Bhutan is easier to reach than most people expect, but there is no direct long-haul flight. Wherever you are coming from, you connect through a regional hub and fly the last leg into Paro, or you cross overland from India. This guide covers both, plus what to know about Paro airport and what you need besides the flight.
We arrange your visa and the Sustainable Development Fee, and we time your trip around your arrival and departure. The international flights you book yourself, and we are happy to advise on which route fits your plans.
The short answer
Most visitors fly into Paro International Airport, Bhutan's only international airport, on one of the two national carriers, Drukair or Bhutan Airlines. You connect through a gateway city such as Delhi, Kathmandu, Bangkok, or Singapore. A smaller number of travellers enter overland from India through the town of Phuentsholing.
Flying into Paro
Two airlines fly into Bhutan: Drukair, the national carrier, and Bhutan Airlines. No other airline lands at Paro, and there are no direct flights from Europe, North America, or Australia. Whatever your starting point, you change planes at one of the gateway cities below and take a Bhutanese airline for the final leg.
Book your international flights around the tour dates we agree, not the other way round. Paro has a limited schedule, so it helps to hold your Bhutan flight first and then arrange the connection to reach the gateway in good time.
The main gateway cities
These are the usual connecting points for the flight into Paro. Frequencies change by season, so treat this as a starting map rather than a timetable:
- Delhi, India. The most common gateway for travellers from Europe and the Middle East.
- Kathmandu, Nepal. Popular if you are combining Bhutan with Nepal. On a clear day this leg has spectacular Himalayan views.
- Bangkok, Thailand. The main hub for travellers from East and Southeast Asia, Australia, and often North America.
- Singapore. A comfortable long-haul connection, usually seasonal.
- Kolkata, India. A shorter, cheaper hop for some routings.
- Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Bagdogra or Guwahati in India. Useful for regional trips and journeys that combine with northeast India.
If you are not sure which gateway suits your route, tell us where you are flying from and we will point you to the sensible options.
Why Paro's schedule is limited
Paro sits in a narrow valley ringed by high mountains, and the approach is one of the most demanding in commercial aviation. Only a small number of pilots are certified to fly it, landings happen in daylight with good visibility, and flights cluster in the morning before the afternoon winds pick up.
What this means for you in practice:
- Give yourself a buffer. Do not book a tight onward connection on your departure day, because weather can move the schedule.
- Arrive at your gateway city the day before your Bhutan flight if the connection is close.
- Flying in from Kathmandu on a clear morning, ask for a seat on the left side for the mountain views, and the right side on the way out.
Coming overland from India
You can also enter Bhutan by road from India. The main land border is at Phuentsholing, which sits next to Jaigaon in West Bengal. The nearest Indian airport is Bagdogra and the nearest major railhead is New Jalpaiguri, both a few hours' drive away. There are two other crossings in the south and east, at Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar.
Overland entry suits travellers who are already in northeast India, or who want the scenic drive up into the hills. It takes longer than flying, and because you travel through India first, Indian entry rules apply to that part of the journey. If this route interests you, we can plan the timing and the handover at the border.
What you need besides a flight
Reaching Paro is only part of it. Every visitor also needs:
- A visa. You apply online and pay a one-time fee of USD 40 per traveller. We complete the application for you as part of your trip.
- The Sustainable Development Fee. This is currently USD 100 per adult per night for most international visitors, with reduced rates for children. It is included in our packages, and you can see how it adds up on our Bhutan trip cost page. The official visa information is worth a read too.
Neither of these is part of your airfare, so budget for them separately unless they are already in your quote.
How we help
We handle the visa and the Sustainable Development Fee, and we build the itinerary around your arrival and departure so no day is wasted. We advise on the best gateway and flight timing for your route, and your guide meets you at Paro when you land. You book the international flights, and we take care of everything inside Bhutan.
When you are ready, browse our Bhutan tours or tell us your dates for a free itemised quote.