The Ultimate Guide To Transportation In Nepal
- Ninja Whale
- Feb 19, 2025
- 10 min read
Updated: Oct 17, 2025
Transportation in Nepal can be a tricky bit, especially if your travel plans don't include exploring on foot or hopping on public buses, which is what most adventurous travelers opt for in Nepal
If this is your first time visiting Nepal and you're more stressed than excited about popping your Nepal cherry?
Fret not, this ultimate beginner's guide to all things related to transportation in Nepal will
help you figure out the best, most suitable way for you to explore the country in your own time and comfort
Navigating your way through Nepal as a tourist can be quite a challenge and often extremely frustrating. The biggest reason for Nepal's limited public transport infrastructure is due to the country's geography - with more than 80% of the country covered by mountains and hills, making it impractical to build a railway system.
The severe monsoon faced by most regions of Nepal affects the road conditions and don't make it any easier to build and maintain proper road infrastructure.
There are always stretches of the highways that are under construction, and the other half is visibly deteriorating.
One thing is for sure, your lower back will need to brace itself for a bumpy ride, be it by bus or car.
If your travel dates happen to be during monsoon season, bear in mind that some roads may be closed as it may not be safe to travel.
Best Way To Travel In Nepal
Given our cramped itinerary, we preferred hiring a private car through a travel agency, only because we wanted to visit as many places as we could in five days. Taking public transportation, or exploring on foot was not an option for us at that time. We were on the road for 8 hours or more a day - it sure was tiring, but thankfully, our driver showed us many local eateries and hidden lookout points along the way that made it all worth it!
It all depends on what you have planned for your trip. If you have more time on your hands, and don't plan on traveling too far out of Kathmandu, getting around on foot, on a tempo (similar to a Tuk-tuk), or a private e-hailing service would be a good option.
Best Mobile Apps For Transportation In Nepal
Baato Maps
Don't be surprised that Nepal Bus Parks do not have destinations or bus schedules on display anywhere. This is why, I would recommend downloading Baato Maps app on Google Play store - it is a cross between Google Maps, Uber and Waze. Using this app, you will be able to plan out your bus journey and even book a ride (similar to Uber).
When using this app to plan your public bus route, it merely tells you how many buses you're going to change and where the Bus Park is located for each bus. Given the unpredictable timing of buses, the app still doesn't provide a schedule or timetable for buses.
InDrive
This is a Rideshare app, similar to Uber, that allows you to book a ride whenever you need one, the difference is that you'll have to pay in cash.
InDrive is globally known and is a significantly cheaper option because you're able to set the amount depending on how much you're willing to pay for the ride and negotiate the fare directly with the driver beforehand. If the driver accepts your offer, your ride is booked.
It is good to know that when using InDrive, the drivers very rarely cancel on you, unlike Uber - making it reliable.
However, some drivers try to haggle for a higher price repeatedly, which can be extremely frustrating. If that happens, it can mean two things: perhaps you've offered too low a price for that ride, or the driver is trying to make a quick buck. If you're frustrated or annoyed, please decline the driver's offer and move on to the next.
Be sure to always have exact change or small change for all rides as most drivers won't carry small change. In a way, it sounds like it could be a cheeky trick to me to not have change and get overpaid, even if it's by 10 Rs. more than the agreed fare.
InDrive can be downloaded on Google Play or Apple Store, even before arriving in Nepal and can be used with an international phone number.
Pathao
Pathao is a well-known rideshare and food delivery app used by many locals in Nepal.
It costs slightly more than Indrive because all passengers are insured.
Even though Pathao works exactly like Uber, the main difference is that tourists have to pay in cash, unless they have eSewa (Nepali digital wallet).
A local phone number is required to use the app. You can choose between an eSIM (the recommended eSIM in Nepal is Nomad eSIM as it is on the NCell network) or buying a local SIM at the airport.
