Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) Traveler Essentials

Terminals: Single terminal with international and domestic sections (separate buildings). International terminal (TIA) is relatively modern. The domestic terminal (for internal flights to Lukla, Pokhara, etc.) is a short walk.
Distance to city: 6 km / 20–40 min by taxi (use the prepaid taxi counter)

Overview

Tribhuvan International is Nepal's only international airport — a single-runway facility that serves as the gateway for millions of trekkers and mountaineers. Despite its relatively small scale, it handles impressive traffic volumes. The mountain views on final approach (on clear days) are spectacular — Everest, Langtang, and the Himalayan chain are visible.

Transport to city center

Taxi from prepaid counter: NPR 900 to Thamel (25–45 min). Uber works but less common. Private airport transfers arranged by hotels (NPR 1500–2500) are reliable. Walk: technically possible to Thamel (3km) but not recommended with luggage.

Wi-Fi

Free WiFi at Tribhuvan Airport is limited and unreliable — connect to the airport network if available; buy a local SIM in arrivals for dependable data.

Lounges

Yeti Airlines Lounge, Buddha Air Lounge, and a Priority Pass lounge. Facilities are modest but functional.

Security & customs

Most visitors get a visa on arrival — fill in the form at the kiosks and bring USD cash plus a passport photo to speed it up; queues can be long. There's a security screening at the terminal entrance as well as the main checkpoint. Standard 100ml liquid rules apply, and export of antiques and certain artifacts is restricted.

Travel tips

Book taxis only from the official prepaid counter post-customs — drivers inside the terminal will quote 5x the rate. Nepal Rupee is needed immediately — use airport ATMs (several inside arrivals). The domestic airport for Lukla (Everest) and Pokhara (Annapurna) flights is a short walk from international. Always book internal Nepal flights 1–2 days before as schedules depend on weather.