Welcome to our comprehensive guide to Kathmandu Airport, your go-to resource for all things related to one of Nepal’s busiest and most important transportation hubs. As a resident of Kathmandu and frequent traveller myself, I understand how crucial it is to have reliable and up-to-date information about the airport.
Kathmandu Airport, also known as Tribhuvan International Airport, is the main gateway to Nepal for international and domestic travellers. From the moment you step into the airport, you will be greeted by a bustling atmosphere and a diverse array of people from all over the world.
As someone who has navigated the ins and outs of Kathmandu Airport countless times, I know just how important it is to be prepared for your journey. Whether you’re a first-time traveller or a seasoned pro, our guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the airport, from its facilities and services to its history and cultural significance.
So, buckle up and get ready to discover all that Kathmandu Airport has to offer. Our guide is designed to provide you with the ultimate resource for making the most of your time at this bustling transportation hub. Let’s explore Kathmandu Airport together!
Getting to Kathmandu Airport
Getting to Kathmandu Airport is a breeze if you know the best ways to go about it! As a frequent traveller myself, I’ve discovered some great tips and tricks for getting to the airport with ease. From taking a hotel transfer to hailing a taxi, there are plenty of options to choose from.
How to get to Kathmandu airport
As someone who travels frequently to Kathmandu Airport, I’ve tried out different ways of getting there, and here are my top recommendations. If you’re looking for a hassle-free option and don’t mind splurging a bit, hotel transfers are a convenient option. However, they can be a bit pricey depending on the hotel, so if you’re on a budget, taking a taxi or using the Pathao app is a good choice.
Taxis are pretty easy to hail in Kathmandu, and most drivers know their way around the airport. Plus, if you’ve got a bunch of luggage, most taxi drivers are happy to strap some of it to the roof of their car. It might seem a bit daunting at first, but trust me, we’ve done it loads of times, and we’ve never lost any luggage.
Now, if the taxi drivers outside of your hotel are quoting you massive fares, you can ask your hotel to book you a ride on the Pathao app. It’s kind of like Uber or Lyft, but local to Nepal, and it’s usually cheaper than negotiating a taxi as a white person. You can even track your ride in real-time, which is pretty cool.
One thing to keep in mind is that taking a bus to the airport is not the best option if you’re carrying a lot of luggage. The streets can be pretty narrow, and the buses are often crowded, so it can be a bit of a hassle. Busses are also known to be slow and hardly ever on time. They might be cheap but if you are unlucky you might cut it quite fine getting to the airport.
Quick tip: Don’t forget to negotiate the fare with your driver before hopping into a taxi. It’s always better to avoid any misunderstandings about the cost of your ride.
How much does a Pathao or taxi to the airport cost?
My husband and I are no strangers to Kathmandu Airport, and we’ve taken our fair share of taxis and Pathaos to get there. Based on our experience, we usually pay around 600 to 750 Nepali Rupees for a Pathao ride from our home in Lalitpur. Keep in mind that the price can fluctuate depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.
If we need to get to the airport early in the morning and don’t want to risk being late, we sometimes arrange for a taxi driver we know and trust to pick us up. Typically, we pay around 1000 NPR for this service and the peace of mind.
Now, if you’re in Thamel and need to get to the airport, you can expect to pay 600 to 750 Nepali Rupees for a Pathao ride. But if you’re looking for a taxi on the street, we wouldn’t pay more than 800 rupees from Thamel to the airport. If a driver quotes a price over 1000 NPR, we suggest walking away as he will never offer a reasonable or fair price.
I have written a comprehensive guide on how to get from Kathmandu Airport to Thamel which you can find here.
How early to arrive at the airport before your flight
If you’re planning to fly out of Kathmandu Airport anytime soon, let me give you a friendly piece of advice – arrive early! As someone who’s flown out of the airport multiple times, I can tell you that it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Personally, I recommend arriving at least 2.5 hours before your scheduled departure time. This might seem like a bit of a drag, but trust me, it’s worth it. Depending on when you’re flying and how many other flights are departing, you might encounter long queues at various points in the airport, such as at the entrance, check-in, border control, and luggage check. And let’s face it, no one wants to be stuck in a long queue when they’re trying to catch a flight!
