Getting around · Lumbini
How to Get to Lumbini
Flights to Bhairahawa, buses and drives from Pokhara or Chitwan, and the nearby India border.
Lumbini sits in Nepal's southern Terai near the Indian border, so you can arrive by air, by road from elsewhere in Nepal, or overland from India. Here's how each option works.
The short answer
The fastest route is to fly to Gautam Buddha International Airport at Bhairahawa, then take a 30-minute taxi to Lumbini. Coming from elsewhere in Nepal, you'll usually arrive by bus or private car.
By air
Domestic flights connect Kathmandu and Pokhara to Bhairahawa (Gautam Buddha International Airport), the closest airport at about 30 minutes from Lumbini. From the airport, taxis run straight to the sacred grounds.
By road from Pokhara or Chitwan
From Pokhara, the drive is roughly 6–8 hours by tourist bus or private car. From Chitwan, it's a shorter run west along the Terai highways. A private car is the most comfortable; tourist buses are the budget option.
From the Indian border
The Sunauli/Belahiya crossing near Bhairahawa is about an hour away, making Lumbini a common first or last stop for travellers between India and Nepal.
Next steps
Once you arrive, plan your day with the best things to do in Lumbini and read our full Lumbini travel guide. Coming via Pokhara? See the best things to do in Pokhara first.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport is closest to Lumbini?+
Gautam Buddha International Airport at Bhairahawa is the nearest, about a 30-minute drive from Lumbini. It handles domestic flights and some regional international routes.
How long is the drive from Pokhara to Lumbini?+
Allow roughly 6–8 hours by bus or private car, depending on road and traffic conditions. Tourist buses run the route, and a private car is faster and more comfortable.
Can you reach Lumbini from India?+
Yes — the Sunauli/Belahiya border crossing is close to Bhairahawa, around an hour from Lumbini. Many travellers arrive overland from Gorakhpur in India via this border.
