โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
150
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Tribhuvan International Airport serves as Nepal's primary gateway, featuring separate domestic and international terminals connected by ground transportation and walking paths.
The domestic terminal handles flights to various Nepalese destinations including mountain airstrips, featuring basic check-in facilities designed for small aircraft operations, simplified security screening appropriate for domestic travel, departure gates with minimal amenities including small cafes serving dal bhat and tea, limited shopping for trekking supplies and local products, and basic waiting areas often crowded during peak trekking seasons.
The international terminal processes all foreign flights and serves as the hub for Nepal Airlines, featuring check-in facilities with counters for various international carriers, security screening systems often experiencing delays during peak tourist seasons, immigration processing with dedicated lines for Nepalese citizens and foreign visitors requiring visas on arrival or pre-arranged permits, customs facilities designed for processing trekking equipment and tourist goods with duty-free allowances, limited duty-free shopping featuring Nepalese handicrafts, pashmina shawls, and traditional artifacts, dining options including Nepalese restaurants serving traditional dal bhat and momo alongside basic international options, modest lounge facilities primarily serving transit passengers, and essential passenger services including currency exchange for Nepalese rupees, medical facilities equipped for altitude-related issues, tourist information desks providing trekking and cultural guidance, and ground transportation coordination for the journey to Kathmandu's Thamel district, with special processing areas for mountaineering expeditions requiring equipment inspections and permits verification.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Kathmanduโs Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) requires careful logistical planning, as the airport consists of two separate terminals located approximately 500 meters apart. For international arrivals connecting to a domestic destination, you must clear immigration, collect your checked baggage, and pass through customs before moving to the domestic facility to re-check your bags. Ground transportation to the city center, primarily Thamel, is best handled via the prepaid taxi counter located to the right of the arrivals exit; fares are fixed at approximately 800 to 1,000 NPR. The terminal offers basic amenities including local SIM card kiosks (Ncell/Nepal Telecom) and currency exchange, but options are more limited than at larger regional hubs.
The International Terminal handles all flights outside Nepal, while the Domestic Terminal is used for local flights to destinations like Lukla and Pokhara. A minimum connection time of at least three to four hours is strongly recommended due to potential congestion on the airport's single runway. Most international travelers can obtain a visa-on-arrival at KTM. Alternatively, ride-sharing apps like Pathao and InDrive are popular and offer competitive rates. Arriving three hours before international departures is mandatory due to rigorous security screenings and manual processing.
A free shuttle bus connects the two terminals every 20 minutes, though you can also walk between them in about ten minutes. It is highly recommended to fill out the digital application form at the airport kiosks (or online within 15 days of arrival) and have US Dollar cash ready for the fee (typically $30 to $125 depending on duration), as card machines are often unreliable. Be wary of unofficial 'helpers' in the arrivals hall.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Bharatpur Airport (BHR) is one of the busiest domestic aviation hubs in Nepal, serving as the primary gateway to the Chitwan District and the world-renowned Chitwan National Park. Located in the heart of the Terai region, the airport features a 1,158-meter asphalt runway that accommodates frequent short-haul flights from Kathmandu and Pokhara. It is a vital piece of infrastructure for both the local business community in Bharatpurโthe country's fourth-largest cityโand the thousands of international tourists who arrive annually to embark on wildlife safaris to see the region's famous one-horned rhinoceroses and Bengal tigers.
The airport is currently undergoing a significant modernization phase, with the foundation stone for a new, state-of-the-art terminal building laid in 2023. This project aims to replace the existing modest structure with a more spacious facility equipped with modern check-in counters, expanded waiting lounges, and improved passenger flow to handle the increasing volume of air traffic. While the new terminal is under construction, the current facility provides essential services including centralized check-in and basic security screening. Boarding is typically conducted via a short walk across the apron to the aircraft, often a Beechcraft 1900 or ATR-42 regional liner.
Amenities within the current terminal are functional and include free Wi-Fi and baggage trolleys for passenger convenience. While there are no on-site ATMs, currency exchange, or duty-free shops, a small snack bar offers refreshments and local items. Travelers are advised that full-service banking and extensive dining options are available in the nearby Bharatpur city center, just a few minutes' drive from the terminal. Ground transportation is readily accessible, with taxis and pre-arranged hotel shuttles frequently waiting outside the arrivals exit to transport guests to the various jungle lodges in Sauraha and other parts of the Chitwan region.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Bharatpur Airport (BHR) is a central part of any journey to Nepal's Terai region, specifically for those heading to the jungle lodges of Sauraha and Chitwan National Park. As of 2026, the airport is in the midst of a significant modernization project, including the construction of a large, state-of-the-art terminal and a runway extension. Most travelers arrive here on short, 25-minute domestic flights from Kathmandu (KTM) or Pokhara (PKR) operated by Buddha Air or Yeti Airlines. A useful tip for those flying from Kathmandu: try to sit on the right side of the aircraft for breathtaking views of the Manaslu and Ganesh Himal mountain ranges.
Because BHR currently operates under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and lacks night landing facilities, it is essential to plan your connections for the morning or early afternoon. Flights are frequently delayed or cancelled during the winter due to morning fog or during the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rain and low visibility. If you have an international flight departing from Kathmandu, it is highly recommended to return to the capital at least one day in advance to avoid missing your connection. Within the terminal, be prepared for manual security screenings and a functional but basic environment.
Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals area for the 30-to-45-minute drive to Sauraha. Always keep your boarding pass accessible until you exit the terminal, as you will likely need to present it to claim your checked baggage. With the ongoing expansion, the airport will soon accommodate larger ATR-72 aircraft and night flights, which is expected to improve schedule reliability significantly.
โ Back to Tribhuvan International Airport