Nepal travel
Getting Around Kathmandu: Taxis, Ride-Hailing Apps and Buses
Pathao, inDrive, street taxis, local buses and private cars — how to get around Kathmandu without overpaying, from a family who lives here.
By Shiva GiriPublished 6 min readFacts checked
Kathmandu has no metro and traffic can be slow, but getting around is easy once you know the options. Here is how our guests get from Budhanilkantha to the temples, Thamel and beyond — and how to avoid paying the tourist price.
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Ride-hailing apps (Pathao, inDrive) | Everyday trips at fair prices | Need a local phone number; no pickups inside the airport |
| Street taxi | When you have no data or need a car right away | Agree the fare before you get in |
| Local bus or microbus | Very cheap trips on main roads | Crowded, routes in Nepali only |
| Private car with driver | Day trips, airport runs, families | Book ahead — we arrange these |
Ride-hailing apps
Pathao and inDrive are the apps most people use in Kathmandu, for both cars and motorbike taxis. They are usually cheaper than street taxis and you see the price before you ride. To sign up you generally need a Nepali phone number, so get a local SIM at the airport. With inDrive you propose a fare and drivers accept or counter — the suggested fare is a good guide.
- Check the car number plate matches the app before you get in.
- Have small notes ready: many drivers prefer cash.
- Ride apps cannot pick up inside the airport compound — use the pre-paid taxi counter or an arranged pickup on arrival day.
- Motorbike taxis are quick in traffic; always wear the helmet offered.
Street taxis
Taxis are small white cars with black number plates. Meters exist but are rarely used for visitors, so agree the price before you set off. If a fare sounds high, check the same trip in a ride app first — it gives you a fair benchmark. At the airport, the pre-paid taxi counter in arrivals has fixed fares.
Local buses and microbuses
Buses and microbuses run along the main roads and Ring Road for very little money. There are few signs in English — a conductor calls out the destination from the door. They are fun for short trips if you travel light, but not ideal with luggage or at rush hour.
From Sacred Trails
From the homestay in Budhanilkantha, Thamel is 8–10 km and usually 25–35 minutes by car, and the airport about 12 km. A bus stop is about 10 minutes' walk away. Taxis and app rides are easy to get here, and we are happy to order one for you, write your destination in Nepali, or arrange a private car for a full day of sightseeing.
Frequently asked questions
Does Uber work in Kathmandu?
Pathao and inDrive are the established apps. Uber began a launch in Nepal in 2026, but availability may be limited, so install Pathao or inDrive as well.
Do Kathmandu taxis use meters?
Rarely for visitors. Agree the fare before the ride, or use a ride-hailing app to see a fair price.
Can I use ride-hailing apps with a foreign SIM?
Usually you need a Nepali number to verify the app. Local SIM cards are sold at the airport and around the city.
Sources
Fees and regulations change. These are the references we checked on 5 November 2026 — confirm current details with the official source before you travel.