Travel Hack: Every new number using Pathao for the first time gets a discount for a few rides. This means if you're traveling in a group and each person buys a local SIM. You're able to do a lot of your traveling using Pathao at a discounted fare
Transportation Options In Nepal
By Bus (Local bus, Tourist bus & Express bus)
By Tempo (Three-Wheelers)
By Private E-Hailing Service
By Private Car Hire
By 4WD or Truck
By Air (Domestic flights)
By Cycling
Local Buses
There are two main bus terminals (also known as Bus Parks) in Kathmandu; one is the Gongabu Bus Park, located in the North-East corner of Ring Road. The better-known bus terminal is the Ratna Bus Park, located within a 10-minute walking distance from Thamel Bus Park (Tourist Bus Station)
If you're a tourist and considering exploring Kathmandu like a fellow Nepali, you might love the idea of hopping on a local bus. However, you would need to take into consideration that the local bus stops every time it is flagged down—it is constantly picking up and dropping off passengers and is always packed to the brim, in the most suffocating way.
Local buses appear to be metal contraptions on wheels—ancient and poorly maintained, with questionable road safety. Tickets are bought onboard the bus. Just like every other public bus service, it's first come, first served seating, and if the seats are taken, passengers can always stand in the aisle.
If you appreciate your personal space and would love to keep it that way, avoid this option at all costs.
Bus Fare in Kathmandu
The bus fare depends on the kilometers traveled; at the end of your ride, as you're getting off, the bus conductor will collect the fare. Try to carry small change as much as possible, for buses or taxis.
Generally, within Kathmandu, the bus fare should cost around 25 - 30 Rs, nothing more.
Unless you're bussing from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur, it should cost around 40 Rs.
Tourist Buses
Tourist buses cover a range of popular destinations in Nepal. The popular route most tourists prefer departs from Kathmandu headed to Pokhara, and continues the journey to Chitwan and Sunauli.
These tourist buses (sometimes minivans) are a much safer option to explore Nepal in comfort - the fleet of buses is modern, well-equipped, and in good condition.
This option allows passengers to book bus tickets online and secure a seat before arriving in Nepal, or at least a day or two in advance.
Tickets bought through travel agents may have added undisclosed fees to the ticket price.
Depending on the bus operator you've decided to go with, most tourist buses depart from Thamel Bus Park in Kathmandu.
Express Buses
If a long-distance journey is part of your plan, taking an Express Bus will be your best option. It only stops at scheduled locations, for meal breaks and pee breaks and is significantly more comfortable and quicker.
The Express Bus has two timings; if you choose a day trip, the bus leaves in the morning and should arrive at its destination by sundown. The night bus departs in the afternoon and arrives at its destination at night.
Similar to Tourist buses, each passenger is assigned a seat and you're able to book your seats in advance. The best seats on the bus is 1A and 2A, the first row on the left, as your enter the door.
As for your bags, you're able to store your backpacks by your feet as long as the space allows it. Otherwise, there is a locked compartment at the back of the bus which is relatively safe. On some occasions, if your bag is too big, it may be stored on the roof of the bus - ensure all your bags are locked to avoid theft. Remember to keep all your valuables with you at all times.
It is important to note that even though night buses run at a time that avoids peak-hour traffic, making it a better journey. It is significantly more dangerous as the bus drivers may not follow the speed limit. Not to mention, there have been cases where bus drivers are pulling ridiculously long hours and fall asleep at the wheel.
Breakdowns and flat tires happen pretty often when traveling through the bad roads of Nepal, fortunately enough, it is fixed quite swiftly as it is a common occurrence.
By Tempo (Nepal's Version of a Tuk-tuk)
Tempo's are similar to Tuktuks but the concept may be slightly different. According to our driver, Deepak. You can either hire the Tempo as a private hire at a higher rate or share the ride with others headed in the same direction or nearby locations.
To my understanding, it is similar to a taxi, only cheaper. Let the Tempo driver know where you'd like to go and agree on a fare beforehand. Bear in mind, that many of them don't speak English as fluently, if at all.
