Hop-on, hop-off: Bengaluru welcomes double-decker buses after 26 years

Bengaluru welcomes double-decker buses back on city streets for the first time since 1997, as KSTDC launches a hop-on, hop-off service targeting tourists.

The buses allow passengers to get on and off at multiple designated stops throughout the day, offering flexibility and a convenient way to explore central Bengaluru landmarks.

The initial route starts from Ravindra Kalakshetra, passing Corporation Circle, Hudson Circle, Kasturba Road, Visvesvarayya Museum, Chinnaswamy Stadium, GPO, and ending at High Court and Vidhana Soudha.

Each bus accommodates 40 passengers – 20 in the fully air-conditioned lower deck and 20 on the open-top upper deck, providing comfort while offering scenic city views.

The buses are modeled after iconic London red double-deckers, blending international charm with Bengaluru’s tourism infrastructure to attract both domestic and foreign visitors.

Three Ambari buses, imported from Mysuru where they are used during Dasara, will operate initially. The fleet may increase to five depending on demand in Bengaluru.

The buses will run from 10 am to 5.30 pm, and full-day tickets cost Rs 180 per person. Tickets are available online at kstdc.co.in or at Ravindra Kalakshetra.

KSTDC plans to gradually expand the route to include 26 tourist spots up to Trinity Circle, offering a more comprehensive sightseeing experience if the pilot proves successful.

Double-decker buses are taller than regular buses, requiring more clearance. The pilot route tests urban feasibility, ensuring safety for overpasses, trees, and traffic signals.

The initiative aims to promote tourism in Bengaluru by showcasing central landmarks efficiently and attractively, providing both convenience and a unique sightseeing experience to visitors.