Bengaluru Airport Trips And Daily Cab Rides Are Burning Bigger Holes In Wallets

Bengaluru airport trips and daily cab rides are burning bigger holes in wallets, with commuters across the city reporting a steep rise in auto, taxi and app-based ride fares over the past few days amid increasing traffic congestion and limited vehicle availability.

The sharp increase in travel costs has particularly affected office-goers, airport passengers and daily commuters travelling during evening peak hours, with many claiming that fares have gone up by nearly 40 to 50 per cent in several parts of Bengaluru.

Passengers travelling to and from Kempegowda International Airport said airport commute costs have become significantly more expensive compared to previous weeks.

A resident from Whitefield said a cab ride to the airport that usually costs around Rs 700 recently crossed Rs 1,000 despite checking multiple ride-hailing applications.

"Airport rides have become unpredictable now. Even normal weekday fares are suddenly shooting up during evenings," the commuter said.

Similar complaints are emerging from daily office commuters across the city.

A tech employee travelling between Koramangala and Yeshwanthpur said auto drivers are increasingly refusing metre fares and quoting much higher prices during traffic-heavy hours.

"Earlier, I could get an auto for around Rs 250. Now some drivers are directly asking for Rs 700 or Rs 800 during peak traffic," he said.

Commuters also pointed to worsening cab shortages at airport pick-up points and major commercial areas in Bengaluru.

Over the past few months, passengers arriving at the airport have frequently faced long waiting times at designated app-based cab counters, with the situation reportedly worsening during the recent spell of rain in the city.

Drivers are said to be avoiding airport rides due to long waiting periods, strict airport regulations and lower earnings compared to regular city trips.

With heavy traffic, surge pricing and poor ride availability becoming increasingly common across Bengaluru, many residents say even routine daily travel is now placing added pressure on household expenses.