Taking the public bus from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur Durbar Square is an affordable and fun way to explore this part of Nepal.
As a budget traveller who seeks out cheaper options like public transport, this was a perfect way to get to Bhaktapur and also experience authentic daily life in Nepal.
I took this route in September 2024 so the information is up to date.
Check out the 10 Best Things to See and Do in Kathmandu, Vegan Food Guide to Kathmandu, and How to get a Multi Entry Visitor Pass to Kathmandu Durbar Square!
WHERE IS THE BUS STOP IN KATHMANDU?
Type into Google Maps…”Bhaktapur Mini Buspark”. It’s not technically a bus station like we know of. It’s a side street that has a heap of buses going everywhere. It took me 18 minutes to walk from my hotel in Thamel to this bus stop.
HERE is the Google Maps link for the bus stop.
HOW DO I GET THE CORRECT BUS TO BHAKTAPUR?
When you arrive at the street/bus stop…all you need to do is find a random person and say to them “Bhaktapur?”…and they will direct you to a bus. The bus names are written in Nepali script so you most likely won’t be able to read which bus to get, so it’s important to use your words and ask.
There is no set time they depart, they will usually wait a bit until the bus is filled up more. I arrived at around 8:30am and only had to wait 10 minutes until it departed.
Get on the bus and find a seat. You will pay the ticket person at the end in Bhaktapur before you get off the bus.
HOW MUCH IS THE BUS FROM KATHMANDU TO BHAKTAPUR?
For foreigners, it’s 50 NPR one way. That is 60cents AUD, 40cents USD, 40p GBP.
Just before you arrive in Bhaktapur, the ticket person will walk down the bus and you will hand him your money. Give a 50 NPR note over to him.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO BHAKTAPUR ON THE BUS?
It takes about an hour to get from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur.
The bus will stop at random stops along the way picking people up. On my bus, I had a person hanging out the side door yelling out “Bhaktapur” as we drove past.
HOW TO GET BACK TO KATHMANDU FROM BHAKTAPUR?
Once you’ve explored Bhaktapur, walk back to the bus area that you were dropped off at.
It’s right next to “De’ Tisha Inn Lounge and Bar”. If you put that into Google Maps, you’ll find the bus stop. HERE is the Google Maps link.
Do the same thing and find a random person and say “Kathmandu?” and they will direct you to the correct bus.
It will take around an hour to get back and will drop you at the same place you got on. Pay 50 NPR before you disembark the bus.
GOOD THINGS TO KNOW?
There are no seatbelts. The bus may stop to get petrol/gas. The seats can be small so you may be squished next to a person. School kids also use this bus. The driver might turn on loud Nepali music during the drive (this happened on my way back to Kathmandu). There is no aircon so sit next to a window to get a breeze. This is a local bus so Nepali locals use it to get from A to B.
I thoroughly enjoyed my local bus trip and recommend it to everyone who enjoys an authentic experience.
