Traveling to Bhutan (Air & Road)

1. By Air 

Bhutan has one international airport:

  • Paro International Airport (PBH) – located in Paro, about 1 hour from Thimphu.

Airlines:

  • Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines) – National carrier.

  • Bhutan Airlines – Private Bhutanese airline.

Direct flights to Paro operate from the Indian  cities of Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Bagdogra. 

Flights into Paro are weather-dependent and often limited, so booking early is recommended.

 
2. By Land

You can enter Bhutan via India through three border crossings:

  1. Phuentsholing (main entry point, connects to Jaigaon, West Bengal)

  2. Gelephu (used less frequently, southern Bhutan)

  3. Samdrup Jongkhar (for travelers going to eastern Bhutan)

Important: No land entry from China or other neighboring countries is permitted.

 

 

🧳 Traveling from Bhutan

Leaving Bhutan is straightforward:

  • By Air: Flights depart from Paro to the same international destinations listed above.

  • By Land: You can exit through the same land borders into India.

 

Flight on DrukAir from Delhi to Paro & Paro to Delhi

✈️ Airfare Subsidy

Bhutan has introduced airfare subsidies to make travel more affordable for  Indian nationals.

✈️ Airfare Subsidy Details

  • Discount Offered: A 25% reduction on airfares is available for travelers who pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) in USD.

  • Applicable Airlines: The subsidy applies to flights operated by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines.

  • Travel Period: The discounted fares are valid during the following months:

    • Winter: December, January, February

    • Summer: June, July, August

  • Validity: This initiative is in effect from December 2024 through August 2025.

These measures are part of Bhutan’s broader strategy to boost tourism by making travel more accessible and affordable. While the subsidy specifically targets dollar-paying tourists, Indian travelers paying in USD for the SDF can also benefit from this discount.

 

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s advisable to consult the Airlines or reach out to authorized travel agents specializing in Bhutanese tourism.  Kindly note that this subsidy is at the discretion and continued support of the Government.