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Bus Travel in Nepal – A Helpful Guide for Nepal Buses!

Bus travel in Nepal is the main way to get around this beautiful country. There are no trains and of course, you could fly but it will cost you a pretty penny.

Bus travel in Nepal isn’t at all as bad as people make out and it’s really cheap, so it’s a more attractive option to most travellers.

In this guide, I’m going to be going through the main tourist ‘triangle’ route of Kathmandu > Pokhara > Chitwan > Lumbini . I’ll also cover  heading out to India (if this is your plan).

Plus some tips about tourist buses vs. local buses, how and where to book, and what to expect before and during the journey!

Here’s a helpful and simple guide to bus travel in Nepal.

Table of Contents

What do Nepal buses look like?

The buses here range in size, comfort, and quality depending on what bus company you select and how much you’re willing to pay!

For air-conditioned tourist buses, it will be a good quality air-conditioned coach with nice reclining seats.

With local buses, it may be just an upright uncomfortable plastic chair where it’s so hot you have to open the window.

Some local buses literally look like they’re about to fall apart.

Some tourist buses are also really old and the windows open without you asking them to!

This lets in a lot of the dust pollution on the roads which are really bad. In fact, it’s some of the worst I’ve come across in all the Asian countries I’ve visited.

So, make sure you pack a scarf to save breathing it in.

You can also get microbuses as well which are like a minibus. I personally didn’t book these as I heard that they are terrifying on the mountain roads at high speed but you may not mind.

These are a good option if all the tourist buses are sold out.

Tourist buses vs. local bus travel

Personally, I found a massive difference between tourist buses and local buses in Nepal.

Firstly, the quality is that much better on tourist buses.

They’re much cleaner, spacious, and have good air conditioning which was a lifesaver in the hot ‘shoulder season’ months of September/October. This also means you don’t need the window open to breathe in that dust.

Secondly, they are direct buses which means that you will get to your destination a lot quicker than a local bus.

Local buses tend to stop at any point, anywhere for anyone, and for any amount of time!

Also, with tourist buses, they will stop at hygienic and clean food stops whereas, on a local bus, you don’t know where they’re going to stop!

Local buses are an attractive option due to the price tag of $5 (500 Nepalese rupees) but, they can be quite uncomfortable and hectic.

They will cram as many people on the bus as humanly possible and you may be sitting next to goats or chickens according to some stories I heard haha!

For only a few dollars more you can get a comfortable journey at $8 (800 Nepalese).

How and where to book bus travel in Nepal & getting a good price

Pretty much every tourist city in Nepal had a plethora of tourist booking offices.

Here, you could book a bus, plane, trek, or tour so it may be worth the price comparing around a few before you book.

Usually, I found that if you book through a hotel (depending on the price of your hotel), the commission could be quite high!

Prices for a bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara should be around $8, Pokhara to Chitwan $6, and Chitwan to Lumbini $5/6. But, you could pay more (around $15) depending on the quality of the bus and if meals and drinks are included in the price.

Most of our stops were at buffet-style food stops and cost around $3 for a vegetarian all you can eat. It was pretty bland but it was a filling meal for the journey.

A lot of travellers would just wing it on the day and turn up at the bus stand.

You will pay way less for a ticket and it’s pretty easy as all the buses go from the same place at the same time around 7 am in any city (weird, I know).

I was tempted to do this but as I was travelling over the festival time, buses were all sold out. I didn’t want to wake up early just to be turned away!

The main companies for bus travel in Nepal are Mountain Overland , Blue Sky Travels , and Green Line .

Things to ask when booking bus travel in Nepal

The first and foremost question is how much is the ticket! The price can vary massively between tourist booking offices and hotels.

Price comparing is a must if you’re on a budget or just don’t want to spend more than necessary.

You should definitely ask where your seat is going to be on the bus.

Try not to sit at the back if you can. If you’re on the wheel suspension, you will be in for a bumpy ride.

The road quality is terrible with potholes and gravel most of the way.

Add the sharp winding bends and you could come airborne out of your seat. This is especially important if you get travel sick.

Other questions to ask are;

• Will there be any stops along the way?
• How long the bus will take?
• Is it a direct bus?
• Does the bus include meals/drinks?

Booking bus travel in Nepal during festival periods

Personally, if I had more time I would have avoided travelling on buses over the festival period.

We were travelling over the Dussehra festival in late September/October which was nine days of celebrations. Before, over this time, and after the buses were fully sold out.

This was due to locals going home to celebrate with families. All 5o buses were full from Kathmandu to Pokhara!

A lot of people recommended just turning up at the bus station and trying and get a ticket.

But I didn’t want to risk getting up at 6 am, checking out of my hotel, and then not getting a bus! So, I paid almost double at 1300 rupees ($13).

It was a really low-quality bus and they didn’t turn the A/C on until it got sweltering.

Also, as all these 50 buses started to leave at the same time from Kathmandu to Pokhara the traffic jams were huge. It doubled our journey from six to twelve hours! It was a nightmare.

Road quality in Nepal & dust pollution

The dust pollution in Nepal is bad and even worse than in India! I’ve been across many countries in Asia but this was some of the worst I have experienced.

As my Chitwan to Lumbini bus was a local one, I had to have the window open for the whole journey due to the heat. During this time, I breathed in so much dust I got a sore throat and was worried I would get an infection.

I would personally prepare with a scarf or anti-pollution mask for these journeys. This will limit the amount you breathe in.

  I heard the roads in Nepal were awful, but I wasn’t expecting them to be as bad as they are.

You will be going over mountain roads, which have sharp bends, people taking over you, and a sharp drop-down with no barriers.

There are potholes 80% of the time and the bus will bend in all sorts of directions you didn’t think possible!

The drivers do a great job of getting you here in one piece and know how to handle the roads. However, it can be quite a scary experience for someone who hasn’t experienced this sort of thing before.

Kathmandu to Pokhara bus route

This is the main tourist route as many travellers land in Kathmandu and shoot off to Pokhara as soon as possible.

As this is the most popular route in Nepal, this has the most bus services provided.

Every single day 50 tourist buses will head out of Thamel at 7 am to start the journey to Pokhara.

They call Kantipath a bus station but it’s literally just across the junction of two roads.

You really can’t miss it as there are buses all lined up waiting.

It can be quite hard to find your bus and, if you’re like me, you will definitely head up the wrong way. This will mean heading all the way back to the big line of buses with a heavy backpack.

As you can tell I was thrilled about it. There are SO many buses here that it can be confusing to find which one is yours.

Show your ticket to any of the bus drivers in Kantipath and they will guide you or call the operator to find out where the bus is for you.

It can be quite hectic and crowded with people and luggage everywhere, but you can stop for a chai and pick up some water and snacks for the journey ahead.

The traffic out of Kathmandu is terrible. As all the buses seem to leave at the exact same time, there can be a bit of a hold-up.

But, once you’ve escaped the capital it will be plain sailing.

I did find a lot of the food stops in between Kathmandu and Pokhara quite a hustle with crowds and queues for food and the toilet.

I guess that’s what happens when all 50 buses leave at the exact same time…

Kathmandu to Pokhara bus prices should be anything from $8, $15, and $35 for a one-way ticket. Popular companies are Blue Sky Travels ($8) and Green Line ($15 with meals).

Pokhara to Kathmandu bus and Pokhara to Chitwan bus route

Pokhara buses tend to leave from the tourist bus stand, which is located almost opposite the airport.

Make sure you tell your taxi to head here not the local stand.

Once again, it’s crazy and hectic with a load of buses parked waiting to leave at the same time to Kathmandu or Chitwan.

Show your bus ticket to the drivers here to make sure you know what bus is yours.

The most popular tourist bus company that runs A/C services between Pokhara and Chitwan is Mountain Overland Travels which costs around $6/8.

There are other options too but don’t expect comfort. There are plenty of organic coffee and chai shops to grab a drink. 

To be expected, this is the tourist bus stand so you’ll be paying tourist prices (60 rupees a chai when it’s normally 10!).

However, it is nice to relax a little with a hot drink. If only to cure the tiredness of the early wake-up call.

It’s the same bumpy, spinning roads but with far less traffic than Kathmandu. It’s an easy journey of around 5/6 hours.

Heading back to Pokhara and Kathmandu is easy and will take around 6 hours either way.

I was so happy when I arrived that there was actually someone with my name on the sign-in Chitwan to save me having to get an expensive taxi to my hotel!

Chitwan to Lumbini bus

There are no tourist buses between Chitwan and Lumbini. So, a tourist bus which is pretty much a local bus is the only way to go!

There was no A/C, it was boiling and we had to have the windows open the whole way.

The bus stand in Chitwan is pretty much just a gravel park in the middle of farmland.

There’s a small shelter, a shop for drinks and snacks, and some chickens hanging around.

Our luggage was thrown on the top of the bus and tied down. It was covered with a plastic sheet in case of rain.

Although I knew it was safe, I still hated seeing my bag being carried on top!

We actually had to take two buses to Lumbini as there is no direct bus. Our first bus was around 3 hours to a place called Bhairahawa.

From here, we had to switch buses to a local bus which took us the remaining 30 minutes to Lumbini.

