Kathmandu Airport To Thamel

If you are traveling to Kathmandu,  of course, the first thing every traveler should know is how to reach their hotels from Tribhuvan International Airport? Thamel is the central backpacker’s destination in Nepal, and this is where you would want to start your journey and where your hotel would likely be. It has virtually everything a traveler would be looking for from a one-star (or none at all!) guesthouses to luxurious 5-star hotels, groceries, local food stalls, and restaurants, laundry facilities, local markets, hair salon, spa centers, and many more!

COVID-19 update: With all safety protocols Pre-paid taxis are available at Kathmandu airport. Travel costs may vary from place to place due to the extra work required. 

Below are some ideas on how you can reach Thamel from Kathmandu Airport. If you are a backpacker and want to save some money (and don’t mind a bit of adventure), there are many options available to you, depending on what type of traveler you are. Based on the year 2021, we are here to update you on all new prices and the information you need to know about Kathmandu Tribhuvan International airport.  We believe this article will be helpful for you to plan your next holiday in Nepal. So please read on.

For those who prefer the most comfortable way and the least hassle, this is for you! Probably the Kathmandu city is one of the smallest towns, and public transportation is not the best in the world. You have the option only of a bus, a mini-bus, or a taxi.  There are no trains or trams here!

If you are traveling from Kathmandu airport to any area in ‘downtown’ Thamel, the easiest way is to take a cab.   From the airport, the city center is only 20 – 30 minutes of driving distance.  When you exit the airport, you will see a lot of taxi outside waiting for clients, or you could also pre-book inside the airport.

As they say, Nepalese are one of the best and kindest people in the world as you can find after your trip, but of course, there might be some exceptions! There is no complete hassle in finding a taxi driver at the airport (they will find you!); the issue is how do you deal with them and agree on cost?

Kathmandu International Airport management committee has committed to providing 24-hour prepaid taxi counter in Tribhuvan International Airport.  You could find this just before you exit the airport building, past the tourist information center.   They charge at a fixed rate and will provide a receipt.  As they are government regulated, they are committed and will ensure your safety and anything else that goes with you! Note, however, that they are on a slightly more expensive side than a local public taxi.

Just a heads up, if you are traveling to Kathmandu for the first time and using the prepaid taxi, note that a member of the taxi counter or any of their recommended person might go with you in the same cab.  Likely to see if he could support any travel packages you might be interested in and also provide additional information about the country and what it offers to tourists.  So, it is not bad at all, but this may put off some backpackers who prefer to do it on their own or find their local agency.  If you would like to find out more, they will bring you to a travel company in Thamel.

In a positive sense, you are getting free information about traveling around and where to go to, whether you buy their packages or not.  And this is perfectly understandable for these travel companies. Or simply if you want to avoid them you can tell, I have already booked my tour with someone else. So they will quickly understand you are out of their sights.

From Kathmandu Airport to Thamel, or with a distance closeby Thamel (e.g. Durbar Marg, Lazimpat), the pre-paid taxi will charge you 750 Rs, which is around US$ 6.5 per taxi (rate as of January 2021). If you are traveling at night time meaning after 21:30, there is a surcharge of  100 Rs (almost US$ 1). Here is the complete price list in the image below from Kathmandu Airport to any destination, that prepaid taxi provides service.

Any other taxi you could find when you exit the airport is a local taxi.  You could easily spot them, make sure you exit the airport building, and past the pre-paid taxi counter.  Keep heading outside (about 2-3minutes walk and keep ignoring all the travel agents waiting outside who might try to speak to you), past a roundabout, and until you are sure you are outside the first airport gate, where you could see several Maruti 800 model hatchback car!

For some, it is worth the hassle and could save easily! If you are trained in bargaining, this is probably for you! The average cost to Durbar Marg or Lazimpat is roughly 450 Rs to 550 Rs.  With a bit of persistence, you might be able to bring it down even more!!

There are (Sagha Yatayat) big green public bus available from Kathmandu airport to the city.  Please reminded this bus also doesn’t go straight to Thamel (A tourist hub). However, the stop is close enough to walk to Thamel. If you take the Sanjha Yatayat to Thamel from Kathmandu airport, please make sure you get off in “Jamal” It is the North-East border with Thamel. It is less than a 10-minute walking distance to Thamel. As of 2021, it will cost NPR 20, which is equivalent to USD 0.2.  There are more options available from Sagha Yatayat. Please visit this page to find more routes from Sagha Yatyat.

Option 2: Airport to Ratnapark and walk to Thamel 
Just go outside the Kathmandu Airport gate, again this is past the roundabout and by the main road.  From there, you will see a bus station. Make sure you listen well, as they will only call out their destinations.  Look out for buses calling to “Ratnapark.” Or the easiest would be to ask locals where to find buses to “Ratnapark” and they will quickly give you the bus number and company name.  Just catch the bus to Ratnapark and get off at the last station.
From Ratnapark, it’s just a further less than 10 minutes walking distance to Thamel.  Or can also take another mini-van to Thamel from there.