Is There Uber in Nepal? Best Alternative Taxi Apps (2026)
I remember the days when there were no taxi apps in Nepal and if you wanted to take a taxi, you had to bargain hard as no drivers wanted to go on the meter. There was never Uber in Nepal, but similar taxi apps began operating a few years ago.
Honestly, the start of taxi apps were such a relief, especially in Kathmandu, as finally, you could book taxis and pay the actual fare without any hassle. My favourite taxi app in Nepal is Pathao, but there are other apps as well, such as InDrive.
After you download the apps, they work just like Uber: you can select the pick-up and drop-off location, and track the taxi on the in-app map. They are reliable and an affordable way to get around Kathmandu. Just don’t take the motorbike taxi if you find the Kathmandu traffic overwhelming!
NEPAL TRIP ESSENTIALS
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Is There Uber in Nepal?
There is no Uber in Nepal but there are other taxi apps in Nepal that work the same. The two best apps are Pathao and InDrive. They are good price, and the great thing about them is that the price is fixed – so no need to bargain.
I remember when I first visited Nepal 10 years ago, there were no taxi apps, and the only taxis available were the regular taxis you had to hail. They didn’t want to go on the meter and always quoted higher prices, so you had to bargain hard to get the actual price.
Since the taxi apps were introduced in Nepal, the price on the apps are much better and it is fixed, so once you order the taxi on the app, you don’t have to bargain.
The taxi apps make it easy to book a taxi in Nepal, you just need a Nepali SIM and install one of the taxi apps. After you install the app, booking a taxi is the same like on Uber. You can select the pick-up and drop-off location, and track the taxi.
My Favourite Taxi Apps in Nepal
I usually use Pathao, but lots of my friends like InDrive as it has lower prices. I have had better experience on Pathao, so I continue to use that.
Pathao
- Available: Major cities in Nepal (including Kathmandu and Pokhara)
- Pathao on Google Play, Pathao on the Apple Store
Pathao is my favourite taxi app in Nepal and it works in major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. I always use Pathao when I book taxis in Kathmandu.
When I am in Pokhara, then I tend to use InDrive. InDrive started operating in Pokhara way before Pathao, and I find that due to that, InDrive has more drivers in Pokhara and it is faster to get a taxi.
InDrive
- Available: Kathmandu, Pokhara
- InDrive on Google Play, InDrive on the Apple Store
Overall, InDrive is my second choice for booking taxis in Nepal. InDrive has better prices than Pathao but I have had some issues with it.
Many times when I book InDrive, the driver asks for more money at the end of the trip which is not fair as the price is already fixed. I always pay some tips at the end, but some of the drivers on InDrive are not asking for a tip, they are asking for double the fare.
My Nepali friends don’t have this experience with InDrive, so maybe it’s just with foreigners, but the Pathao drivers never ask for more than the actual fare even though I am a foreigner.
Other Apps: Tootle and Taximandu
Tootle and Taximandu are also an option for booking taxis in Nepal. I usually don’t use them that much but I have their apps on my phone just in case.
A couple of years ago, Tootle was the first and only taxi app in Kathmandu which was great back then. Taking a taxi in Kathmandu became so much easier with the start of Tootle.
Due to competition from Pathao and InDrive, Tootle struggled and stopped operations temporarily. Then, even though it restarted, Pathao and InDrive keep being the most popular ride-sharing apps in Nepal.
Types of Taxi in Nepal
Nepal has the regular car taxis but motorbike taxis are also very popular. The traffic is very busy and chaotic in Kathmandu, and it is more dangerous to take motorbike taxis.
On the taxi apps, you can book both car or motorbike taxis, depending on your preference.
If you are in a hurry, you can also just hail a regular taxi, but it may be a bit more expensive than if you had booked it through an app.
In the southern part of Nepal close to India, they also have tuktuk taxis. I used them in Janakpur and Bardia but they were not on a taxi app, you just had to hail them.
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What is the Taxi Price in Nepal?
Taxis are very affordable in Nepal as opposed to taking taxis in Europe for example.
The prices vary whether you book the taxi through an app or whether you hail a regular taxi on the spot. The cheapest option is to book a taxi through one of the taxi apps. If you hail a taxi, you will be quoted a higher price so you may have to bargain a little bit.
Taxi Fare in Kathmandu
The usual taxi fare in Kathmandu is around Rs. 400-500 (USD 3-3.50) depending on the distance you go. Generally, the following taxi prices are valid:
- Motorbike Taxi: Rs. 100-200 (USD 1)
- Taxi (car) through mobile apps: Rs. 400-500 (USD 3-3.50)
- Taxi (car) if you just hail: over Rs. 600 (USD 4)
Tips for Taking Taxis in Nepal
Have the Exact Amount of Cash
The taxi drivers most often do not have change with them so it is best if you have the exact amount of cash. In case they don’t have change, then you’ll not get it back. You can tip some extra if you want.
Get a Nepali SIM
To book taxis through the taxi apps, you need to get a Nepali SIM card. You can get one at the airport after you arrive or at one of the shops in Thamel.
I recommend getting a SIM by Nepal Telecom as they have better coverage in the mountains (good if you also plan to go trekking). There is also an option to get an eSIM by HolaFly, their eSIM is with Nepal Telecom, so you can install it right when you arrive in Nepal.
You May Have to Bargain if You Hail a Regular Taxi
When you order a taxi through one of the Nepali taxi apps, the price is fixed. In case you hail a regular taxi on the street, then the price is a bit higher and practically depends on the driver.
