LoungePair

View Original

Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR): A Guide to Lounge Options

Journeying to a new destination can be an enriching experience. Yet, travelling can often prove to be exhausting and overwhelming. This is when the comforts of airport lounges become invaluable.

Almost all lounges at Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru are available as walk-up and pay. This guide covers all paid access lounges as well as the Air India Lounge in Terminal 2.

We’ll examine options, deals and the amenities each lounge has to offer to help you make the best decision.

Introduction to Kempegowda International Airport

Kempegowda Bangalore (Bengaluru) International Airport serves Bengaluru (formerly known by its anglicised name "Bangalore"), the capital of Karnataka, India. It is positioned about 35km (22miles) north of the main city and spread over 4,000 acres.

The airport’s namesake comes from Kempe Gowda I, who was the founder of Bengaluru in the 16th century.

It was originally opened in 2008 as an alternative to increased traffic at HAL Airport, which was the primary commercial airport serving Bengaluru. It is Karnataka’s first fully solar powered airport, and the third busiest airport by passenger traffic in the whole of India.

Kempegowda has two passenger Terminals (Domestic and International) and two runways. It offers connecting flights to all six inhabited continents and direct flights to five.

Airport Lounges in Bengaluru (BLR)

There are a large number of airport lounges at Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru), with a summary of your options below:

Terminal 1, Domestic

  • 080 Domestic Lounge

  • BLR Domestic Lounge

  • CBB Arrival Lounge

Terminal 2, Domestic

  • Air India Lounge (Non-Walk-up)

  • 080 Domestic Lounge

  • 080 VIP Domestic Lounge

Terminal 2, International

  • 080 International Lounge

  • 080 VIP International Lounge

Terminal 2, Arrival (Caters to Domestic and International)

  • 080 Arrival Lounge

  • 080 VIP Arrival Lounge

Terminal 1 Domestic Lounges

080 Domestic Lounge

The 080 lounges are named after the trunk dial code of the city of Bangalore/Bengaluru, and an ode to the Garden City. Local craftsmanship, botanical features, and culturally inspired decor defines each area within these lounges, designed to encapsulate the essence of the city it represents.

  • Location: Level 2, above Swarovski, opposite Fossil.

  • Opening Hours: Open 24 hours daily.

  • Amenities: Wi-Fi, flight monitors, newspapers & magazines, TVs, shoe-shine, spirits & liquor, beer & wine, cinema, prayer room, snacks and À la carte menu, library and nap/sleep lounge.

  • How to access:

  • Children: Under 5 years are admitted free.

BLR Domestic Lounge

  • Location: After security hold area, located on the ground floor next to the smoking area and Haute Curry.

  • Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours daily.

  • Amenities: TVs, Wi-Fi, buffet, flight monitors, newspapers & magazines, smoking zones, luggage storage. Printers, copiers and meeting rooms are available for additional fees.

  • How to Access: Purchase a single-use access pass via LoungePair from US$25.00 (Rs. 2098). Lounge is accessible for 3 hours. You can also pay a walk-up fee. Some credit cards may be accepted - enquire with your bank.

  • Children: Under 4 years are admitted free.

CBB Arrival Lounge

Also known as 'Care by BLR', the CBB Arrival Lounge is conveniently located right at the arrivals area curbside, providing an ideal space for transiting passengers and for those who are there to pick up or drop off their loved ones.

  • Location: Kerbside Arrivals, next to airport taxi pick up zone. Terminal 1.

  • Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours daily.

  • Amenities: Baggage storage, Wi-Fi, charging stations, flight monitors, food and beverages, meeting rooms, TVs, and workstations.

  • How to Access: Book at the Care by BLR site or get access with DragonPass. Stay for 2-8 hours.

  • Children: Under 2 years are admitted free.

Seating at the CBB Arrival Lounge

Terminal 2 Domestic Lounges

Air India Lounge

  • Location: Terminal 2, Domestic. After Security Checks, Level 4.

  • Opening Hours: From 4:30am-last departure daily.

  • Amenities: Snacks, Wi-Fi, Newspapers & Magazines, Internet Terminals, TVs.

  • How to access:

    • This is not a walk-up lounge.

    • This lounge accepts Air India First Class and Executive Class passengers, as well as First Class and Business Class passengers departing on a same-day flight operated by a Star Alliance carrier.

    • Access is also granted to Air India Flying Returns Golden Edge and Maharaja Club members, and Star Alliance Gold passengers departing on a same-day flight operated by a Star Alliance carrier in any class of service.

