Tribhuvan International Airport to Kathmandu
Trains, buses, private transfers and taxis compared.
Tribhuvan International Airport sits about 6 km from Kathmandu. Every option below is priced in AUD so you can compare it against what a taxi would cost you at home.
| Option | Price (AUD) | Journey time | Frequency | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private airport transfer Fixed price, arranged before you land. |
~$28 | Varies | On demand | Door to door |
| Hotel pickup Fastest Most Thamel guesthouses will collect you free or for a few dollars. Worth arranging - the arrivals hall is chaotic. |
Often included | 20-40 min | On request | Door to door |
| Prepaid taxi counter Cheapest Pay at the counter inside arrivals and hand the driver the docket. Around NPR 800-1,200 to Thamel. |
~$14 | 20-40 min | On demand | Door to door |
| Kerbside taxi Negotiate before you get in. The prepaid counter is usually cheaper and avoids the argument. |
~$22 | 20-40 min | On demand | Door to door |
Prices are indicative, shown in AUD and refreshed from provider APIs where available. Always confirm the final price on the provider's site - it is the price that applies. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, which never changes what you pay. Partners are listed before providers who pay us nothing, as our terms set out; sorting by price ignores all of that and orders on the number alone. How we make money.
Cheapest option: Hotel pickup at around $0. Fastest: Hotel pickup.
Other airports in Nepal
Pokhara International Airport, Pokhara - 3 km from the centre
More Nepal essentials
How these comparisons are made
Routes, operators, journey times and fares come from the operators' own published timetables and pricing, compared in AUD. Public transport options are listed alongside bookable transfers because the train is often the honest answer - and where a booking platform is listed, it's one Jamie has personally booked through. Read the full editorial policy.
Nepal airport transfer FAQs
Do Australians need a visa for Nepal?
Yes. Australians get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport and at land borders, priced by duration: USD $30 for 15 days, USD $50 for 30 days, or USD $125 for 90 days. There is no free entry option.
Can I pay the Nepal visa fee by card?
In theory yes, in practice bring cash. The card machines and kiosks at Kathmandu airport are unreliable and there is no fallback if they fail while you are at the counter. Bring the exact fee in clean US dollars and a passport photo.
Planning Nepal?
We will send you the Nepal guide as it grows - what to book before you go, which eSIM and travel card are worth it there, and what things actually cost in Australian dollars.