I’m not sure why there is no direct bus as it’s such a popular route. But, hey ho.

The whole journey? Pretty disgusting.

The heat was unbearable, the bus was old and cranky and the dust had to come inside. Without the window open it was like an oven.

$6 (600 rupees) for an indirect bus was a pretty bad deal!

The second local bus was even worse, double hot, dirty, and so old I’m surprised it was still running.

It was crammed full and some people were standing and sitting on the floor. The price of this bus was 50 NPR each.

The Lumbini bus stand is non-existent and is just a spot on the road opposite the monastic sites.

Personally, if you need to head back to Kathmandu/Pokhara, I would repeat the journey back by heading to Bhairahawa and then Chitwan. From Chitwan, there will be nice air-conditioned tourist buses.

Ticket prices are $6 for the ‘tourist’ bus and then 50 rupees for the local bus. I’m not sure if our hotel had a markup, so it may be worth the price compared to the main town. 

If you’re heading out of Nepal to India by bus

Lumbini is a great place to stop over as it’s only 40 kilometres from the Indian border of Sonauli.

I caught a direct bus between Kathmandu and Varanasi and it was hell.

So, staying near the border in Lumbini to cut the journey will ensure you reach India in a good amount of time.

We left Lumbini at 7 am via a private taxi for 2500 Nepalese rupees as there are no direct buses available.

We would have had to catch around 3 buses to get there, which if you’re trying to visa hop isn’t ideal.

The taxi took one hour to get to the border, 45 minutes to get through immigration, and then another 12 hours from Sonauli to Varanasi.

We caught a local bus to Gorakhpur which took two hours and cost 100 Indian rupees.

Then hopped onto another bus to Varanasi which took seven hours and cost 220 INR. In total, our journey into India took 15 hours. Not too shabby!

Please note: You MUST have an Indian visa bought in advance to enter India. You cannot get one at the border. We also met some travellers who were advised by Kathmandu airport to enter overland via e-visa at the Sanauli border. You cannot enter India with an e-visa overland. You have to enter the airport you stated on your e-visa application. This is due to no biometric scanners available overland. You cannot sweet-talk or bribe, they will turn you away. 

For more information about travelling over this border, see my full article here.

Recommended Travel Resources

Hotels: Booking.com

Transport: RentalCars.com

Trips & Tours: GetYourGuide

Travel Insurance: World Nomads

eSIM: Holafly

Want to read more about these awesome places in Nepal?

I’ve covered the tourist circuit of Nepal in some helpful, honest and informative guides which can be accessed below;

The ultimate Kathmandu Bucket List

What to expect at Pashupatinath Temple

A guide for Garden of Dreams in Kathmandu

Everest Flight from Kathmandu – is it safe?

Pokhara travel guide

A complete guide for Lumbini

My top travel tips for visiting the Birthplace of Buddha

Travelling overland from Nepal to India

Discover Nepal

Save these Nepal Bus Travel tips for later!

Sophie Pearce is the founder of Third Eye Traveller. Always having a restless soul seeking adventure, she has now travelled to over 30+ countries, many of them solo. Leaving her heart in India, which gifted her a "Third Eye", she felt inspired to share her travel stories in the hope of encouraging others to find their inner magic and explore this beautiful world of ours. Even if it's on their own!

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12 comments.

Hi, Found your post really helpful however i have written updated content in my website, kindly viist: https://www.nrttours.com/kathmandu-pokhara-tourist-bus-ticket/

Thanks for the updated info. But, it’s probably good to note you’re selling bus tickets as a company. There’s many bus options in Nepal for bus travel x

this is really helpful, thanks for doing this!!

No worries, I hope it helps you. Thanks for reading, Sophie x

Hello do you know what time is the earliest bus from pokhara to sunauli border . And where to catch this bus?? Thank you

Hi there, I’m not entirely sure but Nepal starts early morning so I’d say around 6am!! The buses are close to the other side of the border point. They’re all lined up :)

IS THERE ANY DIRECT BUS FROM POKHARA TO MUSIKOT? OR HOW TO REACH MUSIKOT FROM PHOKARA IN ONE DAY? ANY IDEA.. THANKS

Hi Bipul, I’m so sorry but I have no idea! I only travelled on the ‘typical’ bus route through Nepal. The best things to do would be to ask a local travel agent when you’re in Pokhara itself! Or enquire at your hotel or ask a local if a public bus goes there. Hope you find your way! Sophie x

Great thanks

Thanks for reading and your feedback Forest, Sophie x

Thanks for sharing helpful overland trips of Nepal mainly Pokhara and Kathmandu.

Hi Dil, thanks for reading! Yes I covered the main routes :) Sophie x

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Travelling Mandala

Nepali Buses: Transportation in Nepal and How to Get Around (2024)

Do you want to know about Nepali buses, transportation and general bus travel in Nepal?

You’ve come to the right place! I have been visiting and periodically living in Nepal since 2015 and I can tell you that travelling by Nepali buses is an adventure on its own.

The main transportation in Nepal are buses, flights and minivans. Domestic flights in Nepal are a good option if you are short on time. Some routes that are only 30 minutes by flight, can take up to 10-12 hours by bus.

Nevertheless, people still mostly travel by bus and it is an affordable way to get around Nepal. There are 3 different types of buses in Nepal: tourist bus (the most comfortable), AC/Deluxe bus and local buses.

There are day and night buses in Nepal and the bus journeys can take anywhere between 8-12 hours, or sometimes more! Bus travel in Nepal can be long and tiring, so it is best if you are prepared for a bus journey.

Here is everything you need to know about buses in Nepal, bus ticket prices, booking tickets, road safety and more!

Transportation in Nepal

The main modes of transportation in Nepal are buses, minivans, planes and taxis.

Taking a domestic flight in Nepal can save you a lot of time as travelling by plane in Nepal takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour to any destination.

Buses and minivans can take up to 12-15 hours (or even more) depending on your destination. However, buses and minivans provide a more affordable way of travel in Nepal.

Nepali buses usually include tourist, AC/Deluxe or local buses. Travelling by buses in Nepal can be a long and tiring journey, nevertheless it is one of the most popular ways to travel in Nepal.

Nepali Buses

Types of buses in nepal, tourist bus (day).

The tourist buses in Nepal are generally more comfortable and safer when it comes to bus travel in Nepal. Some of the tourist buses (Swift Holidays, Baba Adventure) also have sofa seat buses that are considered the most comfortable buses.

It is good to keep in mind that the bus journeys can take a long time, sometimes the whole day, and then even if you travel on a tourist bus, it will start to feel uncomfortable and tiring.

The tourist buses (day bus) usually leave around 6-8 am in the morning and get to the destination late afternoon/evening.

Tourist Bus (Night)

Although the majority of the tourist buses leave in the morning, there are still a handful of options for night buses. Taking the night bus is a good option if you are short on time and want to save a day of travelling by going at night.

The night buses leave around 7-8 pm and usually arrive to the destination the next morning. It can be difficult to sleep on the bus so when deciding to take the night bus, also consider how much sleep you need to get to function the next day.

The roads are bumpy and when the bus stops for toilet breaks in the night, they switch on the lights so it wakes you up many times. Due to this, it is hard to get a proper sleep while on the night bus but sometimes it is the only option that works.

AC and Deluxe Bus (Day or Night)

After the tourist buses, the AC/Deluxe buses are the second best option in Nepal. Some less touristy destinations only have AC/Deluxe buses operating, so sometimes you don’t even have a choice to go with a tourist bus.

The AC/Deluxe buses are usually a bit cheaper than the tourist buses but also a little bit less comfortable. The AC/Deluxe buses also have both day and night options.

To be honest, in general the AC and Deluxe buses are still pretty good in comparison to the local buses.

Local Buses

The local buses in Nepal are the least comfortable Nepali buses. They don’t have assigned seat tickets, so they usually get very crowded. Taking a local bus in Nepal is when bus travel in Nepal becomes a whole new experience.

You’d normally get to travel on a local bus if you visit a non-touristy or remote place in Nepal where no tourist or AC buses go. In many remote places, the local buses are the only option.

I am not sure if there are overnight local buses operating, but if there are, you should never take an overnight journey with it. Local buses are the least safe, however, still the drivers know how to drive on the narrow, mountain road, so you should not be too nervous about it.

The drivers are used to these roads and the mountain roads in Nepal constitute as the “normal road” where they have been driving for years.

Otherwise, the local bus is really an adventure. This is where you might find goats and chickens on the rooftop or inside the bus, and get you to learn all the popular Nepali and Hindi songs by heart.

Bus Ticket Booking in Nepal

1. at your hotel.

Probably the easiest option is to ask at your hotel/hostel reception if they can get you a bus ticket to your destination. They will charge extra for commission but it is probably the most comfortable way of buying the bus ticket.

2. At a Travel Agent

There are many travel agencies in Thamel selling bus tickets. The price of bus tickets through travel agencies is usually a bit higher as they also add on commission to the price.

Nevertheless, if you are short on time and want to quickly buy a ticket without any hassle, the travel agency is one of your best option.

3. At the Gongabu Bus Park/Naya Bus Park

You can also buy bus tickets at the Gongabu/Naya Bus Park. It is best if you check with your hotel first if they can confirm that you can buy a ticket there to your destination.

