Getting around
Getting around Nepal: buses, domestic flights, taxis
Distances are short on the map, but roads are slow: mountainous, under repair, often congested. You rarely average more than 30 to 40 km/h. For long journeys, the choice is between the tourist bus (cheap, a full day) and the domestic flight (25 to 50 minutes, 80 to 175 USD (≈ €71 to €155)).
Main routes
| Route | Tourist bus | Plane |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu – Pokhara | 6 to 10 h · 1,200 to 1,800 NPR (≈ €7 to €10) | 25 min · ≈ 100 to 150 USD (≈ €89 to €135) |
| Kathmandu – Chitwan National Park (Sauraha) | 6 to 7 h · 1,200 to 1,600 NPR (≈ €7 to €9) | 25 min to Bharatpur · ≈ 80 to 120 USD (≈ €71 to €105) |
| Kathmandu – Lumbini | 10 to 11 h · ≈ 1,400 to 1,700 NPR (≈ €8 to €10) | 30 to 35 min to Bhairahawa · ≈ 75 to 110 USD (≈ €67 to €98) |
| Pokhara – Chitwan (Sauraha) | 5 to 6 h | no direct flight |
| Pokhara – Lumbini | ≈ 8 h · ≈ 1,300 to 1,500 NPR (≈ €8 to €9) | no practical direct flight |
| Chitwan – Lumbini | ≈ 5 h, by local bus or private car | — |
| Kathmandu – Bardia National Park (Thakurdwara) | 12 to 15 h (night bus to Ambassa, then jeep) | 50 min to Nepalgunj · ≈ 165 to 175 USD (≈ €145 to €155), then 2 h 30 to 3 h by road |
| Kathmandu – Janakpur | 10 to 12 h · ≈ 1,500 to 1,800 NPR (≈ €9 to €10) | 20 to 30 min |
| Pokhara – Tansen | 4 to 5 h | — |
| Pokhara – Jomsom (Mustang by jeep) | 7 to 9 h · bus ≈ 1,200 NPR (≈ €7) | 20 min, mornings · ≈ 160 USD (≈ €145) |
| Kathmandu – Ilam | 16 to 20 h (night bus) · ≈ 2,000 to 2,900 NPR (≈ €12 to €17) | 45 min to Bhadrapur · ≈ 150 to 160 USD (≈ €135 to €145), then 3 to 4 h by road |
Real journey times, not timetable ones: they depend on roadworks, traffic jams (especially before Mugling) and the season. Tourist bus prices are sometimes quoted in dollars for foreigners.
Tourist buses
How it works
Departures every morning around 7 am, from Kantipath (near Thamel) in Kathmandu and from the tourist bus station in Pokhara. Numbered seats, luggage in the hold or on the roof, two meal stops.
Tickets the day before from any agency in Thamel or Lakeside (your hotel often handles it), or online (Bussewa, for example).
“Deluxe” and “sofa” buses
More comfortable, air-conditioned, a little more expensive. On long journeys, you feel the difference.
Local buses and microbuses
Much cheaper, crowded, frequent stops. Handy for short trips in the valley (Kathmandu–Bhaktapur, Kathmandu–Patan), more gruelling over long distances.
Domestic flights
- Three main airlines (Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Shree Airlines) link Kathmandu with Pokhara, Bharatpur (Chitwan) and Bhairahawa (Lumbini), several times a day.
- Foreigners pay a fare in dollars, higher than Nepalis. Book online on the airlines' websites or through an agency.
- Checked baggage allowance of 15 to 25 kg depending on the airline and fare (25 kg checked and 5 kg carry-on with Buddha Air in economy); check your ticket.
- Frequent morning delays (fog in winter) and during the monsoon: never take a domestic flight on the day of your international flight.
In town
Pathao and InDrive
Ride-hailing apps work in Kathmandu and Pokhara, by car or motorbike taxi, with the price shown upfront. Often cheaper and simpler than a taxi.
Taxis
Small white cars with black plates. Meters rarely used: negotiate before getting in. At Kathmandu airport, a fixed-price counter in the arrivals hall (700 to 1,000 NPR (≈ €4 to €6) to Thamel).
On foot
The best way to explore the old quarters. Watch out for missing pavements, motorbikes in the lanes and, at night, stray dogs.
Car with driver, scooter
Hiring a car with a driver (through an agency or your hotel) is common and lets you stop on the way, in Bandipur for example. Renting a car without a driver is rare and not advised: driving on the left, mountain roads, unpredictable traffic.
Scooters are easy to rent in Pokhara; an international driving permit is required if you're stopped, and helmets are compulsory.
You get your visa on arrival, at Kathmandu airport or at the border: form, fees and pitfalls to avoid on our dedicated site.
Visa Nepal →Fancy a few days of walking? Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Langtang… permits, guides, transport and day-by-day itineraries on our trekking site.
Trek Nepal →Comments
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