Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)

Upon disembarking, passengers move through visa processing, passport control, baggage collection, and customs screening before exiting to the public arrival area.

• Fill out the arrival registration using the electronic kiosk terminals or online form prior to reaching passport control.
• If requiring a Visa on Arrival, proceed to the bank counter in the immigration hall to pay the visa fee before joining the entry queue.
• Present your visa payment receipt, passport, and arrival submission to the immigration officer for entry stamping.
• Descend to the ground level baggage hall to collect checked luggage from the assigned carousel.
• Pass through customs control where baggage may undergo X-ray inspection before exiting to the arrivals forecourt.

• Taxi

  Pre-paid Taxi

  Booked at official counters inside the arrival hall prior to exiting the terminal building.

  Time:

  Typically 30-45 minutes depending on traffic

  Typical cost:

  NPR 700 - NPR 1,000

• Taxi

  Standard Taxi

  Available directly outside the terminal exit; fares should be agreed upon before commencing the journey if meters are not used.

  Time:

  Typically 30-45 minutes

  Typical cost:

  NPR 500 - NPR 800 (bargained/metered)

• Bus

  Hotel Shuttle

  Pre-arranged transport with driver waiting in the designated greeters' area outside arrivals with a name board.

  Time:

  Typically 30-45 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Complimentary to NPR 2,000

• Bus

  Local Bus

  Departs from the airport gate on the main Ring Road, approximately 500 metres walk from the terminal exit.

  Time:

  Typically 45-60 minutes

  Typical cost:

  NPR 25 - NPR 50

Connecting between international and domestic flights requires clearing immigration, collecting baggage, exiting the international building, and walking to the domestic terminal.

• Collect all checked baggage after completing international entry formalities.
• Exit the International Terminal and follow the covered walkway roughly 300 metres to the Domestic Terminal.
• Check in at the respective domestic airline counter and proceed through security screening.
• Allow a minimum transfer buffer of 2.5 to 3 hours between international and domestic flights.

Public Wi-Fi service is available within the passenger terminals.

• Select the official airport network from your device's Wi-Fi settings.
• Access may require registering via a browser landing page or SMS verification.
• Connection speeds can fluctuate during peak international arrival periods.
• SIM cards with mobile data can be purchased immediately after exiting customs for reliable coverage.

Foreign exchange desks and ATMs are available in both arrival and departure zones.

• Bring major foreign currencies in cash (USD, EUR, GBP) to pay for visas on arrival at the bank counter.
• ATMs accepting international Visa and Mastercard are located near the terminal exit.
• Currency exchange counters operate in the arrival hall for converting foreign bank notes into Nepalese Rupees (NPR).
• Cash remains the primary method of payment for taxis, small shops, and local services in Kathmandu.

Basic refreshments and dining facilities are present in both public and airside areas.

• Small cafes serving hot drinks, snacks, and local dishes operate in the public arrivals area.
• Airside departure areas host coffee outlets and light dining facilities.
• Operating hours generally align with scheduled flight operations.

Airline and independent passenger lounges are available in the international departure terminal.

• Executive lounges are accessible to business class passengers of select airlines.
• Independent lounge access can be purchased at the door or accessed via eligible lounge membership programs.
• Facilities generally include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, refreshments, and flight display monitors.

No transit hotel is located inside the terminal buildings, but numerous accommodations lie within a short drive.

• Hotels catering to international travellers are located within 1 to 3 kilometres of the airport perimeter.
• The main tourist hub of Thamel is situated roughly 6 kilometres west of the airport.
• Many nearby hotels offer direct airport pickup services upon advance request.

Baggage reclaim carousels and basic passenger support services are located on the ground floor of arrivals.

• Baggage carts are available free of charge inside the baggage reclaim hall.
• Porters operate near the exit gate; agree on fees in advance if utilizing their assistance.
• Report missing or damaged luggage immediately at your airline's ground handling desk before exiting customs.

Essential amenities for families travelling with infants are situated in main terminal areas.

• Basic baby care rooms are available within the international departure and arrival sections.
• Strollers are generally handed over at the aircraft door or collected at the main baggage carousels.
• Priority assistance queues may be available at immigration for travellers with small children.

• Foreign Exchange
• ATMs
• Pre-paid Taxi Desk
• SIM Card Kiosks
• Tourist Information Counter
• Luggage Carts
• Prayer Rooms

Local emergency number: Police: 100 | Tourist Police: 1144 | Ambulance: 102

• Contact airport security or terminal staff immediately for urgent medical help inside the building.
• The Tourist Police desk is located in the arrival hall to assist foreign nationals with safety concerns or lost property.
• In case of a lost passport, report to the Tourist Police and contact your home country's embassy in Kathmandu.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Tribhuvan International Airport Official PortalOfficial airport source
• Department of Immigration - NepalGovernment source
• Department of Customs - NepalGovernment source
• Nepal Police Official PortalGovernment source
• Nepal Tourism BoardGovernment source