Kathmandu to Chitwan by private car
Door to door from your Kathmandu hotel or airport to Sauraha or Bharatpur in about 5–6 hours. Private car with a local driver, or a single seat on our early-morning shared trip.
The trip in numbers
- Distance
- About 150 km
- Driving time
- About 5–6 hours
- Usual road
- Prithvi Highway via Mugling
- Other road
- Via Hetauda
- Pickup
- Any Kathmandu hotel or the airport
- Drop-off
- Sauraha, Bharatpur, Meghauli or your hotel
Private car, shared seat or tourist bus
All three get you to Chitwan. Here is how they compare so you can pick what suits you.
| Private car | Shared seat | Tourist bus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pickup | Your hotel or the airport | Set point in Kathmandu | Bus park |
| Leaves | When you want | Early morning, around 5:00 a.m. | Fixed morning times |
| Stops | Wherever you like | Short breaks | Set meal stops |
| Best for | Families, groups, luggage | Solo travellers | Tight budgets |
| Book | Get price | Check seats | Through a bus company |
Book with the owner, not a booking site
Booking sites list private Kathmandu to Chitwan transfers from around US$100 to US$260. When you book with us you deal directly with the local owner, so there's no booking-site commission in the price.
We confirm the car, the driver, the pickup time and the full price on WhatsApp before you travel, so there are no surprises on the day.
Frequently asked
How long does it take to drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan?
About 5 to 6 hours by private car for the roughly 150 km trip, depending on traffic and road works. Leaving early in the morning is fastest.
Which road do you take?
Usually the Prithvi Highway via Mugling. When that road is busy or blocked we can go via Hetauda instead. We check road conditions on the day.
Can you pick me up from my hotel in Thamel or from Kathmandu airport?
Yes. We pick up from hotels anywhere in Kathmandu Valley and from Tribhuvan International Airport, and drop you at your hotel in Sauraha, Bharatpur or Meghauli.
Is there a cheaper option if I'm travelling alone?
Yes. Book a single seat on our shared early-morning trip between Kathmandu and Chitwan, and pay for one seat instead of the whole car.
Can we stop at Manakamana on the way?
Yes. With a private car you choose the stops, including the Manakamana cable car near Kurintar. Tell us when you book so we can plan the time.