In this post, we list the top ride-sharing apps in Nepal. Also called ride-hailing apps, these are growingly becoming more essential for people, especially in urban areas. Especially for people who don’t own a vehicle or just need one ride urgently, these online platforms become life-saving. So, in this post, you get the most popular ride-sharing apps in Nepal right now.
Public transport isn’t getting any better and taxis always tend to charge more. This is where these ride-sharing/hailing services come into play. The ride-sharing and taxi services have crossed the early phase now but still, there is a lot more to do on these. As more and more players come in, these apps in Nepal have started to become worthy for easy, comfortable, affordable transport.
Table of contents
What is a ride-sharing app?
A ride-sharing app is a mobile platform that connects riders with passengers online. Most use these apps on smartphones. In Nepal, all the top ride-sharing platforms/companies provide their apps for both riders/drivers and customers on both Android and iOS smartphone platforms.
The ride-sharing apps establish connections easily between commuters and drivers/riders who have signed up with a ride-sharing company. The apps require registration which is possible within a few clicks and then, the transactions between riders and commuters occur over the internet.
Ride-sharing apps’ contributions in Nepal
The benefits are multi-pronged and far-reaching. Besides employment generation, online-based ride-sharing has truly elevated the transport experience for many, especially commuters who want a convenient and cost-effective solution to reach their destination on time. Here are some of the top contributions ride-sharing apps have made in Nepal:
- Convenient ride: Ride-sharing apps provide convenient ride service. As a customer, you can hail a ride on your smartphone, and the motorbike, scooter, or taxi comes to your location to pick you up and take you to your destination. Unlike in the old regular ways, you don’t have to walk a few meters to find a taxi. Apps bring that convenience to you.
- Time-saving and cost-friendly: For commuters who need to hit the job on time, or students who have to reach their exams, and the like, ride-sharing provides the best riding solution. Unlike public buses, once you hail a ride, its only job is to take you to your destination through the traffic so it won’t stop to pick up passengers or drop off. In fact, it’s in the best interest of the riders that they close a ride successfully as soon as possible so, that time is efficiently managed with ride-sharing services. In addition, ride-sharing platforms are fairly affordable than traditional travel by taxis. It becomes even better with the likes of inDrive which lets you choose your own fare.
- Employment generation: One of the best contributions of ride-sharing is employment generation. By offering ride-sharing services to commuters, many are earning an income and are able to support themselves and their families. Also, students are able to generate some cash to help themselves with some money while utilizing their leisure time. In Nepal, whether teenagers or youth or even old citizens, ride-sharing companies have given them an ideal platform to utilize and generate income. So, this industry has done remarkable with employment generation in the country.
- A new way of life:
Some improvement needs
Despite all the benefits, there are some areas that require attention to further advance the ride-sharing industry in Nepal. First, the government needs to help resolve conflict between regular taxi riders and ride-sharing riders. This should be done by the law. While the industry has been recognized by the government, there is still a lack of coordination between government agencies and riders/drivers for ride-sharing to run unopposed.
Especially, there is no work plan regarding red number plate private vehicles’ usage for ride-sharing which has caused immense conflict between taxi riders and ride-sharing platforms.
Besides, offline service issues, security breaches, theft, and abuse on both passengers and riders are some of the undermining issues that are forcing some to reconsider hailing a ride. These need to be solved by the government, companies, and stakeholders through a multilateral table talk.
With these key premises, here are the top ride-sharing apps in Nepal:
Top Ride-Sharing Apps in Nepal | Latest Update 2024
1. Pathao
Pathao is Nepal’s most popular ride-sharing service. Launched in 2018, September, Pathao becomes instantly rose to success. Its initial popularity was so raving, that the service even started taxi-hailing with Pathao Cars.
Pathao has earned praise from the daily commuters for its scientific fares and use of the application. This algorithm is soundly efficient to find the rider and has a simple layout and the app runs smoothly. Likewise, taxi/bike availability is ensured throughout the day and also at night times.