It’s also worth keeping in mind that traffic in Kathmandu can be pretty hectic, especially during rush hour. Rush hour in Kathmandu is usually from 10 am to midday and from 4 pm to 6 pm, or sometimes even 7 pm, depending on the weather. So, if you’re coming from Thamel, which is normally about a 20-minute ride away from the airport, you might want to give yourself some extra time just in case you get stuck in traffic.
Staying at a hotel near Kathmandu Airport
Staying near Kathmandu Airport can be a great option for those with early morning flights or layovers. In this section, we’ll discuss some of the best hotels near the airport and what you can expect during your stay.
Best hotels near Kathmandu Airport
If you’re looking for a comfortable and luxurious stay near Kathmandu Airport, the Vannasut Hotel and Spa is definitely the top pick. With its sleek and modern design, guests are sure to have a relaxing and comfortable experience.
However, if you’re on a tight budget, the Aarya Chaitya Inn is a great option. This hotel provides clean and basic rooms, perfect for those who just need a place to crash before catching their flight.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for an airport hotel with a free transfer, the Everest Holiday Inn is a solid choice. While not as fancy as the Vannasut Hotel and Spa, it’s still a comfortable option with the added bonus of a complimentary shuttle service.
Don’t forget to check out my in-depth article for more information on the best airport hotels in Kathmandu.
Hotels in Kathmandu with airport transfer
There are quite a few hotels in Kathmandu that offer free airport transfers. It’s always nice to save a little money, especially when it comes to transportation, right?
First up, we have Hotel Nepal Holiday, which is a cosy little place that’s perfect if you’re on a budget. They offer a free airport transfer, which is awesome, but make sure to double check with the hotel before you arrive just to be sure. You know how things can be around here sometimes.
Next, there’s Hotel Tibet International, which is a bit more upscale than Nepal Holiday. But don’t worry, they still offer a free airport transfer, so you can arrive in style without breaking the bank. Plus, they have a great restaurant on site, so you can indulge in some delicious food after your flight.
Last but not least, we have Sabila Boutique Hotel, which is a newer hotel in Kathmandu. They’re located in a quiet area, which is great if you’re looking to get some rest after a long flight. And of course, they offer a free airport transfer, which is always a plus.
Now, as someone who’s been living in Kathmandu for a while now, I would recommend double checking with the hotel about their free airport transfer offer. Businesses around here can sometimes be a bit lax on delivering on certain promises, if you know what I mean. But if you do your due diligence and book with one of these hotels, you’ll be in good hands.
Check in and border control at Kathmandu – my personal tips and tricks
Check-in and border control at Kathmandu Airport can be a daunting experience, but with a few personal tips and tricks, it doesn’t have to be. As a frequent traveller through the airport, I’ve picked up some handy tips that can help make the process smoother and less stressful. Let’s dive in!
Getting into the airport
Getting into Kathmandu Airport can be a bit of an adventure, and sometimes that adventure includes queuing. There’s a guard at the door who will ask to see your ticket or proof of your flight booking, and then you’ll need to put your luggage through a scanner and go through a pat-down and weapons scan.
If you’re lucky, you’ll breeze through without any queues. However, if you’re unlucky, like we have been a couple of times, you might find yourself waiting in line for 20 to 30 minutes just to get into the airport. Queue-skipping can sometimes feel like a national sport in Nepal, but don’t worry – you don’t have to participate. If someone tries to cut in front of you, just politely ask them to go to the back of the queue.
Most of the time, people will listen and head to the back of the line or try to slot in somewhere further behind you. However, I’ve had to get angry once when someone blatantly pushed her trolley to the front of a 20-minute queue. So, be prepared to stand your ground if you need to, but most of the time, a polite request is all that’s needed.
Tip: You don’t actually have to show your ticket. I use an app called TripIt and just show my itinerary on my phone. You can do the same with Google Travel or the email confirmation of your flight. They just need to know that you are the actual person flying.
Check in at Tribhuvan International Airport
Checking in at Tribhuvan International Airport can be pretty hectic, especially when there are a lot of people flying. The check-in area is often too small for the number of passengers, and there are usually massive queues, which means you’ll need to be patient.
If you’re flying with airlines like FlyDubai or Qatar Airways, you’ll be checking in on the right side of the building. Most airlines traveling to India are on the left. Keep this in mind when you arrive so you don’t waste any time running around trying to find your airline’s check-in counter.
