How to Get to Bhutan: Flights, Airports and the Best Routes

Bhutan may look remote on the map, but getting there is more straightforward than many first time travellers expect.

Most international visitors fly into Paro, Bhutan's main international gateway. Drukair and Bhutan Airlines connect Bhutan with regional hubs including Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Dhaka and other cities in South Asia.

Bhutan now also has a second international gateway at Gelephu, with scheduled international services connecting Gelephu and Kolkata.

Travelling overland from India is another option, particularly if you are combining Bhutan with Northeast India, West Bengal or Assam.

The best route depends largely on where you are travelling from.

If you are coming from Singapore or Southeast Asia, Singapore and Bangkok are usually the most convenient gateways.

From Europe, Australia or North America, Bangkok, Singapore, Delhi or Dubai can provide useful connections.

From Nepal, the short Kathmandu to Paro flight is one of the easiest ways to combine the two Himalayan countries.

Here is how to choose the best way to get to Bhutan.

How to Get to Bhutan at a Glance

For most international travellers, flying to Paro International Airport is the easiest way to reach Bhutan.

Starting region	Useful gateway
Singapore	Singapore
Malaysia	Singapore or Bangkok
Indonesia	Singapore or Bangkok
Thailand	Bangkok
Australia	Singapore or Bangkok
New Zealand	Singapore
United Kingdom	Bangkok, Delhi, Singapore or Dubai
Europe	Bangkok, Delhi, Singapore or Dubai
United States	Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi or Dubai
Canada	Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi or Dubai
Nepal	Kathmandu
India	Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra or Guwahati
Bangladesh	Dhaka

Flight routes and frequencies can change by season, so use these as planning gateways rather than fixed schedules.

Can You Fly Directly to Bhutan?

Yes, but Bhutan's international flight network is smaller than those of most destinations.

There are no long haul nonstop flights from Europe, North America or Australia.

Instead, you normally fly first to one of Bhutan's regional gateway cities and connect onwards.

Paro is connected to cities including:

• Singapore
• Bangkok
• Delhi
• Kolkata
• Kathmandu
• Dhaka
• Bagdogra
• Guwahati
• Bodh Gaya on selected seasonal services
• Dubai through selected Drukair operations

Bhutan's flight schedules change through the year, so always check the current timetable for your travel month rather than relying on an older annual schedule.

Airports in Bhutan

Bhutan currently has two international airports and domestic airports serving different parts of the country.

Paro International Airport

Airport code: PBH

Paro remains Bhutan's primary international gateway.

It sits in the Paro Valley, surrounded by mountains, and is approximately an hour by road from Thimphu.

Most international travellers arrive here.

Paro is particularly convenient for a classic western Bhutan itinerary because you can easily continue towards:

• Paro
• Thimphu
• Punakha
• Haa

Gelephu International Airport

Airport code: GLU

Gelephu became Bhutan's newest international aviation gateway when international services began in December 2025.

Drukair launched scheduled flights between Gelephu and Kolkata, giving travellers another way to enter southern Bhutan.

Gelephu can be particularly useful if your itinerary focuses on southern Bhutan, Gelephu Mindfulness City or a journey connecting with India.

For most first time leisure travellers visiting Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, Paro remains the more practical arrival airport.

Which Airlines Fly to Bhutan?

Bhutan has two national airlines operating international passenger services.

Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines

Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, is Bhutan's national flag carrier and operates the country's largest international network.

Its routes connect Bhutan with destinations across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Singapore and the Middle East.

Bhutan Airlines

Bhutan Airlines is Bhutan's private international airline.

Its scheduled network includes connections involving Bangkok, Kolkata, Kathmandu and Delhi.

Flying to Bhutan From Singapore

For travellers from Singapore, the easiest option is Drukair's Singapore to Paro service.

Drukair increased the Singapore route to three weekly frequencies in 2026, improving the flexibility of travel between Singapore and Bhutan.

The service normally operates:

Singapore → Guwahati → Paro

The Guwahati sector is an intermediate stop rather than a separate flight booking.

Depending on the operating schedule, passengers normally remain on the same aircraft during the stop.

The total journey is considerably easier than travelling first to Bangkok and spending a night there before continuing to Bhutan.

