Getting around · Kathmandu
How to Get Around Kathmandu
Walk Thamel, use ride apps for the rest — taxis, buses, scooters and tourist coaches explained.
Kathmandu's traffic looks chaotic at first, but getting around is easy and cheap once you know your options. From walking the old lanes to hopping on a ride app, here's how locals and travellers move through the city.
The short answer
Walk within Thamel and the old town — it's the best way to soak up the streets. For everything else, use ride-hailing apps like Pathao and InDrive, which offer cheap, fixed-price motorbike and car rides. Taxis are plentiful but require negotiation, local buses are very cheap but crowded, and tourist buses are the standard way to reach Pokhara and Chitwan.
Getting around the city
- On foot: Thamel, Durbar Square and the surrounding alleys are compact and best explored walking. Watch for traffic and uneven pavements.
- Ride apps (Pathao, InDrive): The easiest and most transparent option. Choose a bike for solo speed or a car for groups and luggage. You'll need data — sort out a SIM card first.
- Taxis: Available everywhere. Some use meters, but most negotiate; agree a fare before you get in.
- Local buses and microbuses: Extremely cheap and an authentic experience, but crowded, slow and tricky without local knowledge of routes.
- Scooter rental: Possible from Thamel shops if you have an international driving permit and are comfortable in dense traffic.
Leaving the city
For longer journeys, tourist buses depart each morning for popular destinations — most travellers use them to reach Pokhara, a scenic 6 to 8 hour ride, and Chitwan. Tickets are easy to arrange through hotels and agents. For shorter excursions around the valley, see our guide to day trips from Kathmandu.
Just arrived? Our guide on getting from the airport to Thamel covers your first ride into the city.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to get around Kathmandu?+
For short hops, walk — Thamel and the old town are best explored on foot. For longer journeys across the valley, ride-hailing apps like Pathao and InDrive are the cheapest and most transparent option, offering both motorbike and car rides. Taxis are everywhere too, but you'll usually need to negotiate the fare.
Are taxis in Kathmandu metered?+
Many taxis have meters, but drivers often prefer to negotiate a flat fare, especially with tourists. Agree the price before you set off, or use a ride app where the fare is fixed in advance. As a rough guide, most cross-town trips cost a few hundred rupees.
Can tourists rent a scooter in Kathmandu?+
Yes, scooters and motorbikes are widely available to rent in Thamel. You'll need an international driving permit, and you should be confident in heavy, chaotic traffic. A helmet is legally required and usually provided. Many travellers prefer ride apps or taxis rather than driving themselves.
How do I get from Kathmandu to Pokhara or Chitwan?+
Tourist buses are the most popular option, leaving each morning from Kathmandu for Pokhara (about 6 to 8 hours) and Chitwan. They are comfortable and cheap, and tickets are easy to book through hotels and travel agents. Domestic flights to Pokhara are faster, and private cars are available for more comfort.
