Bangalore Airport (KIA) is so far away it's basically in another state. An Uber costs ₹1,200 - ₹1,500. There is a myth that you can get there for less than ₹300 using the Vayu Vajra (AC Bus). But can you do it for less than ₹50 using non-AC local buses? I attempted the "Poverty Run" to the airport.

> THE ROUTE (THE SUFFERING)

₹15 12:00 PM: Walked to Bus Stop. Boarded 500D (Non-AC) to Hebbal. Crowded. Smelled like sweat and diesel. Duration: 45 Mins.
₹0 12:45 PM: Hebbal Flyover. I had to cross the highway of death. Cars were flying at 80kmph. I waited 20 minutes for a local bus heading towards Devanahalli.
₹25 01:10 PM: Boarded Local Bus (298-M). This bus was not meant for airport travelers. It was for farmers carrying vegetables. I stood next to a sack of onions. The bus didn't stop at the airport. It stopped on the highway outside the airport trumpet interchange.
₹0 02:00 PM: The Hike. I walked 2km from the highway to the terminal. People in passing Mercedes looked at me like I was a lost refugee. I was sweating profusely.

> THE UBER COMPARISON

// COST_ANALYSIS

Uber Cost: ₹1,450 (AC, Music, Comfort)

My Cost: ₹40 (Sweat, Dust, Fear of Death)

SAVINGS: ₹1,410

Time Difference: +90 Minutes

> THE ARRIVAL

I arrived at the departures gate. I looked wrecked. The security guard checked my ticket twice because I didn't look like someone who could afford a flight. I went to the washroom, washed my face, and changed my t-shirt. I felt a strange sense of victory. I had beaten the system.

> CONCLUSION

Is it worth it? If you are a student? YES. ₹1,400 is a lot of money. If you are a professional heading to a meeting? NO. You will arrive smelling like traffic fumes. But knowing that I can get to the airport for the price of a tea is empowering. The Vayu Vajra (AC Bus) is the sweet spot (₹250). But the ₹40 run is legendary.