Once you’re in the check-in area, get ready to wait in line for at least 20 to 30 minutes, unless you’re a frequent flyer or traveling business class which means you can check in at the empty business class desks. Again: it can be very chaotic, and people will try to cut in front of you. Again, just ask them to get to the back of the line.
Overall, my advice is to give yourself plenty of time and be prepared for some queuing. Remember, you’re at the airport, so it’s all part of the experience. But don’t worry, you’ll get through it, and before you know it, you’ll be on your way to your destination!
Border control at Kathmandu Airport
Once you’ve checked in and dropped off your bags at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll need to make your way to the escalators. At the bottom of the escalator, there’ll be a guard who’ll ask to see your boarding pass before letting you through. Once you’re upstairs, get ready to join the border control queue.
Depending on the time of day, there might be several queues to choose from. At night, everyone’s in the same queue, which can be a real headache and take up to 40 minutes to get through. During the day, there are separate queues for Nepalis going to work abroad, Nepali students, foreigners, and diplomats.
If you’re a foreigner, be prepared for a long queue and slow-moving lines. You might need to provide biometric information and have your picture taken, which can really slow things down. Unfortunately, the border control folks at the other windows don’t usually deal with foreigners, even if the Nepali lines are empty.
If you’re traveling during peak tourist season or when lots of expats are on the move (think Christmas, Easter holidays, Dashain, etc.), you might have to wait in line for 15 to 20 minutes. My husband and I have even had to wait for 30 minutes before, thanks to the Christmas rush!
Hand luggage checks at Kathmandu Airport
The final step before boarding your flight at Kathmandu airport is going through the hand luggage check. These checks used to be pretty lax, but they’ve become a lot more stringent in recent years.
There used to be separate lines for men and women, but thankfully, they’ve finally merged the lines. The women’s line used to be empty, while the men’s line was so long that my husband once had to be led through by a Qatar representative. Talk about panic mode! Now that the lines are merged, the process is a lot more efficient.
Be prepared to take off your shoes, remove your laptop, and take out your liquids – things they used to not really care about. The line can be pretty smelly, with a distinct odour of stinky feet. It’s not the most pleasant experience, but you’ll get through it!
Once you’re through the line, you’ll need to get your boarding pass stamped either at the end of the line itself or when entering the hall with all the gates.
Tip: Kathmandu does not have a duty free, but if you want to buy alcohol and take it as hand luggage, the shops just before the hand luggage check will be your last chance! They are a bit more expensive than if you would have bought your liquor in the city, but I guess you pay for the convenience of carrying it as hand-luggage.
Kathmandu Airport Terminals and Facilities
While Kathmandu Airport is a busy place, it’s not exactly a shopping mecca. In fact, there are only a few shops and two lounges, so don’t expect to spend hours exploring the facilities. That said, you’ll still find everything you need to make your journey comfortable, whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat or finding a quiet place to relax before your flight.
How many terminals does Kathmandu Airport have?
For an international airport, Kathmandu Airport is surprisingly small. In fact, there’s only one international terminal, which has just six gates. If you’re flying domestically, you’ll find the terminal next door – it’s just a short walk away.
What facilities, restaurants and shops are available at Kathmandu Airport
Kathmandu Airport may not be known for its wide range of facilities and shops, as you’ll quickly realize upon arrival. Downstairs at the check-in desks, you’ll find a few stores selling pricey handicrafts – great if you need to grab a last-minute souvenir, but not so great for your wallet. You will also find a luggage-wrapping service downstairs, but like most seasoned travellers, I would recommend ignoring these as these are an absolute rip-off.
Sadly, you won’t find a duty-free shop at Kathmandu Airport. And if you’re hoping to stock up on some cheap alcohol before your flight, don’t bother with the liquor store at the hand luggage checkpoint – the prices there are higher than what you’d pay in town.
Upstairs, there’s another small craft shop, but again, be prepared to pay a premium compared to the prices you’ll find in other parts of the city. If you’re feeling peckish, you’ll find a coffee shop near the gates offering a decent selection of drinks and snacks. The prices are reasonable for an airport, so it’s not a bad spot to grab a quick bite before your flight.
Are there any currency exchange services at Kathmandu Airport?
