# KTM — Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport)

> KTM (Tribhuvan International Airport) is the main international airport serving Kathmandu, Nepal. Source: https://www.airportexit.com/airports/ktm-kathmandu

## At a glance

- **Best exit method:** Use the pre-paid taxi counter inside arrivals
- **Typical fare:** NPR 700–1,200
- **Journey time:** 30–60 min to Thamel
- **Pickup point:** Pre-paid taxi counter, then official taxi at the rank
- **Key warning:** Touts will follow you out — do NOT engage. They charge 3–4x.
- **Fare reality (KTM → Thamel):** expected NPR 700–1,200 · concerning NPR 2,000+ · likely scam NPR 4,000+ tout
- **Overall risk:** high — Aggressive taxi touts inside and outside arrivals. Pre-paid taxi counter is the only safe non-app option.
- **Last updated:** June 2026 (high confidence)

## Ways out of KTM, ranked

1. **Pre-paid taxi (airport counter)** _(recommended)_ — cost NPR 700–1,200, journey 30–60 min, wait 5–10 min, payment Cash.
   - Pros: Set price; Avoids haggling
   - Cons: Slightly above local meter
2. **InDriver** — cost NPR 500–900, journey 30–60 min, wait 5–15 min, payment Cash.
   - Pros: Often cheaper than pre-paid
   - Cons: Pickup outside main gate; Driver availability varies
3. **Hotel pickup** — cost Often $10–$15 USD, journey 30–60 min, wait Pre-arranged, payment Cash.
   - Pros: Driver with sign; Removes all friction
   - Cons: Pricier than pre-paid

## First 30 minutes after landing at KTM

1. Get visa on arrival (forms inside, USD cash required)
2. Pick up SIM at Ncell/NTC counter
3. Use ONLY the pre-paid taxi counter inside arrivals
4. Pay in NPR or USD at counter, get coupon
5. Walk to official taxi rank outside, hand coupon to driver
6. 30–60 min to Thamel

## Common scams at KTM

- **Curbside tout swap** (high risk): Touts grab your bag, walk you to a private car, and charge NPR 3,000–4,000. _How to avoid:_ Never accept help with bags. Use ONLY the pre-paid counter inside arrivals.
- **Hotel commission scam** (high risk): Driver claims your hotel is 'closed/burned/moved' and takes you to a commission partner. _How to avoid:_ Insist on the original address. Call your hotel from the airport if doubt.
- **Visa form upsell** (medium risk): Touts charge for free visa forms. _How to avoid:_ Forms are free inside the immigration hall.

## Payment warnings at KTM

- Bring clean USD for visa on arrival ($30 for 15 days, $50 for 30, $125 for 90).
- ATMs work but withdrawal limit is ~NPR 35,000 per transaction.
- Foreign cards rarely work outside Thamel.

## Arrival checklist for KTM

- Bring clean USD for visa on arrival
- Skip every tout offering 'help'
- Pre-paid taxi counter only, OR hotel pickup
- Print your hotel address + phone
- Get Ncell SIM at the arrivals counter

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Canonical URL: https://www.airportexit.com/airports/ktm-kathmandu
Source: Airport Exit (https://www.airportexit.com)
Last updated: June 2026

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