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
Biratnagar Airport (BIR) is a critical aviation gateway serving the Morang District and the wider eastern region of Nepal. As the country's second or third busiest domestic airport, it plays a vital role in connecting the industrial hub of Biratnagar with the national capital, Kathmandu, and other regional centers. The airport is currently in the final stages of a transformative expansion, with a massive new terminal building spanning over 16,000 square meters nearing completion. This state-of-the-art facility is projected to become the largest domestic terminal in Nepal, designed to handle up to 550 passengers simultaneously and featuring 17 modern check-in counters.
The current operational terminal, while more modest, provides essential services including night flight capabilities and an on-site aviation fuel depot, making it a key logistical node for eastern Nepal. The ongoing modernization project includes provisions for future regional international flights, with dedicated sections for customs, immigration, and quarantine services already integrated into the new design. The airfield features a 1,500-meter asphalt runway, which is slated for extension to 1,770 meters to accommodate larger aircraft and improve safety margins for the robust schedule of daily flights operated by major carriers such as Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines.
Amenities at the airport are well-developed for its regional status, including multiple cafes and snack bars serving local and international refreshments, specialized retail kiosks for souvenirs, and essential banking services with on-site ATMs. The terminal offers comfortable waiting lounges, free baggage trolleys, and comprehensive information desks to assist travelers. Connectivity to the Biratnagar city center is excellent, with the airport located just 3 to 5 kilometers away. Ground transportation is readily available through local taxi services, rickshaws, and pre-arranged hotel shuttles, providing quick 15-minute links to the city's commercial areas and the nearby Indian border at Jogbani.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Biratnagar Airport (BIR) is a unique experience as it undergoes a massive transition from a traditional regional strip to Nepal's largest domestic aviation hub. While the airport currently operates from a modest terminal, it is a critical node for travelers heading to the industrial heart of the Morang District or those transferring to Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) flights for the hilly eastern districts like Tumlingtar, Bhojpur, and Taplejung. Most connections at BIR are 'self-transfers,' meaning you must collect your bags from the simple ground-floor carousel and re-check them at the counters of your onward airline, typically Buddha Air or Yeti Airlines. A significant advantage of BIR is its night-flight capability, allowing for late-evening departures and arrivals which are rare in Nepalโs domestic network.
However, travelers must be acutely aware of the 'Terai fog' during the winter months (December to January). Morning flights are frequently delayed or cancelled due to low visibility; for the most reliable connections during this season, it is advisable to book afternoon or evening slots. If you are using Biratnagar as a stepping stone to an international departure from Kathmandu, seasoned travelers recommend a buffer of at least 7 to 8 hours to account for weather disruptions or Air Traffic Control holds in the Kathmandu valley. The airport is currently in the final stages of opening a state-of-the-art 16,000-square-meter terminal building.
Until this is fully operational, expect the current facility to be crowded during peak hours. Outside the terminal, taxis and e-rickshaws are plentiful for the quick 5km trip into Biratnagar city. There are no luggage lockers available, so plan to keep your belongings with you during any short layovers.
โ Back to Tribhuvan International Airport