Getting around · Nepal
Pokhara to Kathmandu: Bus, Flight and Private Car
Tourist bus, a 25-minute flight or a private car along the 200km Prithvi Highway — Pokhara to Kathmandu compared.
The fastest way from Pokhara to Kathmandu is a 25 to 30 minute flight. By road the two cities are about 200km apart along the Prithvi Highway, taking roughly 6 to 8 hours by tourist bus or 5 to 7 hours by private car. This is the return leg of Nepal's busiest tourist corridor, so you have plenty of choice — and the same modes as the outbound Kathmandu to Pokhara journey, just in reverse. For how this fits your whole trip, see the intercity transport guide.
At a glance
| Mode | Duration | Approx cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 25–30 min | High (varies) | Fastest; saves a day; weather delays possible |
| Tourist bus | 6–8 hrs | USD 10–25 | Best value; assigned seats and rest stops |
| Private car/jeep | 5–7 hrs | USD 90–150 | Flexible; stop for photos and food |
| Local bus | 7–9 hrs | USD 5–8 | Cheapest; crowded and slow |
By tourist bus
Tourist buses leave Pokhara's tourist bus park in the morning and follow the Trishuli and Marsyangdi river valleys east to Kathmandu, with assigned seats, air-conditioning on deluxe coaches and a rest stop or two. It's the best-value option for most visitors. Book a day ahead in October–November and March–April. To choose your coach class, see our tourist bus vs local bus guide.
By private car or jeep
A private car or jeep with driver is the most flexible choice. You leave when you like, stop for photos and food, and can break the trip at Bandipur or near Gorkha on the way back to the capital. It costs more than the bus but suits families and groups with luggage; split four ways it's reasonable. See rates and inclusions in our hiring a car with driver guide.
By air
Daily flights connect Pokhara and Kathmandu in about 25 to 30 minutes with Buddha Air and other carriers. Flying saves nearly a full day and is ideal when your schedule is tight, but mountain weather can cause delays, so don't book a tight onward international connection. Note the tighter domestic baggage allowance when you fly.
Which option to choose
Fly if time is short, take the tourist bus for the best value, or hire a private vehicle for comfort and stops. A popular plan is to bus one way and fly the other, so you enjoy the river scenery once without losing two travel days.
Tips
- Book buses and flights a day or two ahead in peak season.
- Sit on the left heading east for the best river and valley views.
- Allow buffer time around flights for weather delays.
Continuing into the mountains from Pokhara instead? Compare the rough road and flight in our Pokhara to Jomsom guide, and plan the rest of your routing with getting around Nepal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Pokhara to Kathmandu?+
By road it is about 200km and takes roughly 6 to 8 hours by tourist bus, or 5 to 7 hours by private car, along the winding Prithvi Highway. A direct flight covers the same distance in only about 25 to 30 minutes, though weather can cause delays.
How much does the Pokhara to Kathmandu bus cost?+
A tourist bus typically costs around USD 10 to 25 depending on the operator and comfort level, with deluxe coaches at the higher end. Local buses are cheaper but slower and more crowded, while a private car runs roughly USD 90 to 150.
Is there a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu?+
Yes. Several airlines fly the route daily in about 25 to 30 minutes, saving almost a full day over the road. Fares are far higher than the bus, and mountain weather can cause delays, so avoid booking a tight onward international connection.
What is the best way to travel from Pokhara to Kathmandu?+
Take the tourist bus for value, a private car or jeep for door-to-door flexibility and stops, or fly to save a day. A popular plan is to bus one way and fly the other so you see the river scenery once without losing two travel days.