Getting to Bhutan: Flights, Airlines and Entry Points
Getting to Bhutan requires some planning. The country has only one international airport, served by just two airlines. But that dramatic flight through the Himalayas is itself one of the great travel experiences in Asia.
Paro International Airport
Paro International Airport (PBH) is Bhutan’s only airport handling international flights. It sits at 2,235 metres altitude in the narrow Paro valley, flanked on all sides by mountains rising to over 5,000 metres. Landings and take-offs are cleared only in daylight visual conditions. The approach is regularly described as one of the most dramatic in commercial aviation.
Airlines flying to Bhutan
Only two airlines are licensed to serve Paro International Airport.
Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines)
The national carrier of Bhutan. Operates ATR 42/72 turboprops and Airbus A319/A320 jets depending on the route. Druk Air is the main option and offers the widest range of connections.
Bhutan Airlines (Tashi Air)
A smaller private Bhutanese carrier operating Airbus A319 jets. Serves fewer routes but often at slightly lower fares. Check availability alongside Druk Air when booking.
Gateway cities
| City | Country | Flight time to Paro | Airline(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kolkata (CCU) | India | ~1 hr | Druk Air, Bhutan Airlines |
| New Delhi (DEL) | India | ~2 hrs | Druk Air, Bhutan Airlines |
| Kathmandu (KTM) | Nepal | ~1 hr 15 min | Druk Air, Bhutan Airlines |
| Bangkok (BKK) | Thailand | ~4 hrs | Druk Air |
| Singapore (SIN) | Singapore | ~4 hrs 30 min | Druk Air |
| Mumbai (BOM) | India | ~2 hrs 30 min | Druk Air |
| Dhaka (DAC) | Bangladesh | ~1 hr 30 min | Druk Air |
Most visitors from Europe, North America and Australia connect through Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu or Bangkok.
The flight approach
The approach into Paro is one of the great aviation experiences. The pilot threads through Himalayan valleys below the snowline, banking tightly between ridges before lining up for the runway. On a clear day, Jomolhari (7,326m) and the Himalayan chain fill the window. Secure a window seat on the left side of the aircraft for the best views inbound to Paro.
Overland entry points
Visitors travelling overland from India can enter at four official land border crossings.
- Phuentsholing: the most commonly used crossing, connecting to Jaigaon in West Bengal. Full-day drive to Thimphu from here.
- Samdrup Jongkhar: gateway to eastern Bhutan, connecting to Assam.
- Gelephu: connects to central Bhutan and Assam.
- Nganglam: a smaller crossing in eastern Bhutan.
Airport pickup
All Kiyul Odyssey tours include airport pickup and drop-off. Your guide will meet you in the arrivals hall with a name board immediately after customs. Transfer time to Paro town is approximately 15 minutes; to Thimphu, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
