Getting around · Nepal
Pokhara to Chitwan
Tourist bus, private car or jeep from Pokhara to Chitwan in about 4-5 hours — costs, road conditions and which option to choose.
Getting from Pokhara to Chitwan is one of Nepal's easier overland hops: roughly 120-150 km in about 4-5 hours. It links the lakeside relaxation of Pokhara with the jungle safaris of Chitwan National Park, and is a natural second leg on the classic Pokhara-Chitwan-Kathmandu loop. There is no flight on this route, so it is a road journey — but a comfortable, scenic one for most of the way.
At a glance
| Mode | Duration | Approx cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist bus | ~4-5 hrs | USD 8-12 | Daily morning departures, rest stop en route |
| Local bus | ~5-6 hrs | USD 4-7 | Cheapest, crowded, frequent stops |
| Private car | ~4-5 hrs | USD 60-90 | Door-to-door, stop when you like |
| Jeep / van | ~4-5 hrs | USD 90-130 | Best for groups and luggage |
By bus
Tourist buses are the most popular choice. They leave Pokhara's tourist bus park in the early morning (typically around 7:30-9:30), so you arrive in Sauraha by early afternoon with time for an evening activity. Seats are assigned, there is a lunch or tea stop on the way, and the fare is low. Local buses run more often and cost less, but they stop constantly and get crowded — fine if you are on a tight budget and not in a hurry.
By private car or jeep
A private car or jeep with driver is the most flexible option, especially for families or small groups. You set the departure time, stop for photos at viewpoints along the Prithvi Highway, and get dropped at your hotel door in Sauraha rather than at the bus stand. The extra cost is reasonable when split between three or four people, and luggage is far easier to manage.
By air
There is no direct flight between Pokhara and Chitwan. The nearest airport to Chitwan is Bharatpur, but there is no scheduled Pokhara-Bharatpur passenger service worth planning around, and the road trip is short enough that flying offers no real advantage. Treat this purely as a road route.
Which option to choose
For most travellers the tourist bus is the sweet spot: cheap, comfortable enough and timed to fit a same-day arrival. Choose a private vehicle if you value door-to-door convenience, are travelling as a group, or want to break the trip — for example with a short stop near Bandipur. Backpackers watching every rupee can take the local bus.
Tips
- Book tourist bus tickets a day ahead in high season (October-November, March-April).
- Travel in the morning so you reach Sauraha in daylight and can join an afternoon walk or canoe trip.
- In the monsoon (June-September), add buffer time for landslides and slow traffic.
- Confirm whether your bus drops at Bachhauli/Sauraha or at Bharatpur, and arrange a hotel pickup if needed.
Planning the wider trip? See our guide to getting around Nepal, and continue south afterwards with Chitwan to Lumbini or detour to the hilltop town on the Pokhara to Bandipur route.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Pokhara to Chitwan?+
The drive covers roughly 120-150 km and takes about 4-5 hours by tourist bus or private car. Times can stretch in heavy traffic, during the monsoon or if there is roadwork on the Prithvi Highway, so allow a buffer if you have an onward connection.
How much does the Pokhara to Chitwan trip cost?+
A tourist bus seat is cheap, usually around USD 8-12. A private car costs roughly USD 60-90 and a larger jeep more, split between passengers. Local buses are cheaper still but slower and more crowded.
Is there a flight from Pokhara to Chitwan?+
No, there is no direct passenger flight between Pokhara and Chitwan. The journey is made by road, which is straightforward and only takes about half a day, so flying would not save meaningful time anyway.
What are the roads like from Pokhara to Chitwan?+
Most of the route follows the Prithvi Highway and a turn-off towards Bharatpur and Sauraha, on generally sealed roads. Expect winding sections, occasional roadwork and slower going in the monsoon when landslides can cause delays.
Where do buses to Chitwan drop you?+
Tourist buses to Chitwan usually drop passengers at Bachhauli or near Sauraha, the main tourist village beside Chitwan National Park. Private vehicles can take you directly to your hotel, which saves an onward jeep or taxi.
