Public Bus Routes in Kathmandu: How to Get Around
Are you looking for information on the public bus routes in Kathmandu?
You’ve come to the right place. I have been visiting and periodically living in Nepal since 2015 and during this time I got to learn how to use the public transport in Kathmandu.
So, here is everything you need to know on how to get around Kathmandu.
The public transport in Kathmandu can first seem a little bit chaotic. There is little information online on the bus routes, there are very few actual bus stops and there is no bus schedule available.
Locals know all the routes but it may be a bit more challenging for foreigners visiting Kathmandu.
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Modes of Transport in Kathmandu
There are 3 main modes of public transportation in Kathmandu: buses, micro bus/minivan and tempo. There are no underground systems, trains or trams.
This means that in the rush hour there is usually big traffic jams, and there is no underground metro system to quickly get you from one place to the next.
I did read that there used to be a trolley bus system in Kathmandu between 1975 – 2008 but it’s been closed down for good.
Buses in Kathmandu
Minivans in Kathmandu
Tempo in Kathmandu
Map of Public Bus Routes in Kathmandu
It is nearly impossible to find a complete map of the public transport system of Kathmandu.
The only map I have been able to find shows some of the major routes, although still many routes are missing. It is even hard to read it but this map is good to get an understanding on some of the bus routes in Kathmandu.
This map shows the major routes going through Ratna Park (bus station in central Kathmandu) and the bus routes going on the Ring Road.
It is not a complete map but gives a visual idea of the bus routes of Kathmandu.
Kathmandu Bus Routes
I came to understand that mainly there are two major routes important to know to be able to get around Kathmandu. One is if you take the bus on the Ring Road and the other is from Ratna Park.
Bus Routes on the Ring Road
The Ring Road goes around Kathmandu in a circle. It is a good option to take buses on the Ring Road if both your departure and arrival points are near the Ring Road.
The good thing about taking the bus on the Ring Road is that in most cases you can take a direct bus from your point of departure to the destination without changing buses.
However, if your destination is quite far on the Ring Road, it may be faster to first go to the city centre of Kathmandu and change to an another bus at Ratna Park.
Bus Routes from Ratna Park
The Ratna Park bus station is in central Kathmandu. Basically, most of the buses going from north to south, south to north, east to west or west to east of the city pass by here.
Usually, it is also a spot where you will most likely have to change buses. Ratna Park is also near Thamel, so if you are staying in Thamel, you can walk to Ratna Park in about 10-15 minutes and take the bus from there (e.g. to Patan).
Kathmandu Bus Route Planner: Baato Maps
There is a Nepali mobile app, Baato Maps, which can be used as a route planner for buses in Kathmandu.
Although, there is no bus schedule and the buses are not numbered, this route planner is useful to show the route and the approximate location on where to get on and off the bus.
Once you select the destination, the app will show 1-2 options to your destination.
Bus Fare in Kathmandu
The general bus fare in Kathmandu is Rs. 25/trip. The fare is calculated per km but the general trip cost is usually Rs. 25 in Kathmandu.
There is a helper/ticket conductor on every bus who collects the bus fare at the end of the journey.
Try to have the exact change or small amount of bank notes when paying for the bus fare. The bus helpers usually have a stack of change in their hands but I would still recommend to have the exact amount of cash.
As of 2024, the following bus fare is applied in Kathmandu:
- 0 – 5 km: Rs. 20
- 0 – 10 km: Rs. 25
- 0 – 15 km: Rs. 30
- 0 – 20 km: Rs. 35
- + 20 km: Rs. 40
Some examples of bus fare in Kathmandu:
- Ratna Park to Patan: Rs. 25
- Jamal Road to Boudanath Stupa: Rs. 25
- Jamal Road to Pashupatinath Temple: Rs. 25
Public Bus Routes to Popular Sites in Kathmandu
Kathmandu to Patan Durbar Square
Route: Thamel → walk to Ratna Park → take bus/minivan from Ratna Park to Patan (assuming you are staying in Thamel)
Bus Fare from Ratna Park to Patan: Rs. 25
To get to Patan, first you will have to walk from Thamel to Ratna Park. It is nearby and you can get there in about 10 minutes’ walk. You will find here the minivans and buses going from Ratna Park down to Patan.
Ask the helper/ticket conductor to drop you off at Labim Mall. It is a popular stop so lots of other people will be getting off here. From Labim Mall, it takes about 10 minutes’ walk to reach the Patan Durbar Square.
Thamel to Pashupatinath Temple
Route: Thamel → walk to Jamal Road → take bus/minivan to Gaushala → walk to Pashupatinath Temple (assuming you are staying in Thamel)
Bus Fare from Jamal to Pashupatinath Temple: Rs. 25
To get to the Pashupatinath Temple from Thamel by public transport, you will have to go to Jamal Road. Jamal is pretty close to Thamel (next to Ratna Park) and you can get there in less than 10 minutes’ walk.
From Jamal, you will have to take the buses/minivans that are going to Gaushala. Sometimes, the buses/minivans just pass by Jamal slowly and the ticket conductor on the minivan is calling out “Gaushala” as it passes by.