It lies a little bit outside of Thamel and the easiest way to get there is by taxi. Another option is to walk there, then walking from Thamel to Gongabu Bus Station will take around 35-45 minutes.

4. Show up at the bus park in the morning

Sometimes people also just show up at the bus station in the morning and try to get a seat on the spot. If you travel to popular destinations such as Pokhara or Chitwan, this may be possible as there are many buses going there.

It can be risky though to just show up in the morning as you will have to bargain for the ticket, and you probably won’t be able to select a seat of your preference.

October-November is the main holiday season in Nepal when many Nepali travel home to be with there families and buses get sold out fast during this time. If you plan to travel by bus in Nepal during this time, you should book your bus ticket 5-6 days ahead.

5. On eSewa Mobile App

eSewa is a digital payment app that has become very popular in Nepal in the last few years. You can book bus tickets through eSewa which is quick and easy.

I usually recommend using eSewa only for those that stay long-term in Nepal and here is how to set up eSewa and book bus tickets online .

💡 Did you know? You can browse bus tickets on BusSewa.com . You cannot buy a bus ticket using an international bank card but set up eSewa and you can buy bus tickets online .

Bus Ticket Price in Nepal

The prices of tourist buses are generally between Rs. 1,000 – 1,700, depending on where you are going and the type of bus you are booking.

General tourists buses cost around Rs. 1,200, while the more comfortable sofa seat buses are around Rs. 1,600/trip.

Approximate prices of bus tickets from Kathmandu to Pokhara:

• Shuva Jagadamba Bus: Rs. 1,000
• Desh Darshan Bus: Rs. 1,200
• Baba Adventure Bus (sofa seat): Rs. 1,600
• Swift Holidays Bus (sofa seat): Rs. 1,700

Where Do the Buses Leave From?

If you are going to Pokhara/Bandipur/Chitwan: the tourist buses leave from Sorhakhutte (on the north edge of Thamel) in the morning between 6 – 8 am.

It is not really a bus park, just buses parking on the side of the road. There will be a long line of buses and difficult to make out specific buses. The best thing you can do is to ask a bus driver or helper to direct you to your bus.

How Long Does the Bus Journey Take?

Bus travel in Nepal can be long and tiring. Due to the road conditions, the duration of the bus trips across Nepal can get very long, usually takes around 10 hours .

If you look at google maps to calculate how long the route is going to take, it is best to count the double amount of time that google shows. 

For some reason, even ticket agents would still tell you that the bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara will take 5-6 hours but it’s more like 10-12 hours.

Road Safety

The road conditions in Nepal are not the best. The roads are narrow, there are a lot of curves, blind spots and vehicles having to drive often close to the edge of the hill.

However, the bus drivers are used to the terrain and road conditions. So while it may seem dangerous, the drivers know the roads well and we should not be too nervous about taking the bus.

Advice for Bus Travel in Nepal

1. get a seat in the front rows.

The roads are bumpy and the further back you sit, the worse each bump will feel. When you book your bus ticket, try to get a seat within the first 4 rows of seats (numbered 1-8).

2. Lunch/Dinner Breaks

The bus will stop for lunch/dinner depending on the time you are travelling. Lunch/dinner is usually at restaurants that have typical Nepali food, such as dal bhat in a buffet style (Rs. 400-500).

The bus spends about 30 minutes for lunch/dinner break. It is also a good time to stretch, go to the toilet or stock up on snacks.

3. Toilet Breaks

Apart from the break for lunch/dinner, it will also stop about 2 times for toilet breaks. The toilets will be squat toilets with no toilet paper, so do not forget to take tissues with you when you go to the toilet.

Sometimes, buses stop very frequently for breaks, however, other times, they can take 4-5 hours to make a stop. It is good to be careful about how much water you drink as you may never know how long before the bus makes a stop.

4. Take Snacks with You

You need snacks as the bus rides can be long and you never know how long it will actually take. There can be road closures, traffic jams, the bus can break down, and the list just goes on. So yeah, have the snacks ready.

You can stock up on snacks beforehand or buy them when the bus makes stops for rest.

5. No Wifi or Plugs on the Buses

There is no wifi or plugs to charge phones on any of the buses. Sometimes there are signs on the bus that it has wifi, or there are plugs on the bus that indicate that you can charge your phone, but the plugs never work.

So for this, it is best to prepare by having enough data on your phone and also to take a power bank with you so that you can charge your phone.

What to Pack for a Bus Journey in Nepal

• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues or toilet paper
• Eye mask : if you are taking the night bus, an eye mask is a life saver. Sometimes, the bus stops for toilet breaks in the middle of the night and then they switch on the lights. If you have an eye mask, you will still wake up a bit but not as badly as if you had no eye mask on.

Minivans (Hiace) in Nepal

Apart from buses, taking a minivan is another way to get around Nepal. The minivans go mostly on the same routes as the buses.

For some destinations, there are only night buses but you can find a minivan scheduled during the day. If you go to popular destinations such as Pokhara or Chitwan, there are many day and night buses.

If you travel to a less touristy destination such as Janakpur, there is only a night bus from Kathmandu. But if you want to travel during the day, there are minivans leaving early morning.

The minivans can get a bit more crowded and you have less space for your legs. So, if you prefer a slightly more comfortable journey, the bus is a better option.

Public Buses in Kathmandu

Taking the public bus in Kathmandu can seem a bit chaotic at first but if you are staying in Kathmandu long-term, it can be useful to learn some of the bus routes.

Ratna Park is a major bus park in Kathmandu and you will find many buses going here to most of the locations in Kathmandu, including buses to Patan and Bhaktapur.

The bus fare is calculated based on km and the general bus fare is around Rs. 25/trip in Kathmandu. In the rush hour, it can get extremely busy on the buses so make sure to look out for your valuables.

🚌 Check out how to take the public bus in Kathmandu here!

Nepal Bus Routes Guide

• How to Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara
• How to Travel from Pokhara to Kathmandu
• How to Travel from Pokhara to Chitwan
• How to Travel from Chitwan to Pokhara
• How to Travel from Kathmandu to Chitwan
• How to Travel from Chitwan to Kathmandu
• How to Travel to Bardia National Park, Nepal
• How to Travel to Lumbini, Nepal
• How to Travel to Bandipur, Nepal
• How to Travel to Janakpur, Nepal
• How to Travel to Tansen (Palpa), Nepal
• How to Travel to Gorkha, Nepal
• How to Travel to the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

FAQs: Nepali Buses: Transportation in Nepal

How much does a tourist bus ticket cost in nepal.

The tourist bus ticket in Nepal generally costs between Rs. 1,200-1,700. The more expensive tickets, tend to be the tourist buses that have comfortable sofa seats.

Which is the best way to get around Nepal?

To get around Nepal, you have the option to travel by bus or take a flight. The flights are usually faster and take around 30 minutes-1 hour in Nepal, while the buses are cheaper but can take up to 12-15 hours depending on where you are going to.

Is it safe for US citizens to travel to Nepal?

Yes, it is safe for US citizens and all other nationalities to travel to Nepal. Nepal is a relatively safe country, nevertheless you still have to be cautious.

If you travel by Nepali buses, make sure to look out for your belongings and valuables.

Other risks in Nepal include natural hazards, such as earthquakes, or landslides during the monsoon season.

Which is the most luxurious bus in Nepal?

The most comfortable bus in Nepal are the sofa seat buses. Swift Holidays and Baba Adventure both run sofa seat buses in Nepal.

I may not call it luxurious but surely, they are the most comfortable Nepali buses available.

The main transportation in Nepal are buses, minivans, flights and taxis. Domestic flights in Nepal are a good option if you are short on time. Some routes that are only 30 minutes by flight, can take up to 10-12 hours by bus.

Nevertheless, people still mostly travel by bus and it is an affordable way to get around Nepal. There are 3 different types of Nepali buses: tourist bus (the most comfortable), AC/Deluxe bus and local buses.

There are day and night buses in Nepal and the bus journeys can take anywhere between 8-12 hours, or sometimes more! Taking Nepali buses can be long and tiring, so it is best if you are prepared for a bus journey.

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How to travel by bus across Nepal

by Jean | May 3, 2019 | Nepal | 20 comments

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How to easily buy a bus ticket in Nepal

Is there a cheaper way to buy a ticket, what time do the buses leave.

Finding the bus stop in Kathmandu – read this area it’s really important !

The old Nepalese bus seat scam.

So, there used to be a bus seat scam. Where tourists were sold the premium, less bumpy seats. And paid a price for it. When the tourists would get on the bus there was no seating numbers and the bus conductor would make up the seating numbers. Putting the tourists in the bumpier seats and assigning the Nepalese to the better, less bumpy seats. Now this wasn’t purely a scam to rip off tourists, but more so to ensure that the Nepalese would be less likely to throw up their breakfast everywhere. When we booked tickets there wasn’t any way to prebook certain seats. All the hotel staff tried to get us seats in the middle of the bus, in the less bumpy zone.

Is there WI-FI on the buses? 

What are the buses like in nepal, will the bus ride be bumpy.

Does the bus have a toilet or stop for food?

Where do your bags go when travelling by bus in nepal.

