Planning a Chitwan safari is easier when you know how you will get there. Travelers from Kathmandu or Pokhara can reach Chitwan by tourist bus, private car, or domestic flight to Bharatpur Airport.
The route from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Chitwan can be done in several different ways, depending on your budget, time constraints, and preferences for either a scenic road trip or a flight.
Travelers can take a tourist bus, hire a private car, or fly to Bharatpur Airport, and continue by road.
How Do You Travel from Kathmandu to Chitwan?
Kathmandu is about 150 km from Chitwan by road. The journey usually takes 5–6 hours, although traffic, road construction, weather and monsoon conditions can make it longer.
By tourist bus
A tourist bus is usually the most affordable option for budget travelers. Typical fares range from around NPR 600 to NPR 1,500, depending on the bus type and seat category. Most tourist buses leave Kathmandu in the morning, with Kalanki and Gongabu among the main departure areas.
Check whether your bus stops at Bharatpur, Narayangadh, Tandi or Sauraha, as the final stop varies by operator.
Allow around 5–6 hours in normal road conditions. If it's the monsoon season or during busy holiday periods, it makes good sense to add some time to the schedule.
By private car
A private car is a convenient choice for families, couples and small groups who want door-to-door travel. A private car is a convenient choice for families, couples and small groups who want door-to-door travel. One-way private-car rates are typically higher than bus fares and vary by vehicle type, season and operator.
The main advantage is flexibility: you can travel directly to your hotel, stop for meals or viewpoints, and choose your departure time.
By domestic flight
Flying is the fastest way to reach Chitwan from Kathmandu or Pokhara. Buddha Air currently lists six daily Kathmandu–Bharatpur flights, with a scheduled flight time of about 25 minutes.
Airfares are dynamic, so there is no sensible single fixed price. According to the recent ticket listings for 2026, domestic fare ranges can change greatly according to the date and availability of the seats; a realistic estimate for domestic ticket price is around NPR 6,000-10,000+ one way which may be higher during peak dates.
Note: Double check the live fare from the airline before booking.
Traveling from Pokhara to Chitwan
Pokhara is roughly 150 km from Chitwan by road, and the journey usually takes 4–6 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions and your final destination.
By tourist bus
The most cost-effective way to travel is a tourist bus, which is currently priced at around NPR 500 to NPR 1,200. Many buses leave Pokhara in the morning from the Tourist Bus Park and other departure points around Lakeside. Depending on the operator, the destination may be Bharatpur, Narayangadh, Tandi or Sauraha.
Allow 4-6 hours for most travelers instead of basing the trip on the fastest time it will take to drive.
By private car
If there are two to four people sharing the ride, a private car is more effective. The current rates for Pokhara to Chitwan are around NPR 8,000 to NPR 12,000 for a car, which is more expensive for SUV and vans.
Depending on traffic, stops, weather and final hotel location, expect 4-6 hours of time.
By domestic flight
Buddha Air currently lists a daily direct Pokhara–Bharatpur service with a scheduled flight time of about 20 minutes.
Planning could be around NPR 7,500-10,000+ one way, but this depends on the date of travel, nationality, seat availability and booking time. Before paying, always double check live fare.
Kathmandu vs Pokhara: Which Route Should You Choose?
| Option | From Kathmandu | From Pokhara | Best for |
| Tourist bus | 5–6 hrs | 4–6 hrs | Lowest cost |
| Private car | 5–6 hrs | 4–6 hrs | Families, groups, flexibility |
| Domestic flight | 25 min + road transfer | 20 min + road transfer | Saving time |
| Typical bus fare | NPR 600–1,500 | NPR 500–1,200 | Budget travelers |
| Private car | NPR 10,000–15,000+ | NPR 8,000–12,000+ | Shared by a group |
The cheapest way is typically by tourist bus, and the quickest is by air to Bharatpur. But, flying door to door is longer because of the airport check-in, security, picking up luggage and the onward road trip. Buddha Air recommends arriving about one hour before departure.
How Do You Get from Bharatpur Airport to Chitwan Hotels and Resorts?
Where you stay in Chitwan can affect your airport transfer time, so it helps to check the resort’s location before booking a ride. Sauraha is around 17 km from Bharatpur Airport, while properties in Patihani and western Chitwan follow different road routes. For example, Soaltee Westend Resort Chitwan is in Patihani, so the journey from the airport is different from a stay in Sauraha.
For travelers arriving by air, Bharatpur Airport connects Chitwan with Kathmandu and Pokhara. Buddha Air lists flight times of about 25 minutes from Kathmandu and 20 minutes from Pokhara, making flying a practical option when you want to reduce road travel.
It is also worth considering how you will organize the rest of the journey. Soaltee Heritage Club members can book Buddha Air domestic flights through the club app, along with their hotel stay. This can be useful when your Chitwan visit is part of a longer Nepal itinerary, although the best option will depend on where you are staying and how you plan to travel.
FAQs
How long does it take to travel to Chitwan from Kathmandu?
It will take approximately 5 to 6 hours on a tourist bus or private car. A flight to Bharatpur takes about 25 minutes, followed by a road transfer to your hotel.
How long does it take to travel from Pokhara to Chitwan?
The road trip typically takes 4-6 hours of touring by car or bus. The direct Pokhara–Bharatpur flight takes about 20 minutes, followed by a road transfer to your hotel.
What is the cheapest way to get to Chitwan?
A tourist bus is normally the cheapest option. The current quotations are approximately NPR 600–1,500 from Kathmandu and NPR 500–1,200 from Pokhara, depending on the bus type and the type of seats.
What is the fastest way to reach Chitwan?
Flying to Bharatpur Airport is the fastest. The Kathmandu–Bharatpur flight takes about 25 minutes, followed by a road transfer to your hotel. and The Pokhara–Bharatpur flight takes about 20 minutes, followed by a road transfer to your hotel.
Which airport is closest to Chitwan National Park?
Bharatpur Airport (BHR) is the main domestic airport used for Chitwan travel and has direct services from Kathmandu and Pokhara.
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