information on the passes - http://www.bmtcinfo.com/english/passes.htm

Autos or Auto Rickshaws - the lifeline of Bangalore transport

Auto Rickshawas or ‘Autos' , as they are popularly know in India is a very important part of Bangalore's transportation. They are found in large numbers in Bangalore and are one of the easiest forms of traveling here. They are usually found near bus-stands, public places and auto-stands.

An auto can seat about 3 adults, but don't be surprised when you see autos carrying more than 4 passengers here.

The Bangalore AutoYou can stop one by calling out loud - "Auto". Almost all Autos follow a meter system, but sometimes Auto drivers may try to fleece you, especially if you are new to the city.

The fixed rate for an Auto in Bangalore is Rs 14 (he starts the meter as soon you alight,the auto) for 2 Kilometers. For every kilometer thereafter the rate is Rs 7. There is also a waiting time for Autos in case you want to take a break. You can negotiate with the driver if your break is going to go too long.

Tips: Insist on driver to start the meter as soon as you alight. Usually the driver's details are displayed in front of the passenger seat in every Auto in Bangalore. Make a quick note of this in your mobile or in a notepad. If there are any problems, you can register a complaint with the local police.

Autos can be good fun and are a cheap way to travel (second only to Buses) and tour Bangalore. Plus, Auto Drivers give you nuggets of information about the city that you cannot get in any travel guide book.

Some private operators allow you to book Autos over phone and email. Check this website which also conducts guided tours of Bangalore in Auto Rickshaws - http://www.countryboat.com/bglr/call_auto_bangalore.html

Call - Taxis (Radio Taxis) and Private Cabs

Taxis are another efficient and comfortable way to travel around Bangalore. Though they are costlier than traveling by bus or by Auto, it is much safer and suits well, if you are traveling with family. Taxis here are not marked ‘taxi' on top. Instead they are a lot of private operators which operate taxi services around the city. In Bangalore taxis are generally referred to as "City Taxi" or "Call Taxi".

Radio Taxi in BangaloreYou have to usually call the taxi operator's customer support number and book for a cab. They are usually on time and it is advisable to book for a taxi at least an hour before you want to travel.

The minimum rate for a taxi is around Rs 50 (when the meter starts) and about Rs 11 - Rs 12 per kilometer thereafter. There is also a waiting charge of about Rs 50 (for about half an hour)

Here are some taxi operators' telephone numbers:

Spot City Taxi
11 1st Floor,Wood House,Wood Street
Ashok Nagar, Bangalore, 560083
+91 80 41100000‎
+91 80 25510000‎

City Safari Taxi
104/1/2
Rajajinagar, Tavarekere, Bangalore, Karnataka 560029
+91 80 25534276‎
+91 80 25539999‎
+91 80 41106666‎

Breeze Cool Cabs (AC Metered Taxi)
212, 5th Cross, 1st Main
Domlur Layout, Bangalore, Karnataka 560071
+91 80 4009 9999‎
http://www.breezecoolcabs.com/

Cabs Den Car Rental & Leasing
468,13th Cross, Wilson Garden, Bangalore, 560027
+91 80 41206677‎
+91 80 41216666‎
+91 80 22483879‎
+91 9880100079‎ - Mobile
+91 80 22483899‎ - Fax

Classic Cabs ( India) Pvt Ltd
Old Binny Mill Road
Ganganagar, Bangalore, Karnataka 560032
+91 80 23438821‎
+91 80 2354 8814‎
+91 9945422936‎ - Mobile
www.bangaloretaxis.com 

Bangalore Buses and Taxis
Hennur Main Road
Bangalore, Karnataka 560001
+91 97 39322956‎
www.bengalurubus.com

Other Taxi and Private Contact Numbers:

Unicorn [for Kinetic rentals]: 98440-24365

Air Link Taxi: 2536 2222

Chamundi City Taxi: 2520 0333 2529 3222

City Taxis: 2323 7191/2, 2323 8899, 3355 (on Spice)

Garden City Taxis: 2343 7646, 2343 4274

Maruthi City Taxi: 2336 8888, 2336 9000, 5761 3332

Radio Taxis: 2332 0152

Raj City Taxis: 2333 7777, 2363 4444, 2333 5666

Roman Taxis: 2548 6606, 2548 6616

Shree Maruthi City Taxi: 5190 0000

Spot Taxis: 2551 0000

Taxi Control Room: 23523636

Plan your trip now and see what Bangalore has to offer. Go back to the Bangalore City Guide Page or Head to Banagalore Tourist Attractions to see what you can see and do when you are in this land of boiled beans (Bengalooru).