

Koramangal Water Tank → Chekkapost → Shantinagar TTMC → Indian Express → Guttahalli
Navigating the bustling streets of Bengaluru can be a daunting task, especially when you have a flight to catch. For residents of HSR Layout, one of the city's most vibrant residential and commercial hubs, the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) feels like it’s in a different time zone. However, the KIA-7 Vayu Vajra service serves as a reliable bridge, turning a stressful commute into a comfortable journey.
If you live in HSR Layout, you are likely familiar with the "Silk Board stress." Whether you are a frequent flyer for work at Kongsberg Maritime or planning a family pilgrimage, the thought of navigating traffic to the airport is often the least favorite part of the trip. The KIA-7 bus service is specifically designed to alleviate this burden, offering a premium, air-conditioned experience that allows you to relax or catch up on emails while the driver handles the chaos of the Outer Ring Road.
The KIA-7 isn't just a bus; it's a strategic choice. Unlike private cabs that can be expensive and unpredictable during surge hours, the KIA-7 offers:
The Vayu Vajra (meaning "Diamond of the Wind") is a specialized fleet operated by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). These are easily identifiable by their bright blue exterior. They were launched to provide a world-class public transport link to the airport, which is located approximately 40-50 km from the city center.
BMTC operates one of the largest airport bus fleets in India. By providing routes like KIA-7, they play a crucial role in reducing the number of private vehicles on the road. For a product UX designer, the "user journey" of a traveler is at the heart of this service—minimizing friction points like luggage handling and ticket booking.
Route KIA-7 is the lifeline for the HSR-Sarjapur-Koramangala belt. It is tailored to pick up passengers from the heart of HSR Layout, primarily serving the BDA Complex and the 27th Main Road areas before heading toward the airport via the Outer Ring Road and Marathahalli.
The KIA-7 follows a strategic path that maximizes accessibility for residents in Southeast Bengaluru. It doesn't just stop at major junctions; it winds through the sectors of HSR to ensure you don't have to travel far to find a boarding point.
If you are starting your journey from HSR, these are the most common stops:
After leaving HSR, the bus traverses the "IT corridor." Major stops include:
The bus drops you off directly at the Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 departure gates. You won't have to walk miles with your luggage; the stops are positioned for maximum convenience.
Timings are usually listed as "Departure from Start Point." If a bus is scheduled to leave HSR BDA Complex at 10:00 AM, it might reach the 27th Main stop by 10:10 AM, depending on local sector traffic. Always look for the "Direction" to ensure you are on the right side of the road.
The service typically begins in the early hours of the morning (around 4:30 AM or 5:00 AM) to accommodate early morning flights. Buses run throughout the day with a consistent gap, extending late into the night.
Returning from the airport is equally seamless. The Vayu Vajra pick-up point at the airport is well-marked. Buses toward HSR Layout run deep into the night, often until midnight or slightly later, ensuring that even late-night arrivals have a way home.
Generally, the BMTC maintains a consistent schedule seven days a week. However, during major festivals or public holidays, there might be a slight reduction in frequency during non-peak hours. Conversely, during heavy travel seasons (like December), BMTC often adds "special" trips.
While the paper schedule is a great baseline, Bengaluru traffic is the great equalizer. A protest near Hebbal or heavy rain near Silk Board can throw the timings off. Always allow a buffer of at least 30-45 minutes over the "expected" travel time.
On a clear Sunday morning, the trip might take 75 to 90 minutes. However, during weekday peak hours (8 AM - 11 AM and 5 PM - 8 PM), the journey can easily stretch to 2.5 hours.
The fare for the Vayu Vajra is distance-based. For the full trip from HSR to the Airport, expect to pay approximately ₹250 to ₹300.
To avoid standing at a bus stop wondering where your ride is, use the Namma BMTC App or Tummoc. These apps provide real-time GPS tracking of the buses. You can see exactly how many minutes away the next KIA-7 is from your specific stop.
This cannot be stressed enough. Public transport involves variables you can't control. Arriving at the HSR BDA Complex 15 minutes before the scheduled departure gives you the best chance of securing a preferred seat.
Look for the digital destination board on the front and side of the bus. It will clearly display "KIA-7" and the destination "AIRPORT" or "HSR LAYOUT." The buses are bright blue Volvos.
The buses feature a large luggage bay near the center and racks above the seats for smaller bags.
