How to Travel from Kathmandu / Pokhara to Chitwan?

Key Highlights

• - Depending on your budget, comfort and available time, you can travel to Chitwan by tourist bus, private car or domestic flight to Bharatpur Airport.

• - The best way to reach Chitwan depends on your priorities. Tourist buses are generally the cheapest; private cars offer greater flexibility, and flights to Bharatpur are the fastest. From Bharatpur Airport, Sauraha is approximately 17–18 km away by road.

• - The road journey from Kathmandu to Chitwan typically takes 5–7 hours, and from Pokhara to Chitwan, it takes approximately 5–8 hours. Flights reduce travel time to just 20–25 minutes.

• - Check the location of your hotel in Chitwan before booking a travel package as it has Sauraha, Bharatpur, Patihani, Tandi, Ratnanagar.

• - Tourist buses are great for those on a budget, while private vehicles allow for direct transfers to the hotel and more flexibility for families and groups.

• - Sauraha is approximately 18 km from the airport and there are available taxi services and hotel transfers to continue the journey.

• - Plan for extra travel time, road conditions, and transfers and schedule of travel early during busy travel periods and festivals.

You can reach Chitwan from Kathmandu or Pokhara by tourist bus, private car, or domestic flight to Bharatpur. This depends on your budget, the amount of time you have to spend, your comfort level, and where you want to go when you're in Chitwan.

It will depend on your budget and time available. Buses are generally the most affordable; private cars offer door-to-door convenience, and flights to Bharatpur Airport (BHR) are the fastest way to reach the Chitwan area.

For travelers visiting Chitwan National Park, remember that “Chitwan” covers a wider area. Your destination could be Sauraha, Bharatpur, Patihani or another part of the district, so check the exact location of your hotel before booking transport.

The exact distance depends on your destination within the Chitwan.

Chitwan National Park is approximately 160 km from Kathmandu by road, while Sauraha is about 18 km from Bharatpur Airport.

The road distance from Pokhara to Sauraha is approximately 150 km, although the actual route and distance can vary according to your starting and ending points.

Route

Approx. distance

Typical road time

Kathmandu → Chitwan

Around 160 km

5–7 hours

Pokhara → Sauraha

Around 150 km

5–8 hours

Bharatpur Airport → Sauraha

Around 18 km

About 30–45 minutes

Road travel times are estimated. Travel can take longer due to traffic, weather, road, and stops.

How Do You Travel from Kathmandu to Chitwan?

To get to Chitwan from Kathmandu, use a tourist bus, private car or domestic flight. Buses are generally the cheapest option; private cars offer the most flexibility, and flights to Bharatpur are the fastest.

Option

Approx. time

Cost guide

Best for

Tourist/deluxe bus

5–7 hours

NPR 500–1,500+

Budget travelers

Private car

4–6 hours

NPR 12,000–20,000+ per vehicle

Families & groups

Flight to Bharatpur

25 min flight

Dynamic fare

Time-conscious travelers

Kathmandu to Chitwan by Tourist Bus

Budget travelers will typically prefer the bus from Kathmandu to Chitwan.

The updated BusSewa Information shows the standard, tourist, deluxe, VIP and sofa buses with fares from around NPR 500 to NPR 1,500+ depending on the bus type and operator. Check current Kathmandu–Chitwan bus fares accordingly and plan your trip.

The service normally lasts 5–7 hours, but this may vary depending on the road conditions. The buses can drop you at Sauraha, Bharatpur, Tandi and Ratnanagar, so it is better to check your drop off point before booking the bus.

Tip: Book your bus in advance during busy periods such as major festivals, weekends and peak tourist months.

Kathmandu to Chitwan by Private Car

If you prefer private car and hotel-to-hotel transfers, then this might be your best choice.

Quotes for private trans are typically around NPR 12,000, and may reach NPR 20,000 or more, depending on the vehicle and service. Depending on road conditions, allow about 4-6 hours.

A private car is particularly convenient for:

• - Families with children

• - Couples or small groups

• - Passengers who have large suitcases

• - Guests with fixed safari or check-in times

Check if fuel, driver, tolls and waiting time are covered before booking.