Yes, there is a currency exchange service at Kathmandu Airport, but it’s not exactly easy to find. If I remember correctly, it’s located downstairs in the check-in hall. There are also currency exchange services available when entering the country.
That being said, I would recommend exchanging only a small amount of money, perhaps $50, at the airport exchange to pay for a taxi and to get you through your first day without having to scramble for money. You’ll get much better rates if you use ATMs or exchange currency in places like Thamel.
What lounges are there at Kathmandu Airport?
If you are looking for a place to relax and unwind before your flight at Kathmandu Airport, then the lounges might be just what you need. While there are only two lounges available, my husband and I have had the chance to use both and I’m more than happy to share my honest opinion with you.
Horizon Lounge by Soaltee at Kathmandu Airport
As a frequent flyer, I highly recommend the Horizon Lounge by Soaltee if you’re looking for a place to relax before your flight.
First of all, the food is fantastic. I mean, who doesn’t love a good meal before a long flight? The Horizon Lounge has a great selection of food including Birmingham Fried Fish, which my husband absolutely loves (why Birmingham, though? Beats me!). Personally, I head straight for the salads, sandwiches, and cheese – I mean, I can’t resist a good cheese platter.
The lounge itself is also pretty new and has modern furniture which is a plus. They even have a quiet room if you need a nap. And let’s not forget about the drinks – they have a nice selection of alcohol and spirits which is always appreciated.
The only downside is that the toilets are outside of the lounge, but don’t worry, they’re super clean and you just need the guard to escort you and unlock them. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Overall, if you’re a OneWorld Alliance Sapphire member or flying business, I would definitely recommend asking for a Soaltee lounge invite instead of settling for the executive lounge. The Horizon Lounge is worth the extra effort.
Executive lounge at Kathmandu Airport
Let’s talk about the executive lounge at Kathmandu Airport. To be honest, it’s not my favourite place to hang out. When you first walk in, you’re greeted with a dated interior that looks like it hasn’t been updated since the 80s. It’s not the most inviting atmosphere, to say the least.
On the plus side, the lounge is quite spacious, so even during peak hours, you should be able to find a spot to relax. The food options are decent, but nothing to write home about. I usually stick to the simple stuff like a soup or the biryani, which are always fresh.
The staff is friendly and attentive, but so are the staff at the Horizon Lounge…
Overall, while the executive lounge may not be the most glamorous spot in the airport, it’s a decent place to kill some time before your flight. Just don’t expect to be blown away.
Tip: Even if you are given an invite to the Executive Lounge you can nicely ask the woman at the Horizon Lounge if she can switch it out. She has done this for us a couple of times. I am not sure whether this is because we are OneWorld Sapphire or because they don’t mind switching it out…
Domestic and International Flights at Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu
At Tribhuvan Airport you will find an international terminal and a domestic terminal. Despite its modest size, the airport serves as a gateway to the Himalayas, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers and trekkers from around the world. In this part of the guide we will talk about the differences between the international terminal and the domestic one.
Domestic vs international terminal – what is the difference?
The difference between the domestic and international terminals at Kathmandu Airport is pretty straightforward – one offers international flights and the other offers domestic flights. Both terminals share the same runway, but it’s clear that international flights take priority when it comes to take-off and landing. Unfortunately, this means that domestic flights can often experience lengthy delays, so it’s something to keep in mind when planning your travels within Nepal.
You’ll find the domestic terminal on the left side of the building, while the international terminal is on the right. And if you thought the international terminal was lacking in facilities, just wait until you see the domestic terminal – it’s even more basic. Nonetheless, it’s all part of the experience when you’re exploring this incredible country.
Tip: When heading to the airport you will want to make it clear to the driver whether you are going to the domestic terminal or the international one.
Where to find flight information at Kathmandu Airport
Let’s talk about finding your flight information at Kathmandu Airport. You can check the airport website, but honestly, the info can be as reliable as a weather forecast in Nepal. So, I recommend double-checking your flight number on Google or your airline app.
Now, if you’re flying domestic, the information can be even more spotty. I swear, it’s like they’re trying to keep us guessing! That’s why I always use my Buddha Air app when flying within Nepal. It’s just easier than relying on the airport screens.
