Border Towns and Gateways · Onward routes

How long does it take to reach Kathmandu from each border?

By Base Camp Tours, licensed Nepal travel agency (Tourism License 3121/080) · Updated · 1 min read

The short answer

Birgunj is the shortest, at about 5 to 8 hours by road. Sunauli to Kathmandu takes 8 to 10 hours, and the eastern and far-west crossings are longer. A short domestic flight from Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj or Biratnagar can save most of the day.

Key facts

Birgunj
About 5 to 8 hours
Sunauli
About 8 to 10 hours
Nepalgunj
Flight preferred
Kakarbhitta
Flight from Bhadrapur preferred

Insider tip

Times vary hugely with traffic and landslides, especially during the monsoon.

Avoid this

Do not trust a single-number promise. Always add a buffer.

Related questions

Are there night buses?

Yes, but they are tiring and risky on hill roads.

Is the road safe?

Generally yes with a good driver; avoid night driving.

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