Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) to Kathmandu
Prepaid and metered taxis take about 20–40 minutes to Thamel, depending on traffic. Ride-hailing apps work too, and many hotels offer airport pickups.
Best for most people: Prepaid taxi or hotel pickup. There is no rail link, public buses are crowded, and a prepaid fare avoids haggling after a long flight.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| prepaid taxi Prepaid taxi counter in the Arrivals hall | about 20–40 min to Thamel | about NPR 700–1,000 | 24 h | Pay at the counter; the driver should not ask for more. | |
| ride-hailing Apps such as Pathao and inDrive, with pickup outside the terminal area | about 20–40 min | often a little cheaper than prepaid taxis | most hours | Needs mobile data; a local SIM is sold at the airport. | |
| hotel pickup Many Thamel hotels and trekking agencies send a driver with a name sign | about 20–40 min | often free or a small fee | 24 h | Confirm in advance and note the driver's phone number. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
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Tips
- Visa on arrival is available for many nationalities; bring cash in US dollars or euros and a passport photo, or apply online first.
- Get some rupees at the airport ATM or exchange desk before taking a taxi.
- Unofficial porters may grab your bags; decline firmly if you do not want help.
- Traffic and dust can be heavy; a mask helps on the drive into town.
Common questions
How much is a taxi from Kathmandu airport to Thamel?
A prepaid taxi from the Arrivals counter usually costs about NPR 700–1,000 to Thamel. Ride-hailing apps can be a little cheaper. Fares may be higher at night. Pay the prepaid fare at the counter and avoid offers from drivers inside the hall.
Is there a bus from Kathmandu airport?
Local buses and microbuses pass near the airport, but they are crowded, unmarked in English and impractical with luggage. Almost all visitors use taxis, ride-hailing or a hotel pickup for the short trip to Thamel or other central areas. A hotel pickup is the easiest.
How long does it take from the airport to Thamel?
Usually 20–40 minutes, despite the short 6 km distance. Kathmandu traffic is slow and unpredictable, especially in the morning and evening rush. Immigration and visa queues can also add time on arrival. Allow extra time on departure too, as check-in and security queues at Tribhuvan can be slow.
Can I get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport?
Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival, paid in cash, usually in US dollars. Filling in the online form before you fly saves time. Rules and fees can change, so check the current requirements before travel. Bring a passport photo just in case.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.