Recently, the ride-sharing platform introduced the “Pathao Car Rental” service enabling customers to rent a Pathao car for short or long trips across Nepal. The service allows bookers to reserve a taxi for up to 7 days. It’s expected to benefit customers who want to go on a trip with family and friends. The feature allows round trip or drop services and the company has included insurance in it too.
A highlight-worthy feature of Pathao is that it keeps on sending some coupons to people, which is also one of the reasons to make it popular. For the bike ride, Pathao charges the same rate as Tootle. But for the riders, the earnings are 80 to 85 percent of the total ride charge. There is no service charge in the case of bike service.
For the taxi ride, Pathao charges Rs 100 for the service charge that they say is for the makeover for pick up from long-distance, data pack/call charge, waiting, and more. The taxi ride charge is the same as that of the government rates as in the genuine taxi meters. But they do charge high sometimes based on congestion and peak demand times.
You get Pathao ride-hailing services from its mobile app. But do remember there is a separate mobile app for riders. You can either visit them or the company will send its representatives to you will come to your place to register if you are in a group.
2. InDrive
InDrive (formerly inDriver) has evolved into one of the best ride-sharing apps in Nepal. It has been operating in Nepal since mid-2022, however, it was not registered. But on May 06, 2024, the US-based company was registered and now, remains a legal entity as well as a popular one. Details here: InDrive is official in Nepal, starts charging 10% commission per ride
Its sound reception owes to some of its value-differentiation features. Most noticeably, the app lets users quote their own fare. It’s also liberal with a commission from the drivers.
The service was formally launched in May and looks like it could soon give a run for money to the top ranker in the business.
InDrive is one of the companies that started the democratic practice of ride-hailing in Nepal letting the customers set their fee for a ride.
Besides regular commutes, inDrive also provides courier, home delivery, inter-city, and freight services all over Nepal.
To make the fare system more liberal, the inDrive app uses the Real-Time Deals (RTD) model which allows passengers to set the price of their choice for a trip. In addition, they can get counter offers from nearby riders helping you to get a cheaper ride.
Drivers can approve or deny customers’ fare
But the riders can also approve or deny the trip request based on the price set by you. However, the trip is decided upon mutual consent of both the rider and the passenger. The cost for the trip is not determined by an algorithm but by the RTD system. This allows both the rider and the passenger to negotiate. This makes the ride 30 percent cheaper for the passenger as claimed by the company.
inDriver is now available in 600+ cities across 42 countries and is fast growing. You can become an InDriver rider by signing up for the service. You can set your own schedule, and enjoy a transparent riding economy with it. For your convenience, you can check on the drop-off locations, approve your passenger’s fare, and accept the request to proceed with the ride.
3. Taximandu
Taximandu sits at third with a healthy network of riders and its strong popularity within the valley. It was launched in 2019 by Arjun KC 2019, a tech enthusiast who returned to Nepal after a long stint at a business in Hong Kong. Upon his return, he devised a plan to begin a ride-sharing service which came to be known as Taximandu comprised of “taxi” and “mandu” from Kathmandu.
The service came into operation when others were already thriving but it also made resounding strides. People loved the idea of hiring taxis on their smartphones.
Since growing as a startup, the company tied in 3,000 drivers for the service and is still growing. The company has worked on expansion beyond the valley but the founder KC also cherishes the idea of going abroad.
In terms of service, Taximandu offers unique and innovative services. You can take a city tour or book a taxi for a ride to any city such as Pokhara, Chitwan, Dhulikhel, etc. Besides, you can also use the Airport Transfer service to book a taxi for a pickup and you can get yourself dropped off at any airport.
Taximandu says it is available 24*7 for clients. Use the app to book your ride anytime, and anywhere and reach your destination.
4. Tootle
The bike ride-sharing app lets users share a ride if they are on the same/similar route. The setup is fairly easy. Download the app from the Play Store, sign up, and log in. The app lets you choose the pickup point, and destination point and generates the shortest possible path. Now, you have to wait until someone accepts your request.
On the biker side, you need to install the Tootle partner app, the app lets you choose between various nearby clients.
The ride fare is charged according to the distance covered.
First 3 km: Rs. 60
3-6 km: additional Rs. 18/km.