Toilet paper Travel/motion sickness band Eye mask & neck pillow Hand sanitizer 

How safe is bus travel in Nepal?

Why travel around nepal by bus.

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20 Comments

Though I have not gone on a bus in Nepal (unless you count our mini-van) I can so relate to your post. The roads are bumpy and crazy and the vehicles very basic. Also, as you said, there is no end time to your journey. Google maps may estimate one time but you need to add another hour or two to it 🙂

The buses sound very inexpensive. Thanks for all the tips. If I go to Nepal, I’ll know not to necessarily trust some of the travel sites when it comes to buses and bus stops.

You’re better off trusting me. Someone who’s been there recently 😉

Bus travel in Nepal sounds likes stressful especially not knowing how long a trip will take. I can totally understand outside variables like rockslides affecting a bus trip but you’d think with a developed bus system they’d be organized. Plus I need more than 15 minutes to pee…

Well if the bus needs more than 15mins you do get that. Just some of those toilets you might not wana use

This sounds like quite the adventure. It sounds like you need to keep the first rule of adventuring in mind when travelling by bus in Nepal – you can only control your attitude. Booking through the hotel seems like the obvious go and perhaps they can help you with finding the right bus too.

A lot of the hotel/hostel staff did offer to help us find the bus. Or they arranged for the taxi driver to do it. Made it oh so much easier!

That’s a lot of useful information about taking buses in Nepal. I also think getting around the country by buses is an easier option than flying because of the same reason that you had mentioned. I found it pretty adventurous and relatively safe, so I do not mind taking buses when traveling in Nepal.

A lot of useful information in this post! Good to know you need to get a luggage lock on the bus. Traveling by bus in Nepal sounds like taking your life into your own hands, lol! However, I don’t think I’d like to drive there either, so it’s a catch.

Lots of great information here as I am planning a trip to Nepal. But didnt know about the old bus scam. Its a bit of a sad one I have to admit, hate people who do scams, they need a slap! (you can tell I been a victim of scams before on the road)!

I love this post! Nepal is really high on my travel wish list and I love traveling by bus, so this will be super helpful once I finally get to go. I found the public bus system in Laos a lot of fun as well, if you want to do something similar again 😉

That does sound like an adventure and mass confusion at the same time, bus stations are always challenging especially with so many competitors – it pays to get there early to scout out the best options and times

Well the times are all set, so you don’t need to scout that out 😉

Lots of great information here! Buses are such a fun way to get around countries like this because it allows a look at how the locals live.

What an interesting adventure! Super informative post for anyone looking to travel by bus in Nepal. Not sure I’ll be doing it anytime soon as I have a fear of vomit!

Well people being sick is a possibility no matter where or how you travel 😉

These tips are so useful. Even though it sounds a bit scary at first, what a great adventure it actually is – as long as you know what to do and expect. 🙂 It’s that hard to find a bus office? And they really don’t want to deal with you and negotiate the price? Does that mean that the price is not fixed? 🙂 And another thing you said – if you book online, there’s a risk that the bus seats will be sold out. Oh my, one has to be prepared for these situations and just to go with the flow. Thanks for the great post, I enjoyed reading it. 🙂

It’s a bit confusing, but in all honesty the bus companies don’t want to directly deal with you. In Nepal there are no fixed prices, but there are fixed prices if that makes sense? 😛

Many of the online booking systems available are third party, fourth cousins hidden in a hidey hole kinda places. There’s no guarantee that you’re ticket purchased online is legitimate.

I agree that bus travel is a great way to see Nepal. I gotta say though, the local non- tourist buses are really hard for us taller peeps!

It does sound pretty fun…but it blows my mind that there are no actual timetables. I mean…it sounds like the exact opposite of travel in Japan(!) I guess you need to take a chill pill if you are going to do this!

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Taking Public Transport in Nepal - The Step-by-step Guide

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Taking public transport in Nepal can be tricky for most of the travelers. During my 2 months volunteering in Kathmandu, I take the public bus every weekend to meet my friends. For the whole time, I’ve almost never seen any foreigners taking a public bus there. It’s like I’m traveling in a rural part of Nepal…

But that’s Kathmandu , the capital!

How is this so?

I later interviewed some fellow travelers I met after my volunteer project ended. It seemed that most of them never considered public buses as a mean of transport there. Since taxi fares don’t hurt the wallet a lot there, they preferred taking the cab.

Taking the cab is an excellent way to contribute to local economies, but honestly, I would love to see more foreigners experience the public buses in Nepal.

In this article, you will find everything you need to know for hopping on that rusty public bus and go around the massive city!

Intra-city Public Transport in Nepal

Let’s talk about the public bus in Kathmandu. Despite to lack of traffic rules and systems, the public bus follows a route system. Some buses go to airports, some to Pashupatinath, you name it. It’s totally possible to get to the tourist attractions by public bus. Here are the steps to take your first ever bus ride in Kathmandu.

Check out my in-depth guide for backpacking Nepal .

#1: Know where you are going

First and foremost, open up your Google Maps. Check if there are any bus stops near to your destination. Let’s say you are going to Pashupatinath, check the name of the bus stops near Pashupatinath and memorize them. In the cases where the name of the bus stops is in the Nepali language, it’s fine. Just remember that you’re going to Pashupatinath.

#2: Boarding your bus

The main bus terminal in Kathmandu is Ratna Park, which is around 10-15 minutes’ walk from Thamel. In Ratna Park, you can find public buses to almost every corner of the city, if not all.

Once you arrived in Ratna Park, start asking the conductors of the buses.

For your information, there is two staff in one public bus, one driver and one conductor who manages all the bus fares and passengers. Conductors usually stand outside of the bus or at the door.

“Pashupatinath?” will do the job. Most of the conductors are helpful enough to direct you to the right bus going to your destination. But still, ask before you board the bus, you never know if it’s the right bus.

Check out the best time to visit Nepal here !

#3: Paying the bus fare

Paying for the bus fare is tricky for foreigners. Some conductors will try to make extra pocket money by collecting higher bus fares from foreigners. All the bus fares are in the range of Rs15-25 unless you are traveling far from the city center. For instance, the bus from Ratna Park to Godavari Botanical Garden will cost you Rs30.

Conductors will walk to you to collect the bus fares. The trick here is NEVER ask him about the bus fares. Why? Because you don’t want to be taken advantage of. Let them think that you know the exact bus fare.

How? Pay them extra Rupees. The best way is to pay them a Rs50 note, then wait for the change and don’t look into their eyes. Just act like you are the boss and already mastered the art of taking public buses in Kathmandu. If you’re traveling with partners, feel free to pay Rs100 note and wait for the change. The key is to let them think you know the exact bus fares.

Tips: Pay smaller notes. Handing out a Rs1000 note will probably give a headache to the conductors. In rare occasions will they have that much small changes for your giant note.

#4: Know where to drop off

Conductors in the bus manage a lot of people in the bus. Like, A LOT. They won’t necessarily remember you if the bus was crowded. Open up your Google Maps, and track yourself. When the bus approaches your drop off point, walk slowly to the bus door and wait until it opens. Don’t be afraid to squeeze your way to the door, it’s the way of life there.

And that’s it. It may sound difficult but trust me it’s easy. Once you did it, you will be addicted to taking the public buses there. It saves you a serious amount of rupees and gives you valuable local experience. Taking public transport in Nepal can be a mesmerizing experience!

The public bus services work almost the same way in other locations like Pokhara and Chitwan. However, in Pokhara, it will be a little difficult because the buses don’t go to Lakeside often. You will need to change a few buses to reach your destinations.

Ask your hotel receptionist which buses you need to take, they are more than happy to help you. Once you are in the bus, follow the procedures above and you’ll be fine.

Tips: In Kathmandu, you might want to download Gantabya Plus app on your mobile. It has all the bus routes you need to get to your destinations. It might take some time to learn, but it’s easier than you supposed. The bad part is that this app is only available in the Google Play Store.

Inter-city Public Transport

There are mainly two options for intercity buses: tourist buses and local buses. If you want a calm, safe and steady experience, choose the former. If you seek for roller-coaster extreme experience, pick the latter. I’ve tried both and I actually prefer the slower-pace tourist bus, which costed around Rs100-200 more than local buses. You need a strong heart to handle the latter one.

Tourist Buses

You can easily book a tourist bus from any travel agencies in Thamel or through the internet. The bus fare typically costs around $10, or Rs1000 from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Tourist buses depart from Kathmandu every morning around 7 am to 7.30 am on the outskirt of Thamel. For exact location, at the street Tridevi Sadak, in front of The North Face Nepal.

During the low season, the cheapest way is to go directly to the departure point, which is Tridevi Sadak. The conductors will approach you and ask if you’ve bought a ticket. There you got to bargain for the lowest price as most of the buses are not full. They are competing for any possible customer, like you. You could get as low as Rs500 for a trip to Pokhara.

Local Buses

For an unforgettable experience, ride with the locals in the public transport in Nepal. From Ratna Park, take a bus to Old Bus Park in the early morning. There are buses to every corner of Nepal in Old Bus Park. You might find a schedule for the bus departure time but trust me, it’s useless.

