Route · Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu to Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is about 13 km east of central Kathmandu, 45 minutes to an hour by car or taxi and about an hour by local bus. Go early to beat traffic, and consider stopping at Thimi, the potters' town on the way, or walking the last stretch from Changunarayan.
The easiest option, especially with luggage or if you plan to stay overnight. Drivers usually take the Araniko Highway via Koteshwar and Thimi, or the route via Kausaltar. Traffic is heaviest from 9 to 11 am and 4 to 7 pm. Cars drop you at the edge of the old town, near the ticket booths, as the core is mostly car-free. We include this transfer in all valley itineraries.
Metered taxis rarely use their meters, so agree a fare before you get in; ride-hailing apps work across the valley and show the price up front. Ask to be dropped at the Durbar Square entrance or near Siddha Pokhari. For the return, taxis wait near the bus park and the main gates, or book through an app.
Buses leave from Ratnapark and Bagbazar in central Kathmandu and stop at the Bhaktapur bus park near Siddha Pokhari, a short walk from the old town. They are cheap but crowded, with little room for bags. Services run from early morning to early evening. Ask locals or the conductor for the Bhaktapur bus.
Worth a stop on the way
- Pashupatinath (short detour)
- Thimi, a Newar pottery town
- Suryabinayak Ganesh temple
- Siddha Pokhari at Bhaktapur's gate
Local tip
Leave Kathmandu before 8 am to reach Bhaktapur's squares while they are quiet and the light is soft.
Questions
How do I get from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur?
By private car or taxi, it takes 45 minutes to an hour for the 13 km. Local buses from Ratnapark and Bagbazar take about an hour and stop near Siddha Pokhari. Ride-hailing apps also work. A private car is easiest if you want to combine Bhaktapur with Changunarayan or Nagarkot.
Can I do a day trip from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur?
Yes. Many visitors do, spending four to six hours in the old town before returning. Leave early to beat traffic. If you can, stay overnight to see Bhaktapur at dawn and dusk, when the squares belong to locals and day groups have gone.
How much is a taxi from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur?
Expect roughly NPR 1,200 to 2,000 one way from Thamel, depending on traffic, time of day and bargaining. Ride-hailing apps are often cheaper and show fares up front. Prices change with fuel costs, so check current status before you travel and agree fares before starting.
Is there a direct bus from Thamel to Bhaktapur?
There is no regular tourist bus from Thamel. Walk or take a taxi to Ratnapark or Bagbazar, about 15 minutes away, and catch a local bus to Bhaktapur. Buses are frequent but crowded. A private car or ride-hailing app is more comfortable.