KTM Car Service
Thamel Airport Transfer
Thamel is where most independent travelers, backpackers, and trekkers base themselves in Kathmandu — and it's also where the largest share of our airport pickups and drop-offs start or end. Here's what to know about getting between Thamel and Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
Distance & Travel Time
Thamel is roughly 6–7 km from TIA. By private car the drive takes about 20–45 minutes, depending on Kathmandu's traffic — short enough that even a tight connection is manageable, but variable enough that we build in a buffer for arrivals.
Hotel & Guesthouse Pickup
Thamel's narrow lanes mean most vehicles can't pull right up to every guesthouse door. Tell us your hotel name when you book and we'll arrange the closest practical pickup point, then walk or call you if the final stretch needs to be on foot — usually no more than a couple of minutes' walk.
- Roughly 6–7 km / 20–45 minutes between Thamel and TIA.
- Meet-and-greet at arrivals with a name sign, or hotel pickup for departures.
- Fixed price agreed in advance — no meter, no haggling.
- Available 24 hours a day, with flight monitoring for arrivals.
Continuing straight on from the airport? We can also take you directly from TIA to Pokhara or a trekking trailhead without a stop in Thamel first — just let us know when you book. For full details on airport pickup and drop-off, see our Kathmandu Airport Transfer page.