During peak hours, the bus will be full. While everyone gets a seat eventually, there might be a short period where the bus feels crowded near the Marathahalli/Bellandur stops. The air conditioning is robust, but the travel time will be significantly longer.
If you are coming from a nearby area like BTM Layout or Koramangala, you can take a local "Black Board" bus to the HSR BDA Complex and then switch to the KIA-7. This interchange is quite efficient as most local buses stop right next to the Vayu Vajra bay.
If the KIA-7 is delayed, look for:
If you are running late and the bus hasn't arrived, keep a ride-sharing app (Ola/Uber/BluSmart) ready as a backup. However, remember that if the bus is stuck in traffic, a cab likely will be too!
Choosing the KIA-7 is a win for the environment. One Volvo bus can replace up to 30-40 private cars on the road. By opting for public transit, you are significantly reducing your individual carbon footprint for that trip. Bengaluru's air quality benefits every time a traveler chooses the "Blue Bus" over a private taxi.
For complaints, lost and found, or schedule inquiries:
While it isn't strictly 24/7, the service covers almost all flight timings, starting very early (approx. 4:30 AM) and running late into the night.
The primary points are the BSR BDA Complex, 14th Main, 27th Main, and Agara Junction.
BMTC offers a "Vayu Vajra Gold Pass" which allows unlimited travel on all BMTC buses, including the airport services. This is highly recommended for airport employees or frequent travelers.
Typically, the frequency is every 30 to 45 minutes, but this can increase during peak travel hours.
Between 90 minutes (off-peak) and 150 minutes (peak traffic).
The best sources are the Namma BMTC official app or the Tummoc app.
For a resident of HSR Layout, the KIA-7 represents the most balanced way to reach Kempegowda International Airport. It strikes the perfect chord between luxury, cost, and reliability.
Next time you're heading out for a business trip or a holiday, skip the cab-booking anxiety. Pack your bags, walk down to the 27th Main or the BDA Complex, and let the KIA-7 take you to the skies.
Navigating the bustling streets of Bengaluru can be a daunting task, especially when you have a flight to catch. For residents of HSR Layout, one of the city's most vibrant residential and commercial hubs, the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) feels like it’s in a different time zone. However, the KIA-7 Vayu Vajra service serves as a reliable bridge, turning a stressful commute into a comfortable journey.
If you live in HSR Layout, you are likely familiar with the "Silk Board stress." Whether you are a frequent flyer for work at Kongsberg Maritime or planning a family pilgrimage, the thought of navigating traffic to the airport is often the least favorite part of the trip. The KIA-7 bus service is specifically designed to alleviate this burden, offering a premium, air-conditioned experience that allows you to relax or catch up on emails while the driver handles the chaos of the Outer Ring Road.
The KIA-7 isn't just a bus; it's a strategic choice. Unlike private cabs that can be expensive and unpredictable during surge hours, the KIA-7 offers:
The Vayu Vajra (meaning "Diamond of the Wind") is a specialized fleet operated by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). These are easily identifiable by their bright blue exterior. They were launched to provide a world-class public transport link to the airport, which is located approximately 40-50 km from the city center.
BMTC operates one of the largest airport bus fleets in India. By providing routes like KIA-7, they play a crucial role in reducing the number of private vehicles on the road. For a product UX designer, the "user journey" of a traveler is at the heart of this service—minimizing friction points like luggage handling and ticket booking.
Route KIA-7 is the lifeline for the HSR-Sarjapur-Koramangala belt. It is tailored to pick up passengers from the heart of HSR Layout, primarily serving the BDA Complex and the 27th Main Road areas before heading toward the airport via the Outer Ring Road and Marathahalli.
The KIA-7 follows a strategic path that maximizes accessibility for residents in Southeast Bengaluru. It doesn't just stop at major junctions; it winds through the sectors of HSR to ensure you don't have to travel far to find a boarding point.
If you are starting your journey from HSR, these are the most common stops:
After leaving HSR, the bus traverses the "IT corridor." Major stops include:
The bus drops you off directly at the Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 departure gates. You won't have to walk miles with your luggage; the stops are positioned for maximum convenience.
Timings are usually listed as "Departure from Start Point." If a bus is scheduled to leave HSR BDA Complex at 10:00 AM, it might reach the 27th Main stop by 10:10 AM, depending on local sector traffic. Always look for the "Direction" to ensure you are on the right side of the road.
