Getting Around

Trains, roads, taxis and how to move around Nepal.

National Trains [रेलवे]

Limited Network — Nepal has only a small rail network operated by Nepal Railway, mainly connecting the southern plains. The routes are scenic but infrequent, so book well in advance through the official ticket counters at stations or via travel agents.
Booking Process — Purchase tickets directly at railway stations 1–7 days ahead of travel. ID verification is required for booking, and payment is cash only in most cases.
Train delays of 2–4 hours are common due to maintenance and signal issues. Expect slower speeds than buses on comparable routes, and bring snacks and water.

Main Operators — Kathmandu has local buses operated by Kathmandu Metropolitan City and private contractors. Fares are very cheap (10–50 NPR for urban trips), but buses are crowded and pickpocketing is common—keep valuables secure.
Long-Distance Buses — Intercity buses connect major cities and towns via operators like Greenline, Säfar, and local companies. Night buses (sleeper coaches) offer comfort for longer routes but are pricier (₹800–₹2,500).
Buses often depart only when full, so expect unpredictable timing. Road conditions in hilly regions are poor, and accidents do occur—avoid buses during heavy rain or landslide season (monsoon).
Seating & Boarding — For intercity buses, purchase tickets at bus parks or travel agencies 1–2 days ahead. Arrive early to secure a seat away from the engine (hotter, noisier) or over the wheels (bumpier).

Local Taxis — Yellow taxis are ubiquitous in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other cities. Meters are rarely used; negotiate fares before boarding or use Google Maps to estimate fair rates (typically 50–200 NPR for short trips within the city).
Ride-Sharing Apps — Tootle and Pathao operate in Kathmandu and offer app-based fares with transparent pricing. These are safer and more reliable than street hailing, though slightly more expensive than regular taxis.
Scams & Overcharging — Unlicensed taxis and drivers may inflate fares or take circuitous routes. Always use licensed cabs, confirm the meter is on, or use an app. Avoid traveling alone very late at night in unfamiliar areas.
Driver Tips — Tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory but rounding up or adding 5–10% is appreciated. Drivers may ask for extra payment at checkpoints—this is unofficial; pay small amounts (20–50 NPR) to avoid hassle.

Chaotic Traffic — Kathmandu and Pokhara traffic is hectic, with erratic motorcycles, no lane discipline, and frequent honking. International driving permits are recommended; Nepali licenses may not be recognized abroad.
Rental Companies — Operators like Budget Nepal, Avis, and local agencies in Kathmandu offer car rentals with drivers (preferred). Renting without a driver is risky for unfamiliar tourists due to road conditions and aggressive driving culture.
Road Conditions — Mountain roads are narrow, poorly marked, and subject to landslides during monsoon (June–September). Driving at night is dangerous; many vehicles lack proper headlights and brake lights. Avoid mountain driving unless experienced.
Speed Limits & Fines — Speed limits are 40 km/h in cities and 80 km/h on highways. Police checkpoints are common; fines for speeding, parking violations, or unregistered vehicles range from 500–3,000 NPR. Carry your license and vehicle documents at all times.
Fuel & Maintenance — Petrol stations are available in cities and on major highways. Fuel is subsidized and relatively cheap. Carry spare fuel in remote areas, as stations may be scarce.

Main Airports — Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu is the primary hub. Smaller airports in Pokhara, Biratnagar, and Janakpur serve regional flights. Domestic airlines include Nepal Airlines, Buddha Air, and Himalayan Airlines.
Booking & Arrival — Book flights online via Skyscanner, direct airline websites, or travel agencies. Arrive 2–3 hours early for domestic flights and 3–4 hours for international. Check-in closes 1 hour before domestic departures.
Mountain Flight Delays — Flights to mountain strips (Lukla, Phaplu) are frequently delayed or cancelled due to poor weather and low visibility. These are not rescheduled automatically; book flexible plans or allow extra days.
Airport Transport — Taxis from TIA to Kathmandu city center cost 800–1,200 NPR (30–45 minutes). Pre-booked car services via your hotel or ride apps are safer and cost similar amounts.
Baggage Allowance — Domestic airlines often allow only 15 kg checked baggage for flights to mountain airstrips. Excess baggage fees are steep (500–1,000 NPR per kg). Confirm limits when booking.

Purchase Methods — Bus and train tickets are sold at ticket counters, bus parks, travel agencies, and some hotels. Long-distance bus tickets can also be booked online via Esewa or Fonepay payment apps, though booth booking is more reliable.
Discounts & Passes — No country-wide passes exist, but some tourist operators offer multi-day tour packages that bundle transport. Student and child discounts (10–50%) are available on buses and trains with valid ID.
Cancellation & Refunds — Bus and train tickets are typically non-refundable, though some operators offer rescheduling. Check refund policies when purchasing. Airline tickets often allow changes; verify your ticket type.
Counterfeit & Scams — Buy tickets only from official counters, not from street touts or unofficial agents. Fake tickets have been reported; verify your booking with the operator before traveling.

SIM Providers — Nepal's major telecom companies are Ncell, Nepal Telecom (NT), and Smartcell. Ncell and NT offer the most extensive 4G coverage and are reliable for navigation and ride-sharing apps.
Buying & Activation — SIM cards are sold at telecom shops and airport kiosks for 0–100 NPR. Activation requires passport, visa, and a local address (your hotel is acceptable). Prepaid plans range from 99 NPR (small data) to 1,999 NPR (unlimited data for 28 days).
Network Coverage — 4G coverage is good in cities and major towns but drops in remote mountains and valleys. Consider a backup offline map app (Maps.me, Gaia GPS) for trekking and rural travel.
Roaming & Strikes — International roaming is expensive; local SIM is recommended. Telecom strikes occasionally disrupt service for 1–2 days; keep cash for emergencies.

Lake Ferries — Phewa Lake in Pokhara and Rara Lake offer scenic boat rides for tourists. Fares are 100–500 NPR per trip; boats run daily in good weather from morning until late afternoon.
Trekking Routes — Boat crossings are part of some trekking itineraries, particularly to Rara Lake and in the Karnali region. These are typically arranged by trek operators and included in package costs.
Seasonal Availability — Water levels drop during the dry season (November–May), limiting ferry schedules. Monsoon rains (June–September) can make crossings choppy; check conditions locally before planning boat travel.