I must say, exploring Kathmandu in a Tempo will be a memorable experience!
By Private E-Hailing Service
The recommended private e-hailing service in Nepal is either InDrive or Pathao. There is a minor difference in pricing, but generally, both are reliable and safe.
Pathao vs InDrive: Which is better?
The biggest difference between these apps is the fact that for InDrive, the passengers get to set the fare for the trip and the driver has the option to decline or negotiate, and the reason why Indrive is cheaper than Pathao.
However, it can be quite frustrating if you're constantly having to haggle over the price when all you want is to get from Point A to Point B. If you dislike haggling, InDrive might not be the best choice for you.
As for Pathao, safety comes first, as all passengers are insured - which is why their rates are higher than InDrive. Given the lack of road rules and safety in Nepal, I would opt for Pathao if I didn't have travel insurance and if I'm not on a tight budget.
Indrive can be used with an international phone number, however for Pathao, you'll need a local SIM, which may take a couple of hours to activate.
It boils down to these four factors and is purely up to personal preference.
Car Rental In Nepal
Renting a vehicle in Nepal allows for flexibility throughout your trip, compared to relying on public transportation.
Rental cars in Nepal always come with an experienced driver as tourists are not allowed to drive unless you have a valid Nepali driver's license or an International Driving Permit.
The recommended car rental agency with 5-star reviews is The Himalayan Car Rental Service.
Estimate the cost of your trip by looking up the car rental fares on their website.
It is possible to rent just the car, but the hassle of sorting out insurance and deposits or figuring out and adapting to the driving conditions of Nepal can be rather stressful; it is better to hire a car with a driver.
By 4WD or Truck
Almost every road in Nepal is uneven and almost dirt track-like, the cars and buses drive on it perfectly fine. However that being said, there are routes that cars and buses can't make due to the condition of the road - perhaps it has too many potholes or is rather muddy.
That is when these four-wheel drives and trucks come in handy. There are ample four-wheel drives in Nepal, that can be hired by tourists that come with a driver. This is usually the go-to vehicle when you must make your way to the starting point of a trek on an off-beaten road.
It would cost more than a car hire, but if you're going off-roading, this is your best bet.
You have the option to hop on trucks as well, which is what many locals do, but it is not recommended as the safety aspect of it is questionable.
By Air (Domestic flights)
Domestic flights are a good option if you want to skip the hassle of traveling 10 hours through Nepal's bumpy and winding roads. It should take about 8 hours by road from Kathmandu to Pokhara, but if you choose to fly there, it takes about half an hour.
All domestic flights arrive/depart from Kathmandu which serves as the main hub in Nepal.
However, the downside of flying domestically is the frequency of flight delays and cancellation due to bad weather conditions.
Private airlines (Buddha Air, Agni Air) operate more efficiently in comparison to the state-owned Nepal Airlines.
Even though you can book your tickets online for most private airlines, I wouldn't recommend it. If your flight has been canceled or delayed, dealing with domestic airline personnel can be frustrating and time-consuming. Book your flight tickets through a trusted travel agent to make it more convenient, at the same cost.
Travel Tip: make sure to check in early for your flight as it is often overbooked
By Cycling or Motorbike
I wouldn't recommend cycling or biking around Kathmandu, Pokhara, or from one city to another, due to the lack of road safety and hazardous traffic. Cyclists would have to cycle alongside cars and buses and share the space on the narrow road as there isn't a designated bicycle lane. If you're not used to being on high alert and riding defensively, it is rather dangerous.
It should cost you Rs.150-300 (NZD 1.90 -3.80) to rent a bicycle for the whole day.
There are quite a few bike rental shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara, where you can rent bicycles as well as mountain bikes.
It is fun cycling around and exploring places like Chitwan; the breathtaking views of the mountains and soaking in the village life
Travel Tip: Check the bike's brakes, tires, spokes and chain before settling on a bicycle; a working bell on the bike is a must!
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