Airports Near Kathmandu
Looking for the nearest airport to Kathmandu? Kathmandu is served by a couple of airports located in different directions around the city. With two airports within a 50-mile radius, you still have solid options to choose from. Here's a quick guide to help you find the one that best suits your travel plans.
What Is the Closest Airport to Kathmandu?
The closest airport to Kathmandu is Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), a large airport located approximately 2.4 miles (3.8 km) east of the city center. The driving distance is about 3.3 miles (5.3 km), which typically takes around 7 minutes by car.
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Direct Distance 📏
2.4 miles
3.8 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
3.3 miles
5.3 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
7 min
Direction ➤
East
Simara Airport (SIF)
Located 42.9 miles (69 km) southwest of the city.
Direct Distance 📏
42.9 miles
69 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
73.5 miles
118.4 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
2 h 1 min
Direction ➤
Southwest
Nearby airports to Kathmandu
| Airport | Iata Code | Location | Distance | Driving Distance | Driving Time | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tribhuvan International Airport | KTM | Kathmandu | 2.4 mi (3.8 km) | 3.3 mi (5.3 km) | 7 min | Large |
| Simara Airport | SIF | Simara | 42.9 mi (69 km) | 73.5 mi (118.4 km) | 2 h 1 min | Small |
| Bharatpur Airport | BHR | Bharatpur | 54.6 mi (87.8 km) | 93.1 mi (149.8 km) | 2 h 23 min | Small |
| Meghauli Airport | MEY | Meghauli | 67.1 mi (107.9 km) | 107.5 mi (173 km) | 2 h 48 min | Small |
| Janakpur Airport | JKR | Janakpur | 77.9 mi (125.4 km) | 141.8 mi (228.2 km) | 2 h 50 min | Medium-sized |
| Phaplu Airport | PPL | Phaplu | 78.4 mi (126.2 km) | 171.8 mi (276.5 km) | 4 h | Small |
| Rumjatar Airport | RUM | Rumjatar | 80.2 mi (129.1 km) | 142.9 mi (229.9 km) | 3 h 23 min | Small |
| Tenzing–Hillary Airport | LUA | Lukla | 86.2 mi (138.7 km) | 192.7 mi (310.2 km) | 5 h 24 min | Small |
| Pokhara Airport | PKR | Pokhara | 88.7 mi (142.7 km) | 126.3 mi (203.3 km) | 3 h 5 min | Medium-sized |
| Manang Airport | NGX | Manang | 99.2 mi (159.7 km) | 141.3 mi (227.4 km) | 4 h 54 min | Small |
| Darbhanga Airport | DBR | Darbhanga | 110.5 mi (177.9 km) | 187.4 mi (301.6 km) | 3 h 49 min | Medium-sized |
| Gautam Buddha Airport | BWA | Bhairawa | 117.4 mi (188.9 km) | 164.8 mi (265.2 km) | 3 h 52 min | Medium-sized |
| Tumlingtar Airport | TMI | Tumling Tar | 117.8 mi (189.6 km) | 313 mi (503.7 km) | 6 h 35 min | Small |
| Jomsom Airport | JMO | Jomsom | 122.5 mi (197.2 km) | 219.1 mi (352.6 km) | 6 h 28 min | Small |
| Gorakhpur Airport | GOP | Gorakhpur | 132.8 mi (213.7 km) | 218.5 mi (351.6 km) | 4 h 58 min | Medium-sized |
| Biratnagar Airport | BIR | Biratnagar | 146.3 mi (235.4 km) | 233.5 mi (375.7 km) | 4 h 42 min | Medium-sized |
| Jay Prakash Narayan Airport | PAT | Patna | 146.5 mi (235.8 km) | 220.6 mi (355.1 km) | 4 h 54 min | Medium-sized |
| Taplejung Airport | TPJ | Taplejung | 147.5 mi (237.4 km) | 372.7 mi (599.9 km) | 8 h 52 min | Medium-sized |
General Airport Travel Tips
- Allow enough time: It's generally recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
- Check your terminal: Confirm your departure terminal before heading to the airport, especially at larger airports.
- Airport selection: When choosing between multiple airports, consider flight availability, prices, and proximity to your final destination.
- Transportation options: Research transportation options to and from the airport including public transit, taxis, rideshares, or car rentals.
- Check flight status: Always verify your flight status before heading to the airport as schedules can change.
When planning your trip to Kathmandu, choosing the right airport can help ensure a smoother travel experience. Consider all available options based on your specific needs.