How do you get to Pokhara?
Getting There7.9/10Easier to reach than about 75% of cities
- Main airport
- Pokhara International Airport (PKR)
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: annapurnaview.com, travelogyindia.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- Domestic flights are weather-dependent and frequently delayed; book early morning departures for best visibility and safety.
- The Kathmandu-Pokhara road is winding, mountainous, and has variable conditions; actual travel time often exceeds quoted estimates.
- Tourist/VIP buses are most popular and comfortable for road travel; book 1-2 days ahead during peak season.
- Local public buses depart frequently and are very cheap but crowded and uncomfortable; not recommended for long journeys.
- Taxis from Lakeside (main tourist hub) to airport are quick and affordable at around NPR 300.
- Pokhara airport operates only morning/day hours (6 AM–10 PM); plan arrival/departure times accordingly.
- No direct international flights; all international travelers must route through Kathmandu.
- Private jeep hire offers flexibility and comfort for groups but is expensive for solo/couple travelers.
- Road construction and monsoon conditions (June–September) can increase travel times significantly.
Airport
- Name
- Pokhara International Airport (PKR)
- Airlines
- Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Simrik Air
- Facilities
- Modern terminal with limited dining (small cafeteria). Accessible for travelers with disabilities.
- Airport Type
- Domestic
- Operating Hours
- 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily
- Location From Center
- 5 km from Lakeside
Ground Transport From Airport
10-15 Minutes
- Cost
- NPR 300
- How to get there
- Taxi
- Notes
- Available outside terminal
Public Bus
- Cost
- NPR 25
- Notes
- Budget-friendly option
Air Connections
- International Flights
- Currently no international flights; must connect through Kathmandu
Domestic Routes
Kathmandu
- Airlines
- Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Simrik Air
- Daily Flights
- Multiple daily
- Flight Duration
- 25-40 minutes
- Notes
- Scenic Himalayan views during flight. Weather-dependent delays common.
Bhairawa (Lumbini)
- Airlines
- Buddha Air
Bharatpur (Chitwan)
- Airlines
- Buddha Air
Nepalgunj
- Flight Duration
- ~38 minutes
To Kathmandu
- Distance
- ~200-210 km
- Duration
- 8-9 hours typical (up to 12 hours possible)
- Frequency
- Multiple daily, peak at 7 AM
Bus Types
Local Buses
- Cost
- NPR 800
- Comfort
- Crowded, frequent stops
- Departure Points
- Gongabu, Kalanki (Kathmandu side)
Tourist/VIP Sofa Buses
- Cost
- NPR 1,600
- Comfort
- Padded seats, air-conditioned, TV
- Departure Point
- Sorhakhutte (Kathmandu side), Prithivi Chowk Bus Park (Pokhara)
Premium VIP Buses (E.g., Jagdamba)
- Cost
- NPR 2,500
- Comfort
- Working toilet, free lunch/water/snacks, AC, Wi-Fi
Major Bus Parks
Prithivi Chowk Bus Park
- Location
- Central Pokhara
- Services
- Local and intercity buses
Baglung Bus Park
- Location
- Near main highways
- Services
- Western routes
Other Major Routes
5-6 Hours
- Transport
- Tourist buses or private vehicles
- Destination
- Chitwan
7-8 Hours Via Siddhartha Highway
- Destination
- Lumbini
Jomsom
- Transport
- Day buses and jeeps
Day Trip Access
Notable Nearby Destinations
Annapurna Region Trailheads
- Transport
- Local buses from Zero Km or Hari Chowk
Sarangkot
- Transport
- Bus to Sedibagar then cable car, or motorbike rental
World Peace Pagoda
- Transport
- Bus or motorbike to Chhorepatan area
Rail Connections
- Status
- No operational railway to Pokhara
- Notes
- Nepal has limited rail infrastructure. Closest rail heads are Janakpur/Jayanagar and Gorakhpur (India) near border crossings Panitanki and Sunauli. Future railway projects planned (Raxaul-Kathmandu-Pokhara) under feasibility study.
Private Transport
Taxi To Kathmandu
- Cost
- NPR 2,400
- Duration
- ~6 hours
- Notes
- Flexible routing and stops possible
Private Jeep Rental
- Cost Estimate
- NPR 38,000
- Notes
- For up to 8 passengers; shareable among group
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this getting there & away research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Pokhara
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.