Getting There and Away

Stunning aerial view of Kathmandu cityscape surrounded by mountains and clouds.
Pritush Munankarmi, Pexels

Kathmandu's primary transport hubs include Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), serving both international and domestic flights, and Gongabu Bus Park (Naya Bus Park), which is the central station for long-distance bus travel.

By Air (International):

International journeys into Kathmandu typically arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. Direct flights from outside the Asian continent are uncommon, often requiring a stopover in major hubs such as Delhi or Dubai. Airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Air India offer services to Kathmandu. One-way airfares can start from approximately $61, with round-trip tickets beginning around $142, although prices fluctuate significantly based on origin and booking time. From Delhi, a flight to Kathmandu takes about one hour. Upon arrival at TIA, one can opt for a prepaid taxi inside the arrival hall, with fares typically ranging from $7 to $8 depending on the time of day, or seek a metered taxi outside for potentially lower fares through negotiation. Public city buses are also available for transport from the airport.

By Bus (International):

For those traveling from India, direct bus services connect Kathmandu with cities like Delhi. This overland journey can span between 20 to 30 hours. Indicative costs for the Delhi-Kathmandu bus service range from INR 2,850 to INR 3,099.

By Bus (Domestic):

Within Nepal, the main departure and arrival point for long-distance buses is Gongabu Bus Park. Buses offer an affordable mode of transport across the country, with options including comfortable tourist buses and AC/Deluxe services. For example, a journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus typically lasts about 7 to 10 hours and costs approximately NPR 1,200 to NPR 1,700 (USD 8-12), though road conditions can be challenging. Night bus services are also available on certain routes.