How to Travel from Kathmandu to Chitwan (Bus, Flights)
Planning a trip from Kathmandu to Chitwan?
Chitwan is a popular destination to go on jungle safaris and spot elephants and rhinos. If you are not sure how to get there, here is all the information you need to know.
Chitwan is 150 km from Kathmandu and you can either go by bus or plane. The main tourist town near Chitwan National Park is called Sauraha, and that’s where all the travellers stay.
You can get to Sauraha either by taking a bus or a flight from Kathmandu.
The tourist bus takes around 8 hours and costs between Rs. 850-1,200. While, the flights from Kathmandu to Bharatpur take 25 minutes and cost USD 120 for foreigners.
Looking for activities in Chitwan? Check out the best things to do in Chitwan.
How to Travel from Kathmandu to Chitwan
Browsing Bus Tickets Online in Nepal
If you want to browse buses, check out BusSewa.com. It is not possible to buy tickets there with an international bank card but you can still check the bus schedule and prices to get an idea.
If you stay long-term in Nepal, check out how to set up eSewa and book a bus ticket online in Nepal. eSewa is a Nepali app used to book tickets, and pay for hotel and restaurant bills.
How to Buy the Tourist Bus Ticket Going to Chitwan
Travel Agency in Thamel: There are many travel agencies in Thamel selling tourist bus tickets. It is quick and easy to buy the ticket through an agency, though usually they will charge a higher price (as they also add commission fees to the price).
Through your hostel/hotel: You can ask at the reception of your hotel/hostel if they can help getting you a bus ticket. Usually they are able to arrange it for you.
eSewa App: eSewa (Apple Store, Google Play) is an online mobile app that can be used for buying bus tickets online. Buying the bus ticket on eSewa is the cheapest and quickest as you can buy it anywhere, anytime. Read my step-by-step guide on how to set up eSewa and book a bus ticket online.
Kathmandu to Chitwan Bus Ticket Price
The bus ticket price is between Rs. 850 – 1,200 from Kathmandu to Sauraha.
Where to Get on the Bus in Kathmandu
The buses leave from the Tourist Bus Stop in Sorhakhutte (see on map). The Sorhakhutte bus stop is located only about 5 minutes’ walk from Thamel, so it can be reached easily for those staying in Thamel.
Other stops in KTM: The tourist buses generally also stop in other locations in Kathmandu to pick up passengers after leaving Sorhakhutte. Bus stops: Balaju (Bhat Bhateni), Swoyambhu, Kalanki.
Kathmandu to Chitwan Bus Schedule
All the buses to Sauraha, Chitwan leave between 6:30-7 am. It is recommended to arrive at the bus stop 30 minutes before the departure time.
Kathmandu to Chitwan Distance
By Bus
Sauraha/Chitwan National Park is 150 km from Kathmandu and it takes about 8 hours to get there by bus. The bus also stops along the way for lunch and toilet breaks. The final stop is at the Tourist Bus Station, Sauraha (see map).
What the Tourist Bus is Like in Nepal
Usually, most tourist buses will have an AC or fans and be on during the hotter months. The seats are more comfortable than on the local bus and they usually give a free 1L bottled water to passengers.
How to Travel from Kathmandu to Chitwan by Plane
The closest airport to Chitwan National Park is the one in Bharatpur. There are daily, regular flights between Kathmandu and Bharatpur so it is easy to take a flight there. The flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur costs USD 120 for foreigners.
Once you arrive in Bharatpur, there are local buses that go from Bharatpur to Sauraha. The local bus takes around 1 hour to get to Sauraha.
Kathmandu to Chitwan Flight Time
The plane is very fast, it only takes 25 minutes to get from Kathmandu to Bharatpur. Once you arrive in Bharatpur, you can get a local bus to take you to Sauraha. The local bus will take around 1 hour to get from Bharatpur to Sauraha.
How to Buy Plane Tickets in Nepal
Buddha Air is one of Nepal’s more trusted airlines. Check out Buddha Air’s website for prices and booking tickets.
FAQ: How to Travel from Kathmandu to Chitwan
How do I go from Kathmandu to Sauraha/Chitwan National Park?
You have two options to go from Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park. You can either take a bus or go by plane.
Both the buses and flights operate daily, on a regular schedule. The buses are a more affordable way to travel however, they take about 8 hours.
The closest airport to Chitwan is the Bharatpur Airport. The flight is quick and only takes 25 minutes to Bharatpur. Once you get to Bharatpur, you can take a local bus to Sauraha which takes about 1 hour.
How long is the bus from Kathmandu to Chitwan?
The bus takes about 8 hours to get from Kathmandu to Chitwan. The highway has been under construction for years so it could be that it takes slightly longer. Generally, 8 hours seem to be the average bus journey time.
How many kilometres from Kathmandu to Chitwan?
Chitwan is 150 kilometres from Kathmandu by road.
How much is the bus ticket for Sauraha, Chitwan?
The bus ticket from Kathmandu to Sauraha/Chitwan costs between Rs. 850-1,200. The more expensive ticket you buy, the more comfortable the seats are.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, you can get from Kathmandu to Chitwan either by bus or plane. The tourist buses and planes leave daily on a frequent schedule.
The buses take on average 8 hours to get to Sauraha and cost Rs 850-1,200.
The flights take 25 minutes to Bharatpur and costs USD 120 for foreigners. From Bharatpur, you can catch a local bus to Sauraha which takes about 1 hour to get there.
