Kathmandu Tribhuvan Layover Guide (KTM)

What are you looking for in KTM?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Kathmandu Airport (KTM) is an international airport located in Kathmandu, Nepal. It’s situated about 6 km (3.7 miles) from the city center. The airport officially opened in 1955. Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital and largest city, known for its rich cultural heritage and historic temples. It serves as the gateway to the Himalayas and attracts travelers seeking adventure, spiritual experiences, and a deep dive into traditional South Asian culture.

Can you leave Kathmandu Airport (KTM) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can leave KTM Airport during a layover if you clear immigration and hold a valid Nepal entry visa. Most travellers obtain a visa-on-arrival at KTM for stays up to 90 days. Ensure you meet passport validity requirements. Fees from USD30, payable by cash or card, processing takes ~30 minutes. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Pashupatinath Temple Visit Nepal’s holiest Hindu temple complex on the Bagmati River, witnessing ornate pagodas, golden shrines, and cultural rituals while encountering sadhus and vibrant religious ceremonies that showcase Kathmandu’s spiritual heritage. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min or Airport Bus to Chabahil stop.)
• Boudhanath Stupa Circumambulate one of the largest Buddhist stupas in South Asia, admire colourful prayer flags, watch monks chant mantras, and explore nearby monasteries offering serene moments and vibrant Tibetan culture glimpses. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min or local bus to Boudha.)
• Kathmandu Durbar Square Marvel at ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards showcasing Newar craftsmanship, intricate wood carvings, and historical monuments; capture UNESCO World Heritage charm amid colorful bustling markets and traditional local life scenes. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min.)
• Garden of Dreams Relax in a neoclassical garden oasis featuring fountains, pavilions, and manicured lawns; enjoy serene quiet pathways, blooming flowers, and a charming cafe for refreshments away from Kathmandu’s urban hustle bustle. (Time required: 45 min–1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min or city bus.)
• Thamel Stroll Wander through Thamel’s narrow alleys lined with shops, cafes, and handicraft stalls; sample local street food, pick up souvenirs, interact with friendly vendors, and soak in Kathmandu’s vibrant backpacker hub. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min or microbus.)
• Patan Durbar Square Discover Patan’s royal square with medieval palaces, ornate temples, and stone carvings; visit the Patan Museum to learn Newari art and history against a backdrop of bustling colourful local life. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 30 min or local bus.)
• Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) Climb ancient stone steps to the Monkey Temple, enjoy serene panoramic Kathmandu Valley views, soak incense-filled air, observe prayer wheels, stupas, and playful monkeys inhabiting this iconic hilltop sanctuary site. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 25 min.)
• Sample Nepali Cuisine Taste authentic Nepali cuisine by sampling steamed momos, spicy dal bhat, and traditional Newari snacks at recommended local eateries; savor bold, diverse flavors while experiencing Kathmandu’s vibrant culinary culture firsthand. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min or city bus to Thamel.)

Things to Do in Kathmandu Airport (KTM)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Several pay-per-use lounges, including the Nepal Airlines VIP Lounge and third-party operators, offer comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, shower facilities, Wi-Fi access, and flight information displays. Relaxation zones feature reclining chairs and quiet areas. Access can be purchased on arrival or booked in advance through lounge membership programs. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels offer day rooms or overnight stays within a five-minute drive from the terminal. Options include budget properties and higher-end accommodations with airport shuttles, on-site restaurants, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour front desks. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak trekking and festival seasons to guarantee availability. view all or book an airport hotel online

.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Tribhuvan International Airport has limited dedicated rest areas. Terminal seating includes some reclining benches and quiet corners near gates suitable for brief naps. There are no official sleeping pods or dormitories. For longer rest, consider nearby transit hotels or layover lounges that provide private sleepers and day-use rooms.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: The airport provides free Wi-Fi through Nepal Telecom with registration via mobile OTP. Connection speed is moderate, and usage is typically limited to one hour per device. Additional top-up packages for extended browsing or higher bandwidth are available at telecom kiosks and convenience stores in the arrival hall.

SIM/eSIM Card: Telecom kiosks operated by Nepal Telecom and Ncell are located in the arrivals hall. Travelers can purchase prepaid SIM cards or eSIM profiles with data and local calling packages. Registration requires a passport copy and photo. Top-up vouchers and recharge services are available at airport convenience stores and telecom counters. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Metered taxis operate 24/7 from the designated rank outside arrivals. Fares to central Kathmandu range from NPR 600–800 depending on traffic. Always confirm meter usage or negotiate a flat rate before departure. Ride-hailing apps like Pathao and Tootle also offer airport pickups with app-based pricing and cashless payment options.

Train: Kathmandu currently lacks domestic or international rail connections, and there is no train station at or near the airport. Nepal’s rail infrastructure consists primarily of freight lines, with a proposed Kathmandu–Pokhara tourist route still in planning. Timelines remain tentative, so travelers should use alternate transport. (more info)

Bus: The Sajha Airport Bus Service runs between Tribhuvan International Airport and New Bus Park in Kathmandu every 30–60 minutes from around 5:00 am until 6:00 pm. Air-conditioned coaches with luggage space make transit affordable at around NPR 60 per person. Tickets are purchased on board or at the kiosk. (more info)

Shuttle: Many hotels near the airport provide complimentary shuttle service for guests. Schedules and pickup points vary by property, so advance booking is essential. Private shuttle operators also run shared van transfers to central Kathmandu and nearby towns. Costs depend on distance and group size, with reservations recommended during peak season.

Car rentals: International and local car rental agencies have counters in the arrivals hall, offering vehicles with manual or automatic transmission. Drivers must be over 21 with a valid international license and deposit. Insurance options are available. Online advance booking secures better rates and ensures vehicle availability during peak tourism periods. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term (up to two hours) and long-term parking lots are located adjacent to the terminal. Rates start at NPR 50 per hour, with daily maximums for long stays. Lots are fenced and patrolled but lack covered parking. Payment is made at automated booths before exit using cash or mobile payment apps.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

A licensed baggage storage service operates 24/7 in the arrivals area, offering secure lockers and staffed counters. Fees are charged per bag per 24-hour period. No self-service lockers are available. The service accepts oversized items, and users receive numbered tags for easy retrieval. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Kathmandu Airport (KTM) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks