In short
- Tourist buses depart daily at 7:00 AM.
- Bus rides take 5 to 7 hours and cost $8 to $15.
- Private cars take 4 to 5 hours and cost $90 to $130 per vehicle.
In this article
Traveling between Nepal's major cities and Chitwan National Park is straightforward. Most visitors travel via the Prithvi Highway. You can book an independent bus ticket or hire a private car. Many visitors also book a complete safari package that includes transport.
How do I take the Kathmandu to Chitwan tourist bus?
Tourist buses leave Sorhakhutte in Kathmandu at 7:00 AM daily.
The ride takes 5 to 7 hours and terminates at the Sauraha Tourist Bus Station. Tickets cost $8 to $15 (NPR 800 to 1,500). Premium buses feature air conditioning, bottled water, and plush sofa seating. The buses make scheduled rest stops along the way.
Can I get a tourist bus from Pokhara to Chitwan?
Yes, tourist buses also run daily from Pokhara to the Sauraha Tourist Bus Station.
Like the Kathmandu route, the trip from Pokhara takes 5 to 7 hours. Tickets cost $8 to $15. The buses leave around 7:00 AM and provide the same amenities, including AC and rest stops.
How much is a private car from Kathmandu to Chitwan?
A private car or taxi costs $90 to $130 per vehicle.
This is the fastest transport option. The drive takes 4 to 5 hours along the Prithvi Highway. A private car offers flexibility for departure times and drop-off locations. You can travel directly to your hotel in Sauraha or Meghauli.
Do Chitwan safari packages include transport?
Yes, all-inclusive 2 to 3 day safari packages typically include round-trip tourist bus transfers.
These packages cost $150 to $250+ per person. They bundle your transport from Kathmandu or Pokhara with accommodation, meals, park permits, and daily safari activities. This saves you from booking bus tickets and park entry fees separately.
Should I book a bus or a private car?
Book a tourist bus to save money, or hire a private car to save time.
The tourist bus is the most cost-effective way to travel. The premium sofa seats make the 5 to 7 hour journey comfortable. If you travel with a group, splitting a private car is highly efficient.
Where do buses and cars drop you off in Chitwan?
Tourist buses terminate at the Sauraha Tourist Bus Station, while private cars offer direct hotel drop-offs.
Sauraha is the primary gateway town for the park. If you hire a private car, you can also travel directly to Meghauli. Sauraha Gateway Hub
Questions travellers ask
How far is Chitwan National Park from Kathmandu?
Chitwan is located 150 to 160 kilometers from Kathmandu. The drive takes 4 to 7 hours depending on your chosen transport method and traffic conditions.
Does the tourist bus have air conditioning?
Yes, the daily tourist buses offer air conditioning. Premium options also feature plush sofa seating and provide bottled water for the journey.
What time does the tourist bus leave?
The tourist buses depart daily around 7:00 AM from both Kathmandu (Sorhakhutte) and Pokhara.
