Bangalore's BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) operates an extensive and affordable bus network, providing a reliable mode of transportation across the city. With buses covering diverse routes—from bustling business districts to quiet residential areas—BMTC serves millions of daily commuters, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to private vehicles. Its well-connected system ensures accessibility even to Bangalore’s outskirts, making it a preferred choice for both locals and visitors. Additionally, for those arriving in Bangalore by buses, major terminals like Majestic (Kempegowda Bus Station) and Shanthinagar offer seamless connections to BMTC buses, making it easy to reach different parts of the city.
BMTC’s fleet accommodates various commuter needs. Vajra buses provide air-conditioned comfort for long-distance travel, while Krushti buses offer budget-friendly options for short commutes. Chengiz buses deliver a premium experience, and Sarige buses efficiently serve local routes. These diverse services ensure accessibility and convenience.
This well-maintained network helps reduce traffic congestion by encouraging public transport over private vehicles, supporting sustainable urban mobility. With frequent buses and affordable fares, it remains a vital part of Bangalore’s transport infrastructure.
Whether commuting for work, shopping, or sightseeing, BMTC offers a seamless, economical, and eco-friendly way to navigate Bangalore.
What’s Covered in This Guide?
- Bus Types & Features: Discover the different BMTC bus types (Vajra, Krushti, Chengiz, Sarige) and their features, catering to different commuter needs.
- Ticketing & Fare Details: Learn about the various ticket options, including single journey, daily, and monthly passes, as well as fare discounts available for commuters.
- BMTC Routes & Key Stops: Explore the key routes and main stops served by BMTC buses, ensuring seamless travel across the city, from residential to commercial hubs.
- Timings & Best Time to Travel: Find out BMTC’s operating hours, peak and off-peak travel times, and tips for avoiding crowded buses during rush hours.
- Additional Travel Tips: Get practical tips for a safe and smooth BMTC journey, from knowing your stop to keeping your belongings secure while traveling.
Bus Types & Features
BMTC operates a range of buses suited to different travel needs. Here's a breakdown of the key bus types:
1. Vajra Buses
- Type: Air-conditioned (AC) buses
- Route: Long-distance routes and IT corridors
- Key Features:
- Comfortable and spacious interiors
- Air conditioning for a comfortable travel experience
- Dedicated services for office-goers, tech parks, and commercial areas
- Priority seating for women and senior citizens
2. Krushti Buses
- Type: Non-AC buses
- Route: City-wide routes
- Key Features:
- Affordable and convenient for short-distance travel
- Well-maintained and suitable for regular commuters
- Accessible for all passengers, including differently-abled individuals
3. Chengiz Buses
- Type: Luxury buses
- Route: High-traffic routes, including intercity and longer-distance travel
- Key Features:
- Higher seating capacity and comfort
- Premium services with features like Wi-Fi (on select routes)
- Air conditioning for added comfort during travel
4. Sarige Buses
- Type: Local buses
- Route: Short routes within residential and commercial areas
- Key Features:
- Cost-effective for daily travel within the city
- Frequent stops for easy access to key localities
- Ideal for those looking for budget-friendly options
Ticketing & Fare Details
BMTC offers a range of affordable and flexible ticketing options for daily commuters, occasional travelers, and tourists, making public transport more accessible and convenient for everyone. The system includes various ticket types that cater to different travel needs, from single journeys to daily and monthly passes, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all passengers. The introduction of smart cards also makes the process even easier, allowing for quick entry and exit while saving time and money.
1. Single Journey Tickets
- Fare: ₹10 - ₹50 (Based on distance)
- These tickets are suitable for one-time passengers and can be bought at bus stations, onboard from the conductor, or through the BMTC mobile app.
2. BMTC Smart Cards
- Cost: ₹100 (One-time fee)
- Recharge Amount: ₹50 and above
- Benefits: Smart cards offer a 10% fare discount and are perfect for regular travelers. They are easy to use, allowing for quick access to buses without having to carry cash.
3. Day Pass
- Fare: ₹140 (Unlimited travel within a day)
- Ideal for tourists or people planning multiple trips during the day. The Day Pass offers unlimited travel across all routes on the BMTC network within the city.
4. Monthly Pass
- Fare: ₹1,200 (Unlimited travel within a month)
- Perfect for daily commuters, the monthly pass provides unlimited travel and significant savings for those who rely on BMTC for their daily transport.
5. Group Travel Discounts
- BMTC offers discounts for group travel, with special fares for school groups, office teams, and tour groups traveling together.
6. Fare Collection Methods
- Bus Conductors: Passengers can pay fares directly to bus conductors onboard.
- BMTC Kiosks: Smart card recharges and single-journey tickets can be purchased from BMTC kiosks available at key locations like major bus stands.
- BMTC App: The BMTC mobile app allows passengers to check routes, buy tickets, and recharge smart cards.
BMTC Routes & Key Stops
BMTC operates a well-distributed network of buses covering all corners of the city. Here are some of the key routes and important stops:
- Route 500 (Koramangala to Majestic)
- Main Stops: Koramangala, BTM Layout, Jayanagar, Madiwala, MG Road, Majestic
- Route 333 (Hebbal to Banashankari)
- Main Stops: Hebbal, Malleshwaram, Majestic, K.R. Market, Banashankari
- Route 185 (Yeshwanthpur to KR Puram)
- Main Stops: Yeshwanthpur, Mathikere, MG Road, Indiranagar, KR Puram
- Route 201 (Electronic City to Shivaji Nagar)
- Main Stops: Electronic City, Silk Board, Jayanagar, Lalbagh, Shivaji Nagar
- Route 127 (Vijayanagar to ITPL)
- Main Stops: Vijayanagar, Majestic, MG Road, Whitefield, ITPL
- Route 301 (Whitefield to KR Puram)
- Main Stops: Whitefield, Kundalahalli, Marathahalli, KR Puram
- Route 114 (Jayanagar to MG Road)
- Main Stops: Jayanagar, Madiwala, BTM Layout, MG Road
Timings & Best Time to Travel
BMTC buses operate from early morning to late evening, ensuring accessibility for both early risers and late-night commuters.
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday & Public Holidays: 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Peak Hours to Avoid:
- Morning Rush: 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
- Evening Rush: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
If possible, try to travel during off-peak hours to avoid crowded buses and ensure a more comfortable journey.
Additional Travel Tips
-
Use the BMTC Mobile App for real-time bus tracking, fare calculation, route maps, and ticket purchasing to make your commute more efficient.
-
Carry Exact Change or Use Smart Cards to speed up boarding and avoid delays.
-
Be Aware of the Bus Routes and plan your journey ahead by checking the bus routes and stops using the BMTC app or website.
-
Avoid Traveling in Crowded Buses during peak hours by choosing alternative routes or using the BMTC mobile app to check bus arrival times.
-
Follow Bus Etiquette such as giving priority seating to women, senior citizens, and differently-abled passengers, maintaining cleanliness, and respecting other commuters.
-
Use BMTC's Group Travel Service for discounted fares when traveling with a group of 10 or more passengers.
-
For Tourist Travel: BMTC offers special buses for tourists, including the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Service, which takes you to major tourist attractions across the city at a fixed rate.
BMTC buses provide an affordable, comfortable, and efficient way to navigate Bangalore. Whether you are commuting to work, attending school, or sightseeing, BMTC buses offer a convenient option to explore the city while reducing your carbon footprint.
Safe Travels with BMTC!