Remember to settle for a fare before you place your feet on the bus. Otherwise, you might be asked to pay more than what you are supposed to pay once the bus departs. I had the experience, and I don’t want you to have it. I was overcharged when I took the bus to Besisahar to start my Annapurna Circuit trek .

Local buses take slightly less time than tourist buses. As if the drivers are not afraid of dying, as if the drivers are not aware that they are responsible for a bunch of lives on board. It’s an adrenaline-rush ride, which I personally think is worth a try once.

You might want to check this out for getting from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

Be Aware of This

There is something you need to be aware of before boarding the local bus for a long-distance ride. Some Nepalis will offer you aids for getting on board the bus, which is totally unnecessary and can be done without their help. They might even treat you a cup of tea, which might catch you off guard.

Whenever you meet this case, learn to reject them. Say “No” with a smile. Because if you followed their instructions and get onto the bus as they told you to, they will charge you a massive number, probably $5 more than the actual price.

I was overcharged by a few dollars (a few hundred Rupees) when I took my bus from Bandipur to Kathmandu. The best way is to just do it all on your own without any one’s help, travelers are seen as easy prey by Nepalis.

Taking public transport in Nepal can be a memorable experience. Some locals are friendly enough to talk to you, and you might make some Nepali friends there, who knows?

Everyone is looking for extraordinary experiences while traveling. I’m sure even after decades had passed, you will remember the moments you spent in Nepali local buses.

If you want to save the hassle and book your bus tickets online instead, check out 12Go , the largest transportation booking site in Asia!

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Yen is a university student from Malaysia and a huge fan of Blues music and photography. His passion for travel can be traced back to 2016 when he spent 6 months traveling New Zealand. By blending into the locals and traveling long-term, he shares all the comprehensive and detailed travel ideas and guides for the countries with his footprints.

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7 thoughts on “Taking Public Transport in Nepal – The Step-by-step Guide”

You are fantastic. To give such detail research and experience is truly very admirable. I got so much useful info fro your article. Just so invaluable.

Hey Cassidy, thanks a lot for your positive feedback! Glad I helped 😀

Yes yes this was exactly what I needed! I’ve been in Nepal a lot, and I know a few bus/tuktuk routes that I usually take, but as soon as I need to go to a new destination I have no idea how to find connecting busses and end up taking a taxi, which I don’t like doing that much. Never knew there was an app for bus routes, this is a great discovery! Thanks for your clear explanations!

Hey Marieke, so glad I could help. Thanks for the positive feedback and enjoy your trip in Nepal!

Hi, YEN, Thanks for informative post. It helped me to plan my trip to Nepal.

One funny point to mention here!! Image you have taken of white color NWKRTC bus in your post is from Karnataka, Southern state of India. North West Karnataka Transport corporation. Any way buses look similar there too.. Ha,Ha…..

very fine knowledge about the experience, thank a lot sir, you save my day

No problem! Glad to help. 🙂

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Best of Nepal Tour (Kathmandu & Pokhara)

Best nepal tour, chitwan jungle safari – exotic 2 nights / 3 days trip, kathmandu gay tour - lgbtq+ nepal tour, pashupatinath to muktinath tour, kathmandu pokhara lumbini tour, discover kathmandu, nagarkot sun rise and kathmandu-bhaktapur cultural tour, shangri- la 6 days nepal tour, essential nepal.

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Christmas & New Year
• Meet the locals in the quaint lakeside town of Pokhara
• Be swept away by the cultural heritage of Durbar Square
• Admire the towering golden statue of Sakyamuni Buddha

“Best priced experiential trip to Nepal. Loved it and best value for money with lots of insight experience of Nepal as a whole.”

• Explore UNESCO sites in Kathmandu
• Discover Bhaktapur's ancient squares
• Enjoy boating on Phewa Lake

“Fantastic days. From the moment we arrived at the airport, the setup was perfect.”

• Photograph prowling leopards and jungle cats
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• Visit the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa
• Explore the sacred Boudhanath Stupa
• Fly to see Mount Everest up close

• Discover the magic of Pokhara and its lakes
• Explore the largest Hindu temple in Nepal
• Visit Muktinath Temple for a spiritual journey

• Sightseeing
• Hike to the World Peace Stupa in Pokhara
• Visit the sacred Mayadevi Temple in Lumbini
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• Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu
• Watching the cremation rituals in Pashupatinath Temple
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However you get around Nepal, you can count on amazing views

May 29, 2024 • 7 min read

Getting around Nepal isn’t always easy – but the views rarely disappoint © Flystock / Shutterstock

Whether you’re traveling around Nepal by air, public bus or private car, you can be sure of a ride that’s incredibly scenic.

Regular domestic flights pass along, between and above the highest mountains in the world. Slower overland travel has the benefit of winding through lush river valleys, beside terraced farmland and rural villages, with mountains coming into view at surprising points along the way. 

Wedged between China and India , Nepal looks rather small on a map – yet its mountainous terrain and general lack (or poor quality) of transport infrastructure make getting around slow going. During your trip, you might combine private transfers with a driver (by four-wheel drive or regular cars) with local buses and/or domestic flights. 

Since safety is a serious concern for all modes of transport, it’s important to weigh up your options in relation to your budget, time constrictions and risk tolerance when considering how to explore Nepal. But short-and-sweet flights to remote mountain airstrips and slow overland routes have one thing in common: they offer to-die-for views.

As you plan your journey to and around this wonderful if challenging country, here’s what you need to know about getting around in Nepal. 

Take a private vehicle for the most comfort  

Whether you’re sightseeing within Kathmandu or Pokhara , wanting to travel between these two cities (a distance of 125 miles/200km) or needing to be deposited at a remote mountain trailhead, taking a private vehicle and driver is generally the most comfortable way of traveling in Nepal.

It’s also among the most expensive.

Private cars and public buses alike have to travel on the same roads, which are often pot-holed, dusty, muddy – or a combination of the three. Road works and traffic jams are also a pitfall of road travel in Nepal, and both can add hours to what would seem to be short journeys. But traveling by private car means you can stop for a rest when you wish, benefit from a better suspension and enjoy the skills of a safe, experienced driver (usually). 

Note that foreigners are not allowed to drive cars in Nepal, which means getting behind the wheel to take a self-driving road trip in Nepal isn’t in the cards.

Take taxis for short-distance travel within cities

Regular taxis are a common way of getting around Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can hail them from the side of the road, from taxi stands in some areas or through your hotel. Taxis in Nepal don’t generally use a meter, even if the vehicle is equipped with one; you should count on negotiating your fare before getting in. If you’re not sure how much a journey should cost, ask at your hotel to get a rough idea before heading out. 

Take the bus for the cheapest way to travel around Nepal

Nepal is generally a budget-friendly destination – yet the cost of taxis, private cars and flights can certainly add up. If you’re on a tight budget, taking local or tourist buses is the way to go. But before you set off, you should prepare yourself for slower journeys and a significant amount of discomfort if you travel Nepal by bus.

Larger than standard buses in the country, tourist buses are the more comfortable choice. Their drivers are generally competent, you’ll have your own seat (no roof seating or standing in the aisles) and there may be air conditioning (although how well it works is often down to chance). Kathmandu–Pokhara, Kathmandu–Sauraha ( Chitwan ) and Pokhara–Sauraha are the main tourist-bus routes, with departures generally early in the morning that arrive in the afternoon. You have to purchase tickets in advance, which your hotel can easily help facilitate. 

Local buses are another story. You can catch these almost anywhere you might want to go, from major cities to remote towns, for small change. (Most cities have multiple bus stands, so take care to head to the right one.) You usually don’t need to buy a ticket in advance, though it’s a good idea around festivals. The drawbacks of traveling by local bus are unreliable departure times, old and worn-out vehicles, questionable driving and cramped seating. Bus accidents – and passenger deaths – are dismayingly common, and usually involve local rather than tourist buses.

Kathmandu and Pokhara also have local buses, which are an inexpensive way of getting around town. You might find these tricky to catch, however, if you don’t have a functional knowledge of Devanagari script. In Kathmandu, the large, green, cooperatively run Sajha Yatayat buses run on electricity (one of the few environmentally friendly means of transportation in Nepal, beyond walking), and can be a good way of crisscrossing the city. 

Fly by plane if you’re short on time

Although Nepal only has three international airports (at Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lumbini), you’ll find many small airports and mountain airstrips around the country. Taking a domestic flight is essential (or near-essential) to access many long-distance trekking trails, such as the Everest Base Camp trek, as there’s no road access. 

Even when domestic flights aren’t essential, they can save an enormous amount of time, making flying one of the easiest ways to travel in Nepal. Compare a half-hour flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara with a 10-hour bumpy overland trip along the Prithvi Hwy (the journey is “supposed” to take five hours, but when road works and traffic jams are factored in, this timeframe would be a miracle). Or compare a half-hour flight between Pokhara and Jomsom with a 10-hour, four-wheel-drive journey along winding roads through the Kali Gandaki gorge.

There are, however, some serious drawbacks to flying. Flights are frequently delayed or canceled due to the weather (in the winter, in monsoon season and really all year long). You’ll need to factor in buffer time, especially if you’re flying somewhere like Lukla ( gateway to the Everest region ), where you can’t fall back on road transport. You wouldn’t want to miss an international flight because of three days of fog in Lukla. 

