Getting a taxi in Kathmandu
A Kathmandu taxi is the most convenient way to move around the city quickly and comfortably or explore nearby destinations. You can secure a ride anytime during the day, especially in busy areas, tourist attractions, and public transport hubs.
There are different types of taxis available, like pre-paid taxis that operate exclusively at Kathmandu Airport. Regular taxis are white and you may come across different types of vehicles. A good way to secure reliable service is to pre-book your Kathmandu Airport taxi and any other rides you may need during your trip to save time and money through fixed fares.
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HOW MUCH IS THE KATHMANDU TAXI RATE?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM KATHMANDU AIRPORT TO THAMEL | 5 € | 9 € | 15 MIN |
| FROM THAMEL TO BHAGAWAN PAU | 2.50 € | 2.50 € | 10 MIN |
| FROM THAMEL TO PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE | 3 € | 3 € | 10 MIN |
| FROM THAMEL TO BUDDHA STUPA | 6.50 € | 6.50 € | 15 MIN |
| FROM THAMEL TO PATAN DARBAR SQUARE | 6.50 € | 6.50 € | 15 MIN |
Taxi fare in Kathmandu
Kathmandu taxi fares, like in many cities in South Asia, are quite low. The downside is that you can’t be certain how much you’ll pay beforehand as there are no really set rates or fixed fares. For rides around the city or nearby destinations, each taxi driver will give you a quote depending on the number of passengers, time of day, and other factors. Also, tourists are usually quoted higher fares than locals.
The only exception is airport taxis, which operate only on pre-paid fixed fares depending on where you’re headed.
As a reference, a 5-km ride costs around €4 (NPR 580), while the fare from Kathmandu Airport to the city center is around €5 (NPR 700) during the daytime and €9 (NPR 1300) after 21:30.
In any case, it’s strongly advised to agree on the total fare before you get in the taxi and negotiate if necessary. If you prefer to avoid the hassle and secure a fixed fare that you will know and pay in advance, the best choice is to pre-book your taxi in Kathmandu with Welcome Pickups.
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How to get a taxi in Kathmandu
Hailing a taxi from the street is the easiest way to get a taxi in Kathmandu; just wave over to the driver and they’ll pull over to pick you up. Often drivers will honk or shout if they see you standing by the sidewalk.
If there aren’t any taxis around, you can try to locate the nearest taxi rank, usually found outside popular tourist attractions, in front of major hotels, and near major transportation hubs, like bus stations. Using a taxi-hailing app or ordering a taxi over the phone is a good alternative if you want a taxi sent to your location.
How to get a taxi at Kathmandu Airport
After stepping out of the Arrivals Hall at Kathmandu Airport, you will find the pre-paid taxi service on your right. Taxis are available there 24/7. Before heading to the taxi rank, go to the kiosk right before the exit as you need to pre-pay for your ride.
How to get a taxi at Ratna Park Bus Stop (Old Bus Station)
Ratna Park Bus Stop is the city’s main bus station for services around Kathmandu and other cities in Nepal. You will find a central taxi rank on Durbar Marg, which is east of Ratna Park and around 450 meters from the bus station.
How to get a taxi in Thamel
Thamel is Kathmandu’s main nightlife zone, meaning it gets very crowded. There is a main taxi rank on Swayambhu Marg near the Tourist Bus Stop, with taxis available 24/7.
Using a taxi app in Kathmandu
Downloading a Kathmandu taxi app is a convenient way to secure a ride wherever you are and avoid waiting for a taxi in the street. Global taxi apps like Uber, Lyft, and Bolt aren’t available in Kathmandu. However, you can download two local taxi apps, Pathao or Taximandu. They both work like most taxi-hailing apps; you can request a ride online, get a quote, and pay online. However, keep in mind that Pathao requires a local SIM to create a new account.
An even better way to secure fixed fares and reliable service is to pre-book your taxi in Kathmandu with Welcome Pickups. You can book everything from airport pickups and drop-offs to in-city rides and long-distance trips via the online booking form or the Welcome Pickups app.
Useful Kathmandu taxi numbers
Calling a Kathmandu taxi number is another way to have a driver sent to your location. Most hotels can recommend reliable operators or arrange a pickup on your behalf. Alternatively, you can order a taxi yourself by calling an operator like:
- Taxi Aayo: +977 (986) 429 4354
- Book Cab Now: +977 (985) 120 7214
Benefits of booking a Kathmandu taxi in advance
Although the Kathmandu taxi service is generally easy to find, securing a ride in a popular area or after attending a ceremony at Pashupatinath temple can be more challenging. To avoid the hassle, you can pre-book your Kathmandu Airport taxi or any other ride with a trusted and highly-rated operator like Welcome Pickups.
With Welcome, you will ensure reliable door-to-door service to any destination in and around Kathmandu from hand-picked, trained drivers. Welcome’s rides also guarantee a fixed fare, which is much more convenient than negotiating the fare each time you want a taxi. On top of that, you will enjoy peace of mind knowing 24/7 customer support is available in case anything doesn’t go as planned.
Kathmandu taxi tips
- Taxis you take from the street rarely accept card payments so make sure to carry rupees in cash.
- Make sure to negotiate and agree on the total fare before getting in the taxi.
- Tipping your driver isn’t expected but you can round up the fare if you receive great service.
- You can hire a taxi for the entire day or take the driver’s contact information to plan more rides with them if you enjoy their service.
Wheelchair-accessible taxi in Kathmandu
Although Kathmandu can’t be characterized as a wheelchair-friendly destination, you can still enjoy a memorable trip with proper planning. Regular taxis can usually fit a folding wheelchair in the trunk but they’re not equipped with accessibility ramps.
To secure safe transportation during your trip, it’s best to plan your itinerary with a specialized accessible operator, like Four Seasons. They can help you organize tours and plan all your activities during your trip with accessible vehicles.
Kathmandu taxi safety and complaints
The service taxi in Kathmandu is generally reliable if you avoid sketchy drivers and are prepared to negotiate the fare. If you encounter any issues during the ride, you can address the company from which you ordered the service. Make sure to write down the driver’s name, license plate, and registration number and describe in detail what happened.
For more urgent matters, like reckless driving or inappropriate behavior on behalf of the driver, you can call the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police at 103 or +977 (01) 421 9641.