🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Bhutan
✈️ Flying to Bhutan
Paro International Airport (PBH)
Bhutan's only international airport - Located in Paro Valley, 54km from Thimphu (2 hours by car). One of the world's most challenging airports—pilots need special certification. Only Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines are authorized to fly here.
Airlines Operating to Paro:
- Druk Air (KB) - National carrier, Airbus A319/A320neo. Main routes: Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Dhaka, Dubai, Singapore, Guwahati.
- Bhutan Airlines (B3) - Private carrier, Airbus A319. Routes: Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Kolkata.
💡 Insider Tip
The approach to Paro is spectacular—pilots navigate between Himalayan peaks. Sit on the left side of the plane flying from Bangkok or Delhi for best mountain views.
🚗 From Paro Airport to Main Cities
To Thimphu (Capital)
Distance: 54km | Drive time: 1.5-2 hours | Scenic mountain road following Paro and Thimphu rivers.
Taxis: Pre-arranged through hotels or tour operators. Around USD $25-40. No Uber/Bolt in Bhutan.
Within Paro
Tiger's Nest Monastery trailhead: 15-20 minutes from airport. Most hotels arrange transport.
To Punakha
Distance: 77km from Thimphu | Drive time: 3 hours | Via Dochula Pass (3,100m elevation with 108 chortens).
🛣️ Other Ways In
Land borders from India—Four official entry points: Phuentsholing (West Bengal), Gelephu (Assam), Samdrup Jongkhar (Assam), Samtse. Indian, Bangladeshi, Maldivian nationals can enter visa-free. Others need advance visa.
Road from Phuentsholing—Most common land entry. 6 hours drive to Thimphu (170km). Scenic route through subtropical forests to alpine zones. Check permit requirements in advance.
No direct roads from Nepal, China, or Tibet—All overland access through India only. No international train connections. Bhutan has no railways.
Helicopter services—Available for domestic travel and tours. Druk Air operates helicopter flights. Expensive but offers aerial views of Himalayas.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
All international tourists (except Indian, Bangladeshi, Maldivian nationals) need a visa. Visa fee: USD $40. Processing: 3-5 working days. Apply online before arrival.
Mandatory Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): USD $100 per night. Funds education, healthcare, environmental conservation, cultural preservation. Children 6-12: 50% discount. Under 5: exempt.
Apply for Bhutan visa →🚗 Getting Around Bhutan
Hired Cars with Drivers
Most common transport. All tourists require official tour operators and guides. Transport arranged through tour packages. Roads are winding, mountainous—drivers know routes well.
Domestic Flights
Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate domestic routes: Paro-Bumthang, Paro-Yonphula, Paro-Gelephu. Saves time on long mountain drives. Limited frequency—book early.
Buses (Limited for Tourists)
Local buses connect major towns. Slow, infrequent. Most tourists use arranged transport through tour operators. Better for independent Indian, Bangladeshi, Maldivian travelers.
🚗 Self-Driving
Not recommended. Roads are narrow, winding, mountainous. Right-hand drive. Hire experienced local drivers who know routes and conditions.
🚕 Local Transportation in Cities
Thimphu and Paro have taxis. No Uber or Bolt. Negotiate fares in advance or use metered taxis.
Taxis
- Short trips: BTN 100-300 (USD $1.20-3.60)
- Airport to Thimphu: BTN 2,000-3,000 (USD $25-40)
- Day hire: BTN 3,000-5,000 (USD $40-60)
Most tourists have transport included in tour packages. Walking is pleasant in Thimphu and Paro town centers.
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Book flights early: Limited seats to Paro—prices increase close to departure
- Travel during shoulder season: March-May, September-November. Cheaper than peak October
- Enter via land border: If you're in India, land entry avoids expensive flights
- Group travel: Share guide and transport costs with other travelers
- Stay longer: Daily SDF is $100 regardless—longer stays maximize value