Guide
Car Rental at Kathmandu Airport: How to Book and Collect
Renting a car at Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport: pickup options, what to prepare before landing, driving from TIA into the city, and self-drive versus driver.
By DriveRentalNepal ·
Many visitors search for car rental at Kathmandu airport and then discover there is no row of rental desks in the arrivals hall like at airports elsewhere. In Nepal, the usual way is to book ahead and have the vehicle, or a driver with a sign, meet you outside.
How airport pickup works
Send your flight number, arrival time and group size before you travel. Your driver waits outside arrivals at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and takes you to your hotel. The price is agreed in advance, so there is no haggling after a long flight.
Collecting a self-drive car
You can collect a self-drive car at the airport if you prefer, but most visitors do not. The airport road is busy, Kathmandu traffic is intense, and jet lag is real. A common plan is a driven transfer to your hotel and a self-drive handover the next morning once you are rested.
What to bring
- Your home driving licence and an International Driving Permit for self-drive
- Your passport
- A card or cash for the refundable security deposit
From TIA into the city
Thamel is about 6 km away. Allow 20 to 40 minutes, longer at rush hour. Driving in Kathmandu is left-hand traffic with narrow lanes, and many roads around Thamel are pedestrian-heavy. See our guide to driving in Kathmandu before you take the wheel.
Booking
Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and flight details and we confirm the vehicle and a fixed price.