How to reach Bhutan

How to reach Bhutan

Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a unique and mesmerizing destination that has become more accessible in recent years. Whether you choose to arrive by air, train, or road, this guide will help you plan the best route for your journey.

by plane

Reaching Bhutan by Air

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to enter Bhutan. Paro International Airport (PBH) is the only international airport in Bhutan, located in a stunning valley surrounded by the Himalayas.

Flights to Bhutan

Two airlines operate flights to Bhutan:

  • Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines)
  • Bhutan Airlines

 

These carriers offer direct flights to Paro from:

  • India: Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati
  • Nepal: Kathmandu
  • Thailand: Bangkok
  • Singapore: Singapore

 

Since Paro Airport is one of the most challenging airports in the world, only a few experienced pilots are certified to land there, making your arrival an adventure in itself!

💡 Tip: Flights to Bhutan can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons (spring and autumn). It’s best to book well in advance!

by train

Reaching Bhutan From India (by Train)

Although Bhutan does not have a railway network, travelers from India can reach Bhutan via train to the nearest Indian railway stations and then continue their journey by road.

Nearest Railway Stations to Bhutan:

  1. Hasimara Railway Station (HSA) – Located 17 km from Phuentsholing, this is the closest railway station to Bhutan. From here, you can take a taxi or bus to Phuentsholing, Bhutan’s primary land border town.
  2. New Alipurduar Railway Station (NOQ)60 km from Phuentsholing, offering more train connections across India.
  3. New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) – A major railway hub in Siliguri, about 150 km from Bhutan, with multiple transport options to Phuentsholing.

 

💡 Tip: From these stations, you can hire a shared taxi, private cab, or take a local bus to the Bhutanese border.

by road

Reaching Bhutan from India (by Road)

Bhutan shares a border with India, and travelers can enter Bhutan by road through three official land entry points:

  1. Phuentsholing (West Bhutan) – The most popular and easiest route to Bhutan from India. It connects with the Indian town of Jaigaon (West Bengal) and is a major entry point for tourists.
  2. Gelephu (Central Bhutan) – This border crossing connects Bhutan with Assam and is ideal for those traveling from Guwahati or other parts of Northeast India.
  3. Samdrup Jongkhar (East Bhutan) – This gateway links Bhutan to Assam and is best for travelers visiting eastern Bhutan, including Trashigang and Mongar.
 

Travel Distances to Bhutan by Road

  • Bagdogra to Phuentsholing: 4-5 hours (by taxi or bus)
  • Siliguri to Phuentsholing: 3-4 hours
  • Guwahati to Samdrup Jongkhar: 3 hours

 

💡 Tip: Indian nationals can enter Bhutan by road with a valid passport or Voter ID. However, international tourists must have a visa and pre-arranged tour package before arriving at the border.

 

Which Route to Choose?

  • For a quick and comfortable journey, fly into Paro.
  • For budget travelers or those near the Indian border, the train + road option is ideal.
  • For adventure seekers, a road trip to Bhutan offers stunning views and a cultural experience.

 

Whichever route you choose, your journey to Bhutan will be unforgettable! Ready to explore the Himalayan Kingdom? Contact us to plan your trip today!

Flag of Great Britain - United Kingdom

Reaching Bhutan from the UK

Travelers from the United Kingdom can reach Bhutan by connecting through major Asian hubs. There are no direct flights to Bhutan from the UK, but seamless connections are possible.

Common Routes:

  • London → Delhi → Paro

  • London → Bangkok → Paro

  • London → Kathmandu → Paro

Popular Airlines:

  • From London to Delhi: British Airways, Air India, Virgin Atlantic

  • From London to Bangkok: Thai Airways, EVA Air, British Airways

  • From London to Kathmandu: Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates

  • From Delhi, Bangkok, or Kathmandu to Paro: Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines

Estimated Flight Time: 13-17 hours depending on the route and layover duration.

💡 Tip: Bangkok and Delhi offer the most frequent flights to Bhutan, making them ideal for planning smooth transitions.

united states of america flag

Reaching Bhutan from the USA

There are no direct flights from the United States to Bhutan. However, multiple connections through Asia make the journey straightforward.

Common Routes:

  • New York / Chicago / San Francisco → Delhi → Paro

  • Los Angeles / San Francisco → Bangkok → Paro

  • New York / San Francisco → Singapore → Paro

Popular Airlines:

  • To Delhi: United Airlines, Air India, American Airlines

  • To Bangkok: Korean Air, ANA, Japan Airlines

  • To Singapore: Singapore Airlines

  • To Paro: Druk Air, Bhutan Airlines

Estimated Flight Time: 17-22 hours depending on departure city and layover.

💡 Tip: West Coast travelers often prefer Bangkok or Singapore as transit hubs, while East Coast travelers may find Delhi more efficient.

red and white flag of Canada

Reaching Bhutan from Canada

Canadian travelers can reach Bhutan via major international gateways in Asia. Though there are no direct flights to Bhutan, multiple routes are convenient.

Common Routes:

  • Toronto / Vancouver → Delhi → Paro

  • Toronto / Vancouver → Bangkok → Paro

  • Toronto / Vancouver → Kathmandu → Paro

Popular Airlines:

  • To Delhi: Air Canada, Lufthansa, Emirates

  • To Bangkok: Air Canada, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific

  • To Kathmandu: Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways

  • To Paro: Druk Air, Bhutan Airlines

Estimated Flight Time: 20-28 hours, depending on stops and transfer time.

💡 Tip: Delhi and Bangkok are the most recommended hubs due to frequent Paro flights and shorter total travel time.

flag of australia

Reaching Bhutan from Australia

Australia is well connected to Asia, making the journey to Bhutan relatively easy with one or two layovers.

Common Routes:

  • Sydney / Melbourne → Bangkok → Paro

  • Sydney / Melbourne → Singapore → Paro

  • Sydney / Melbourne → Kathmandu → Paro

Popular Airlines:

  • To Bangkok: Thai Airways, Qantas, Singapore Airlines

  • To Singapore: Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Scoot

  • To Kathmandu: Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, Qatar Airways

  • To Paro: Druk Air, Bhutan Airlines

Estimated Flight Time: 14-20 hours depending on the route and connections.

💡 Tip: Bangkok is the most efficient and frequently used hub for Australians traveling to Bhutan.

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