BLR 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 to anyone willing and able to buy a pass for entry. 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 International Airport, also known as Bangalore 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.
Understanding Airport Lounge Access
Airport lounge access is a premium service offered to travelers, providing a comfortable and relaxing experience before their flight. With various airport lounges available at Kempegowda International Airport, understanding how to access these lounges can enhance your travel experience.
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, Kerbside
LOUNGE (Previously the Care by BLR Arrival Lounge)
Terminal 1, Domestic
080 Domestic Lounge (Level 1) (Previously the BLR Domestic Lounge)
Terminal 2, Domestic
Terminal 2, International
Terminal 2, Arrival (Caters to Domestic and International)
Terminal 1 Kerbside Lounge
LOUNGE
Note: This lounge is where "Care by BLR" used to be.
The conveniently named “LOUNGE” is conveniently located right at the arrivals area kerbside, 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 Terminal 1, next to airport taxi pick up zone, nearby pillar 13.
Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours daily.
Amenities: Baggage storage, Wi-Fi, charging stations, flight monitors, food and beverages, meeting rooms (available for an additional charge), TVs, and workstations. Note that there are no alcoholic beverages served in this lounge.
How to Access:
Purchase a single-use 2 hour access pass via LoungePair from US$19.00 (INR 1629/-) for adults, and US$12.00 (INR 979/-) for children aged 5-12.
This lounge is not yet available via any lounge membership program.
Children: Under 5 years are admitted free.
Terminal 1 Domestic Lounges
080 Domestic Lounge (Level 1)
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.
There are currently two lounges by this name in Terminal 1, in the east and west ends of the terminal, on two different levels. This first lounge is in the east end of Terminal 1 on Level 1. This was the space previously known as the “BLR Domestic Lounge”.
Location: Level 1, opposite Gate 34 and next to Starbucks.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours daily.
Amenities: Wi-Fi, flight monitors, newspapers & magazines, TVs, shoeshine, spirits & liquor, beer & wine, cinema, prayer room, snacks and À la carte menu, library and nap/sleep lounge. This lounge has a shower.
How to access:
Purchase a single-use access pass via LoungePair from US$28.00 (~Rs. 2400). Lounge is accessible for 3 hours.
DragonPass, Diners Club and Priority Pass memberships allow access, as well as an American Express Platinum card and Mastercard with LoungeKey.
A walk-up fee can be paid for access.
Children: Under 5 years are admitted free.
The 080 Domestic Lounge on Level 1 is located nearby Gate 34 and Starbucks, as shown here.
080 Domestic Lounge (Level 2)
This is the second 080 Domestic Lounge, located in the west end of Terminal 1 on Level 2.
Location: Level 2, above Swarovski, opposite Fossil.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours daily.
Amenities: Wi-Fi, flight monitors, newspapers & magazines, TVs, shoeshine, spirits & liquor, beer & wine, cinema, prayer room, snacks and À la carte menu, library and nap/sleep lounge. This lounge has a shower.
How to access:
Purchase a single-use access pass via LoungePair from US$28.00 (~Rs. 2400). Lounge is accessible for 3 hours.
DragonPass, Diners Club and Priority Pass memberships allow access, as well as an American Express Platinum card and Mastercard with LoungeKey.
A walk-up fee can be paid for access.
Children: Under 5 years are admitted free.
Take the escalator opposite Fossil on Level 1, this will take you to the lounge location on Level 2.
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, Showers.
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. There is no shower in this lounge.
How to access:
Purchase a single-use 2 hour access pass via LoungePair from US$27.00 (INR 2239/-) for the 080 Domestic Lounge, or US$55.00 (INR 4699/-) for the 080 VIP Domestic Lounge. Rates for children aged 5-12 are cheaper.
Eligible credit card holders, including Diners Club, American Express Platinum card and Mastercard with LoungeKey.
DragonPass and Priority Pass memberships provide access to the standard lounge, but not the VIP lounge.
A walk-up fee can be paid for 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. There are showers available in both the standard and VIP areas of the lounge.
How to Access:
Purchase a single-use 2 hour access pass via LoungePair from US$46.00 (INR 3919/-) for the 080 International Lounge, or US$118.00 (INR 9999/-) for the 080 VIP International Lounge. Rates for children aged 5-12 are cheaper.
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.
DragonPass and Priority Pass memberships provide access to the standard lounge, but not the VIP lounge.
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
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 is available subject to payment. Shower facilities are available for INR 700 + GST per person (paid locally) or included at no extra charge with VIP Lounge access.
How to Access:
Purchase a single-use 2 hour access pass via LoungePair from US$30.00 (INR 2499/-) for the 080 Arrivals Lounge, or US$45.00 (INR 3748/-) for the 080 VIP Arrivals Lounge. Rates for children aged 5-12 are cheaper.
Eligible Business Class passengers.
Eligible credit card holders, including Diners Club and Mastercard with LoungeKey.
DragonPass and Priority Pass memberships provide access.
A walk-up fee can be paid for access.
Children: Under 5 years are admitted free.
Once you exit post-collection of baggage, the 080 Arrivals Lounge will be to your right. Follow the signs.
080 Transit Hotel: An Alternative to Lounges
For travelers with long layovers, overnight connections, or unexpected flight delays, the 080 Transit Hotel offers a private space to rest and recharge without leaving the airport. It's an excellent option for combating jet lag or simply unwinding between flights.
Locations: The hotel has branches conveniently located inside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
In Terminal 1, the 080 Transit Hotel is located on Level 2.
In Terminal 2, the 080 Transit Hotel is located on Level 0.
Booking Options: Stays can be booked for short-term packages, including 4, 8, and 12-hour slots, making it flexible for transit passengers.
Rooms & Amenities: The hotel provides Deluxe Single, Deluxe Double, and wheelchair-accessible rooms. Amenities include air conditioning, TV, a minibar, and free Wi-Fi.
Lounge Access: Guests staying at the hotel also have the option to access the 080 Lounge for dining and refreshments.
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 access to the T1 080 Domestic Lounges from US$28.00 (~Rs. 2400). The cost of access on walk-up is often higher. Most lounges in Bengaluru are also not inclusive of extras like alcohol and showers, which usually cost extra at the lounge. 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?
Alcoholic beverages are subject to payment in most 080 lounges, with the exception of the Terminal 2 International Lounge (normal and VIIP), where lounge access includes two complimentary alcoholic drinks.
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.
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. These lounges offer a range of lounge services, including premium amenities, dining options, and workspaces.
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!