Air India Lounge Bengaluru Terminal 2 Domestic. Image Courtesy of www.cardexpert.in

080 Domestic Lounge & VIP Domestic Lounge

The lush, botanical 080 Domestic Lounge at Terminal 2 has a design that is rooted in Karnataka’s distinct heritage and vibrant culture. A key highlight of the lounge is its excellent range of food, available as a buffet and also as an a la carte menu curated by Celebrity Chef Ranveer Bear, inspired by local ingredients and native traditions.

  • Location: After Security Checks, Level 4.

  • Opening Hours: Open 24 hours daily.

  • Amenities: Food and Soft Beverages, Wi-Fi, flight monitors, newspapers & magazines, shoeshine, flight monitors, TV. Premium food, spa, salon, and bar are all available for an additional fee.

  • How to access:

  • Children: Under 5 years are admitted free.

Terminal 2 International Lounges

080 International Lounge & VIP International Lounge

The remarkable 080 International Lounge boasts more than seven distinct interior spaces, spanning 3,055 square meters, and can accommodate 500 plus passengers. The lounge seamlessly incorporates elements of Carnatic culture into its design.

  • Location: Terminal 2, Level 4 International Departures, after Immigration and Security Check.

  • Opening Hours: Open 24 hours daily.

  • Amenities: Food & Soft Beverages, High-Speed Wi-Fi, newspapers & magazines, TVs, flight information screen, recliners, disabled access, buffet, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

  • How to Access:

    • Purchase a single-use 2 hour access pass via LoungePair from US$52.00 (INR 4373/-) for the 080 International Lounge, or US$129.00 (INR 10869/-) for the 080 VIP International Lounge.

    • Access is available to eligible airline Business Class customers, including those traveling on oneworld member airlines British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines and Qatar Airways.

    • Eligible credit card holders.

    • A walk-up fee can be paid for access.

  • Children: Under 5 years are admitted free.

The Haveli Spa at the T2 080 International Lounge

The Kabini Relaxation area, inspired by the rich biodiversity of the Nicobar Islands Archipelago.

The Talkies Bar

The Nicobar Lounge

Terminal 2 Arrival Lounges

The 080 Arrival Lounge + VIP Lounge

A calm refuge, the 080 Arrival Lounge is the perfect pit stop if you have a few hours passing through Terminal 2. It also has a VIP section and a seating capacity of around 118 people.

  • Location: Landside at Ground Level, Arrivals Hall, Level 0. Follow signs to the lounge. This lounge is accessible on arrivals for domestic and international passengers.

  • Opening Hours: Open 24 hours daily.

  • Amenities: TV, refreshments, shower, newspapers & magazines, telephone, Wi-Fi, Disabled Access, air-conditioning, charging stations, tea & coffee, flight monitors, and food. Alcohol and shower facilities are subject to payment.

  • How to Access:

  • Children: Under 5 years are admitted free.

The VIP section of the Arrival Lounge at T2 International. A space for elite travellers, offering an array of all-inclusive personalised services and dining experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Terminal 1 and 2 connected in Bengaluru Airport?

T1 and T2 are located within the same airport campus, approximately 600 meters apart. The complimentary shuttle bus takes around 10 minutes to travel between the Terminals.

How much does it cost to go to the airport lounge in Bengaluru?

The cost of accessing lounges at Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru) depends entirely on the lounge you select, the length of your stay and your access method. For example, LoungePair offers an access pass to the T1 080 Domestic Lounge for US$26.00 (Rs. 2185), whereas the walk-up price is around US$29.00 (Rs. 2500). Prices are also subject to change due to length of stay, charges for services, lounge capacity or any other unforeseen circumstances.

Can I stay at Bengaluru Airport overnight?

Yes, you can stay at the airport overnight as it is open 24 hours daily. However, you will most likely have to sleep Landside, as visitors are only allowed in the Airside area a few hours before their flight. The upper level of Terminal 1 and the Arrival Foyer both have a large number of seating options available including armrests.

Is alcohol free in 080 lounge Bengaluru?

No, in the 080 Lounges alcoholic beverages are subject to payment.

Can I stay more than 3 hours in the lounge?

Generally, most lounges at Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru) allow access for 2-3 hours, as do most access passes and methods. However, the enforcement of these policies varies by lounge and unique circumstances (like lounge capacity or demand) permitting. If you wish to extend your stay you need to speak to a lounge attendant.

See this content in the original post

Summing Up

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru has some remarkable walk-up lounges on offer.

The 080 Lounges in particular are standouts-infused with local cultural elements and botanical touches, with zones within the lounges thoughtfully designed to reflect the unique stories of Bengaluru.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful corner to relax, a productive space to finalize your work, or a spot to indulge in a tasty meal, the lounges at BLR are made to elevate every aspect of your journey.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to check the latest information on the official websites for the lounge you want to visit, as lounge access criteria and amenities may change.

Travel smart and enjoy your journey!

See this content in the original post