Kathmandu Valley Bus Routes & Fares
Official Department of Transport Management (DOTM Nepal) public transport bus routes, EV microbus schedules, and distance-based fare chart.
Search Bus & Microbus Routes
Full Ring Road Circuit (चकपथ परिक्रमा)
Ratnapark ↔ Bhaktapur Suryabinayak
Lagankhel ↔ Budhanilkantha
NAC / Ratnapark ↔ TIA Airport
Official Distance Bus Fare Chart
| Distance | Regular Fare | Student / Senior |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 5 km | Rs. 20 | Rs. 11 (45% Disc) |
| 5 – 10 km | Rs. 25 | Rs. 14 |
| 10 – 15 km | Rs. 30 | Rs. 17 |
| 15 – 20 km | Rs. 35 | Rs. 19 |
| Above 20 km | Rs. 40 | Rs. 22 |
About Kathmandu Valley Public Transport
Kathmandu Valley's public transport system includes government-operated Sajha Yatayat buses, private electric buses (EV), microbuses, and city buses serving major routes across Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur districts. The system is regulated by the Department of Transport Management (DOTM) with standardized fares based on distance traveled. Recent improvements include electric bus fleets, mobile ticketing, and Ring Road express services.
Major Bus Operators in Kathmandu Valley
Student & Senior Citizen Discounts
Nepal's public transport system offers a 45% fare discount to students with valid college ID cards and senior citizens (above 60 years). Students must carry their institutional ID and present it to conductors when purchasing tickets. Senior citizens may need to show proof of age (citizenship certificate or senior citizen card). This discount applies to all DOTM-regulated public buses, Sajha Yatayat, and most private bus operators.
Popular Bus Routes in Kathmandu Valley
- Ring Road Circuit: Kalanki → Balaju → Maharajgunj → Chabahil → Koteshwor → Satdobato → Balkhu → Kalanki (Sajha Yatayat)
- Ratnapark ↔ Bhaktapur: Connecting capital center with Bhaktapur district via Koteshwor (Electric Bus)
- Lagankhel ↔ Budhanilkantha: Lalitpur to northern valley via Ratnapark and Maharajgunj
- Airport Route: Ratnapark/NAC to Tribhuvan International Airport via Gaushala
- Old Bus Park ↔ Patan: Historic center to Lalitpur via Tripureshwor
- Kalanki ↔ Bhaktapur: Direct western valley to eastern district connection
Tips for Using Kathmandu Public Transport
- Peak hours (7-10 AM and 5-8 PM) are very crowded - plan accordingly or travel slightly earlier/later
- Keep exact change ready - conductors may not always have change for large notes
- Sajha Yatayat buses have fixed stops and schedules - check timings to avoid long waits
- For airport travel, allow extra time as traffic can be unpredictable, especially during festivals
- Always ask the conductor to confirm your destination before boarding - some routes have variations
- Electric buses are more comfortable but may have limited routes compared to traditional buses
Payment & Ticketing
Most Kathmandu buses use traditional conductor-based ticketing where you pay cash after boarding. The conductor issues a printed ticket showing the fare amount. Sajha Yatayat has introduced mobile ticketing via their app and prepaid smart cards (Sajha Smart Card) for regular commuters. Some electric buses accept digital payments. Always keep your ticket until you reach your destination as inspectors may check randomly.
Note: Bus routes, schedules, and fares are subject to change by DOTM Nepal. During festivals (Dashain, Tihar) and bandhs (strikes), services may be limited or suspended. Always verify current information with operators before travel.