Flight days and timings can change by month, so check the latest Drukair schedule before choosing your Bhutan itinerary.

Read our complete guide to travelling from Singapore to Bhutan for more detailed planning advice.

Flying to Bhutan From Bangkok

Bangkok remains one of the most useful gateways to Bhutan.

Drukair operates frequent services between Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and Bhutan, making Bangkok particularly convenient for travellers arriving from Southeast Asia, Australia and other parts of the world.

Some services operate directly between Bangkok and Paro, while others may include an intermediate stop in India.

Bangkok is a particularly useful option if:

• You want a wide choice of long haul flights.
• Your home city has strong Bangkok connectivity.
• You plan to spend time in Thailand before or after Bhutan.
• Singapore flight dates do not match your itinerary.

Read our complete guide to travelling from Bangkok to Bhutan for more detailed planning advice.

Flying to Bhutan From Delhi

Delhi is one of the strongest gateways for travellers combining Bhutan with India.

Both Drukair and Bhutan Airlines operate services connecting Bhutan and Delhi, although routings and frequencies vary.

Delhi can work particularly well for travellers arriving from:

• Europe
• North America
• India
• the Middle East

If you are travelling through India, check if you require an Indian visa based on your passport and transit arrangements.

Do not assume that remaining in transit automatically removes every Indian entry requirement, especially if your itinerary involves separate tickets or collecting checked luggage.

Read our complete guide to travelling from India to Bhutan for more detailed planning advice.

Flying to Bhutan From Kathmandu

Kathmandu is one of the easiest gateways if you want to combine Nepal and Bhutan in one journey.

Flights between Kathmandu and Paro take roughly an hour, although timings vary.

On a clear day, the flight can offer spectacular Himalayan views.

If Nepal and Bhutan are both on your itinerary, we generally recommend allowing enough connection time rather than putting an international arrival into Kathmandu and your Bhutan flight too close together.

Separate tickets can create problems if the first flight is delayed.

A night in Kathmandu before continuing to Bhutan often makes the journey more relaxed.

Read our complete guide to travelling from Kathmandu to Bhutan for more detailed planning advice.

Flying to Bhutan From Kolkata

Kolkata provides several useful Bhutan connections.

Flights operate to Paro, while Gelephu also has scheduled international connectivity with Kolkata.

This makes Kolkata particularly useful for:

• Travellers from eastern India
• Trips combining India and Bhutan
• Journeys entering southern Bhutan
• Travellers heading towards Gelephu

Check carefully which Bhutan airport your flight serves before booking the rest of your itinerary.

Paro and Gelephu are in very different parts of the country.

Flying to Bhutan From Dubai

Dubai provides another useful connection point for travellers coming from the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

Drukair has operated Bhutan services via Dubai, generally with an intermediate stop depending on the current schedule. Bhutan's current international route information continues to list Dubai among the cities connected with Bhutan.

Because Dubai frequencies can be more limited than Bangkok or Delhi, plan your Bhutan travel dates around the operating schedule rather than booking your long haul flights first.

Check out the guide on flying to Bhutan from Dubai.

Flying to Bhutan From Other Countries

There are no nonstop Bhutan flights from most countries.

The simplest approach is:

Home country → Bhutan gateway city → Bhutan

Rather than searching for a single through ticket immediately, first identify which Bhutan gateway works best for your location.

Getting to Bhutan From Australia

There are no nonstop flights from Australia to Bhutan.

For most Australian travellers, the easiest routes are:

Australia → Singapore → Paro

or

Australia → Bangkok → Paro

Singapore is particularly convenient from cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth because of strong flight connectivity.

Bangkok can offer greater flexibility if the Bhutan flight dates align better with your itinerary.

Avoid very tight connections when the flights are booked on separate tickets.

Getting to Bhutan From Europe

Travellers from Europe usually connect through one of the major Asian or Middle Eastern gateways.

Useful options include:

Europe → Bangkok → Paro

Europe → Delhi → Paro

Europe → Singapore → Paro

Europe → Dubai → Bhutan

The best route depends on your departure city, airline preference and Bhutan flight schedule.

Bangkok and Delhi often provide the greatest scheduling flexibility, while Singapore can be especially comfortable if the flight dates work for your itinerary.

