Transportation in Kathmandu is heavily reliant on a sprawling network of roads. The city is encircled by the 27-kilometer Ring Road, which connects major radial arteries leading into the city center. Public transit relies on a chaotic but extensive system of privately operated buses, microbuses, and "Safa Tempos" (battery-powered electric three-wheelers).
Traffic congestion and air pollution are significant daily challenges. To navigate this, two-wheelers (motorcycles and scooters) are the most popular mode of private transport. Ride-sharing apps like Pathao and InDrive have fundamentally transformed local commuting in recent years.
Kathmandu is served by Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Nepal's primary aviation gateway, located just east of the city center. The airport handles all international flights to the capital, as well as serving as a critical hub for domestic flights to mountainous regions. There is currently no active rail or metro network, though feasibility studies for an urban metro rail have been proposed. Bicycle lanes exist but are highly limited.
