Getting There and Away

Written by Lorraine Aust, Santosh Thapa
11/08/2025
Sunset over the River - Sauraha (Chitwan National Park) - Nepal - 02
Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, Wikimedia Commons

Sauraha, a gateway to Chitwan National Park, is primarily served by Bharatpur Airport for air travelers and a dedicated tourist bus stand for road transport. Tadi Bazaar is another nearby hub, often a stop for local buses.

By Air:

The quickest way to reach Sauraha is by flying to Bharatpur Airport (BHR), located approximately 10 to 17 kilometers away. Flights from Kathmandu to Bharatpur take around 20-30 minutes and can cost between $50 and $350 USD. From Pokhara, flights to Bharatpur take about 25-52 minutes and typically range from $65 to $430 USD. Upon arrival at Bharatpur Airport, a taxi to Sauraha generally takes 22-30 minutes, with prices ranging from approximately NPR 1,000 to NPR 5,000 (around $7.5 to $37.5 USD), though bargaining is often necessary. Private transfers can cost between €90 and €230 for a car.

By Tourist Bus from Kathmandu:

Tourist buses are a popular and economical option. Buses typically depart from Sorhakhutte Tourist Bus Station in Kathmandu around 7:00 AM, arriving at Sauraha Tourist Bus Stand. The journey usually takes between 5 to 8 hours, with fares ranging from NPR 800 to NPR 1,300 (approximately $6 to $13 USD) for deluxe or VIP sofa buses. These buses often include air-conditioning and scheduled stops for rest and meals.

By Tourist Bus from Pokhara:

Regular tourist buses to Sauraha depart from Pokhara's Tourist Bus Park around 7:00 AM. The travel time is typically 5-6 hours, and tickets cost about NPR 800 to NPR 1,000 (approximately $7 to $10 USD). These buses often provide comfortable seating, air conditioning, and complimentary water.

By Private Vehicle from Kathmandu:

Hiring a private car, jeep, or van offers a more flexible and comfortable journey. The drive from Kathmandu to Sauraha usually takes 4-8 hours, covering approximately 150-170 kilometers. Costs for a private car range from approximately $70 to $108 USD (or NPR 15,000 for a car as of late 2022), with jeeps and vans being more expensive, ranging up to $190-$295 USD depending on size. These rates usually include fuel and road permits, but exclude government taxes.

By Private Vehicle from Pokhara:

A private car journey from Pokhara to Sauraha typically takes between 2.5 to 5 hours, covering about 127-160 kilometers. A taxi from Pokhara can cost between $100 and $130 USD, while private car services can be around AU$232 (approximately $150 USD). This option provides hotel pickup and a comfortable, direct transfer.

By Local Bus:

For a budget-friendly option, local buses are available, though they are generally less comfortable and may take longer. From Kathmandu, local buses depart from the New Buspark in Gongabu and typically go to Sauraha Chok, requiring a short onward journey to Sauraha itself. Direct local bus options from Pokhara to Sauraha are not commonly available, with tourist buses being the primary road transport.

Check out our other pages on Sauraha (Chitwan)

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