Planning a trip to Bhutan? Getting there is easier than many people think.
Indian travellers can reach Bhutan in three ways:
- By Flight – Fastest and most convenient
- By Train + Road – Budget-friendly option
- By Road – Ideal for scenic road trips
The best option depends on your budget, travel time, and departure city. If you're short on time, take a direct flight to Paro. If you want to save money or enjoy the journey, travel via the Jaigaon–Phuentsholing border by train or road. In this guide, you'll find travel routes, costs, journey times, required documents, and useful travel tips.
Different Ways to Reach Bhutan from India
| Mode | Best For | Travel Time | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | Fastest option | 2–3 hours | ₹12,000–₹35,000+ |
| Train + Road | Budget travellers | 15–30 hours | ₹2,000–₹8,000 |
| Road (Taxi, Bus, Self-drive) | Scenic road trip | Depends on starting city | ₹500–₹20,000+ |
Flights to Bhutan from India
Flying is the fastest and easiest way to reach Bhutan. Direct flights to Bhutan (Paro) are available only from New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, and Bagdogra. Flight frequencies vary by season.
Bhutan has only one international airport:
- Paro International Airport (PBH): Around 55 km from Thimphu
Since only a few flights operate every day, it's best to book early, especially during the peak travel seasons:
- March to May
- September to November
Airlines Flying to Bhutan
Two airlines operate flights between India and Bhutan:
- Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines)
- Bhutan Airlines
Popular Flight Routes
| Departure City | Destination | Flight Time | Approximate One-Way Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Paro | 2 hr 30 min | ₹12,000–₹25,000 |
| Kolkata | Paro | 1 hr 20 min | ₹8,000–₹18,000 |
| Guwahati | Paro | 1 hour | ₹7,000–₹15,000 |
| Bagdogra | Paro (limited flights) | 45–60 min | ₹7,000–₹15,000 |
| Mumbai | Paro (via Delhi/Kolkata) | 5–8 hours | ₹15,000–₹35,000 |
| Bengaluru | Paro (via Delhi/Kolkata) | 5–8 hours | ₹15,000–₹35,000 |
Note: Flight fares change depending on the season, airline, and how early you book.
Documents Required for Flying to Bhutan
Indian citizens do not need a visa to visit Bhutan.
Carry the following:
- Valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity), or
- Original Voter ID card
- Bhutan Entry Permit
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Return or onward travel details (may be requested)
For children below 18 years: Carry a valid passport or birth certificate along with any additional documents required under the latest Bhutan entry guidelines.
How to Reach Bhutan from India by Train
Bhutan has no railway network, so you'll need to travel by train to West Bengal and continue by road to the Bhutan border.
How It Works
- Take a train to a railway station near the Bhutan border.
- Hire a taxi or take a bus to Jaigaon–Phuentsholing.
- Cross into Bhutan and complete your permit formalities.
Best for: Budget travellers looking for the cheapest way to reach Bhutan.
Best Railway Stations
| Railway Station | Distance to Phuentsholing | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hasimara | 18 km | 30–40 mins | Closest & most convenient |
| New Alipurduar Junction | 60 km | 1.5–2 hrs | Good train connectivity |
| New Jalpaiguri (NJP) | 150 km | 3.5–4.5 hrs | Best connected to major Indian cities |
Popular Train Routes
| From | Train Journey | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 24–28 hrs | Taxi to Phuentsholing |
| Kolkata | 12–15 hrs | Taxi to Phuentsholing |
| Guwahati | 6–8 hrs | Taxi to Phuentsholing |
| Mumbai | 35–40 hrs (to NJP) | Taxi to Phuentsholing |
| Chennai | 40–45 hrs (to NJP) | Taxi to Phuentsholing |
Other nearby stations include New Cooch Behar, Alipurduar Junction, and Siliguri Junction, all of which have taxis and buses to Phuentsholing.
How to Reach Bhutan from India by Road
Travelling by road is one of the most scenic ways to reach Bhutan.
Most Indian travellers enter through the Jaigaon (India) → Phuentsholing (Bhutan) border crossing.
After completing your entry formalities, you can continue to:
- Thimphu
- Paro
- Punakha
- Haa Valley
Popular Road Routes
| Route | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Siliguri → Phuentsholing | 165 km | 4–5 hours |
| Bagdogra Airport → Phuentsholing | 170 km | 4–5 hours |
| Guwahati → Phuentsholing | 290 km | 6–7 hours |
| Kolkata → Phuentsholing | 700 km | 15–17 hours |
Many travellers also fly to Bagdogra Airport and then continue to Bhutan by road.
Travelling by Bus
Regular buses operate between nearby Indian cities and Jaigaon.
Popular routes include:
- Siliguri → Jaigaon
- Kolkata → Jaigaon
- Guwahati → Jaigaon
After reaching Jaigaon:
- Walk across the border into Phuentsholing.
- Complete your Bhutan Entry Permit.
- Continue your journey inside Bhutan.
Approximate bus fare: ₹300–₹1,500
Travelling by Taxi or Shared Cab
Taxis and shared cabs are available from:
- Siliguri
- Bagdogra Airport
- Hasimara Railway Station
- New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
- Alipurduar
Approximate Taxi Fares
| Route | Fare |
|---|---|
| Hasimara → Phuentsholing | ₹400–₹800 |
| NJP → Phuentsholing | ₹3,000–₹5,000 |
| Bagdogra → Phuentsholing | ₹3,500–₹5,500 |
| Siliguri → Phuentsholing | ₹3,000–₹5,000 |
Shared cabs are cheaper and operate throughout the day.
Can You Drive Your Own Car to Bhutan?
Yes. Indian citizens can drive their own vehicles into Bhutan after obtaining the required permits.
Documents Required
- Valid Driving Licence
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
- Vehicle Insurance
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
- Vehicle Entry Permit
- Personal Entry Permit
- Authorisation letter (if the vehicle is not registered in your name)
Driving Tip: Roads are generally well maintained, but many mountain roads are narrow and winding. Drive carefully and follow local traffic rules.
Which is the Best Way to Reach Bhutan?
| If You Want... | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Fastest journey | Direct flight to Paro |
| Cheapest travel | Train to Hasimara + taxi |
| Most scenic experience | Road trip via Jaigaon |
| Family-friendly travel | Flight |
| Backpacking trip | Train + shared taxi |
| Travelling from Northeast India | Road or flight from Guwahati |
Travel Tips Before Reaching Bhutan
- Carry your passport or original Voter ID.
- Book flights early during the peak season (March–May and September–November).
- Keep both digital and printed copies of your hotel bookings.
- Carry some Indian Rupees for expenses before crossing the border.
- Complete your Bhutan Entry Permit before travelling beyond Phuentsholing.
- During the monsoon (June to August), keep extra travel time for possible delays due to heavy rain or landslides.
- If you're driving, check the latest road and weather conditions before starting your journey.
)