Getting from Pokhara Airport to Lakeside is a short trip either way. The question is how you want the experience to feel.
How taxis work at Pokhara Airport
When you exit the terminal, taxi drivers will approach you offering rides. There is no formal queue or dispatch system. You negotiate a price, agree, and go. The vehicles are typically small sedans -- Suzuki Altos, Marutis, or similar compact cars. Air conditioning may or may not work. The drive is short enough that it rarely matters.
The process is informal but safe. Drivers are locals who know every lane in Pokhara. You agree on a price (NPR 800-1,500 to Lakeside), get in, and arrive in 15-25 minutes. It is the way most budget and mid-range travelers get to their hotels.
The downsides: no meters mean you need to negotiate, the vehicles are basic, luggage space is limited, and child seats are not available.
How private transfers work
A pre-booked transfer means a specific driver is assigned to your flight. They wait at the arrivals area with a sign bearing your name. The vehicle is typically a newer car, SUV, or van depending on what you booked. The price was set when you made the reservation -- no negotiation required.
For Lakeside, a private sedan transfer runs $12-20. An SUV is $18-28. The driver helps with bags and takes you directly to your accommodation.
Comfort comparison
Local taxis in Pokhara are functional but basic. If you have just endured a turbulent propeller flight from Kathmandu (the old domestic route) or a longer international connection, the difference between a worn Suzuki and a newer SUV with working AC is noticeable. For short trips on a cool day, it barely matters.
When a taxi is the right call
If you are a solo traveler or couple with backpacks, arriving during daylight hours, and comfortable with casual negotiation, just take a taxi. It costs less, it works, and the trip is short. Many travelers to Pokhara are trekkers who are perfectly at ease with this kind of thing.
When a private transfer is worth it
Book a transfer if you are traveling with family (especially young children), carrying more luggage than a compact car can hold, arriving after dark, or simply want everything handled. It is also the right choice if you need a child seat -- no taxi in Pokhara will have one.
Groups of four or more should also consider a private van, since fitting four adults with luggage into a local taxi is uncomfortable.
The price gap is small
The difference between a negotiated taxi and a private transfer to Lakeside is roughly $5-10. For many travelers, that small premium buys meaningful comfort and convenience. For budget backpackers, it is an easy saving. Neither choice is wrong -- it depends on what matters to you after your flight.