How to Get from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur (By Bus, Taxi)
Want to know how to get from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur?
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. I live in Nepal and getting from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur is pretty easy!
Bhaktapur is one of the best places to go for a day trip from Kathmandu. It is famous for its temples, well-preserved Newari architecture and Newari food.
The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the 7 World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley, so don’t miss it!
Bhaktapur is 14 km from Kathmandu and you can either take a public bus or taxi to get there. The bus takes around 1 hour from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur and costs Rs. 40. While, the taxi takes around 45 minutes and costs Rs. 1,000.
The two cities are connected by frequent public buses that leave from the Bhaktapur Bus Park (Bagbazaar, Kathmandu). The Bhaktapur Bus Park is about 10 minutes walking distance from Thamel, so if you are staying in Thamel, it is easy to reach.
How to Get from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur
Kathmandu to Bhaktapur Distance
Bhaktapur is 14 km away from Kathmandu and you can get there by public bus or taxi. The bus takes around 1 hour, while the taxi takes around 45 minutes to get from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur.
Kathmandu to Bhaktapur Bus
The public bus goes from the Bhaktapur Bus Park (Bagbazaar) in Kathmandu to Bhaktapur. The Bhaktapur Bus Park is near Thamel and if you are staying in Thamel, it takes around 10 minutes to walk there.
The bus journey from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur takes a bit over an 1 hour. There is no set timetable for the buses but they leave every 10-15 minutes so you can show up at the Bhaktapur Bus Park anytime.
The Bhaktapur Bus Park, by the way, is not really a big bus station. It is just a couple of buses in a small side street. So, once you get there, do not expect to find an actual bus park, more just like a couple of buses off the main road.
Kathmandu to Bhaktapur Bus Time
There is no set timetable for the buses going to Bhaktapur but they leave every 10-15 minutes. This means that you can show up at the Bhaktapur Bus Park anytime and you won’t have to wait long before a bus leaves for Bhaktapur.
The bus journey from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur takes about 1 hour.
Kathmandu to Bhaktapur Bus Fare
The bus ticket price from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur is Rs. 40.
Where Does the Bus Drop you in Bhaktapur?
The bus usually drops people near Siddha Pokhari (pond) in Bhaktapur. From here, it is about 5-10 minutes’ walk to the Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Kathmandu to Bhaktapur Taxi
As Bhaktapur is located close to Kathmandu, it is easy to take a taxi there. You can book a taxi through a ride sharing app or hail a regular taxi.
You will get the best prices if you book the taxi through Nepali taxi apps like Pathao or InDrive. There is no Uber in Nepal but Pathao and InDrive work just the same.
Pathao
InDrive
Kathmandu to Bhaktapur Taxi Time
It takes around 45 minutes to get from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur, however, it can take longer if the traffic is bad.
Kathmandu to Bhaktapur Taxi Fare
The price of the taxi from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur costs around Rs. 1,000 if you book it through Pathao or InDrive. If you hail a regular taxi, the price may be a bit more expensive.
Things to Do in Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is one of the best day trips from Kathmandu. The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the 7 World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley but there are so many other things to do!
Here are some of the best places to visit in Bhaktapur:
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Taumadhi Square
- Dattatreya Square
- Pottery Square + learn to make pottery!
Hotels in Bhaktapur
Many people visit Bhaktapur just for a day and return to Kathmandu by the evening. But Bhaktapur has so much more to offer and it is easy to spend 2-3 days there.
