Kathmandu Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Kathmandu Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

Kudos go to the night shift security guys who brought us the one and only rug from first class check-in and a blue tarp to cover the dust because they couldn’t believe two women were willing to sleep on the floor at the airport in the middle of the night. – a traveller

KTM Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Kathmandu Airport (code: KTM).

What to Expect

Don’t expect much from the two chaotic terminals at Kathmandu Airport. Travellers have reported slow, repetitive security queues, airport staff seeking handouts or bribes, and dirty bathrooms (bring tissues and hand sanitizer). Facilities are basic, with a snack bar, restaurant, and a duty-free shop, though recent reviews warn against eating here. WiFi is supposedly free on the airside, but it can be tricky to access. For added comfort while you wait, economy class passengers can pay to enter an airport lounge.

Kathmandu Airport Guide — (Photo courtesy of a Guest traveller / 16Jan2010)

Sleeping in Kathmandu Airport

Sleeping overnight here is not permitted as the airport closes from 12:30 AM until 6:30 AM. For uninterrupted sleep, nearby hotels offer a shuttle service. See our Airport Hotels section below for locations.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore our Kathmandu Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

Airport Hours

The terminal is closed nightly from approximately 12:00 AM – 6:00 AM. Travellers are generally not permitted to remain inside during these hours unless holding a valid same-day boarding pass for a very early departure. Plan accordingly, especially if arriving late at night.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in Kathmandu airport sounds like a nightmare, there are many hotels near the airport Here are a few:

Hotel Black Diamond (0.2 mi / 0.3 km) Mid-range hotel.
Airport Diana Hotel (0.2 mi / 0.3 km) Budget hotel.
Apex Business Hotel (0.3 mi / 0.5 km) Mid-range hotel.
Airport Himalaya Boutique Hotel (0.3 mi / 0.5 km) Boutique hotel.

Looking for more options? Browse the complete list of hotels near Kathmandu Airport on Expedia.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there is a lounge that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.

Executive Lounge – Executive Lounge – Location: International Terminal, Landside, 2nd floor. Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM. • Showers: Yes (one suite per restroom, at cost of approx. 10 USD) • Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes • Sleep Facilities: No • Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Airline-issued passes (e.g. Druk Air or Radisson hotel vouchers).
Horizon Lounge By Soaltee – Location: International Terminal, Airside. Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs • Access for Cathay Pacific Oneworld premium travellers (business/first and Sapphire/Emerald) when departing on Cathay or partner flights.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.

Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge – Location: International Terminal, Landside.

Food & Drinks

Food options are limited and generally follow flight schedules. A small snack shop operates on the ground floor, and a restaurant is located on the first floor. Neither operates 24 hours.

Drinking Water
Information is unavailable. Does Kathmandu Airport have water fountains or water bottle refill stations? Click here to update this guide.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Unavailable. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Mobile Charging

Charging stations are available in both Landside and Airside areas. Outlets may be limited and in high demand during busy periods. Bringing a portable power bank is recommended.

Showers

Unavailable. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at Kathmandu Airport in the International Terminal. Connect to the “Free_TIA_WorldLink_WIFI” or “TIA-Wifi-Departure” networks. Access may require a local phone number or registration step, and connection speeds can be inconsistent during peak hours.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s withdrawal limits and international fees before travelling. It’s also a good idea to notify your bank of your trip.
Currency Exchange – Two currency exchange counters are located in the Arrivals area. A full-service banking branch is available in Departures.
Duty-Free & Shopping – One duty-free shop operates in the International Terminal. Other retail options appear limited.
Family Services – Nursing rooms are available for breastfeeding in private. Facilities can be found in both Arrivals (Landside) and Departures (Airside).
Information Desk – An information desk is located Landside near the check-in counters. A tourist information booth is also available on the ground level, with English-speaking assistance.
Luggage Trolleys – Luggage trolleys are available free of charge in the departures and arrivals areas.
Luggage Wrapping – A baggage-wrapping service is available near the check-in counters.
Medical Services – Two medical clinics operate in the terminal: Kathmandu Medical College and Norvic. Hours may vary.
Parking – Short-term parking is available in front of both the International and Domestic terminal buildings.
Post Office – A post office is located in the International Terminal (Landside, Ground Floor).

Airlines

Kathmandu airport is served by the following airlines: Air Arabia • Air China • Air India • Bhutan Airlines • Biman Bangladesh Airlines • Buddha Air • Cathay Dragon • China Eastern Airlines • China Southern Airlines • Druk Air • Etihad Airways • flydubai • Himalaya Airlines • IndiGo • Korean Air • Malaysia Airlines • Malindo Air • Nepal Airlines • Oman Air • Qatar Airways • Regent Airways • SalamAir • Saurya Airlines • Shree Airlines • Sichuan Airlines • SilkAir • Simrik Airlines • Sita Air • Summit Air • Tara Air • Thai Airways • Thai Lion Air • Tibet Airlines • Turkish Airlines • Yeti Airlines.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Buses

If you’re travelling light and on a tight budget, you can take one of the local buses that stop at the airport’s front gate. Buses run infrequently and are often very crowded, so this should be your last option.

Hotel Shuttles

At the time of this update, there were no hotels that provided an airport shuttle. See Airport Hotels above.

Taxis

Prepaid taxis are available in the Arrivals Hall. Stop at the taxi booth to pay for your ride. You will receive a ticket to give to your driver before boarding the taxi. Outside of the terminal, more taxis are available; these cars have no meters, so you will need to negotiate a fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Last updated: 2026-02-26

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.