Safety is the other major concern. On the one hand, 30 minutes in an airplane with an experienced pilot may seem safer than 10 hours on Nepal’s dangerous roads. On the other, Nepal has seen more than its fair share of aviation accidents. Nepali pilots are generally well-trained and experienced – hats off to anyone who can fly in such challenging conditions – but airplane maintenance is often not up to international standards, and runways in difficult-to-reach locations can be in poor condition. 

Another common flight route is the Everest sightseeing flight from Kathmandu. These flights depart Kathmandu early in the morning and make a round trip east, offering great views of Mt Everest and other Himalayan giants. While your plane won’t fly over Everest or even approach it, you’ll be able to see it clearly on the horizon. These flights are purely for sightseeing rather than a way to get from one place to another – but they’re low-risk because they travel at quite high altitudes, so aren’t too affected by mountain weather conditions.

Take a helicopter flight for the best views

Helicopter flights are usually restricted to sightseeing flights and rescue operations. Unless you’re a VIP, charter heli flights aren’t a common means of travel, and come with a hefty price tag. If you have a generous budget but not much time, heli-hiking trips can be arranged in some areas, particularly the Everest and Annapurna regions: you can take a helicopter from Kathmandu or Pokhara into the mountains, trek for a few hours, then return by air. While far from the cheapest way to travel around Nepal, this is a wonderful luxury for adventurous trekkers on a tight-ish timeframes.

Cycle for fun or fitness

With wild drivers and minimal bike lanes, Nepal’s road conditions don’t make cycling a very appealing option in most parts of the country. Yet the hilly terrain means mountain biking is an increasingly popular sport, especially in the hills around Kathmandu. You can rent cycles in Thamel (in central Kathmandu) and go independently or with a guide ( Socialtours is an excellent one). Similarly, cycling through farmland and villages is a popular activity in Chitwan, where the land is flat and there isn’t much traffic. Pedaling between rice fields and villages as the sun sets is a lovely way to end a day in Chitwan. 

Accessible travel in Nepal

Unfortunately, Nepal is not a very accessible travel destination for travelers who use wheelchairs who have other mobility issues. The poor condition of the roads makes getting around uncomfortable for everyone, and would be especially challenging for travelers with extra needs. Yet those with disabilities traveling with non-disabled travel companions may be able to get around by hiring a car and driver, and taking domestic flights when necessary. Alternatively, disabled travelers could limit their travel to Kathmandu only, and avoid difficult long-distance travel throughout the country.

Keep planning your trip to Nepal:

•  Uncovering Kathmandu’s cosmopolitan culture: why you're going to want to linger longer •  The best places to visit in Nepal, from mountains to Buddha’s birthplace •  15 of the best things to do in Nepal: experience the Himalaya

This article was first published Jan 29, 2022 and updated May 29, 2024.

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From Kathmandu to Pokhara morning and night, a tourist coach is available. From Kathmandu to Chitwan and Lumbini, the tourist coach is available only in the morning time. We guarantee our customers to provide a quality and variety of Bus service in Nepal.

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Buses, Nepal – Transportation

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Nepal is one of most fascinating countries in Asia. Getting around by bus is easy if you keep in mind a few simple facts.

Transportation in Nepal Buses 

Buses in Nepal are cheap and plentiful. Use them to get around the capital or from one place to another inexpensively and relatively quickly. Remember the roads here are rarely straight and often very winding so it may take longer to get from one destination to another than you thought.

Three Kinds of Buses 

Three types of bus services run through Nepal. You’ll find tourist buses, micro buses and public buses. Tourist buses are run by private bus companies or travel agencies. These are the most expensive kind of bus transport. However, they are also more comfortable and faster as well as far less crowded than public buses. Micro buses are private buses run without licenses. They are often quick but they can be very unsafe. Public buses are operated by local governments. These are the buses most often used by the public. They’re typically fast and frequent but crowded.

Know where You’re Going

Make sure you know where going before you get on the bus. There are local and express buses. The local buses are cheaper and less expensive. Express buses typically go from large town to another. They aren’t much more expensive than the local buses. Buses also run from India to Nepal. These international buses make it easy to get across the border. Just make sure you have your passport out in advance as you will be asked for it during the crossing. If you’re really daring, head out to the roof to journey with locals.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about bus transportation in Nepal. 

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Transportation in Nepal: Jeep, Tourist & Local Buses in Nepal

• by Kaspars Misins
• Nepal , Travel Tips
• 24/05/2017 14/03/2023
• 14 min read

This article may contain compensated links. Learn more in our disclaimer .

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]re you traveling to Nepal anytime soon? Or maybe you have already arrived? Let me introduce you to the most popular modes of transportation in Nepal ! Nepal is not a big country. But at the same – this country has 8 of the 10 highest mountains in the world. So you shouldn’t be surprised to hear, that one big part of Nepal it’s mountains. And roads here are…, well, mostly bad quality. Many of them you most probably would not call roads in your home country.

However it’s possible to get almost everywhere in Nepal using a shared jeep and a bus (a regular local bus or a tourist bus).

Not many people in Nepal have their own vehicle. And so public bus is the most popular mode of transportation in Nepal among locals. But a shared jeep is the next most popular mode of transportation.

Which means that mostly you can travel cheap. Though, shared jeeps have different pricing for locals and tourists. But still it’s a very cheap mode of transportation.

Table of Contents

1. Transportation in Kathmandu: Taxi, Rickshaws and Public Transport in Kathmandu

Speaking about transportation in Kathmandu, there are, of course, taxi . It’s a cheap way of getting around compared to Europe and America. However, compared to other Kathmandu public transport options taxi ride costs like 20 times more than the same as long trip on a bus or a tempo (see a photo below to understand what it is!).

Example: return ticket from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur on a local bus cost me 80 NPR, while a taxi driver asked me 1500 NPR (at first – 2000 NPR) for the same trip.

It doesn’t change the fact, that it’s also the most popular mode of transportation among tourists visiting Kathmandu. And I can understand why. Because public transport in Kathmandu often is packed and as there are no bus stops finding a taxi is way easier.

And then there are bicycle rickshaws . You will see them mostly in Thamel, by far the most popular district of Kathmandu among tourists and similar as popular area among locals.

Public transport in Kathmandu: buses and two types of minibuses. Buses running in Kathmandu and to nearby towns usually start and finish their route at Ratna Park City Bus station. While it may sound like a real bus station, in fact it’s just a bus stop on the side of an active street near Thamel.  Another option is blue minibuses , tiny minibuses, I would say. They stop very near to Ratna Park. Locals call them tuk-tuks. And there are also white minibuses, traveling on another routes.

Since there is no one and only website, where to check all the Kathmandu public transport routes and schedules, it may take some time to find the right one. Going to Ratna Park and asking around is your best bet. That’s if you want to get somewhere in Kathmandu or to the nearest towns. Long distance buses leave from a different place.

Note, that after sunset number of public buses and minibuses running in Kathmandu and around drops significantly.

Where Can You Get Using Public Transport in Kathmandu?

Locals use public transport really a lot. And so you can get wherever you want using public transport in Kathmandu. Will it be easy? Sometimes yes, often – no. That’s why I’m mostly walking, when I’m in Kathmandu. But let me give you a   few examples of some interesting places – touristic places – where you can get using a bus or a minibus.

Boudhanath Stupa – The Largest Stupa in Nepal

This stupa is huge and impressive. And so even if you aren’t really interested into temples and holy sites, you might change your mind and go there once in Kathmandu. What else makes this place special is that it’s the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet.

Gettting to Boudhanath is possible by a blue minibus, also called a tuk-tuk. These mini buses leave from the place close to Ratna Park, only about 100 meters from the main public bus stop. Just go to any of the blue buses and ask a driver if he is going to Boudhanath. Ticket costs only 20 NPR (about 0.2 EUR/USD).

Until the 15th century Bhaktapur was the capital of Nepal. Now it’s the third largest city in the Kathmandu Valley. And thanks to its well preserved city center ( Bhaktapur Durbar Square ) it is one of the most culturally interesting places in Nepal.

Getting to Bhaktapur by public transport is very easy. Just go to Ratna Park in Kathmandu and ask for the right bus. In 10 – 15 minutes you most probably will be on the bus already. Because buses are running there frequently. A bus back to Kathmandu you will find at the same place, where you will get off the bus. That’s just a short walk away from the main Bhaktapur city gates, where you will be asked to purchase or show your ticket. Ticket costs about 50 NPR (once I was asked only 30 NPR).

Pashupatinath Temple

It’s a Hindu temple. And most of the tourists go there because of cremation ghats and open-air cremations happening there. The temple is less than 5 kilometers away from Thamel.

Getting to Pashupatinath temple is the same as easy. You need the same blue minibus going to Boudhanath. Only you will need to get off earlier than when you would go to Boudhanath. Just tell the driver, where you want to go, and, just in case, follow your location on the map on your phone.

Kathmandu Airport Bus – Getting to and from Kathmandu Airport

There is no such thing as Kathmandu airport bus or airport shuttle. Not in 2017 at least, when I went to Kathmandu last time.

