Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park: Distance, Bus, Car, Flight & Travel Cost

Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park

Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park is a popular travel route for wildlife and jungle safari adventures in Nepal. Established in 1973 (originally as Royal Chitwan National Park), it is the first national Park of Nepal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.

The park is home to remarkable wildlife, including the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, Asian elephant and hundreds of bird species. Visitors can enjoy exciting wildlife adventures, including jeep safaris, jungle walks, canoe rides and birdwatching.

If you want to experience these activities, explore our Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour Package.

Sauraha is one of the main tourist gateways to Chitwan National Park. Travellers can reach Sauraha from Kathmandu by tourist bus, private car or domestic flight to Bharatpur, followed by a road transfer.

Depending on your budget, preferences, and available time, you can choose from the following options:

By Air (Flight + Local Taxi)

Bharatpur Airport, located in Bharatpur, Chitwan, is the main domestic airport serving the region, with regular flights connecting it to Kathmandu.

  • Aerial distance: approximately 91 kilometers
  • Flight duration: 25 minutes
  • Operating airlines: Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines
  • Flight cost: Starting from NPR 5,750 for Nepali passengers, INR 3600 for Indian passengers, and approximately USD 130 for other foreign travellers. ( fares can change according to airline, travel date, availability )

Note: After landing at Bharatpur Airport, you can hire a taxi or take an e-rickshaw (tuk-tuk) to reach Sauraha. For affordable flight ticket booking from Kathmandu to Chitwan, contact Nobel Holidays.

By Tourist Bus

There is a direct tourist bus that departs from Kathmandu daily to Sauraha, Chitwan. Travellers can book the bus ticket online via authorised ticketing platforms or local travel agencies. 

  • Road distance: approximately 165 kilometers
  • Drive duration: 5 to 7 hours depending on traffic and road conditions
  • Tourist bus ticket counter location: Sorakhutte / Nayabazar area
  • Payment Methods: eSewa, Khalti, ConnectIPS, Mobile Banking, Debit Card/Credit Card
  • Boarding Points: Sorhakhutte
  • Arrival Location: Sauraha Bus Park, Chitwan
  • Advance booking: At least 1 day before departure( (on-the-spot ticket booking at the bus station is not available)
  • Departure time: 6:45 AM – 7:00 AM
  • Reporting time: 30 minutes before departure (buses leave on time).
  • Tourist bus Types: Standard/Super Deluxe / Deluxe / VIP Sofa Bus
  • Tourist Bus Cost: NPR 1,000 - NPR 2,000 depending upon the bus types)

Note: If you are looking for the local bus/ night bus for Chitwan, then you can visit the Gongabu bus station. Visit the ticket counter and get detailed information regarding the price, availability and timing. For tourist bus Kathmandu to Suaraha ticket booking, contact Nobel Holidays.

By Private Car, Jeep, Hiace or Minivan

If you are visiting Chitwan National Park with family, friends or a private group, then hiring a private car, jeep, Hiace, or minivan is also available. It will make your travel journey more comfortable, and you can travel at your own pace.

  • Road distance: Approximately 160 km to Sauraha
  • Travel duration: Around 5 to 7 hours
  • Available vehicles: Sedan cars, SUVs, jeeps and minivans
  • Vehicle cost: Depends on vehicle type, group size and travel date.
  • Departure: Flexible departure time from Kathmandu
  • Drop-off: Hotel or preferred location in Sauraha

By Helicopter

If you are looking for a luxury way to visit the Chitwan National Park, then a helicopter ride option is also available. You can charter the flight to Bharatpur Airport or Sauraha hotels/ resorts that feature private helipads. 

  • Flight duration: 45 to 60 minutes one-way
  • Passenger Capacity: 5 seats
  • Helicopter cost: Depends on availability and season
  • Departure: Kathmandu Airport or an approved helipad.
  • Landing location: Approved helipads near selected hotels or resorts in Sauraha.
  • Booking: Booking required.

Transport comparison table

Transport Travel Time Approximate Cost

Tourist Bus 5 to 7 hours NPR 1,000 to NPR 2,000

Private Car 5 to 7 hours On request

Flight + Taxi 25-minute flight + transfer Depends upon nationality

Helicopter 45 to 60 minutes On request

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Chitwan National Park from Kathmandu?

  • Chitwan National Park lies roughly 160 to 170 km from Kathmandu when traveling by road through Mugling and Narayangarh. The exact mileage varies depending on which part of the park you’re heading to; the popular tourist entry point at Sauraha is about 165 km away.

How many hours does it take to reach Chitwan from Kathmandu?

  • It generally takes about 5 to 7 hours to travel from Kathmandu to Sauraha, whether you go by a tourist bus or a private car. The exact duration can vary depending on traffic, road conditions, and any stops made along the way. Alternatively, you can fly to Bharatpur in roughly 25 minutes and then continue the journey by road.

How much does a tourist bus ticket from Kathmandu to Chitwan cost?

  • A typical bus ticket from Kathmandu to Sauraha costs between NPR 1,000 and 2,000 per passenger. The exact fare varies according to the class of bus and the company operating it. Deluxe and VIP sofa‑type buses usually charge a higher rate. It’s wise to reserve seats in advance, especially during busy travel periods.  

Can I fly directly from Kathmandu to Chitwan?

  • Yes, you can fly directly from Kathmandu to Bharatpur Airport on a domestic service, which takes roughly 25 minutes. From Bharatpur, you’ll need a taxi or a private car to get to Sauraha, as there are no regular commercial flights that land inside Chitwan National Park.

Which airport is closest to Chitwan National Park?

  • Bharatpur Airport serves as the nearest domestic gateway for travelers heading to Sauraha and Chitwan National Park. It offers regular flights linking Bharatpur with Kathmandu. From the airport, visitors can arrange local transport to reach their hotels or resorts.

How far is Bharatpur Airport from Sauraha?

  • Bharatpur Airport lies about 15 to 18 kilometres away from Sauraha when traveling by road. By taxi or a private car, the ride lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, although the exact duration can vary depending on traffic and road conditions.

What is the cheapest way to travel from Kathmandu to Chitwan?

  • The most budget‑friendly option is typically a local or tourist bus. Tourist bus tickets usually fall between NPR 1,000 and 2,000, depending on the operator, while local buses can be even cheaper. Note that comfort, travel time, and boarding locations may differ.

Is a private car better than a tourist bus for Chitwan?

  • A private car provides greater comfort, flexibility, and door‑to‑door drop‑off at your hotel, allowing you to set your own departure time and make stops along the way. A tourist bus, however, is less expensive and suits budget travelers. The best choice depends on your budget, group size, and personal travel preferences.

Final Say

Travelling from Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park is easy, and you have lots of transportation options as we mentioned above. Still, if you have any queries regarding transportation, you can call us directly through WhatsApp.

Nobel Holidays also arranges flight tickets, tourist bus tickets and private vehicle transfers from Kathmandu to Sauraha. In addition, we offer all-inclusive Chitwan Tour Packages to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free. Visit our website to find the suitable package that suits your holiday plan. Thanks for reading!!!