Kathmandu Airport Guide: Terminals, Transport and Tips

Last updated: Jul 14, 2026

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is Nepal’s main international gateway, and knowing what to expect makes the arrival much smoother.

This Kathmandu airport guide covers flights to Kathmandu, the terminal layout, the visa-on-arrival process, transport into the city, and what to do before you fly out.

Key takeaways

Tribhuvan International Airport has one International Terminal and one Domestic Terminal, about 500 metres apart and linked by a free shuttle bus.
Most nationalities can get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at the airport; a short list of countries is excluded and must arrange a visa beforehand.
A prepaid taxi counter, ride-hailing apps and a public bus all run between the airport and central Kathmandu.
Plan to arrive at least three hours before an international departure, since check-in and security can move slowly.

Table of Contents

Kathmandu airport terminals

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) has two terminals: an International Terminal for all overseas flights, and a separate Domestic Terminal for flights within Nepal. The two buildings sit roughly 500 metres apart and are linked by a free shuttle bus.

Every international flight, arriving or departing, uses the same International Terminal building, so there’s no terminal number to double-check before you travel. Airlines are simply assigned different check-in rows and gates inside it.

A larger future international terminal is planned under Tribhuvan International Airport’s master plan, and the building’s design has already been finalised.

As of July 2026, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal is still relocating existing hangars to clear the building site, so construction of the terminal itself has not started.

International passengers continue to use the airport’s existing International Terminal in the meantime, so the layout in this guide reflects current operations.

International arrival flow at Kathmandu airport

If your airline hands out an arrival card on board, fill it in before you land to save time at the desk.

It’s worth doing the same with the online Tourist Visa form in advance if you can, since Nepal’s immigration system also accepts it ahead of arrival.

Your international arrival journey

1. Visa-on-arrival kiosk (if required)

If your nationality needs a visa, use a kiosk in the arrivals hall to fill in the online tourist visa form. It prints a barcoded receipt that stays valid for 15 days.

2. Pay the visa fee

Take your receipt to the visa fee counter and pay in cash for your chosen duration — 15, 30 or 90 days. US dollars are the easiest currency to carry.

3. Immigration desk

Hand over your passport, visa receipt and arrival card at the immigration desk. The officer checks your documents and issues your entry stamp or visa.

4. Baggage reclaim

Head down to the baggage hall to collect your checked luggage. A baggage help desk is on hand if a bag is missing or delayed.

5. Customs and exit

Take the green channel if you have nothing to declare, or the red channel for dutiable goods. Hand baggage passes through an X-ray scanner before you reach the arrival hall.

Nepal visa-on-arrival at a glance

Most nationalities can get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, as well as at Pokhara and Gautam Buddha (Bhairahawa) airports and other official entry points.

At the time of writing, nationals of the following countries are not eligible and must arrange a visa in advance through a Nepali diplomatic mission:

Afghanistan
Cameroon
Ethiopia
Ghana
Iraq
Liberia
Nigeria
Palestine
Somalia
Eswatini (Swaziland)
Syria
Zimbabwe

15 days, multiple entry: US$30
30 days, multiple entry: US$50
90 days, multiple entry: US$125
Free visas: children under 10 (except US citizens), Nepali NRN cardholders, and SAARC nationals (except Afghans), who get up to 30 days free once per visa year

Visa fees are paid in US dollars, euros or another major convertible currency, and a valid passport with at least six months left on it is required. Nepal’s visa rules and fees can change, so confirm current eligibility and pricing on the Department of Immigration’s website before you travel.

Connecting to a domestic flight or another international flight

Onward domestic routes, including popular ones to Pokhara and Lukla, leave from the separate Domestic Terminal about 500 metres away.

Use the free shuttle bus outside the International Terminal to reach it rather than trying to walk with luggage.

Connecting between two international flights is simpler, since every international service uses the same terminal building. Just confirm your onward check-in counter with airport staff or your airline after you clear immigration.

