Compare live schedules, operators and boarding points on Lokrio. Fares from Rs 2,000.
Last Updated: August 31, 2026 · Schedules Verified: Check live search
| Distance | 650 km |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 16–20 hours |
| Bus types | Deluxe, Tourist, Sofa, AC |
| First / last bus | Evening · Evening |
| Boarding points | Gongabu Bus Park, Kalanki counters |
| Drop points | Ilam Bazaar |
| Price range | NPR 1,650–3,500 |
Data: seed
Kathmandu to Ilam is a long eastern Nepal corridor — roughly 650 km and 16–20 hours by road via the BP Highway / eastern hill network toward tea country. Overnight deluxe coaches are the practical choice; this is not a short valley hop. Ilam is eastern Nepal’s tea country — green hills, tea gardens and cool climate, with Kanyam viewpoints nearby.
Kathmandu to Ilam is a long eastern Nepal corridor — roughly 650 km and 16–20 hours by road via the BP Highway / eastern hill network toward tea country. Overnight deluxe coaches are the practical choice; this is not a short valley hop.
Distance: 650 km · Duration: 16–20 hours · Check-in: 30 minutes early
Corridor: Kathmandu → BP Highway / east → Ilam (~650 km)
| Shift | Time | Departure | Arrival | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Night deluxe / sofa | Evening | Kathmandu Gongabu / Kalanki | Ilam Bazaar | Overnight common |
| Bus type | Typical NPR | Foreigner (approx.) | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe / sofa | NPR 1,800–3,500 | USD 15–30 | 2×2 / sofa |
Live partner prices on Lokrio can differ by date and operator — always confirm before payment.
| Distance | 650 km |
|---|---|
| Duration | 16–20 hours |
| First departure | Evening |
| Last departure | Evening |
| Price range | NPR 1,650 – 3,500 |
| Bus types | Deluxe, Tourist, Sofa, AC |
| Last Updated | August 31, 2026 |
| Schedules Verified | Check live search |
Live schedule opens when you search your date.
Open live schedule →Most Kathmandu to Ilam coaches take 16–20 hours for about 650 km by road. Tourist and deluxe day buses often feel shorter because of fewer local stops; night sofa coaches trade speed for sleep comfort. Monsoon landslides, festival traffic and highway maintenance can add 1–3 hours. On Lokrio, check the live trip card for that day’s estimated arrival before you pay.
The Kathmandu–Ilam corridor is a standard Nepal intercity highway route used by tourist, deluxe and local coaches. Travel time varies with traffic, monsoon landslides and night schedules. Always leave buffer time in the wet season and confirm your boarding point on the e-ticket.
Season tip: October–April is usually the smoothest season for road travel across much of Nepal.
| Type | Best for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe | Comfortable daytime travel | Better seats/suspension than basic local coaches. |
| Tourist | Day sightseeing trips | Upright seats, scenic windows, common on popular corridors. |
| Sofa | Overnight journeys | Reclining / sofa-style layouts for sleeping when offered. |
| AC | Hot Terai corridors | Air-conditioned coaches cost more; check amenity icons. |
Ilam is eastern Nepal’s tea country — green hills, tea gardens and cool climate, with Kanyam viewpoints nearby.
Tea plantations shaped Ilam’s economy and scenery.
Best time: Mar–May, Sep–Nov; monsoon very green.
The road distance from Kathmandu to Ilam is about 650 km. Actual travel time depends on traffic, season and highway works.
Most coaches take 16–20 hours. Current season note: Monsoon season (Jun–Sep) — allow extra road time.
Live fares are NPR 1,650–3,500 on Lokrio. Pay with eSewa, Khalti, Fonepay/QR, ConnectIPS or Visa/Mastercard.
Common boarding points include Gongabu Bus Park, Kalanki counters. Your e-ticket shows the exact counter and reporting time.
Typical drop points: Ilam Bazaar. Confirm the stop printed on your ticket.
Available types include Deluxe, Tourist, Sofa, AC. Seat maps show deluxe, tourist, sofa/VIP and AC options when partners list them.
Based on upcoming inventory: first around Evening, last around Evening. Times change by date — search live on Lokrio.
Yes. Search the corridor on Lokrio, pick seats, pay securely and receive an instant e-ticket.
Expect rain on hill highways; landslides possible near Mugling corridor.
About 650 km by road (16–20 hours).
The road distance Kathmandu to Ilam is about 650 km and typically takes 16–20 hours.
Most tourist / deluxe coaches leave around Evening from Kathmandu Gongabu / Kalanki. Evening sofa coaches often leave around 7:00–7:30 PM. Always confirm the exact time on your Lokrio e-ticket.
Common departure points: Gongabu Bus Park; Kalanki counters. Your Lokrio e-ticket shows the exact counter and reporting time.
Typical tourist / deluxe fares are about NPR 1,800–3,500; VIP sofa seats cost more. Foreigner rates are often quoted in USD by some counters. Compare live NPR prices on Lokrio before you pay.
Yes in peak seasons (October–November and March–April) — book 2–5 days ahead. Shoulder seasons often allow 1–2 days; monsoon same-day seats are more common but not guaranteed.
Yes — search Kathmandu → Ilam on Lokrio, pick your seat on the live map, pay via eSewa/Khalti/Fonepay or international Visa/Mastercard, and show your e-ticket at boarding.
Ilam is eastern Nepal’s tea country — green hills, tea gardens and cool climate, with Kanyam viewpoints nearby.
Tea plantations shaped Ilam’s economy and scenery.
Mar–May, Sep–Nov; monsoon very green.
Weather: Monsoon — pack rain gear; trails and highways can delay.
Reach Ilam from Kathmandu by bus, jeep, flight and/or trek depending on the destination type. See travel time notes.
Dal bhat, Momo, Local specialties, Tea / chiya
Tourist and deluxe coaches on Kathmandu–Ilam prioritise reserved seats, scheduled rest stops and luggage bays. Book early in peak season for window seats.
VIP and sofa layouts offer wider seats and fewer passengers. Confirm amenities (blanket, water, toilet) on the live trip card before payment.
Road distance is about 650 km. Door-to-door time depends on season — typically 16–20 hours.
Carry photo ID matching your ticket name. Soft bags fit luggage bays better than hard cases. Download your e-ticket offline before departure from Kathmandu.
Pack a light cabin bag (water, snacks, power bank, layers). Keep passport/cash off the roof rack. Monsoon travellers should add a compact rain jacket.
Day tourist coaches are usually the best value on this corridor. Compare deluxe vs sofa on Lokrio before paying for VIP upgrades you may not need.
Book adjacent seats early. Prefer morning departures for families with children. Confirm child fare rules on the operator trip details.
International cards are accepted on Lokrio checkout. For India–Nepal coaches, passport and visa rules apply at the border — keep documents handy overnight.
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