The taxi drivers usually refuse to go on the meter, and the price they say for the fare is higher than what it should be. So, if you hail a regular taxi and you are on a budget, you should try to bargain for a better price.
Is it Safe to Use Taxis in Nepal?
Generally, Nepal is safe for foreigners (including solo female travellers) but you should follow safety precautions like you would in any other country.
The taxis are safe, including booking a taxi through the apps. The drivers usually call you to confirm the pick-up location. If you don’t understand what they say, just tell them that “I’m at the pick-up location” and they will come to collect you.
On the other hand, it is always good to be prepared, and I always get travel insurance for my international trips. For general travel and medical assistance, I use SafetyWing (and for trekking I recommend World Nomads).
Taking a Taxi at Night
In the beginning, the taxi apps stopped working late night but are now operating all night long.
Nepal is safe, but it is still good to be cautious. If you are taking a taxi late night, try to share a taxi with a friend so you are not traveling alone.
If I have to take a taxi in Kathmandu around 2-3 am by myself, I always ask one of my friends to come with me to the taxi. It’s usually how the locals check out the taxi driver and make sure that they drive you home safe. You and your friend can also talk with the driver a bit before getting in the taxi.
If you are arriving late at the airport, you can also ask your hotel to send a driver to pick you up (for an extra cost). Alternatively, it is also a safe option to book a taxi through the taxi booth inside the airport.
Motorbike Taxis
The traffic in Kathmandu is chaotic and takes a long time to get used to. It is something I still haven’t got used to, and if I don’t take the motorbike taxi for a while, then the next time I go, I am always super worried about the crazy traffic.
Motorbike taxis can go a bit too fast sometimes, especially if you are a foreigner, they will go faster to show off.
If the driver is going too fast, you can always tell them gently to drive a little bit slower. If it happens, you can say something like “you are a very good driver but I am not used to the Kathmandu traffic, so please go a little bit slower”.
If you ask nicely and they keep driving fast, you can also tell them to drop you off right there and then. Pay them, and order another taxi.
It happened to me once or twice that the driver was going wilder than usual and would not slow down even when I asked. After a few near accidents, I was legit worried for my life. Now I easily tell the drivers to stop driving and drop me off if they drive recklessly. There are too many road accidents in Nepal.
Taxis at the Kathmandu Airport
When you arrive at the Kathmandu Airport, you have different options on getting a taxi from the airport to your accommodation. Thamel is the best place for travelers, and it is pretty easy to get from the Kathmandu Airport to Thamel.
Most of the hotels and trekking agencies also provide airport pick-up, so confirm it before arrival. If not, then you can book a taxi after landing.
There is a taxi booth at the airport where you can book taxis. You’ll see the taxi booth after you collect your luggage and start to make your way out of the airport. This option is convenient, and it costs around Rs. 1,000 (USD 7).
If you get yourself an eSIM before arrival, then there is another option to walk outside the airport area to the main road, and order a taxi through Pathao or InDrive. This is better if you are adventurous, have energy to carry your bags, and like to organize things for yourself.
Taxis that you can order through taxi apps are not allowed inside the airport area so to get a taxi for a better price, you have to walk outside of the airport.
There are also taxis in the parking lot of the airport, but they charge the highest price. Last time they quoted me Rs. 2,000-3,000 (14-21), so I decided to just go to the main road and book a Pathao taxi to Thamel for Rs. 500 (USD 3.50).
FAQs: Is There Uber in Nepal?
Is Ola or Uber available in Nepal?
No, Ola, Uber and Grab are not available in Nepal. Nepal has other taxi apps that work the same: Pathao, InDrive, Tootle and Taximandu.
Is there Uber in Kathmandu?
No, there is no Uber in Kathmandu or in Nepal at all. The two best taxi apps to use in Kathmandu are Pathao and InDrive. I prefer Pathao as I had better experience with it, but my friends like InDrive a lot as it is a bit cheaper.
How to book a cab in Nepal?
If you want to get a taxi in Nepal, you can either hail a taxi or book through taxi apps.
If you hail a taxi, be prepared that the driver might quote a more expensive price than what the trip should be, so be ready to bargain before you get into the taxi.
If you don’t want the hassle of bargaining for the taxi price, the easiest is to order a taxi through Pathao or InDrive. The prices are fair and the service is quick and reliable.
Alternatively, if you stay at a hotel, you can also ask the hotel staff to arrange a taxi for you. They might add commission to the taxi fare though.
My Final Tips on Taking Taxis in Kathmandu
For booking a taxi in Kathmandu, I recommend always using the taxi apps (Pathao or InDrive), and only hail a regular taxi if you are in a hurry and have no other option.
The taxi apps make it so easy and hassle-free to take a taxi. The taxi fare is much better on the app and booking it is quick. Most of the drivers also speak basic English so they can communicate well enough to confirm the pick-up and drop-off.
On the other hand, the regular taxis don’t want to go on the meter, so the price is more expensive than if you book a taxi on one of the apps. I have become tired of overpaying for things unnecessarily, and don’t have energy to bargain with the taxi drivers anymore, so I always use Pathao now.
I recommend getting a HolaFly eSIM before traveling to Nepal, and download Pathao app. This way, you can set it up straight after arriving in Kathmandu (or even before).
Read Next
- Public Transport in Kathmandu
- How to Get from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur
- How to Get from Kathmandu to Nagarkot
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