How to Reach IISc
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) (Google Map), located in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is well-connected by air, rail, and road, making it accessible for both international and national visitors. The Institute is known as “Tata Institute” to the locals.
By Air: International and domestic travellers can fly into Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), approximately 35 kilometres northeast of IISc. The airport serves as a major hub with direct flights from global cities like London, Dubai, Singapore, and New York, as well as covering all domestic destinations. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or cab, with options like airport-operated taxis (Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation or KSTDC cabs), app-based services (Ola, Uber), or pre-booked private cabs. The journey to IISc typically takes 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs around ₹800–₹1,200 for app-based cabs or slightly more for airport taxis. For a more economical option, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) operates AC Volvo buses (route KIA-10) from the airport to main gate of IISc (current cost is ₹760).
By Rail: Bengaluru has several railway stations, with the primary ones being KSR Bengaluru City Junction (SBC) (8 km from IISc), SMVT Bengaluru (10.5 km from IISc) and Yesvantpur Junction (YPR), just 2 km away. All stations are well-connected to major Indian cities. From Yesvantpur, a cab or auto-rickshaw to IISc costs ₹50–₹150 and takes 10–15 minutes. From KSR Bengaluru City, the ride is 20–30 minutes, costing ₹150–₹300 via Ola/Uber or slightly less by auto-rickshaw.
By Road: Bengaluru is accessible via national highways like NH 44 (from Hyderabad or Chennai) and NH 48 (from Mumbai or Pune). For road travelers, IISc is located in the Yeshwanthpur area, near Mathikere, and can be reached using GPS navigation (search “Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru”). Long-distance AC sleeper buses from cities like Mumbai, Chennai, or Hyderabad arrive at Majestic (Kempegowda Bus Station), 8 km from IISc, where cabs (₹150–₹300) or auto-rickshaws (₹100–₹200) can be hired. For international visitors driving from nearby cities, parking is available on the IISc campus with prior coordination.
Additional Tips: Bengaluru’s traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours (8–10 AM and 5–8 PM), so plan for extra travel time. App-based cabs are reliable and offer fare transparency, but ensure your phone has an Indian SIM or Wi-Fi for booking. For international guests, currency exchange and SIM card counters at the airport ease logistics. Always confirm the destination as “IISc, Yeshwanthpur” to avoid confusion with other institutes. The IISc campus gate on CV Raman Road is the main entry point for visitors.