More than 6 km: additional Rs. 25/km
Payments can be made through cash or Tootle wallets at the end of the ride. Before Tootle used to give an Rs. 200 balance for the first sign up but now it seems removed. The Tootle balance top-up can be done through eSewa, IME, Sct moco, or Tootle voucher.
In terms of services, Tootle provides ride-sharing, delivery, etc. Recently, the company also started providing parcel-delivery services with the app making pick-up time, delivery tracking, and order management available for users.
Read more about Tootle.
5. Metro Online Taxi
Metro Online Taxi, another taxi-hailing service was launched in 2021 in Kathmandu and deservedly rests fifth on our list. Despite being relatively a new startup, it has become prominent for its groundbreaking policy. It allows commuters to book their trip for the base price starting from Rs.99 only eroding the notion that taxis are for those with purchasing powers only.
The stigma of riding a taxi is that it is expensive and beyond reach for most in the presence of public 4-wheelers. But taxi-hailing services such as Metro Online Taxi have successfully overcome such notoriety. Syndicate, the infamous stigma of public transport is being slowly displaced thanks to such affordable online-based services.
To book a ride with Metro Online, you need to download a mobile application. Then, you can book your trip on the application. Within minutes, you will get a taxi at your doorstep to pick you up.
Despite starting humble, it has already garnered over 5,000 taxis for the service.
Mr. Surya Tamang, the Chief Marketing Manager, says the company is committed to services to bring a reputation to taxi riding services. Metro Online also keeps records of the driver and the passenger for future reference to ensure a safe service for both. In addition, taxi drivers also need to register with the government agency before entering the company’s network.
6. Sahara
Released back in 2019, Nepali startup Sahara takes up 6th position on our ranking for the best ride-sharing apps in Kathmandu. It offers bike, taxi ride booking, and food delivery services.
In three years since its inception, the company has steadily grown. Recently initiatives certainly played a role in uplifting it to new heights in the ride-sharing fraternity in Nepal.
It has announced an insurance plan of 6 lakh for passengers and Sahara partners. This includes a partnership with Ajod Insurance that will provide 5 lakh in case of an accident and 1 lakh for medical treatment. This scheme applies to both the rider and passengers.
The company says it is adding hundreds of new riders daily marking a solid base of network for ride-sharing service. It has already amassed over 1 lakh app users and 20 thousand partners.
People have loved it for the cheap riding rates and various usual offers it brings for the passengers. Likewise, Sahara also has a Sahara Wallet enabling cashless payment for passengers.
Besides, ride-hailing, Sahara also offers online shopping for the app users. The company says it will add more features in the coming days to promote its “Super App” status.
7. Gyre
Launched on International Women’s Day, Gyre is a trendsetting ride-sharing app for women and we have placed it at 7th. The female-centric service comes with many unique features to ensure a safe riding experience for the passengers. There are a good few reasons why it’s made into our list of the top ride-sharing apps in Nepal.
The company has begun service in cooperation with SunBi, a tech company, and offers some interesting features. To begin with, it is charging 0 commission in the initial months from the riders.
The app features Gyre Pink, an unprecedented inclusion that allows a female and female service. Under this, a female rider can only request a female rider. This is convenient for commuters who find it more comfortable to ride with their own sex.
At times, we hear complaints of inappropriate touches and discomfort felt by women passengers with males. Gyre Pink displaces those situations by arranging a ride for a female with a female passenger.
Likewise, there are Gyre Points that you can earn playing quizzes and redeem to gain access to other features. Gyre Sapati lets you borrow points. Offline Service and Gyre Delivery are also launching soon.
8. Sajilo
Formally launched early this month, Sajilo has been in Kathmandu for a while and has been providing affordable riding services. With this app, you can hail a ride with a taxi or a motorbike in the three districts of the Kathmandu Valley.
Similarly, Sajilo also offers vans for the delivery of goods. The company says it won’t charge a commission from riders for 6 months. After this, “a new strategy will come in the place that will still offer riders a good income,” Sajilo Sathi CEO Amir Lama says.
Likewise, Sajilo is also offering a Rs.20 discount to customers on every ride. Those who make 10 trips, will also receive a 15 percent cash back. But you can also legitimately ask for a free ride if you don’t get a rider after making a ride request. For this, you need to call the admin who will arrange for another driver for you.