How to get from the International terminal to the domestic terminal in Kathmandu Airport
If you’re flying into Kathmandu and then taking a domestic flight, you need to be prepared for a bit of a journey. Even though the international and domestic terminals are close to each other, it’s not exactly a walk in the park to get from the International arrivals to the Domestic departures (the other way around is easy peasy).
You have two options: hoof it on foot for about 10 minutes on a busy road (It’s not recommended for people with a lot of luggage, but if you’re just carrying a backpack, it’s doable.) or pay a couple of hundred rupees (150 to 200) for a taxi ride. Honestly, it’s a bit annoying that there isn’t a free shuttle service to make things easier. Come on, Kathmandu Airport, get it together!
Where do the mountain flights leave from?
If you’re looking to take a mountain flight in Kathmandu, you’ll need to head over to the Domestic terminal. Lucky for you, these flights are rarely delayed, and you can rest easy knowing that they’re operated by Buddha Air, the safest airline in the country. If you’re concerned about safety, I’d highly recommend sticking with them. Don’t forget to bring your camera – the views are absolutely breath-taking!
Mountain flights are truly a once in a lifetime experience and I would recommend booking one! You can do so here.
What documents do you need for departing at Kathmandu Airport?
Are you planning to depart from Kathmandu Airport and wondering what documents you need? The required documents can vary depending on your nationality and destination. Read on for some general guidelines to ensure a smooth departure experience.
Departing from Kathmandu Airport
When it comes to leaving Kathmandu Airport, the documents you need depend on where you’re from. If you’re a foreigner, all you usually need is your passport and whatever papers your home country requires.
But if you’re Nepali, you might need an NOC if you’re traveling for work or study.
And if you’re an Indian citizen flying out to a non-Indian country, you’ll need an NOC from the Indian embassy if you’ve been in Nepal for less than a week.
But here’s the kicker: if you are an Indian citizen and you have been in Nepal for more than a week, you can’t fly out to any country but India from there, no matter what your residency status is.
I know this because my friend’s Indian parents live in Thailand and tried to fly back home to Bangkok from Kathmandu, but they got stopped and had to book new flights that went through India. So be careful and check your travel documents beforehand!
Arriving at Kathmandu Airport
Welcome to Kathmandu Airport! As a local, I’m here to guide you through the process of arriving at this bustling airport. From the moment you step off the plane to getting into a cab, I’ve got you covered with insider tips and tricks to make your arrival as smooth as possible. Let’s get started!
Getting off the plane at Kathmandu Airport
When we first visited Kathmandu in 2018, we were happy to find that after landing, we were able to walk straight off the plane and into the border control hall. It was convenient, fast, and frankly, pretty cool.
However, since 2021 things have changed (for the worse). The airport now uses buses to transport passengers to the terminal from the plane. Even though the plane still parks just 20 metres from the terminal, you’ll need to wait for the bus to arrive, fill up, and depart before you can enter the terminal.
This process is not only time-consuming, but also very inefficient. While we understand that larger airports with more traffic require such measures, we don’t see why such measures would be needed at a small airport like Kathmandu. It would be much simpler and faster to just walk those few meters to the terminal.
Tip: If you have not filled out the visa papers I will link to later on, I would make sure to be the first off the bus, especially if there are quite a few foreigners on the plane. There are only a couple of computers in the terminal and most of them don’t work. Queues of 40 minutes to get a visa are not unheard of during peak tourist season.
Showing your vaccination certificate
When you arrive at Kathmandu Airport, the first thing you’ll encounter is a line where you need to show your vaccination certificate. If you don’t have one, don’t worry, you just need to present a negative PCR test.
But here’s the thing, people can be quite pushy and try to cut in front of you in the line. It has happened to me so many times before and I send them back in line every single time. So, make sure to stand your ground and don’t let them cut in front of you.
Make sure to have your documents ready and easily accessible to speed up the process.
Getting a visa on arrival at Kathmandu Airport
When you arrive at Kathmandu Airport, most nationalities can get a visa on arrival. You can either fill out the documents online and print them out to bring with you, or use one of the visa terminals at the airport to fill out the forms.
Personally, I would recommend printing the documents ahead of time and bringing them with you. The terminals can be hit or miss – sometimes they work great, but other times they can be slow or even broken. And the last thing you want after a long flight is to stand in a long line just to use a broken terminal!
So do yourself a favour and bring the printed documents with you. It will save you time and hassle in the long run.
