Nepal travel
Kathmandu to Chitwan: Bus, Flight or Private Car?
How to get from Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park — tourist bus to Sauraha, the short flight to Bharatpur, or a private car — with journey times, tips and what we arrange for you.
By Shiva GiriPublished 5 min readFacts checked
Chitwan National Park, Nepal's best-known wildlife park and home to one-horned rhinos, lies in the lowland Terai south-west of Kathmandu. Most visitors stay in Sauraha, the village on the park's northern edge. The road distance is roughly 150–170 km, and there are three ways to make the trip.
| Option | Typical time | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist bus to Sauraha | 5–6 hours, longer with roadworks or monsoon landslides | Budget travellers, solo trips |
| Flight to Bharatpur | 20–25 minutes in the air, then 20–45 minutes by road to Sauraha | Short trips, saving half a day |
| Private car or jeep | About 5 hours, stopping when you like | Families, groups, door-to-door comfort |
Tourist bus
Tourist buses leave early in the morning — usually between 06:30 and 07:00 — from the Sorhakhutte tourist bus park near Thamel. The route follows the Trishuli river through the hills before dropping to the plains, with stops for breakfast and lunch. It is the cheapest option and the river scenery is beautiful, but the highway is busy and times vary with traffic and road works.
Staying with us before you go? We book your ticket, give you an early breakfast and arrange a taxi to the bus park, so you only need to set an alarm.
Flying to Bharatpur
Domestic airlines fly from Kathmandu to Bharatpur, the nearest airport to the park, in about 20–25 minutes. From Bharatpur it is a short drive to Sauraha. Flying saves time and avoids the highway, but allow for the transfer to the domestic terminal, check-in, and occasional weather delays — fog can affect morning flights in winter.
Private car
A private car picks you up at the door of the homestay and drops you at your safari lodge, with stops wherever you want them. For families with luggage and small children, or a group of four, it is often the most comfortable choice and the cost per person comes down quickly.
Tips for the journey
- Sit on the left side of the bus heading south for the best views of the Trishuli river.
- Carry snacks, water and motion-sickness tablets if you are prone to car sickness — the hill section is winding.
- October to March is the most comfortable time to visit Chitwan; the Terai is hot from April and very wet in the monsoon.
- Leave heavy bags at the homestay if you are coming back to Kathmandu afterwards — you only need a few days' clothes for a safari.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Kathmandu to Chitwan?
About 5–6 hours by tourist bus or private car, depending on traffic and road conditions, or 20–25 minutes by air to Bharatpur plus a short drive to Sauraha.
Where do Chitwan tourist buses leave from in Kathmandu?
Mostly from the Sorhakhutte tourist bus park near Thamel, early in the morning. If you stay with us we book the ticket and arrange the taxi there.
Is it better to fly or take the bus to Chitwan?
The bus is cheaper and scenic; the flight saves half a day and is easier if you get car sick. Many travellers take the bus one way and fly back.
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.
