Capital city in Bagmati Province, Nepal
Getting around Kathmandu
How to get around Kathmandu
Traffic is heavy and public transport is crowded. Walk in Thamel and Patan, and use Pathao or inDrive for most other trips.
Ways to get around Kathmandu
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Pathao / inDrive | About NPR 150–600 for most trips | Bike or car; cheaper than taxis, set price in the app |
| Local microbus | NPR 20–50 | Crowded minivans; ask the conductor your stop, watch pockets |
| Metered taxi | About NPR 400–800 in the city | Insist on the meter or agree the fare first |
| Tourist bus to Pokhara | About NPR 1,000–2,500 | 7–9 hours from Kathmandu; book through Thamel agents |
Ride-hailing apps in Kathmandu
A 5 km ride costs about Rs250–600 ($1.6–3.9).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Pathao | Cars and bikes; most drivers in the valley |
| inDrive | Offer your own fare; useful when Pathao is busy |
- Taxis often skip the meter; agree a price first or use an app. Airport pickups from the arrivals area are fine with prepaid taxis.
Arriving in Kathmandu
Tribhuvan International (KTM)
Prepaid airport taxi to Thamel about NPR 700–1,000, 20–40 min; Pathao and inDrive cost less. Arrivals hall has SIM counters and ATMs.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rentable in Thamel for NPR 1,000–2,000 a day with a licence; traffic, dust and police checks make it hard going.
- Driving: on the left. Scooter rentals in Kathmandu and Pokhara ask for a licence; carry an IDP. Most visitors use buses, jeeps or drivers.
- Onward travel in Nepal: No useful railway. Tourist buses link Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan (7–9 hours to Pokhara); short domestic flights save days but depend on weather. Jeeps serve mountain roads.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Kathmandu?
No. Use Pathao, inDrive instead.
What's the best way to get around Kathmandu?
Traffic is heavy and public transport is crowded. Walk in Thamel and Patan, and use Pathao or inDrive for most other trips.
How do I get from the airport to Kathmandu?
Prepaid airport taxi to Thamel about NPR 700–1,000, 20–40 min; Pathao and inDrive cost less. Arrivals hall has SIM counters and ATMs.
Is Kathmandu walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Kathmandu
Going to Kathmandu solo?
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Sources
- Buddha Air (domestic flights)
- Yeti Airlines (domestic flights)
- Nepal Tourism Board
- Nepal Immigration (arrival form)
- Tribhuvan International Airport
- CIWEC Hospital
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.