Bengaluru taxi fares spiked amid festive holiday rush; rates hiked from ₹12 to ₹15 per km

With the festive season in full swing, Bengaluru’s taxi operators are witnessing a significant rise in bookings for extended trips as residents take advantage of the long holidays. Popular destinations such as Madikeri, Wayanad, Mysuru, Ooty, Chikkamagaluru, and Dharmasthala are high on the travel list, leading to a surge in demand for taxis.

According to local taxi operators, three to four-day trips are particularly popular, with many opting for scenic getaways. Weekday travel is gaining preference due to less crowded tourist spots compared to weekends, which are typically busier.

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However, this increased demand has driven up taxi fares. Prices for air-conditioned sedans and SUVs have seen a hike, with rates for sedans typically rising from ₹12 to ₹13-15 per kilometre and SUVs like Innovas climbing from ₹17 to ₹18-20 per kilometre. This price surge is largely attributed to the scarcity of available drivers during the festive season.

The spike in fares is also being felt in airport taxi services. Wega Cabs, which operates routes to Kempegowda International Airport, has increased its base fare by ₹100, bringing the total to around ₹799 for trips within 25 to 30 kilometres. Similarly, rides from Electronics City to the airport now cost between ₹1,500 and ₹1,700, with an additional festive season charge.

Travelers are advised to plan accordingly as the festive rush continues.