The short answer
Road is the usual choice: it takes several hours, passes river valleys and suits a private car, a tourist bus or a shared vehicle. Flying to Bharatpur is shorter in the air but adds airport time and transfers, and weather can delay flights. The road can be slow when traffic or roadworks hit.
Choose road for scenery and lower cost, and flight when time is very tight. Read the Kathmandu to Chitwan page for the usual route and timings.
Key facts
- Road
- Scenic, several hours
- Flight
- Short flight, plus transfers
- Risk
- Road delays; flight weather delays
- Best for
- Road: most; flight: tight time
How it works
- Check daysHow many do you have?
- Compare door to doorInclude transfers.
- Start earlyIf driving.
- Keep a bufferFor delays.
- Confirm pickupAt the park end.
Insider tip
Start early on the road to reach the lodge in time for the afternoon activities.
Avoid this
Do not book a tight connection the same day.
Related questions
Is the road safe?
Generally yes with a good driver.
Can I do it in a day?
Yes, but a night is better.
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