Transport from Kathmandu airport to the city

Kathmandu Valley’s traffic can be heavy, especially around rush hour, so build in extra time whichever option you pick.

Prepaid taxi counter

Where: Counter to the right as you exit the arrivals hall.
Best for: A fixed, government-regulated fare with no haggling.
Check: The fare board for your destination — rates rise after 9pm and for an air-conditioned car.

Ride-hailing app

Where: Step outside the terminal building before opening Pathao, InDrive or Yango.
Best for: Cheaper fares into Thamel and nearby neighbourhoods.
Check: The car’s number plate matches what the app shows before you get in.

Sajha Yatayat public bus

Where: Airport bus stop between the International Terminal and the roundabout.
Best for: Budget travellers with light luggage.
Check: Listen for the driver calling your stop, and carry small notes — it’s cash only.

Facilities and passenger help at Kathmandu airport

Free Wi-Fi covers the International Terminal from arrivals through to departure. Connect to Free_CAAN_Worldlink_Wifi, or to TIA-Wifi-Departure once you’re past immigration on the way out.

Currency exchange and ATMs: available in the arrivals area, before immigration.
SIM cards: Ncell and Nepal Telecom booths sit just outside the arrivals exit; bring your passport and a passport-sized photo.
Medical help: on-site clinics run by Kathmandu Medical College and HAMS Hospital operate inside the terminal.
Lounges: the Executive Lounge and the Soaltee-run Horizon Lounge sit on the departure side, after immigration.
Help desks: TIA information counters are in both the arrival and departure halls, alongside a dedicated immigration help desk.

Wheelchair assistance and special needs

Tribhuvan International Airport offers free wheelchair assistance and priority queues for elderly travellers, pregnant women, parents with infants, and passengers with disabilities.

Contact your airline before you travel, or ask at the airport help desk on arrival.

Departure and pickup tips

Arrive at least three hours before an international departure; Nepal Airlines recommends its check-in counters open around four hours out and close an hour before the flight.
Fill in any arrival or departure forms in advance if your airline hands them out, to save time at the desk.
Hand baggage passes through an X-ray scan before the final departure area, so pack accordingly.
There’s no proper café or seating in the arrivals hall, so agree a clear meeting point with whoever is picking you up outside.
Carry small Nepali rupee notes and some US dollars, useful for the visa fee, the prepaid taxi or the bus if you’re not paying by card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to enter Nepal through Kathmandu airport?

Most nationalities can get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport for 15, 30 or 90 days. A short list of nationalities is excluded and must arrange a visa before travel, so check the Department of Immigration’s website for the current list.

Which terminal do I use at Tribhuvan International Airport?

All international flights use the single International Terminal. A separate Domestic Terminal, about 500 metres away, handles flights within Nepal, and a free shuttle bus connects the two.

What’s the easiest way from Kathmandu airport to Thamel?

A ride-hailing app booked once you’re outside the terminal is usually the cheapest option, while the prepaid taxi counter inside offers a fixed fare with no bargaining. Both take roughly 15 to 30 minutes, traffic depending.

Can I buy a Nepal SIM card at Kathmandu airport?

Yes — Ncell and Nepal Telecom both run booths just outside the arrivals exit. Bring your passport and a passport-sized photo to register.

How early should I arrive for an international flight from Kathmandu?

Plan to reach the airport at least three hours before departure. Check-in counters typically open around four hours out and close an hour before the flight, and queues can build up during peak times.

Plan your arrival in Kathmandu

Once you’ve cleared immigration and picked your ride into town, the rest of your Kathmandu trip is easy to line up. Compare places to stay in Kathmandu on Wego before you land.

Sources

Disclaimer: We’ve worked hard to make sure the information in this article is as accurate and up to date as possible at the time of publishing. Travel details such as prices, schedules, visa rules, and entry requirements can change at short notice, so it remains your responsibility to verify the current details with official sources before you book or travel. Wego accepts no liability for any loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this content.