Overview
Bangalore (officially Bengaluru), the capital of Karnataka, is India's technology powerhouse and one of its most cosmopolitan cities — a leafy, high-altitude hub of parks, restaurants and a thriving IT scene. It draws a steady stream of UK travellers on business, as well as many visiting family and friends. The city is served by the sleek Kempegowda International Airport (BLR). Whether you're flying out for work or a family reunion, comparing fares in one place makes finding the right flight to Bangalore quick and simple.
Best time to fly to Bangalore
Thanks to its elevation, Bangalore enjoys one of India's mildest climates. The most pleasant months run from October to February, with warm days and cool evenings. The monsoon brings rain from around June to September. Fares generally ease outside the winter holidays and the summer family-visit season, so travelling in the quieter shoulder weeks usually stretches your budget further — see the price charts on this page for your dates.
Airlines and routes
British Airways operates direct flights from London Heathrow to Bangalore, typically taking around ten hours. For connecting options — often better value, and convenient from Manchester and other UK cities — Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi), Lufthansa (via Frankfurt) and Air India (via Delhi) all serve Bangalore. Comparing carriers for your exact dates is the surest way to secure the lowest fare.
Things to do in Bangalore
Bangalore mixes gardens, palaces and modern culture at an easy pace:
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden: a historic 240-acre garden famous for its glasshouse and ancient trees.
- Cubbon Park: a green city-centre haven ideal for a relaxed stroll.
- Bangalore Palace: a Tudor-style royal residence with grand interiors and grounds.
- Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace: an elegant 18th-century teak palace steeped in history.
- Commercial Street & MG Road: lively districts for shopping, cafes and the city's celebrated dining scene.
At Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Bangalore's airport sits about 35 km north of the city centre and is one of India's most modern, with generous duty-free shopping, currency exchange, ATMs and dining. Air-conditioned Vayu Vajra airport buses, prepaid taxis and ride-hailing apps connect to the city; allow extra time for the transfer as traffic can be heavy.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Bangalore
- Book roughly 6–10 weeks ahead — last-minute fares to Bangalore are usually higher.
- Avoid the winter holiday and summer VFR peaks; the shoulder weeks bring noticeably lower prices.
- Be flexible with your dates — midweek departures are often cheaper than weekends.
- Compare direct and one-stop options; a single Gulf or European connection can save a good deal.
Travel essentials
- UK travellers need a visa for India — most apply online through the convenient e-Visa system before departure.
- The local currency is the Indian rupee (INR).
- Bangalore is 4.5 hours ahead of the UK, so allow a little time to adjust to the time difference.
