Getting around · Nepal
Kathmandu to Chitwan
Tourist bus, private car or a 20-minute flight to Bharatpur — how to travel from Kathmandu to Chitwan for a jungle safari.
The fastest way from Kathmandu to Chitwan is a 20-minute flight to Bharatpur, then a short drive to the lodges. By road the journey to Sauraha, the main safari village beside Chitwan National Park, takes about 6 hours by tourist bus or 5 to 6 hours by private car. Most travellers come for jungle safaris, so they head straight to Sauraha.
At a glance
| Mode | Duration | Approx cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (to Bharatpur) | ~20 min + transfer | High (varies) | Fastest; short drive to Sauraha after |
| Tourist bus | ~6 hrs | USD 8–15 | Best value; direct to Sauraha |
| Private car/jeep | 5–6 hrs | USD 80–130 | Flexible; door to door |
| Local bus | 7+ hrs | USD 5–7 | Cheapest; slow and crowded |
By tourist bus
Tourist buses leave Kathmandu in the morning and head west then south along the highway to Sauraha, the gateway village for the national park. The ride takes around 6 hours with a rest stop or two. Confirm whether your bus terminates in Sauraha, Bharatpur or Narayangadh, and ask your lodge to meet you if needed.
By private car or jeep
A private car or jeep gives you a flexible, door-to-door trip in about 5 to 6 hours. It is the easiest choice with family or luggage, and you can break the journey or combine it with a stop near Bandipur if you take the longer western route.
By air
Flights run from Kathmandu to Bharatpur airport in roughly 20 minutes, followed by a 20 to 30 minute transfer to your Sauraha lodge. This is the quickest way to reach the jungle and is well worth it on a tight schedule, though it costs considerably more than the bus.
Which option to choose
Take the tourist bus for value, a private vehicle for comfort, or fly to Bharatpur to save the day. Wildlife lovers on a short trip often fly in and bus out so they have more time on safari.
Tips
- Book through your lodge — many bundle the bus or airport transfer.
- The early-morning bus gets you to Sauraha in time for an afternoon activity.
- Bring light, breathable clothing; the Terai is hot and humid.
Plan onward travel with getting around Nepal. From the jungle, many continue to the Buddha's birthplace on the Chitwan to Lumbini route, or arrive from the lakes via Pokhara to Chitwan. See what to do in Chitwan before you leave Kathmandu.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Kathmandu to Chitwan?+
The tourist bus to Sauraha, the main safari village, takes about 6 hours. A private car covers it in roughly 5 to 6 hours, while a flight to Bharatpur airport takes only about 20 minutes plus a short transfer to your lodge.
How much does it cost to get from Kathmandu to Chitwan?+
A tourist bus costs around USD 8 to 15, a private car USD 80 to 130 depending on the vehicle, and a flight to Bharatpur is far more expensive but saves most of the day.
Is there a flight from Kathmandu to Chitwan?+
Yes. Flights run from Kathmandu to Bharatpur airport in about 20 minutes, then it is a 20 to 30 minute drive to Sauraha and the national park lodges. It is the fastest option by far.
Where do Chitwan tourist buses drop you off?+
Most tourist buses go to Sauraha, the main gateway village on the edge of Chitwan National Park where most lodges and safari operators are based. Some terminate at Bharatpur or Narayangadh, where your lodge can arrange a pickup.
Is the tourist bus to Chitwan worth it?+
Yes, for budget travellers it is comfortable, cheap and direct to Sauraha. If your time is short or you are combining Chitwan with a tight itinerary, the short flight to Bharatpur is worth the extra cost.
