Premium

Double-decker tourist buses back in Bengaluru after 29 years: Hop on and hop off for Rs 180

The KSTDC's double-decker bus currently covers a pilot route in Bengaluru, allowing passengers to visit museums, parks, and government buildings at their own pace.

2 min readBengaluruJan 21, 2026 05:45 PM IST

Bengaluru double decker bus inauguration by Tourism Minister H K Patil

Tourism Minister H K Patil flagging off the double-decker tourist bus service in Bengaluru (Express Photo)

In an attempt to promote heritage and popular places in Bengaluru, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) Wednesday launched hop-on, hop-off double-decker buses in the lines of Ambari buses.

Each bus has a capacity of 40 passengers: 20 on the fully air-conditioned lower deck and 20 on the open-top upper deck. The ticket price will be Rs 180 per person per day.

Tourism Minister H K Patil unveiled three double-decker buses that will initially operate in the Central Business District. The tourism department plans to extend this service to other major tourist cities in the state.

According to the department, the route will be Ravindra Kalakshetra-Corporation Circle-Hudson Circle-Kastoora Ba Road-Visveswaraya Museum-Chinnaswamy Stadium-General Post Office-Karnataka High Court/Vidhana Soudha-KR Circle-Hudson Circle-Corporation Circle-Ravindra Kalakshetra.

Officials said this is a shorter pilot route, with plans to gradually expand it to include 26 tourist spots up to Trinity Circle.

The hop-on, hop-off services allow passengers to board and alight at designated stops and rejoin multiple times throughout the day.

Also Read | Bengaluru bus conductors divert fare payments to personal UPI accounts; 3 suspended

It is not the first time that Bengaluru has introduced double-decker tourist-friendly buses. Until 1997, double-decker buses were a common sight in Bengaluru, but they were withdrawn later due to maintenance issues.

Story continues below this ad

The double-decker Ambari buses that operate in Mysuru have been a massive success during Dasara, and three of these buses have now been brought to Bengaluru. An official stated that the double-decker buses will gradually expand their routes to various tourist spots, but this will require additional clearance due to their height.

The buses borrowed from Mysuru will be returned during the Dasara festival, or new buses will be purchased by then. “It will all depend on public demand, and we will consider whether to increase the fleet or continue with the existing buses,” the officer added.

Tickets can be booked online at kstdc.co.in or purchased at Ravindra Kalakshetra.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
Bengaluru

Loading Taboola...