Getting Around Bhutan
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use taxis and city buses in Thimphu. Rural: Rent a car with a guide for eastern valleys. Mountains: Private vehicles essential due to winding roads. For convenience, book airport transfers from Paro to your destination.
Bus Travel
National Bus Service
Efficient state-run buses connecting major towns like Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha with daily services.
Cost: Thimphu to Paro Nu 40-80, journeys 1-2 hours on winding mountain roads.
Tickets: Buy at bus stations or onboard, cash only, no advance booking needed.
Peak Times: Avoid early mornings (6-8 AM) and late afternoons for less crowding.
Bus Passes
Multi-journey tickets available for frequent travelers, or opt for private tour packages including transport.
Best For: Independent travelers visiting multiple dzongkhags over a week, savings on repeated routes.
Where to Buy: City bus terminals in Thimphu or Paro, or through tourism operators for guided options.
Long-Distance Routes
Buses link Paro to Phuentsholing border and eastern towns like Trashigang via national highways.
Booking: For comfort, book private buses through hotels; public ones fill quickly in high season.
Main Hubs: Thimphu Central Bus Terminal serves as the primary connection point nationwide.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for flexible exploration of remote valleys. Compare rental prices from Nu 2000-4000/day at Paro Airport and Thimphu.
Requirements: International Driving Permit, guide mandatory for tourists, minimum age 25.
Insurance: Full coverage required for mountain roads, includes vehicle and passenger protection.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 40 km/h rural, no highways over 80 km/h.
Tolls: None on national roads, but road permits needed for border areas.
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow mountain passes, overtaking rare and risky.
Parking: Free in most areas, designated spots in cities; avoid blocking pedestrian paths.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations limited outside cities at Nu 100-120/liter for petrol, diesel similar.
Apps: Use Google Maps offline for routes, signal spotty in remote areas.
Traffic: Minimal overall, but landslides common in monsoon; check weather updates.
Urban Transport
Thimphu Taxis
Shared and private taxis widely available, single ride Nu 20-50, day hire Nu 1000-1500.
Validation: Negotiate fares upfront, no meters; apps like Bhutan Taxi emerging.
Apps: Local services for booking, but cash preferred in smaller towns.
Bike Rentals
Bicycles and e-bikes in Paro and Thimphu, Nu 200-500/day with shops near tourist areas.
Routes: Flat paths around valleys, guided tours for hilly explorations.
Tours: Eco-friendly cycling options through cultural sites, helmets provided.
City Buses & Local Services
City buses in Thimphu and Paro operate fixed routes, Nu 10-20 per ride.
Tickets: Pay onboard with exact change, frequent services during daylight hours.
Border Shuttles: Daily buses to Phuentsholing, Nu 200-300 for cross-border travel.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near dzongs in towns for easy access, central Thimphu or Paro for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for spring (March-May) and autumn (Sept-Nov) festivals.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for weather-affected mountain travel.
- Amenities: Check for heating, hot water, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G in urban areas like Thimphu and Paro, 3G/2G in rural valleys.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from Nu 400 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
B-Mobile and Thrima offer prepaid SIMs from Nu 100-300 with coverage in most areas.
Where to Buy: Airports, post offices, or provider shops with passport required.
Data Plans: 3GB for Nu 500, 10GB for Nu 1500, unlimited for Nu 2000/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, cafes, and tourist lodges; limited in remote areas.
Public Hotspots: Major dzongs and government buildings have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally 5-20 Mbps in cities, suitable for emails and maps.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Bhutan Time (BTT), UTC+6, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Paro Airport 7km from city center, taxi Nu 300 (10 min), or book private transfer for Nu 1000-2000.
- Luggage Storage: Available at hotels and bus stations (Nu 100-200/day) in major towns.
- Accessibility: Limited due to mountainous terrain, most transport not wheelchair-friendly.
- Pet Travel: Not recommended; strict quarantine rules, check with tour operators.
- Bike Transport: Bikes can be carried on buses for Nu 100, e-bikes restricted on flights.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Bhutan
Paro International Airport (PBH) is the only international gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Paro International (PBH): Primary gateway in the Paro Valley, scenic landings with limited international flights.
Yonphula Airport (YON): Domestic hub 150km east, flights to Bumthang and Trashigang.
Bumthang Airport (BUT): Small airstrip for regional connections, weather-dependent operations.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for high season (March-May, Sept-Nov) to save 20-40% on fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly into Kolkata or Delhi and bus to Phuentsholing border for potential savings.
Airlines
Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate all flights, with connections via Bangkok, Delhi, and Singapore.
Important: Factor in Sustainable Development Fee (Nu 1200/day) and baggage limits when planning.
Check-in: Online mandatory 24-48 hours before, airport services limited.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in main towns, fees Nu 100-200, use Bank of Bhutan to minimize charges.
- Credit Cards: Visa accepted in hotels and shops, Mastercard less common outside Thimphu.
- Contactless Payment: Limited, cash preferred; some apps like BhutanPay emerging.
- Cash: Essential for buses, markets, and rural areas, keep Nu 5000-10000 in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary, but small gratuities (Nu 100-200) appreciated for guides.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid informal exchanges; INR accepted at par.