Transportation in Kathmandu is heavily reliant on an extensive but congested road network. The primary artery is the Ring Road, an eight-lane highway that circles the city and connects it to the neighboring districts of Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. Internal city roads are often narrow and suffer from heavy traffic, especially during peak hours.
Public transit consists largely of privately owned buses, microbuses, and three-wheeled electric "Safa Tempos." While extensive and cheap, the system is often criticized for being chaotic and overcrowded. Ride-sharing apps like Pathao and inDrive for motorcycles and taxis have revolutionized local transit, providing efficient and popular alternatives for navigating the city's traffic.
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is located within the city limits and serves as Nepal's primary international gateway and main domestic aviation hub. There is currently no rail or metro infrastructure in the city, though feasibility studies for a metro system have been discussed for years. Walking and cycling face challenges due to limited sidewalks, pollution, and aggressive traffic, though the local government has recently begun initiatives to improve pedestrian infrastructure.