If you are looking for hotels in Bhaktapur, here are my top recommendations for every budget:
📍Hostel: Hostel Swastik
📍 Mid-Range Hotel: Hotel Rupakot and Rooftop Restaurant
📍 High-End Hotel: Mila Guesthouse Bhaktapur
Restaurants in Bhaktapur
If you get hungry, you can choose from many great restaurants in Bhaktapur. It is a great place to try Newari food but has many restaurants with western food as well:
- Newa Lahana – best Newari food (dishes to try: samay baji, choila)
- Alphabet Pizzeria – best pizza
- Amako Bara Pasal – best affordable Newari snacks (dish to try: bara)
- Must try dessert in Bhaktapur: Juju Dhau (King Curd)
Kathmandu Transport Guide
Looking for information about public buses in and around Kathmandu? Check out my Kathmandu transport guides:
- How to Get Around by Public Transport in Kathmandu
- Best Taxi Apps in Kathmandu
- How to Get from Kathmandu to Patan
- How to Get from Kathmandu to Nagarkot
- How to Get from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel
- How to Get from Bhaktapur to Dhulikhel
- How to Get from Kathmandu to Chandragiri
- How to Get from Kathmandu to Godawari
FAQs: How to Get from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur
How to get to Bhaktapur?
Bhaktapur is close to Kathmandu and the best way to get to Bhaktapur is either by taking a bus or a taxi. The bus costs Rs. 40 and takes a bit over an hour, while the taxi costs Rs. 1,000 and gets to Bhaktapur in around 45 minutes.
How many kilometres away is Bhaktapur from Kathmandu?
Bhaktapur is 14 km away from Kathmandu and can be reached easily by public transport or by taking a taxi.
How much is the taxi from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur?
The taxi costs around Rs. 1,000 from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur if you book through Nepali taxi apps such as Pathao or InDrive.
If you hail a regular taxi, the prices may be a bit higher.
How far is Bhaktapur from Kathmandu by bus?
Bhaktapur is 14 km from Kathmandu and it takes a bit over an hour to get there by bus. It may take a bit longer if the traffic is bad.
How much is the bus fare from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur?
The price of the bus ticket from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur is Rs. 40.
How far is Bhaktapur from the airport?
Bhaktapur is 11 km from the Kathmandu Airport (Tribhuvan International Airport). There are many taxis at the airport so if you plan to go straight to Bhaktapur, you will easily find a taxi.
The price of the taxi from the Kathmandu Airport to Bhaktapur is around Rs. 800. The taxis are usually a bit more expensive at the airport but if you walk outside the airport area, you can get a taxi for Rs. 800.
How do I get from Patan to Bhaktapur?
Patan is 13 km from Bhaktapur and you can take a taxi or public transport between the two places.
If you go by public transport, first, you have to take a bus/minivan from Patan to Maitighar. Then, once in Maitighar, change to another bus going to Bhaktapur.
If you take a taxi, the taxi costs around Rs. 900 from Patan to Bhaktapur.
Is Bhaktapur worth visiting?
Yes, Bhaktapur is definitely worth visiting! Bhaktapur is located close to Kathmandu and you can get there in about 1 hour.
Bhaktapur is is famous for its temples, well-preserved Newari architecture and Newari food. The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the 7 World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley and is a must-see attraction.
Some of the best places to visit in Bhaktapur include the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square and the Pottery Square. If you are looking for activities in Bhaktapur, you can sign up for pottery and thangka painting classes.
What is Bhaktapur famous for?
Bhaktapur is famous for its temples, Newari architecture, Newari food (including the popular juju dhau) and pottery making.
Bhaktapur used to be a Newari settlement so it is a great place to see Newari architecture (houses with wood carved windows and red bricks), as well as trying Newari food. Some of the most popular Newari food to try are samay baji, bara, choila and juju dhau (which is like a sweet yogurt).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bhaktapur is located close to Kathmandu so it is very easy to get there. The two cities are connected by frequent public bus services.
Bhaktapur is 14 km from Kathmandu and you can either take a public bus or taxi to get there. The bus takes around 1 hour from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur and costs Rs. 40. The taxi takes around 45 minutes and costs Rs. 1,000.
If you want to take a taxi to Bhaktapur, you can either hail a regular taxi or book one through taxi apps like Pathao or InDrive. You get the best prices through the taxi apps and if you hail a taxi, it tends to be a bit more expensive.