Getting around · Nepal
Kathmandu Airport Layover & Transit Guide
Connecting at KTM or stuck on a layover? Terminals, transit facilities and whether to leave the airport, explained.
A layover at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu is straightforward but small-scale: facilities are modest, the international and domestic terminals are separate, and most onward "connections" actually require you to clear immigration first. Whether you are transiting to a mountain flight or killing time before a long-haul departure, knowing the layout saves stress. Here is how to handle the wait.
The short answer
KTM has separate international and domestic terminals, and connecting to a domestic flight means clearing immigration, collecting bags and transferring — so leave three to four hours minimum. On a six-hour-plus gap you can visit the city if you are visa-eligible. This guide is part of the flights to Nepal hub; see the Kathmandu airport arrival guide for the immigration steps.
Terminals and connections
Kathmandu's airport splits into an international terminal and a domestic terminal a short distance apart. There is no airside international-to-domestic transit: if your next flight is a domestic hop — to Lukla, Pokhara, Jomsom or the Terai — you must enter Nepal first. Clear immigration (visa on arrival), collect your checked bags, exit, and move to the domestic terminal to check in again. Build in a wide buffer, especially for weather-dependent mountain strips. The mechanics of those onward flights are in the domestic flights in Nepal guide.
Facilities while you wait
The international terminal offers cafes, basic shops, duty-free, ATMs, money exchange and lounges, but amenities are limited next to Gulf mega-hubs like Doha or Dubai. There are no extensive airside sleeping areas, so for an overnight gap many travellers clear immigration and book a hotel near the airport or in the city. Bring snacks and a refillable water bottle for long waits.
Should you leave the airport?
If you hold a passport eligible for visa on arrival and have six hours or more, a short city trip is feasible. Thamel is about 30–45 minutes away by prepaid taxi, and the Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath and the Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath both sit relatively close to the airport on the eastern side of the city — ideal for a quick visit. Always account for Kathmandu's notorious traffic and leave ample time to return and re-clear security. Use getting around Nepal to understand taxi and ride-hailing options.
Overnight and long layovers
For an overnight transit, clearing immigration and resting at a nearby hotel beats trying to sleep in the terminal. If you are continuing to the mountains the next morning, treat the layover as a recovery window and read beating jet lag on the long flight to Nepal so you arrive at your trek rested. Whatever your plan, confirm the visa-on-arrival steps in advance via the Kathmandu airport arrival guide so the immigration queue does not eat your whole layover.
Frequently asked questions
Does Kathmandu airport have separate international and domestic terminals?+
Yes. Tribhuvan International Airport has a separate international terminal and a domestic terminal a short distance apart. If you are connecting from an international flight to a domestic one — for example to Lukla or Pokhara — you must clear immigration, collect your bags and transfer between the two terminals.
Can I leave Kathmandu airport during a long layover?+
Yes, if your nationality is eligible for a visa on arrival you can clear immigration and head into the city. Thamel is about 30–45 minutes away by prepaid taxi, so a layover of six hours or more can allow a quick visit to Boudhanath or Pashupatinath, but factor in traffic and return-check-in time.
What facilities are there for a layover at KTM?+
The international terminal has cafes, basic shops, duty-free, ATMs, money exchange and lounges, though amenities are modest compared with major Gulf hubs. There are no extensive sleeping facilities airside, so for an overnight gap many travellers book a nearby hotel after clearing immigration.
How much transit time do I need between flights at Kathmandu?+
For an international-to-domestic connection, leave a generous buffer — at least three to four hours — because you must clear immigration, collect and recheck bags, and move terminals. Mountain flights such as Lukla also depend on weather and shuffle frequently, so same-day connections carry real risk.