Kathmandu to Bharatpur by Flight

Flying is the fastest way to travel from Kathmandu to Chitwan.

Buddha Air currently lists Kathmandu–Bharatpur as a 25-minute flight route. The airline suggests passengers arrive at the airport 1 hour prior to their flights, and travel times may vary.

Though it is good for speed, take note that your journey does not end at Bharatpur Airport. You still need a road transfer to Sauraha, Patihani or your hotel.

Buddha Air flights are now available through the Soaltee Heritage Club App, so be sure to check the app when planning your flight.

How Do You Travel from Pokhara to Chitwan?

Travelers going from Pokhara to Chitwan can choose between a tourist bus, private car or direct flight to Bharatpur.

Option

Approx. time

Cost guide

Best for

Tourist/deluxe bus

5–8 hours

Varies by operator

Budget travelers

Private car

Around 5 hours

From about NPR 12,000

Families & groups

Flight to Bharatpur

20 min flight

Dynamic fare

Fastest option

Pokhara to Chitwan by Tourist Bus

The Pokhara to Chitwan bus is an affordable option for travelers who prefer to travel overland.

Tourist buses are available from Pokhara to Sauraha, with the journey generally taking around 5–8 hours, depending on the bus service, traffic and road conditions. Most services depart in the morning, making it possible to reach Sauraha by afternoon.

Fares vary by operator and seat type, so check the current fare and destination before booking.

Pokhara to Chitwan by Private Car

A private car offers more flexibility, and you can hire a private car from your hotel in Pokhara to your hotel in Chitwan.

It is approximately 150 km, and private car hire can be from NPR 12,000, depending on the type of cars hired. Please give more time for traffic and road conditions.

With families and smaller groups, it may pay to rent a private car instead of purchasing multiple bus tickets.

Pokhara to Bharatpur by Flight

Buddha Air operates the direct Pokhara–Bharatpur route, with a flight time of approximately 20 minutes. Departure time may change; please refer to the latest flight schedule of the airline before booking.

This is a good route for travelers with little time to spare, and the bus or private car may be more convenient if the flight is not part of the itinerary.

Bharatpur Airport is an important gateway for travelers visiting Chitwan.

Sauraha is approximately 18 km from Bharatpur Airport, with the journey taking around 20–45 minutes by road, depending on traffic and road conditions.

After landing, you can continue by:

• - Pre-arranged hotel or resort transfer: easiest with luggage.

• - Taxi: for those travelling independently.

• - Local transport: less convenient but cheaper

If you are staying at a hotel away from Sauraha, check the distance with the hotel before you book your transfer from the airport.

There isn't one right answer.

If it is mainly about the price, select the bus.

If flexibility, comfort, and direct drop off to the hotel is desired, then opt for a private car.

If you have limited time, take a flight to get to Chitwan.

For travelers following a Nepal circuit, both routes work well:

Kathmandu → Chitwan → Pokhara

or

Kathmandu → Pokhara → Chitwan

Your itinerary, flight schedule, and available time should determine which order works best.

Confirm your drop off location.

“Chitwan” can refer to several destinations. Sauraha, Bharatpur, Tandi, and Patihani are different locations, so check the final destination before purchasing a bus ticket.

Leave Extra Time for Road Travel

Never take a safari right after a long road trip. Vehicles may take longer than stated times due to traffic, weather, and road conditions.

Check Flight Information Before Departure

Domestic flights may be subject to change. Buddha Air recommends checking current flight information and arriving at the airport in advance.

Book ahead in peak travel period

During festive seasons and peak tourist times, bus and flight services may be limited and expensive. If you already have a hotel or safari reservation, it is especially beneficial to book in advance.

If you like a luxury resort away from the busiest part of Sauraha, then Soaltee Westend Resort Chitwan located in Bharatpur-22 on the western part of the Chitwan National Park will be a perfect choice for you.

The resort currently offers 40 Deluxe Rooms, 10 Executive Villas and 2 Presidential Villas, along with dining, spa, pool and event facilities. Soaltee calls it a 5-star resort nestled in the natural environment of Chitwan.