You can fill out and download the visa on arrival documents via the Nepal Government Website here.
Paying for your visa at Kathmandu Airport
If you’re planning on getting a visa on arrival at Kathmandu Airport, make sure you bring some dollars with you. You can fill out the visa document beforehand and head straight to the payment counter.
The visa fees are 30 USD for 15 days, 50 USD for 30 days, and 125 USD for 90 days. But be careful, some people have made the mistake of bringing other currencies like Euros or GBP, and the currency conversion ended up being a wild guess. There were people that paid 30 GBP for a 30 USD visa.
And definitely don’t bring Nepali Rupees to pay for your visa because they’re not a legal currency outside of Nepal. As long as you have not gone through border control you are not legally in Nepal. Also, bring a bit of extra cash just in case there’s been a recent change in the visa fee. Nepal isn’t always the best at communicating these things.
Can you pay for your visa by card? There are card terminals at the payment counter in the airport, but they are often out of order so please do bring cash instead of your card.
Should you get a visa before arriving at Kathmandu Airport?
If you live near a Nepali Embassy, it might be worth getting your visa before you arrive at Kathmandu Airport. That way, you can pay by card and just cruise through border control.
But let me tell you, the lines at some of these embassies can be crazy long. I remember having to go to the Nepali Embassy in London once and waiting for a whole hour to be seen. But when we left, we had our visa in our passport and it made our lives so much easier when we got to Nepal.
On the other hand, some of my husband’s colleagues decided to wait and get their visa on arrival, and they had to stand in line for the computer terminals and payment desks for a whole hour!
In the embassy you will most likely be able to pay in your local currency and by card!
Getting through border control at Kathmandu Airport – important information!
Once you have paid for your visa at arrival, you will need to head to border control. The good news is that they have a separate line for foreigners, but if any other line is empty, they will call you forward – very different from when you’re leaving the country!
At the border control desk, they will ask for your passport and boarding pass, so make sure you keep your boarding pass with you. They can be pretty strict about this, and even a digital copy won’t cut it.
You will also need to give some biometric information, and they’ll take a picture of you – I probably always look terrible in those pictures after a long flight! The border control guard might also ask for your hotel booking or address, so be prepared with proof of your stay. And again! Don’t forget to keep your boarding pass with you at all times – it’s crucial!
The metal scanner at arrivals in Tribhuvan International Airport
Once you have gone through border control at Kathmandu Airport, you will find yourself heading down an escalator towards a line for a metal scanner. This line can get pretty crowded, but don’t worry, it moves fairly quickly.
The good news is that you do not need to take out your liquids, laptops, or anything else. The scanner is specifically looking for precious metal, mainly people trying to smuggle gold into the country. So if you’re not doing that, you’re good to go!
Now, I just want to give you a heads up that people will try to push in front of you in this line too. It’s like they’re in a rush to get nowhere! But just stand your ground and don’t let them get in front of you. You’ll get through the line in no time.
Luggage collection tips
When you arrive at Kathmandu Airport, one of the last things you need to do is grab your luggage. They recently expanded the luggage collection hall with an extra luggage belt, which is great news. But even with the extra space, the luggage collection can still be pretty hectic.
One thing that really grinds my gears is when the airport employees take luggage that just arrived on the belt off the belt and stack it in a corner next to the belt. It’s like, why bother having a luggage belt in the first place? Then you have to go and dig through other people’s luggage after a long flight, which is just not cool.
It hasn’t happened to us in a long time, but when it does, it gets me pretty worked up. But hopefully, you’ll have a smoother experience when it comes to collecting your luggage!
Tip: Most of the time, Qatar flights have their luggage arrive on the new belt in the far end of the luggage hall.
What happens once you have your luggage?
Once you have collected your luggage, you’ll need to make your way through a long hallway to the elevators. It’s worth noting that, yes, there are elevators available to transport passengers to the ground floor. It’s not the most efficient system, but it’s what we have to work with at the moment. Lines at the elevators can be pretty long and it is actually quite hard to get your luggage out of the elevator if you are packed in there with 2 other people with luggage trollies.
