Kathmandu - Post Report Question and Answers
Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
I've heard the buses are safe, but I wouldn't take them as they are always extremely crowded and, from the number of broken-down buses I have seen, don't seem particularly reliable. Taxis are easy to get in the expat areas, though you have to negotiate the price which can be annoying. In and around Kathmandu you can use Pathao, a ride hailing app, which always has decent prices. - Jun 2024
Buses and taxis are available here and both are safe. I've never taken a bus because they are jampacked and I don't know where they are going :). Taxis are safe- but you have to negotiate your price. They have an app for taxis, Pathao, which is kind of like an Uber, making it much easier since you don't have to haggle the price. It is good to keep your guard up when riding taxis, just like in any big city. - Aug 2022
No. RSO says not to use the buses, rickshaws, or tuk tuks as there is a lot of theft and groping. Taxis are ok, but they're tiny! No seat belts, and they will try and overcharge you. Always establish the price before you get in and ask someone who's been here awhile what the prices should be. They'll try and play hardball, so just walk away and go to the next one. - Aug 2019
No trains. Buses are scary. Taxis are safe and really affordable, crossing from one side of the city to the other will cost you US$5. You can convince taxi drivers to take you to really remote places for US$10-$20. Bring your negotiation skills. - Aug 2015
No trains here. Taxis are safe and affordable although not the most comfortable experience. Public transportation is even cheaper and less comfortable. - Jul 2014
Taxis are fine and cheap. Embassy recommends not to use buses and tuk tuks, which look crowded and unsafe anyway. - May 2014
Only taxis, and only if you need them. They cost about US$1. There are no buses or trains. - Apr 2014
Taxis are generally safe and affordable. You need to haggle with them as they will double the price if you let them. I don't recommend tuk-tuks or the buses- packed with people and very dangerous. There is no other type of public transportation. - Dec 2013
I've known people to take the buses and tuk-tuks, and they're okay as long as you don't mind crowded vehicles and strangers potentially sitting on your lap (not a joke). Taxis are available as well. You have to bargain with the taxis, but they are still affordable. - Jun 2013
I have never had an issue and take regular taxis. I am male. - May 2013
Yes, safe & affordable but not very pleasant. - Jun 2011
No RXR's. Avoid the buses, they are dirty and not safe. Taxis can be reasonable (60-300 nrs in town depending on destination), but can be a hassle. Haggle or ask for the meter before you get in. - Sep 2010
We never used local transport but taxis are your best bet. - Jan 2010
We are only advised to take taxis and they are fine, inexpensive, but dirty and hot. - May 2008
