Getting around · Nepal
Pokhara Airport to Lakeside
The short hop from Pokhara airport to Lakeside — taxi fares, ride apps and travel time.
Getting from Pokhara's airport to Lakeside is quick and easy — it is only a few kilometres, a 10–30 minute drive depending on which airport you land at, and a taxi runs around NPR 500–800 from the old domestic terminal. As in the rest of the city, fares are negotiated rather than metered, so agree the price before you set off.
Which airport?
Pokhara now has two airports:
- Old domestic airport: central, only a few kilometres from Lakeside — roughly a 10–15 minute drive.
- Pokhara Regional International Airport: the newer field on the eastern side of the city, a little further out, so allow 20–30 minutes to Lakeside.
Check which one your flight uses, since it affects both the distance and the fair fare.
Your options
- Taxi: plentiful at both airports. Expect around NPR 500–800 from the domestic airport, a bit more from the international one given the distance. Agree the price first.
- Ride apps (Pathao, inDrive): they operate in Pokhara and are often cheaper than a street taxi, but driver numbers are lower than in Kathmandu, so you may wait. You will need a local SIM and data — see ride-hailing in Nepal.
- Hotel pickup: many Lakeside guesthouses offer a free or low-cost transfer; confirm when you book — the simplest choice after a flight.
Tips for a smooth arrival
- Agree the fare before getting in — Pokhara taxis do not use meters.
- Carry small rupee notes for change.
- Know your hotel's location within Lakeside so the driver drops you in the right spot.
- Allow buffer time if you have an onward connection or activity booked.
Once you are settled by the lake, plan the rest of your stay with getting around Pokhara, which covers taxis, buses and bikes across the city. If you would rather explore on two wheels, see renting a scooter in Pokhara. For the full set of city options, start at the Kathmandu and Pokhara city transport hub, and learn how flights fit your wider trip in our guide to domestic flights in Nepal. Then dive into the sights with the Pokhara sightseeing guide.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Lakeside from Pokhara airport?+
Lakeside is only a few kilometres from Pokhara's old domestic airport, a short 10 to 15 minute drive in normal traffic. The newer Pokhara Regional International Airport sits a little further out on the eastern side of the city, making for a slightly longer ride of around 20 to 30 minutes to Lakeside.
How much is a taxi from Pokhara airport to Lakeside?+
A taxi from the old domestic airport to Lakeside typically costs in the region of NPR 500 to 800, while the run from the international airport is a little more given the greater distance. Agree the fare before you set off, as Pokhara taxis negotiate rather than use meters.
Can I use a ride app from Pokhara airport?+
Ride apps such as Pathao and inDrive operate in Pokhara, so you can often book a cheaper ride than a street taxi if you have a local SIM and data. Driver numbers are lower than in Kathmandu, however, so you may wait longer or fall back on a negotiated taxi at the airport.
Is it better to arrange a hotel pickup in Pokhara?+
If your guesthouse offers a free or low-cost airport pickup, it is the simplest, hassle-free option, especially after a flight. Confirm it when booking. Otherwise a negotiated taxi or a ride app both work well for the short hop into Lakeside, the city's main tourist area.