Flight 25 min + 30 min drive
Buddha Air and Yeti/Tara Air fly Kathmandu–Bharatpur several times a day in about 25 minutes, with one-way fares typically around US$ 110–130 for foreigners and less for Nepalis and Indians. From Bharatpur Airport, Sauraha and Patihani are about 30 minutes by road and Meghauli about an hour. It is the best choice for seniors, families short on time and luxury stays. Fog can delay morning flights in December and January.
Private car 5–6 h
A private car or jeep follows the Prithvi Highway west to Naubise, down the Trishuli gorge to Mugling, then south along the river to Narayangarh and east to Sauraha, about 165 km. Expect 5–6 hours plus stops, more if traffic is heavy or road works slow the Mugling–Narayangarh stretch. A car costs roughly ₹12,000–15,000 one way and lets you stop at Devghat, Manakamana or a rafting put-in.
Tourist bus 6–7 h
Tourist buses leave Kathmandu's Kantipath and Thamel area around 7 am and reach the Sauraha bus park around 1–2 pm, with a breakfast and lunch stop. Standard tourist buses cost around NPR 800–1,200; premium services such as Greenline cost more and include lunch. It is the cheapest comfortable option. Hotels send jeeps to meet the bus, but check that your bus goes to Sauraha, not just Tandi on the highway.
Local bus 7–8 h
Local buses and micro-vans run from Kathmandu's Gongabu bus park to Narayangarh and Tandi, where you change to a local jeep or taxi for the last 6 km to Sauraha. They are cheap but crowded, stop often and can be uncomfortable on a long journey. We do not recommend them for families or travellers with luggage.
Stops on the way
- Manakamana cable car at Kurintar
- Trishuli rafting put-ins at Charaudi
- Riverside fish restaurants near Malekhu
- Mugling junction
- Devghat confluence near Narayangarh
Leave Kathmandu by 7:30 am to clear the valley traffic at Kalanki before it builds, and keep an hour spare for road works below Mugling.
Questions travellers ask
How long does it take from Kathmandu to Chitwan by road?
About 5–7 hours for the 165 km to Sauraha, depending on traffic, road works on the Mugling–Narayangarh stretch and stops. Private cars are usually quicker than tourist buses. In the monsoon, landslides can add hours. Leaving early in the morning avoids the worst traffic in Kathmandu.
Is there a flight from Kathmandu to Chitwan?
Yes, to Bharatpur Airport, which serves Chitwan. Flights take about 25 minutes and operate several times a day with Buddha Air and Yeti/Tara Air. Sauraha is about 30 minutes from the airport by road. Schedules and fares change, so check current status before you travel.
What is the cheapest way from Kathmandu to Chitwan?
The tourist bus, at around NPR 800–1,200 per seat, is the cheapest comfortable option, taking 6–7 hours to Sauraha. Local buses are cheaper but slower and crowded. A private car costs more but can be shared by up to three or four people, which brings the per-person cost down.
Is the road from Kathmandu to Chitwan safe?
It is busy, with trucks and buses on a winding river road, but well travelled. Use experienced drivers, avoid night driving, and allow extra time during the monsoon, when landslides occasionally block the road. Our drivers know the route and stop every couple of hours.