Getting from Kathmandu airport to Thamel by bus (as already mentioned, Thamel is the most popular area of the city among travelers) is easy. Walk out of the airport and out of the airport territory, and to your left, on the same side of the road, you will notice a bus stop. It’s less than 500 meters away from the entrance of the airport.

And wait for a bus going to Ratna Park, main intercity bus stop in Kathmandu, just next to Thamel. As some bus approaches the bus stop, ask conductor or driver, if it’s going to Ratna Park. Ticket should cost around 20 NPR.

Getting from Thamel to Kathmandu airport by bus should be similar as easy. But – I haven’t found the best solution, neither online, not by asking around in Kathmandu. So once I just walked to the airport, another time I took a taxi, and the last time I took a bus going from Ratna Park to Bhaktapur (and then I just followed GPS on my phone; I got off about 1.5 kilometers from the airport, when the bus turned in wrong for me direction).

Near Ratna Park there is another “kind of bus stop”, a big area with a lot of buses coming and going from there, less than 5 minute walk away. And some locals told me, that I should be able to find a bus going to the airport there. But I didn’t have a chance to go there and try to find one.

Getting to and from Kathmandu airport by taxi. There are 3 options: Kathmandu airport prepaid taxi, local taxi parked just by the airport and local taxi parked outside the airport territory. During the day Kathmandu airport prepaid taxi ride from the airport to Thamel will cost you about 750 NPR. Prices are fixed and written on the price list, that you can see at the airport prepaid taxi counter. Just walk out of the airport and in 2 minutes you will find a taxi driver willing to take you to Thamel for around 500 – 600 NPR. Leave the airport territory and you will probably find an even cheaper taxi.

Late in the evening and at night taxi ride usually costs about 100 or 200 NPR extra.

Kathmandu airport is in the city, just 5.5 kilometers away from Thamel. And so I have walked all the way from the airport to Thamel , and also – from Thamel to the airport. It’s a pretty straight forward route, if you walk like I did. You go out of the airport territory, turn to the left, walk for 700 meters until you reach a big junction, turn to the right and walk straight for 4 kilometers until you reach a junction by Ratna Park, which is just next to the Thamel.

2. Transportation in Nepal

Public bus is the most popular mode of transportation in Nepal among locals. Those who can afford to pay extra use more comfortable tourist buses (when there is such an option), others – travel by regular buses. Tourists are mostly traveling by tourist buses or jeeps. In the mountains often there is only two choices – to walk or to take a jeep.

Tourist Bus in Nepal

Tourist bus in Nepal often is a regular bus, if we compare it to ones in Europe. Usually it has about 40 seats. Some of these tourist buses are older, some are newer. Some have air conditioner, others – also WiFi. One of the main difference between a tourist bus and a local bus in Nepal is the size of the bus. Local buses are about the half of the size. And usually they are also older, and there is significantly smaller legroom.

There are tourist buses to all of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal – Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini. And there are also buses connecting Kathmandu with some cities in India.

In a picture below you can see how a local bus in Nepal looks like. Tourist buses are more modern. But don’t expect anything too fancy. Especially if you are taking the cheapest tourist bus. The reason why I’m saying this is that there usually is a choice between cheaper and more expensive tourist bus. More expensive buses are better. But are they worth the price, sometimes 3 or more times higher? It’s up to you to decide. Only a few of these that I have seen looked really much different from the others – with fewer seats in the same size bus and overall just better.

Ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara (and vice versa) on a tourist bus costs starting from about 550 NPR.

Sometimes there is a lunch included in the price of the ticket. I’m usually just getting it myself. Every long distance bus in Nepal stops for a lunch break at some local restaurant. So you can buy a lunch yourself as well.

You can buy a ticket in advance from tour agencies . And I would highly recommend you to do that. Because buses leave at 6:30 – 7:30 AM. Do you want to worry about that that early in the morning? At the agency they will also tell you, from where and at what time your bus will leave. In Kathmandu that’s a street very close to Thamel, in Pokhara there is a special tourist bus park ( see on Google Maps ).

Local Buses in Nepal

Local buses in Nepal, compared to tourist buses, are smaller and less comfortable! But – they are also cheaper, and taking a local bus you can get to some very remote parts of Nepal as well. There are a lot of places, where only local buses and jeeps are going. A big bus, like a tourist bus, just can’t get to many of these places. Go to Nepal, head to the mountains and you’ll understand, what I’m talking about.

A long, 8-12 hour ride on a local bus in Nepal costs starting from some 400 NPR. But it depends, from where are you going and where are you heading to. For instance, a journey from Jomsom to Pokhara costs starting from 1000 NPR. It’s also about an 8 hour long trip, but it’s pricier, because one big part of the trip is on a very bad quality mountain roads. Only these small, local buses and jeeps are going there.

Often it’s possible to buy a ticket in advance. I would recommend you to do that. This way you will also be sure, that you know from where and at what time does your bus leave. To buy a bus ticket you will need to go to a bus station.

One of the biggest bus stations in Kathmandu, from where many long distance local buses leave, is Gongabu New Bus Station ( see on Google Maps ).

Jeeps in Nepal: Shared and Private

Higher in the mountains of Nepal and away from the cities jeeps often are the only available mode of transportation. Since it’s not only tourists who need a transport in those places traveling by a jeep in Nepal is quite cheap. Even though the price for locals and for tourists isn’t the same.

For example, 6-8 hour journey in the mountains can cost you half of what you would pay for a longer taxi ride in Kathmandu. You can get from Jomsom, a town, where most of people finish their Annapurna Circuit trek  (one of top treks in Nepal), to Pokhara for as little as 1200 NPR. And that’s a pretty long distance. Of course,  that’s if you take a shared jeep . Prices also go up once you want to travel to less popular places, which is just normal.

Like everywhere in the world you can also arrange a private jeep with a driver. Price in this situation for a car (!) will be about 10x what you would pay for a single person. When traveling in a group and sharing costs it’s still costs reasonable.

Domestic Flights in Nepal

There are about 20 domestic airports in Nepal, and one – international, in Kathmandu. And local airlines like Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines have frequent flights to many of them. Three of the most popular routes among tourists are : Pokhara – Kathmandu (because a bus journey is so long), Jomsom – Pokhara (after finishing Annapurna Circuit trek) and Kathmandu – Lukla (when going on a  hike to Everest Base Camp ).

If you are planning to fly to Lukla , to Tenzing–Hillary Airport, known also as the world’s most dangerous airport, then remember – flights to this airport are operated ONLY when the weather conditions are perfect. So always plan some extra day, in case your flight gets cancelled or delayed.

Flight ticket for Nepalese and Indians costs less than for tourists from other countries.

Train in Nepal

There are only two railway lines in Nepal. Both of them are very close to the border of Nepal and India, and both of them are short. So train in Nepal isn’t really an option for travelers.

3. Nepal to India by Bus

Bus from kathmandu to delhi (and other places in india).

There are direct buses connecting Kathmandu, Delhi and Varanasi in India.

A bus ride from Kathmandu to Delhi costs about 4000 NPR, Kathmandu to Varanasi – 2200 NPR. You can buy a ticket online from the website of redBus . At least for a trip from Kathmandu to Varanasi. You can search for a bus from Kathmandu to Delhi as well, and I tried several dates, but all I got at the time of writing this was “No buses found”. Don’t worry if you get the same – go to some tour agency and I’m sure you will get a bus ticket from Kathmandu to Delhi.

Do you have any more more questions about traveling in Nepal? Check out our other articles about Nepal & do not hesitate to contact us!

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Nepal’s highways are irregularly maintained, and each monsoon takes a toll on surfaces. Wherever you travel, the route will probably be new in parts, disintegrated in places, and under construction in others. The country has a truly appalling road safety record, and accidents are common. And, in addition, blockades or general strikes ( bandh ) can at times make travel virtually impossible.

Allowing for bad roads, overloaded buses, tea stops, meal stops, the constant picking up and letting off of passengers, and the occasional flat tyre or worse, the average bus speed in the hills is barely 25–30km per hour, and on remote, unpaved roads it can be half that. Along the Terai’s Mahendra Highway, it’s more like 50km per hour in an express bus.

Bus frequencies and approximate journey times are given throughout this guide. Inevitably, these figures should be taken with a pinch of salt: the bus network seems to grow every year, but political troubles or festivals can dramatically reduce the number of buses, and some gravel or dirt roads are closed altogether during the monsoon.

Open-air bus stations (also known as bas parks or bas islands ) are typically located in the dustiest parts of town. Tickets are generally sold from a small booth. Destinations may not be written in English, but people are almost always happy to help you out if you ask.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara you may find it easier to make arrangements through a travel agent (though make sure it’s one you’ve been recommended), while in cities you can ask your hotel to buy a ticket for you.

Even the longest journeys on public buses should cost no more than Rs500.

Tourist buses

Regular tourist buses connect Kathmandu with Pokhara, Sauraha (for Chitwan National Park) and Sonauli, as well as Pokhara with Sauraha and Sonauli. The vehicles are usually in good condition, making for a safer ride than in a regular bus. They aren’t supposed to take more passengers than there are seats, so the journey should also be more comfortable and quicker too. Some companies use minibuses, which are somewhat quicker – occasionally dangerously so. Book seats at least one or two days in advance. Note that ticket agents often add an undisclosed commission onto the price.