With Sajilo, you can also book a ride for someone, or a group of your friends.
Honorable mentions
Besides the above ride-sharing services, there are others that are also trying to break into the market. Bolt, a European platform entered Nepal in March 2023. The company claims to charge 15% less than what current players charge in the market. the company didn’t take commissions from the riders for the first six months. Bolt is available on the app and online but is not yet mainstream in Nepal. It’s currently ongoing as a pilot project in Kathmandu.
Another Nepali startup eDrive was launched in November 2023 with an initial investment of Rs 140 million. The company provides ride-sharing, inter-city riding, delivery services, etc. promising extremely affordable services. Certainly, all these new startups are committed to becoming some of the top ride-sharing apps in Nepal but we have to see if they are able to impact an influence.
Unlike others though, eDrdive is an all-electric taxi-sharing app in Nepal meaning that it only employs electric vehicles for mobility services. The company also promises high-security services utilizing OTP and GPS systems. Recently, eDrive expanded its services in Pokhara too hinting at its successful initial operation and expansion effort.
Another Nepali platform JumJum entered the market officially in May 2024 which is a service of a Nepali tech giant F1Soft. It’s the first ride-sharing platform in Nepal that provides multiple ride bookings. You can also hail a ride for a return trip. Besides, the app allows users to book a ride on behalf of their family and friends.
Likewise, JumJum provides insurance of up to Rs 50,000 in health insurance, and up to Rs 5,00,000 in case of death or fatal disability.
Top ride-sharing apps in Nepal Summary | Full list Latest 2024
| SN | Top ride-sharing apps in Nepal |
| 1 | Pathao |
| 2 | InDrive |
| 3 | Taximandu |
| 4 | Tootle |
| 5 | Metro Online Taxi |
| 6 | Sahara |
| 7 | Gyre |
| 8 | Sajilo |
| Special mentions | Bolt, eDrive, JumJum |
Another key improvement area!
There is also a big complaint that the drivers ask us to cancel the booking after their approval. Sometimes it happens multiple times when you need the ride instantly. At first, the platforms need to educate their drivers well. Later if the riders are found to cancel the ride, in the same way, they should be penalized in some way. After all, the availability, the instant comfort ride, and the affordable cost are what people expect from these services.
For now, the best ride-sharing and taxi apps available in Kathmandu go to Pathao. They have managed their simple layout and efficient algorithm to make the service available as per our needs. As there are people who do not care about the service charge, We expect them to start Express service which is more like a premium taxi service with less waiting and extra comfort.
Now we also wait for these apps, and platforms to go beyond Kathmandu City. As there are cities like Pokhara, Biratnagar, Bhairahwa, Butwal, Dhangadi, Nepalgunj, Hetaudha, and many more where they have a big prospect, We expect them to expand any time soon.
Well, since Uber Ola, or Lyft are not coming to Nepal anytime soon, these apps are trying their best to fill the void.
Verdict
Some of the aforementioned services have crossed the development phase and some have already begun differentiating their services. After the mushrooming of digital payment platforms (which are still running), digital taxi apps are the next trend in Nepal. For some, the mixing of the two is becoming more fruitful as it brings the convenience of cash payment.
Compared to before, people like Gen Z have started preferring online booking services, and drivers of all ages have also started to adopt them due to the ease and more income. So, these apps come as a great relief when in need. There is still a lot of room for improvement; in this case, some of the apps still crash frequently when trying to select the destination point. They also need to optimize their app’s algorithm for nearest driver identification and efficient selection.
Bike riding apps are quite cheap and easier if you want to find an instant ride to your destination. But to avoid the dusty breeze on you, you need to spend some extra bucks on the taxi service. The extra Rs 100 service charge for the taxi will, of course, go down if there is a healthy and open competition after the entry of upcoming players. Metro Online has attempted that by introducing the Rs.99 starting fare for a ride.
Which of the top ride-sharing apps in Nepal do you often use for your urban mobility? Rate them in terms of their competency, and your experience with their services and share in our comment section below.