The service typically begins in the early hours of the morning (around 4:30 AM or 5:00 AM) to accommodate early morning flights. Buses run throughout the day with a consistent gap, extending late into the night.
Returning from the airport is equally seamless. The Vayu Vajra pick-up point at the airport is well-marked. Buses toward HSR Layout run deep into the night, often until midnight or slightly later, ensuring that even late-night arrivals have a way home.
Generally, the BMTC maintains a consistent schedule seven days a week. However, during major festivals or public holidays, there might be a slight reduction in frequency during non-peak hours. Conversely, during heavy travel seasons (like December), BMTC often adds "special" trips.
While the paper schedule is a great baseline, Bengaluru traffic is the great equalizer. A protest near Hebbal or heavy rain near Silk Board can throw the timings off. Always allow a buffer of at least 30-45 minutes over the "expected" travel time.
On a clear Sunday morning, the trip might take 75 to 90 minutes. However, during weekday peak hours (8 AM - 11 AM and 5 PM - 8 PM), the journey can easily stretch to 2.5 hours.
The fare for the Vayu Vajra is distance-based. For the full trip from HSR to the Airport, expect to pay approximately ₹250 to ₹300.
To avoid standing at a bus stop wondering where your ride is, use the Namma BMTC App or Tummoc. These apps provide real-time GPS tracking of the buses. You can see exactly how many minutes away the next KIA-7 is from your specific stop.
This cannot be stressed enough. Public transport involves variables you can't control. Arriving at the HSR BDA Complex 15 minutes before the scheduled departure gives you the best chance of securing a preferred seat.
Look for the digital destination board on the front and side of the bus. It will clearly display "KIA-7" and the destination "AIRPORT" or "HSR LAYOUT." The buses are bright blue Volvos.
The buses feature a large luggage bay near the center and racks above the seats for smaller bags.
During peak hours, the bus will be full. While everyone gets a seat eventually, there might be a short period where the bus feels crowded near the Marathahalli/Bellandur stops. The air conditioning is robust, but the travel time will be significantly longer.
If you are coming from a nearby area like BTM Layout or Koramangala, you can take a local "Black Board" bus to the HSR BDA Complex and then switch to the KIA-7. This interchange is quite efficient as most local buses stop right next to the Vayu Vajra bay.
If the KIA-7 is delayed, look for:
If you are running late and the bus hasn't arrived, keep a ride-sharing app (Ola/Uber/BluSmart) ready as a backup. However, remember that if the bus is stuck in traffic, a cab likely will be too!
Choosing the KIA-7 is a win for the environment. One Volvo bus can replace up to 30-40 private cars on the road. By opting for public transit, you are significantly reducing your individual carbon footprint for that trip. Bengaluru's air quality benefits every time a traveler chooses the "Blue Bus" over a private taxi.
For complaints, lost and found, or schedule inquiries:
While it isn't strictly 24/7, the service covers almost all flight timings, starting very early (approx. 4:30 AM) and running late into the night.
The primary points are the BSR BDA Complex, 14th Main, 27th Main, and Agara Junction.
BMTC offers a "Vayu Vajra Gold Pass" which allows unlimited travel on all BMTC buses, including the airport services. This is highly recommended for airport employees or frequent travelers.
Typically, the frequency is every 30 to 45 minutes, but this can increase during peak travel hours.
Between 90 minutes (off-peak) and 150 minutes (peak traffic).
The best sources are the Namma BMTC official app or the Tummoc app.
For a resident of HSR Layout, the KIA-7 represents the most balanced way to reach Kempegowda International Airport. It strikes the perfect chord between luxury, cost, and reliability.
Next time you're heading out for a business trip or a holiday, skip the cab-booking anxiety. Pack your bags, walk down to the 27th Main or the BDA Complex, and let the KIA-7 take you to the skies.
Bannerughatta Circle → Gottigere→ Billekahalli → Shanthinagar TTMC → Mekhri C...
Billekahalli → Shanthinagar TTMC → Mekhri Circle → Hebbal
Rajarajeshwari Gate → Nayandanahalli → Sumanahalli → Goragunte Palya → Yeshawant...
Via.. ITPL → hope Farm → Kadugodi → Khaji Sonnenahalli → Budigere → Singahalli C...
Via.. Vijayanagar → West of Chord Road → Yeshavanthapura → Hebbala
Via.. Central Silk Board → Marathahalli Bridge → Tinfactory