Getting to Bhutan From the United States and Canada

There are no nonstop flights from the United States or Canada to Bhutan.

A typical journey involves one major international flight followed by a regional flight into Bhutan.

Common routings include:

North America → Singapore → Paro

North America → Bangkok → Paro

North America → Delhi → Paro

North America → Dubai → Bhutan

Because the journey is long, consider spending at least one night in your gateway city rather than building a very tight same day connection.

This also gives you more protection if your long haul flight is delayed.

Travelling to Bhutan by Road

You can also enter Bhutan overland from India.

This can make sense if you are already travelling in:

• West Bengal
• Assam
• Northeast India
• Sikkim or nearby regions

Entering by road gives you a different perspective on Bhutan because the landscape changes dramatically as you travel from the southern foothills towards the higher valleys.

For most international visitors arriving from further away, however, flying remains simpler.

Bhutan's Land Border Entry Points

There are currently four official road entry points from India.

Phuentsholing

Phuentsholing is Bhutan's busiest and best known land gateway.

It borders Jaigaon in West Bengal and is convenient for travellers coming from:

• Siliguri
• Bagdogra
• Darjeeling
• Sikkim
• West Bengal

It is one of the most practical entry points for travellers planning to continue towards Thimphu and western Bhutan.

Samtse

Samtse is another western Bhutan land entry point.

It can be useful for specialised itineraries through southwestern Bhutan.

Gelephu

Gelephu provides access to south central Bhutan and is becoming increasingly important as the region develops around Gelephu Mindfulness City.

It is both a land entry point and an international aviation gateway.

Samdrup Jongkhar

Samdrup Jongkhar lies in eastern Bhutan near Assam.

It is particularly useful for itineraries focusing on eastern Bhutan, including destinations such as Trashigang and surrounding regions.

Paro or Gelephu: Which Airport Should You Use?

For most first time visitors, Paro is still the best airport.

Choose Paro if your itinerary includes:

• Paro
• Tiger's Nest
• Thimphu
• Punakha
• Phobjikha
• Haa
• Bumthang via western Bhutan

Choose Gelephu if:

• Your itinerary centres on southern Bhutan.
• You are visiting Gelephu Mindfulness City.
• You are connecting through Kolkata.
• Your itinerary has specifically been designed to start or finish in the south.

Do not choose Gelephu simply because it appears closer on a map to your international departure point.

Bhutan's mountain roads mean the overland journey to western destinations can take considerable time.

How to Book Flights to Bhutan

Bhutan flights operate differently from major international airline networks.

Schedules can change between seasons, and seat availability can become limited around:

• Major festivals (Check out the latest Bhutan festival dates)
• Spring travel season
• Autumn travel season
• School holidays
• Popular trekking periods

It is therefore sensible to confirm your Bhutan flights before finalising non refundable international connections.

Drukair publishes monthly schedules rather than relying on one fixed timetable for the entire year.

If you are travelling with Druk Asia, we can coordinate your Drukair flight dates with your itinerary so the land arrangements match your arrival and departure schedule.

Bhutan Visa Before You Fly

Most international visitors need a Bhutan visa before travelling.

The visa application fee is currently USD 40, and the Sustainable Development Fee is generally USD 100 per adult per night.

Children aged 6 to under 12 pay a reduced SDF, while children below 6 are exempt.

Indian nationals follow a separate permit process and SDF structure.

You can apply yourself or have your tour operator handle the application.

Do not leave the visa until the airport.

Your travel documents should be arranged before you depart for Bhutan.

Practical Flight Tips for Bhutan

Do Not Book Tight Separate Connections

If your long haul flight and Bhutan flight are separate tickets, allow a comfortable buffer.

A delay on the first airline may not protect your onward booking.

Check the Schedule for Your Actual Travel Month

Bhutan flight frequencies and timings vary throughout the year.

A schedule you see for April may not be identical in October.

Consider an Overnight Gateway Stop

If you are travelling a long distance, spending one night in Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi or Kathmandu can make the journey much less stressful.

Keep Your Bhutan Visa Accessible

Keep a digital and offline copy of your visa confirmation together with your passport and flight documents.

Check Your Passport Validity

Ensure that your passport has at least six months of validity for your journey.