The new wing that leads to the elevators seems like it was designed by someone who had never been to an airport before. There’s also a walkalator that goes down, but they didn’t invest in the correct type of trollies. Normally, with a downward walkalator, the trolleys have a locking system on the wheels to prevent them from rolling off without you. Unfortunately, this is not the case here, so be prepared to wrestle with your luggage to keep it from rolling away from you.
Once you are downstairs you can just walk out of the airport and look for your hotel or transfer.
Where to get a taxi at Kathmandu Airport?
Once you’ve got your luggage at Kathmandu Airport, you will need to head to the cursed elevators – yep, they’re not the best. But before you arrive at them, someone will probably ask you if you need a taxi. As a seasoned traveller, I know that red flags and scam alarms will start going off when someone approaches me at an airport asking if I need a taxi, but don’t worry, this time it’s different.
The prepaid taxis are legit and will cost you around 1000 NPR to Thamel or Lalitpur, which might seem steep, but it’s better than haggling with a taxi driver outside the airport. Dragging your luggage 500m down the road is not the best experience, trust me. And the price is per taxi, not per person. So, if you’re travelling in a group, it’s a great deal. Especially since they also have larger taxis available for people who have lots of luggage or who are travelling with more than 3 people.
You’ll be given a slip at the payment desk. You head downstairs, turn right straight out of the doors, and will be greeted by a man in a high vis yellow vest. If you hand this man your slip he will assign you a taxi depending on your luggage and the number of people. He will also explain to the taxi driver where you will need to go. Within five minutes, you’ll be on your way to your hotel or final destination. The prepaid taxi service isn’t just limited to places within Kathmandu or Lalitpur either. They have prices for Bhaktapur, Pokhara, and even Chitwan. In fact, my husband and I took a prepaid taxi to Chitwan with some friends in 2021 after our flight was cancelled, and it was honestly a great deal compared to what we would’ve paid through a travel agent.
Are the prepaid taxis available at night?
When it comes to the prepaid taxi service at Kathmandu Airport, it’s good to know that it’s available as long as flights are coming in. This means that even if you arrive on a flight in the middle of the night (Flight landed just after 1 am!), like my husband and I did after the Christmas holidays, the prepaid taxis will still be available for you to use. It’s a great convenience, especially if you’re tired and just want to get to your hotel or final destination as quickly as possible.
Recap of the most important tips
Whether you’re arriving or departing, navigating Kathmandu Airport can be overwhelming. To make your experience smoother, here’s a recap of the most important tips to keep in mind. From visa requirements to luggage collection, these tips will help you breeze through the airport with ease.
- Make sure you get to Kathmandu Airport at least 2.5 hours before your flight, especially if it’s a busy day. Trust me, there can be queues everywhere and you don’t want to miss your flight because you didn’t plan ahead.
- It’s crazy, but people always seem to want to push in front of you in queues at Kathmandu Airport. No matter what queue you’re in, just remember to stand your ground and don’t be afraid to send them back to the back of the line.
- If you have lounge access at Kathmandu airport, go for the new Horizon Lounge over the old and dated Executive Lounge. Trust me, it’s worth it!
- Just a heads up, there’s no duty-free shopping at Kathmandu Airport and there aren’t many shops around either, so make sure to do your shopping before you head to the airport. The shops at the airport can be a bit pricey too, so it’s better to plan ahead!
- If you arrive at the international terminal and need to catch a domestic flight, you’ll need to take a taxi to the domestic terminal. However, if you’re departing from the international terminal, you can simply walk from the domestic terminal to the international terminal departures.
- When departing from Kathmandu Airport, it is important to check what documents you need, especially if you are a Nepali leaving for work or studying abroad or if you are an Indian passport holder with a residence visa in a country other than India. It is better to be prepared and have all the necessary documents than to be caught off guard and risk missing your flight.
- Filling out and printing your visa document beforehand can save you a lot of time and hassle at Kathmandu Airport. The computer terminals for filling out visa documents can be busy and time-consuming, so it’s best to get it done beforehand if you can. You can find this document here.
- It is highly recommended to pay for your visa in USD as other currencies might not be accepted, or their conversion might not be accurate.
- Make sure to keep your boarding pass with you as border control will ask for it and they don’t accept digital boarding passes.
- You do not need to throw away your water for the metal scanned downstairs. They are just looking for gold.
- I honestly recommend paying for and taking a prepaid taxi. They are incredibly convenient and will have you on your way in no-time.