Do buses run on schedule?

No fixed schedules exist. Buses and microbuses run continuously during daylight hours (roughly 6 AM to 8 PM). Wait times are typically 5-15 minutes on main routes.

Is it safe for women to use public transport?

Generally yes, but avoid traveling alone after dark. Women often sit near the front or with other women. Harassment can occur during crowded rush hours.

What if I don't speak Nepali?

Most conductors understand basic English destination names. Write down your destination in both English and Nepali script, or show a map on your phone. Fellow passengers often help tourists.

Are there alternatives to public buses?

Yes. Taxis (negotiate fare beforehand), ride-hailing apps like Pathao, or walking. Rented motorcycles are popular but traffic is chaotic and roads are narrow.

How to Navigate Public Transport in Kathmandu

Kathmandu's public transport runs on local buses, microbuses, and tempos (three-wheelers). Pay in cash (usually 15-25 NPR per ride), board through the back door, and keep small bills ready. Download offline maps since GPS can be unreliable in narrow streets.

Get small bills before you travel. Break larger notes into 10, 20, and 50 rupee bills. Conductors rarely have change for 500 or 1000 rupee notes. ATMs often dispense large bills, so ask shopkeepers to break them.
Identify your transport type. Local buses are large, crowded, and cheapest (15-20 NPR). Microbuses are smaller white vans, slightly more expensive (20-25 NPR) but faster. Tempos are three-wheelers for short distances (10-15 NPR). All display destination signs in Nepali and English.
Board through the back door. Wait for the vehicle to slow down (they rarely stop completely). Board through the rear entrance and move forward. Don't block the aisle. On microbuses, squeeze in wherever there's space.
Pay the conductor. Look for the conductor (usually wearing a cloth bag for money). Tell them your destination in English or show them on your phone. They'll tell you the fare. Pay immediately and keep your ticket if given one.
Signal your stop. Shout 'Roknus!' (Stop!) or tap the roof/window when you see your destination approaching. Vehicles don't announce stops. Get off through the same door you entered.

Do buses run on schedule?: No fixed schedules exist. Buses and microbuses run continuously during daylight hours (roughly 6 AM to 8 PM). Wait times are typically 5-15 minutes on main routes.
Is it safe for women to use public transport?: Generally yes, but avoid traveling alone after dark. Women often sit near the front or with other women. Harassment can occur during crowded rush hours.
What if I don't speak Nepali?: Most conductors understand basic English destination names. Write down your destination in both English and Nepali script, or show a map on your phone. Fellow passengers often help tourists.
Are there alternatives to public buses?: Yes. Taxis (negotiate fare beforehand), ride-hailing apps like Pathao, or walking. Rented motorcycles are popular but traffic is chaotic and roads are narrow.