Choose Your Paro Seat Carefully

On clear days, flights into and out of Paro can offer extraordinary Himalayan views.

The exact side with the best views depends on route, direction and operating conditions, so ask at check in rather than relying on a universal left or right seat rule.

Build Flexibility Into Important Connections

Paro is surrounded by mountains and flight operations depend on suitable weather conditions.

Avoid scheduling an important long haul departure or major event immediately after your Bhutan flight if you can build in additional time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Bhutan

What is the best way to get to Bhutan?

For most international travellers, the best way to get to Bhutan is to fly into Paro International Airport.

Choose a connecting gateway such as Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi or Kathmandu based on where you are travelling from.

Which airport do you fly into for Bhutan?

Most travellers fly into Paro International Airport, PBH.

Bhutan now also has international operations at Gelephu, which connects with Kolkata.

Does Bhutan have an international airport?

Yes.

Bhutan currently has two international airports: Paro and Gelephu.

Paro remains the principal international gateway for most leisure travellers.

Which airlines fly to Bhutan?

Bhutan's two national airlines are Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, and Bhutan Airlines.

Their networks connect Bhutan with several regional cities across South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Can you fly directly from Singapore to Bhutan?

Yes.

Drukair operates Singapore to Paro services, normally via a short intermediate stop in Guwahati.

The service increased to three weekly frequencies during 2026, although specific operating days and times should be checked for your travel month.

Can you fly directly from Bangkok to Bhutan?

Yes.

Bangkok is one of Bhutan's main international gateways and has frequent air links with Paro.

Both Drukair and Bhutan Airlines serve the Bangkok market.

Can you fly from Kathmandu to Bhutan?

Yes.

Kathmandu has regular air connections with Paro and is one of the easiest gateways for travellers combining Nepal and Bhutan.

Can you fly from India to Bhutan?

Yes.

Bhutan has air connections with several Indian cities, including Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra and Guwahati.

Gelephu also has international connectivity with Kolkata.

Are there direct flights from Europe to Bhutan?

No.

Travellers from Europe usually connect through a regional gateway such as Bangkok, Delhi, Singapore or Dubai.

Are there direct flights from Australia to Bhutan?

No.

Most Australian travellers connect through Singapore or Bangkok before flying into Paro.

Are there direct flights from the USA to Bhutan?

No.

Travellers from the United States generally fly first to a regional hub such as Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi or Dubai before connecting to Bhutan.

Can you enter Bhutan by road?

Yes.

There are four official road entry points from India: Samtse, Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar.

Can you travel to Bhutan through Nepal by road?

No practical international road route connects Nepal directly with Bhutan.

Travellers combining Nepal and Bhutan normally fly from Kathmandu to Paro.

Can I drive my own car into Bhutan?

Entry and vehicle requirements depend on your nationality, vehicle and travel arrangements.

For international leisure visitors, entering through an organised road itinerary with the required documentation is considerably more straightforward than assuming a private foreign vehicle can simply cross the border.

Is Paro the only international airport in Bhutan?

No.

This used to be the case, but it is now outdated information.

Paro remains Bhutan's main international airport, while Gelephu began international operations in December 2025.

How far is Paro Airport from Thimphu?

The drive from Paro Airport to Thimphu normally takes approximately one to one and a half hours, depending on traffic and stops.

Should I book my international flight or Bhutan flight first?

Ideally, check the Bhutan flight schedule first.

Bhutan services operate less frequently than major international routes, so it is usually easier to build your long haul journey around the available Bhutan flights rather than the other way around.

Getting to Bhutan Is Easier Than It Looks

Bhutan's flight network is smaller than those of most holiday destinations, but planning the journey is not difficult once you understand the gateway system.

For most travellers:

Choose your Bhutan gateway city.

Confirm your flight into Paro or Gelephu.

Build your international connection around that flight.

Arrange your visa before travelling.

From Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi and Kathmandu to the road crossings with India, there are now more ways to reach Bhutan than ever before.

The best route is simply the one that fits your starting point, travel dates and Bhutan itinerary.

Explore our Bhutan tour packages or speak with our Bhutan Travel Specialists if you would like us to coordinate your flights, visa and itinerary in one journey.