Bhutan is approximately 1,900 km from Delhi, and the fastest and most convenient way to reach the country is by taking a direct flight to Paro International Airport. The journey takes around 2.5 hours. If you're travelling on a budget, you can also fly or take a train to Bagdogra, New Jalpaiguri (NJP), Hasimara, or Guwahati, and continue by road to Bhutan via Phuentsholing, the main border town.
Delhi to Bhutan by Flight
Flying is the easiest and most popular way to reach Bhutan.
Airport in Bhutan
- Nearest Airport: Paro International Airport
- Distance from Paro Town: 6 km
- Distance to Thimphu: Around 55 km (1.5 hours by road)
Paro International Airport is Bhutan's only international airport and is surrounded by the Himalayas, making it one of the world's most scenic flight approaches. On clear days, passengers may enjoy views of peaks such as Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Airlines Operating on this Route
| Airline | Route | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) | Delhi → Paro | Around 2 hr 30 min |
| Bhutan Airlines | Delhi → Paro | Around 2 hr 20 min |
Note: Flight schedules vary by season. Check the airline's official website before booking.
Approximate Airfare
- Low season: ₹12,000–₹20,000
- Peak season: ₹25,000–₹45,000+
Transport from Paro Airport
From the airport, you can travel using:
- Taxi
- Hotel transfers
- Private cab
- Shared shuttle services (seasonal)
Most travellers head directly to Thimphu, which is around 1.5 hours away.
Travel Tip
- Flights to Paro operate only during daylight hours because of the challenging mountain terrain.
- Book flights well in advance during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November).
Delhi to Bhutan by Road
A complete road trip from Delhi to Bhutan is possible but is generally not recommended due to the long driving distance.
- Distance: Around 1,600-1,950 km (depending on route)
- Driving Time: 30-38 hours (excluding breaks)
Most travellers instead reach Jaigaon (West Bengal) first and cross into Phuentsholing, Bhutan's main entry point.
Road Conditions
- National highways are generally in good condition.
- Roads improve significantly after entering West Bengal and Bhutan.
- Traffic around Uttar Pradesh and Bihar may increase travel time.
Suggested Stopovers
- Lucknow
- Muzaffarpur
- Siliguri
Things to Know
- Carry all vehicle documents if driving your own car.
- Indian driving licence is accepted for driving in Bhutan, but vehicle entry formalities apply.
- Foreign-registered vehicles require permits at the border.
Delhi to Bhutan by Train
There are no direct trains to Bhutan, but travelling by train to nearby railway stations and continuing by road is a popular budget option.
Best Railway Stations
| Railway Station | Distance to Bhutan Border | Road Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Hasimara | 18 km | 30-40 minutes |
| New Jalpaiguri (NJP) | 150 km | 4-5 hours |
| Siliguri Junction | 155 km | 4-5 hours |
| Guwahati | 300 km+ | 6-8 hours |
Option 1: Train to Hasimara
Hasimara is the nearest railway station to Bhutan.
After arriving:
- Take a taxi to Jaigaon
- Cross into Phuentsholing
- Continue onward to Thimphu or Paro
Option 2: Train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
NJP has excellent connectivity from Delhi.
From NJP, travellers can take:
- Shared cabs
- Private taxis
- Buses to Jaigaon/Phuentsholing
Travel time is approximately 4-5 hours.
Option 3: Train to Guwahati
Guwahati is another alternative with several trains from Delhi.
From Guwahati:
- Bus or taxi to Bhutan
- Journey takes around 6-8 hours depending on destination
Border Entry via Phuentsholing
Most travellers entering Bhutan by road use the Jaigaon (India) – Phuentsholing (Bhutan) border crossing.
Important Information
- Indian nationals do not require a visa to visit Bhutan.
- A valid Passport (with at least 6 months validity) or Voter ID card is accepted for entry.
- An Entry Permit is required and is issued after immigration formalities.
- Travellers visiting destinations beyond Thimphu and Paro require an additional route permit.
Note: Permit procedures and requirements may change. Always check the latest guidelines before travelling.
Quick Travel Tips
- Book flights early during the peak tourist seasons (March-May and September-November).
- Carry either a valid passport or voter ID for entry.
- Keep printed and digital copies of all travel documents.
- If travelling by road, start early to reach the border during immigration hours.
- If driving your own vehicle, complete vehicle permit formalities before entering Bhutan.
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