Express buses

Long-distance public bus services generally operate on an express basis – meaning they stop at scheduled points only. They’re faster and more comfortable than local buses.

Express buses fall into two categories: day buses , which usually set off in the morning, and night buses, which usually depart in the afternoon or early evening. Night buses are generally more comfortable, though legroom is always in short supply, and between all the lurching, honking, tea stops and blaring music you won’t get much sleep (bring earplugs and an eye mask). Night journeys are also significantly more dangerous, and it’s not uncommon for drivers to fall asleep at the wheel.

Like tourist buses, and unlike local buses, express buses allow you to reserve seats in advance. Do this, or you could end up in one of the ejector seats along the back. Numbering begins from the front of the bus: the prized seats #1A and #2A, on the left by the front door, often have the most legroom. You can usually get away with buying a ticket just a few hours beforehand, except during the big festivals, when you should book as far in advance as possible.

Most express buses give you the choice of stowing your baggage on the roof or in a locked hold in the back. Having all your things with you is of course the best insurance policy against theft. Putting bags in the hold is usually the next-safest option, especially on night buses. Baggage stowed on the roof is probably all right during the day, but you can never be completely sure – if possible, lock your bag to the roofrack, and keep an eye out during stops.

Local buses

Serving mainly shorter routes or remote roads, local buses are ancient, cramped and battered contraptions. A bus isn’t making money until it’s nearly full to bursting, and it can get suffocating inside. Once on the road, the bus will stop any time it’s flagged down.

Local buses often depart from a separate bus park or just a widening in the road, and tickets are bought on board. The only way to be sure of getting a seat is to board the bus early and wait. If you’re just picking up a bus along the way you’re likely to join the crush standing in the aisle.

Unless your bag is small, it will have to go on the roof; during daylight hours it should be safe there as long as it’s locked, but again, keep all valuables on your person. Riding on the roof can be quite appealing, but it’s dangerous and illegal. Even if you’ve got a seat, safety is a concern: these buses are often overworked, overloaded and poorly maintained.

Almost every roadhead in Nepal is being extended, often on local initiative, by way of a dirt track making its painful way deeper into the countryside. And where the bus comes to the end of the road, you can rely on finding a gaadi (the all-purpose word for a vehicle) to take you further. This will often be a Tata Sumo or similarly extended 4WD; on the roughest routes you’ll even find tractor transport. Another option is to travel by truck, many of which do a sideline in hauling passengers. Trucks aren’t licensed as passenger vehicles, and take little interest in passenger safety ; you should also watch your luggage. Women travelling by truck will probably prefer to join up with a companion. If you’re really stuck, you could try hitching , though this carries obvious risks.

Aircraft play a vital role in Nepal’s transport network, and there will be times when $100 spent on an internal flight seems a small price to pay to avoid 24 hours on a bus. Most flights begin or end in Kathmandu, but two other airports in the Terai – Nepalgunj and Biratnagar – serve as secondary hubs. The less profitable destinations tend to be served exclusively by the state-owned Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC; w nepalairlines.com.np), which has a justifiably poor reputation.

Numerous private airlines operate fairly efficiently on the main domestic inter-city and tourist trekking routes; they include Agni Air ( w agniair.com), Buddha Air ( w buddhaair.com), Gorkha Airlines ( w gorkhaairlines.com ), Sita Air ( w sitaair.com.np ) and Yeti Airlines ( w yetiairlines.com).

An hour-long scenic loop out of Kathmandu, the so-called “ mountain flight ” is popular among tourists who want to get an armchair view of Everest .

At the time of writing, it was not possible to book domestic flight tickets online, though this should change in the future. For now you should book through a travel agent ; tickets can be bought in hard currency only, usually US dollars. At off-peak times you shouldn’t have any trouble getting a seat , but during the trekking season flights to airstrips along the popular trails may be booked up months in advance. Agencies frequently overbook, though, releasing their unused tickets on the day of departure, so you may be able to buy a returned ticket from the airline on the morning you want to travel. Make sure to check in early for popular flights, as they are often overbooked.

Safety and delays

Government scrutiny of the airline industry is minimal, and there have been 24 major crashes in Nepal since 1992, when two international flights went down. The mountainous terrain is the main problem, particularly during the monsoon – “In Nepal, clouds have rocks in them”, as the saying goes – although baggage overloading and lack of maintenance checks are contributing factors. Radar was installed at Kathmandu airport after the crashes of 1992, and mountain airstrips now have limited warning systems in place, but for the most part you are relying on pilot skill and experience. It’s a close call as to whether flying is more, or less, dangerous than travelling by bus, especially during the perilous monsoon period.

Another problem with flying in Nepal is the frequency of delays and cancellations , usually due to weather. Few airstrips have even the simplest landing beacons, and many of them are surrounded by hills, so there must be good visibility to land – if there’s fog or the cloud ceiling is too low, the plane won’t fly. Since clouds usually increase as the day wears on, delays often turn into cancellations. If your flight is cancelled, you may be placed at the bottom of a waiting list, rather than being given space on the next available flight.

Helicopters

Several companies offer charter helicopter services . These are mainly used by trekking parties with more money than time, who charter a chopper for upwards of $1000 to save them several days’ backtracking. Companies are supposed to charter only entire aircraft, but in practice if a helicopter is returning empty from a trekking landing strip, the pilot will take on individual passengers for about the same price as a seat on a plane.

In addition to being faster and more comfortable than a bus, travelling by car, 4WD or motorbike will enable you to get to places you’d never go otherwise, and to stop whenever you like. Rental cars always come with a driver in Nepal, but if you rent a motorcycle or bring your own vehicle (for the latter, bring a carnet de passage and for both bring an international driving licence), you’ll find driving is sometimes fun, sometimes terrifying, and always challenging – drive defensively .

Observance of traffic regulations is lax, with drivers constantly jockeying for position. On roundabouts , confusion arises (for visitors) because priority officially goes to vehicles entering the intersection, not those already going around it. Follow local practice and use your horn liberally: to alert other vehicles and pedestrians that you’re there, when rounding sharp corners, when overtaking. Most vehicles you want to overtake will want you to wait for their signal – a hand wave or – confusingly – a right-turning indicator. Watch your speed on the highways , which are rarely free of unmarked hazards. And watch out for those cows : the penalty for killing one is up to twelve years in prison, the same as for killing a human being.

Cars and jeeps

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, chartering a taxi by the day is the cheapest option for short or medium-distance journeys. The going rate for trips within the Kathmandu or Pokhara valleys is about Rs2200 a day, though you’ll have to bargain. More expensive cars, jeeps and 4WDs can be rented through hotels or travel agents.

Motorcycles

You’ll want to have had plenty of riding experience to travel by motorbike in Nepal, and you should of course have a licence, though it’s unlikely to be checked. When renting, you may have to leave an air ticket, passport or sum of money as a deposit. Check brakes, oil and fuel level, horn, lights and indicators before setting off, and make sure to get a helmet. Street bikes can be rented from about Rs650 a day, excluding petrol. Some travellers bring in larger Enfields from India, which have a lot more heft for long-distance cruising, but are heavy and hard to handle off-road. Note that rented bikes carry no insurance – if you break anything, you pay for it. Stick to back roads, and take care on wet dirt roads.

A rented bicycle ( saikal ) is the logical choice for most day-to-day getting around. One-speeders are good enough for most around-town cycling, and cost Rs150–250 per day. Mountain bikes will get you there in greater comfort, and are essential for longer distances or anything steep – a few shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara rent top-quality models. Bike rental shops are rare beyond Kathmandu, Pokhara and Sauraha, but you can often strike a deal with a lodge owner. Check the brakes, spokes, tyres and chain carefully before setting off; a bell is essential. Repair shops are everywhere, but don’t have mountain-bike parts. Theft is a concern with flashier bikes.

Taxis are confined mainly to Kathmandu and Pokhara. Although they have meters, you’ll almost always have to negotiate the fare. Fixed-route tempos , three-wheeled vehicles, set off when they’re full and stop at designated points; they’re noisy and most of them – except Kathmandu’s white electric safa (“clean”) tempos – put out noxious fumes. Cycle rikshaws – rare now outside the Terai – are slow and bumpy, but handy for short distances; establish a fare before setting off. City buses , minibuses (shorter ordinary buses) and microbuses (white Toyota people-carriers) are usually too crowded, slow or infrequent to be worthwhile, but can be useful in the Kathmandu Valley.

Even though Devanaagari (the script of Nepali and Hindi) spellings are phonetic, transliterating them into the Roman alphabet is a disputed science. Some places will never shake off the erroneous spellings bestowed on them by early British colonialists – Kathmandu, for instance, looks more like Kaathmaadau when properly transliterated. Where place names are Sanskrit-based, the Nepali pronunciation sometimes differs from the accepted spelling – the names Vishnu (a Hindu god) and Vajra (a tantric symbol), for instance, sound like Bishnu and Bajra in Nepali. We have followed local pronunciations as consistently as possible in this guide, except in cases where to do so would be out of step with every map in print.

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updated 26.04.2021

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