If you are not sure, just ask people around and they will point you to the right bus/minivan (or ask any minivans passing by if they go to Pashupatinath Temple).
Once you get to the junction at Gaushala, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the Pashupatinath Temple.
Kathmandu to Bhaktapur
Check out here my guide on how to get from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur by bus or taxi.
Advice on Taking Public Transport in Kathmandu
How to Locate the Bus Stop/Hail a Bus
In many cases, there is no actual bus stop, the only way you will be able to tell the place of a bus stop is that you will see people standing in one particular spot.
To be honest, generally, you can just hail a bus anywhere and they will slow down for you. When the bus slows down, you can ask the bus helper if the bus is going towards your destination.
Safety on the Bus
It is also important to look out for your wallet and valuables on the bus. In rush hour, the buses can get extremely crowded and it is an easy environment for pickpockets.
Although, I have never had any problems on the buses, some of my Nepali friends have told me stories of how their valuables were stolen on the bus. So, definitely good to be on the safe side.
Paying for the Bus Fare in Kathmandu
The bus fare in Kathmandu is very cheap. It has a ‘pay as go’ system, there is no option to buy a monthly ticket.
Be careful when you are paying for the bus fare at the end of the journey. Some of the ticket conductors may try to rip off foreigners.
To be honest, a bus fare in Kathmandu should cost max Rs. 30 wherever you are going. If you only go a short distance, just hand Rs. 25 to the ticket conductor at the end of your trip.
Taking the Taxi in Kathmandu
Taking the taxi (car or motorbike) can be very convenient and quick in Kathmandu.
In the past few years, many taxi apps have become popular in Kathmandu.
There is no Uber, Grab or Ola in Kathmandu but the Nepali ridesharing apps (Pathao, inDrive, Taximandu) work just the same.
Using the taxi apps is great to reduce the hassle of being overcharged or having to bargain for the taxi price.
How to order the taxi through taxi apps in Nepal
When setting the pick up location, sometimes it is easier to set the location near a landmark (restaurant or shop) but the driver should find you either way based on the map.
The drivers usually call you to confirm the pick up location. They usually ask in Nepali where you are. Not all the drivers can speak English, so if you don’t understand what they say, just keep repeating “I’m at the pick up location”. They always understand that and will come to your location.
After you confirm your pick up location on the phone call, you can follow how far the driver is on the map in the app.
It is good to have smaller notes/exact amount to pay for the taxi as often the taxi driver will not be able to give you back change.
Pathao
inDrive
Taximandu
FAQ: Public Bus Routes in Kathmandu
Is there public transport in Kathmandu?
Yes, there is public transport in Kathmandu. The three main modes of transport in Kathmandu are: buses, minivans and tempo. The tempo is slightly similar to a tuktuk but with different set up).
How to travel locally in Kathmandu?
You can travel in different ways in Kathmandu. If you are only visiting for a short time, getting a taxi through ride sharing apps (Pathao, InDrive) is the easiest option. Price of taxi is around Rs. 300-600 within Kathmandu.
If you are staying longer in Kathmandu, it may also be worth it to learn how to take the public bus. The price of public bus is Rs. 25/trip.
What is the best mode of travel in Kathmandu?
I would say, the best mode of travel in Kathmandu is the one that you are the most comfortable with.
The buses are super cheap but can get crowded in the rush hour. It is also difficult to figure out the bus routes if you are only staying in Kathmandu for a few days.
The taxis are more comfortable but a bit more expensive than the bus. Still, the taxis in Kathmandu are cheaper than it would be for example in Europe. You can also select the motorbike taxi which is around Rs. 120 per trip (depending on where you’re going).
How much is the bus fare in Kathmandu?
The bus fare in Kathmandu is generally Rs. 25. The fare is based on the distance (km) that you travel. Up to 10 km, the fare in Rs. 25 and generally most destinations in Kathmandu are within this category.
Are there any websites/apps that can provide information about bus routes in Kathmandu?
No, there are not any websites where you can check the bus routes in Kathmandu. However, there are some Nepali mobile apps that show the approximate bus routes.
Check out Baato Maps (Google Play, Apple Store) which is an app that works as a bus route planner in Kathmandu. It will show 1-2 options for the bus route.
It does not mark the actual bus stop, but if you hail a bus on the road the map shows, you will be able to find the correct bus.
Is there a timetable for buses in Kathmandu?
No, there is not an official timetable for buses in Kathmandu. However, the buses go very frequently, every 5-10 minutes, so you never have to wait too long.
Sometimes, the buses will wait a little bit until the bus fills up but it does not take too long.
Conclusion
In conclusion, at first the traffic might seem chaotic in Kathmandu but once you spend some time in town, you’ll get used to it.
The main modes of transport include buses, minivans and tempo. It can be difficult to figure out the bus routes in Kathmandu and if you are only staying for a short time, taking the taxi might be an easier and faster option.
If you stay in Kathmandu for a longer time, taking the bus sometimes can be a good way to travel. If you are unsure about the bus stop or bus route, you can always ask people and they will point you in the right direction.
