Getting around · Nepalgunj
How to Get to Nepalgunj
Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj's airport, take a highway bus, or cross from India at Jamunaha — explained.
Nepalgunj sits on the flat far-western Terai right beside the Indian border, so the fastest way in is to fly from Kathmandu to its busy domestic airport, while budget and overland travellers come by bus along the highways or cross from India at Jamunaha. Here is how each option works.
The short answer
The quickest route from Kathmandu is to fly — about an hour to Nepalgunj's airport, the aviation hub of the whole far-west. Overland, it is a long 12 to 15 hour bus journey along the East–West and Ratna highways. From India, the Jamunaha–Rupaidiha border puts Nepalgunj within easy reach of the Indian rail network in Uttar Pradesh.
By air
Nepalgunj Airport is one of Nepal's busiest domestic airports and the gateway to the far-west, with frequent flights from Kathmandu taking around an hour. It is also the hub for onward flights to remote far-western and Karnali airstrips, such as those serving the high mountain districts. Flying saves a long, hot day on the road and is the most comfortable option for most travellers.
By road
By bus or private vehicle, Nepalgunj connects to the East–West Highway and the Ratna Highway that runs down into the city. From Kathmandu, expect a long 12 to 15 hour haul; buses also run from Pokhara and other hubs. The road is the budget choice, but the distance and heat make it tiring.
From India
Nepalgunj lies just north of the Jamunaha border crossing at Rupaidiha in Uttar Pradesh, linking it to the Indian rail and road network. This makes the city a common entry point for travellers arriving overland from the Indian plains — always check current border and visa rules before crossing.
Getting around and onward
Within the flat city, cycle and auto-rickshaws cover everything cheaply; agree fares first. For the all-important onward trip to Bardia National Park — roughly 90 km and two to three hours east — take a jeep, bus or lodge transfer, as explained in our gateway to Bardia National Park guide. For the bigger picture, see getting around Nepal.
Good to know
- Fly to save a day: A flight from Kathmandu beats a full day and night on the road.
- Major hub: Nepalgunj is the lifeline airport for the entire far-west and Karnali region.
- Plan your stay: Sort a room with where to stay in Nepalgunj and pick your dates with the best time to visit Nepalgunj.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu?+
The fastest way is to fly: Nepalgunj has a busy domestic airport with frequent flights from Kathmandu, taking around an hour. By road it is a long 12 to 15 hour journey along the East–West and Ratna highways, so most travellers fly when time matters.
Does Nepalgunj have an airport?+
Yes. Nepalgunj Airport is one of the busiest domestic airports in Nepal, serving as the main aviation hub for the entire far-west. It handles frequent flights from Kathmandu and onward connections to remote far-western and Karnali airstrips.
Can you reach Nepalgunj from India?+
Yes. Nepalgunj sits just north of the Jamunaha–Rupaidiha border with India, a short ride from Rupaidiha in Uttar Pradesh. The crossing links to the Indian rail and road network, making Nepalgunj a common entry point from the Indian plains.
How do you get from Nepalgunj to Bardia?+
Bardia National Park lies roughly 90 kilometres east of Nepalgunj along the highway, about a two to three hour drive. Many travellers fly into Nepalgunj and continue to Bardia by jeep, bus or a lodge transfer the same day.