Soaltee Westend Resort Chitwan is located around 10-15 km west of Sauraha and offers a more relaxed alternative to the more popular tourist hub and is conveniently located near the Chitwan National Park.

For more ideas about safari experiences and what to do after arriving, explore Soaltee's Chitwan National Park Safari Guide.

For first-time visitors, Best Things to Do in Chitwan for First-Time Visitors covers top wildlife experiences, cultural attractions, and essential travel tips.

Route

Transport

Time

Cost

Kathmandu → Chitwan

Bus

5–7 hrs

NPR 500–1,500+

Kathmandu → Chitwan

Private car

4–6 hrs

NPR 12,000–20,000+

Kathmandu → Bharatpur

Flight

25 min

Dynamic

Pokhara → Chitwan

Bus

5–8 hrs

Varies

Pokhara → Chitwan

Private car

Around 5 hrs

From NPR 12,000

Pokhara → Bharatpur

Flight

20 min

Dynamic

Fares are indicative and can change according to operator, travel date, season and availability. Please check the relevant transport company before booking.

Planning your transport around your hotel location and safari schedule will make the journey much easier, whether you decide on the scenic road drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan, an overland journey from Pokhara to Chitwan or a flight to Bharatpur.

Which is better: Kathmandu to Chitwan by bus or flight?

The bus is better for budget travellers, while flying is better if you want to save time. The private car is the best option for small families and groups.

If you prefer a more relaxed, luxurious experience close to the national park, choose Soaltee Westend Resort Chitwan. For more destination guides and travel inspiration across Nepal, you can also check out our Blogs.

Transport fares, schedules, and travel times can change. Please check the latest prices and availability directly with the respective transport service before traveling.

1. What is the cheapest way to travel form Kathmandu to Chitwan?

Traveling by bus is generally the cheapest way to get from Kathmandu to Chitwan. Information on current BusSewa rates shows normal bus fare rates of NPR 500 – 700 and the tourist, deluxe, VIP and sofa bus rates vary accordingly with the operator and service level.

2. What is the fastest way to reach Chitwan?

Flying from Kathmandu to Bharatpur is the fastest way to reach the Chitwan area. The Kathmandu–Bharatpur flight is about 25 minutes but still you need road transfer from Bharatpur Airport to the end point like Sauraha.

3. Is there a direct flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur?

Yes. There are direct flights from Kathmandu to Bharatpur Airport. Buddha Air currently lists the Kathmandu–Bharatpur route with a flight time of approximately 25 minutes. Flight schedules can change, so check the latest schedule before booking.

4. Is there a direct flight from Pokhara to Bharatpur?

Yes. There is a direct Pokhara–Bharatpur flight. Buddha Air currently lists one daily flight on this route, with a flight time of approximately 20 minutes. The departure time is subject to change.

5. How far is Bharatpur Airport from Sauraha?

Sauraha is 17-18 km from Bharatpur Airport on the road. The transfer will take about 20-45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions, and the type of vehicle being used.

6. Which is better for families: bus or private car?

Families typically prefer a private car, as it allows door-to-door service, flexibility of stops and direct transfer to the hotel. Generally, a bus is the better option if the family is looking for a lower travel cost; a private car is better if travelling with children or a fixed safari itinerary or loads and luggage.

7. How long does Kathmandu to Chitwan take by bus?

The bus ride between Kathmandu and Chitwan typically takes 5-7 hours depending on traffic, road conditions and stops

8. How long does Pokhara to Chitwan take?

The route from Pokhara to Chitwan by tourist bus takes approximately 5 to 8 hours on average depending on the route and traffic along with road conditions.

9. Where do Chitwan tourist buses usually drop passengers?

The tourist buses running from Kathmandu to Chitwan typically stop at Bharatpur, Tandi and Ratnanagar, then go to Sauraha. As “Chitwan” is a larger area, please consult the exact drop off point of the bus before making your booking particularly if your hotel is situated outside Sauraha.

10. Should I stay in Sauraha or another part of Chitwan?

Sauraha is a convenient choice for travelers focused on jungle safaris and wildlife activities, while other parts of Chitwan can offer a quieter resort experience. The best location depends on your hotel, planned activities, safari schedule and preferred travel experience.