Raja Bhoj Airport serves Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh, known as the 'City of Lakes', approximately 12 km from the city centre.
It is the most convenient access point to Sanchi, an important Buddhist site and UNESCO World Heritage site.
How to get to Raja Bhoj International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to BHO
Parking near Raja Bhoj International Airport
The official parking area is located in front of the terminal.
The parking, monitored by cameras, applies reasonable rates.
How to get to Bhopal from BHO
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Raja Bhoj International Airport
Leading car rental companies have counters in the arrivals area, helpful for reaching Sanchi.
Prepare your driving license, passport, credit card, and generally the International Driving Permit.
Hotels near Raja Bhoj International Airport
Arera Hills and the lake waterfront
About 12-17 km from the terminal, 30-35 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.
Best for: Those who want the Upper Lake waterfront, the New Market and the DB City Mall a few minutes away.
- Close to the Upper Lake waterfront and the New Market, with restaurants and evening strolls
- DB City Mall, the city's largest, a few minutes from both hotels
- The transfer from the airport is still half an hour even without traffic
- A hilly area not very suited to walking from one place to another
Recommended hotels
- Taj Lakefront Bhopal On Bhadbhada Road, a few minutes from New Market and TT Nagar Stadium, with views of the Upper Lake; 152 rooms with a minibar, about 12.4 km from the terminal. View availability
- Courtyard by Marriott Bhopal Inside the DB City complex in Arera Hills, 5 minutes from the Archaeological Museum and the Lakshmi Narayana Temple; a pool, gym and 160 rooms, about 17 km from the terminal. View availability
Rani Kamalapati and MP Nagar
About 19-22 km from the terminal, 30-40 minutes by taxi depending on the exact area.
Best for: Business trips and those arriving or departing from Rani Kamalapati station, the main rail hub of the new city.
- Hyatt Place is within walking distance of Rani Kamalapati station
- Radisson Bhopal is a few minutes from Shahpura Lake, quieter than downtown
- The transfer from the airport is the longest among the city's areas
- A new district, still with few independent restaurants outside the hotels
Recommended hotels
- Hyatt Place Bhopal In Bansal Plaza, within walking distance of Rani Kamalapati station; 99 rooms with a smart TV and breakfast included, about 19 km from the terminal. View availability
- Radisson Bhopal Across from the Savoy Complex in MP Nagar, 3 minutes from Shahpura Lake; 104 rooms, an outdoor pool and two restaurants, about 20-22 km from the terminal. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is appropriately sized for its role as Madhya Pradesh's primary gateway.
It is best to allow for 2 hours before your flight departure.
Map of Raja Bhoj International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is Sanchi?
A Buddhist UNESCO World Heritage Site about an hour from Bhopal, famous for its great stupas dating back to the 3rd century BC, among the oldest and best-preserved Buddhist monuments in India.
Q. Why is Bhopal called the 'City of Lakes'?
For the two large artificial lakes that shape the cityscape, the Upper Lake and the Lower Lake, around which much of the city has developed.
Q. How far is downtown Bhopal from the airport?
About 15 km, a 25-30 minute taxi ride.
Q. Is it worth taking an organized tour to Sanchi?
Yes, it's generally the most practical way to reach the site and visit it with a guide who can explain its history.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights