Your Guide to Flying to Bhutan: Routes from Around the World

So, you’ve made the decision to visit the mystical Kingdom of Bhutan—the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Now comes the first practical step: figuring out how to get to Bhutan.

This guide will walk you through the most efficient and common flight routes, ensuring your travel to Bhutan is as smooth as possible.

The Gatekeepers: Airlines Flying into Paro

Your journey to Bhutan begins at Paro International Airport (PBH), the country’s sole international gateway. Famous for its breathtaking approach through mountain valleys, the airport is served by just two carriers:

Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines): The national flag carrier operates the most extensive network of flights.
Bhutan Airlines: A private airline that also operates international routes to and from Bhutan.
Routes from Europe

There are no direct flights to Bhutan from Europe, the Americas or Australia. The best strategy is to fly to a major international hub that has a direct connection to Paro.

International Cities with Direct Flights to Bhutan

For a comprehensive view, here is a list of all cities from which you can fly directly to Paro, Bhutan. These are your essential connection points, regardless of your origin.

Dubai, UAE (DXB)
Singapore (SIN)
Bangkok, Thailand (BKK)
Delhi, India (DEL)
Kathmandu, Nepal (KTM)
Kolkata, India (CCU)
Dhaka, Bangladesh (DAC)
Gaya, India (GAY) (seasonal flights)
Bagdogra, India (IXB)
Guwahati, India (GAU)

Note: All international flights operated by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines are considered direct, even if they make a stop. Some flights, particularly those to and from Bangkok, Singapore and Delhi, may have a brief stopover in India or Nepal (e.g., in Kolkata, Guwahati and Kathmandu for flights from Delhi). Passengers do not need to deplane or go through immigration. The stop is simply to refuel and pick up additional passengers, meaning a visa for India or Nepal is not required for these stopovers.

Most Convenient Hubs for European Travelers:

Delhi (DEL), India: As a major global hub, Delhi offers frequent and reliable connections to Paro on both Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Many European airlines fly directly to Delhi, making this a popular and straightforward route.
Dubai (DXB), UAE: With Drukair’s new route, Dubai has become an excellent transit point, especially for travelers from Europe and the UK. Emirates and other major carriers offer extensive service to Dubai, providing a smooth connection.
Kathmandu (KTM), Nepal: For those who want to combine a trip to Bhutan with a visit to Nepal, this is a perfect option. The short, scenic flight from Kathmandu to Paro on Drukair is a highlight of the journey.
Bangkok (BKK), Thailand: Bangkok offers multiple flights per week to Paro on both airlines. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a vibrant layover in Southeast Asia.
Singapore (SIN): Singapore’s Changi Airport, a hub for Drukair, provides another convenient connection for European travelers, especially those who prefer to transit through one of the world’s best airports.

Routes from the USA, Canada, and Australia

Travelers from North America and Australia will also follow a two-leg journey, first flying to one of the Asian or Middle Eastern hubs listed above before connecting to Paro.

From North America: The most popular route is to fly through Bangkok, or Singapore. If not, Delhi, Dubai are other options.
From Australia: The most popular hubs for flights to Bhutan are Bangkok and Singapore.

Approximate Round-Trip Fares (USD)

The prices for flights to Bhutan vary widely based on the season, how far in advance you book, and your origin city. The following are approximate round-trip fares (USD) for the final leg of your journey, from these hubs to Paro.

Bangkok (BKK) → Paro (PBH):
- Economy: ~$956.60
- Off-Season Discount (K Class): ~$669.60
- Business: ~$1,372.60
Singapore (SIN) → Paro (PBH):
- Economy: ~$1,099.40
- Off-Season Discount (K Class): ~$960.40
- Business: ~$1,786.40
Kolkata (CCU) → Paro (PBH):
- Economy: ~$403.26
- Off-Season Discount (K Class): ~$322.46
- Business: ~$650.06
Delhi (DEL) → Paro (PBH):
- Economy: ~$569.16
- Off-Season Discount (K Class): ~$430.56
- Business: ~$933.71
Dubai (DXB) → Paro (PBH):
- Economy: ~$1,406
- Off-Season Discount (K Class): ~$1,148 (20% off)
- Business: ~$2,310
Dhaka (DAC) → Paro (PBH):
- Economy: ~$416.20
- Off-Season Discount (K Class): ~$372.20
- Business: ~$707.20
Kathmandu (KTM) → Paro (PBH):
- Economy: ~$437.20
- Off-Season Discount (K Class): ~$422.20
- Business: ~$658.70
Bagdogra (IXB) → Paro (PBH):
- Economy: ~$242.26
- Off-Season Discount (K Class): ~$233.26
- Business: ~$412.31
Guwahati (GAU) → Paro (PBH):
- Economy: ~$272.16
- Off-Season Discount (K Class): ~$246.16
- Business: ~$413.95

Important Note: The “K” Class, or off-season discount, is typically available for travel in June, July, August, December, January, and February. These rates can fluctuate and are subject to change.

Please Note: These prices are estimates. Actual fares can fluctuate significantly. The value of the US dollar can also impact the final cost, as local currency conversion rates will change.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Flying to Bhutan

Q: Do I need to book my flights through a tour operator?
A: No, you can buy the tickets from the airline website of Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. If you are booking your trip through a tour operator such as Breathe Bhutan, your tour operator will arrange your visa and will handle the booking of your Drukair or Bhutan Airlines flights. The advantage of booking tickets through Breathe Bhutan is that we can easily make changes without having to pay additional charges.

Q: Why are flights to Bhutan so expensive?
A: The limited number of airlines and flights, combined with the high demand for travel to Bhutan, contributes to the higher ticket prices.

Q: Are there any direct flights from the USA or Europe to Bhutan?
A: No, there are no direct flights from North America or Europe. All international travelers must fly to one of the designated hubs in Asia or the Middle East and then connect to a flight to Paro.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Bhutan?
The best time to visit Bhutan is entirely dependent on what you want to experience:

For Convenience and Combining Trips: The most convenient time to visit is often during the months when you are already in a nearby country like India, Nepal, or Thailand for business or other travel. This makes it easy to add a short trip to Bhutan to your itinerary.
For Clear Views and Solitude: Winter (December to February) is often the best choice. The skies are a brilliant, crisp blue with very little haze, offering the most spectacular and unobstructed views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. With far fewer tourists, you’ll enjoy a sense of peace and tranquility that is harder to find during the bustling peak seasons.
For Festivals and Trekking: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most popular seasons. The weather is ideal for trekking, the valleys are either bursting with blossoms in the spring or golden with harvest colors in the autumn, and many of the country’s most famous festivals (Tshechus) take place during these times.
For Budget-Friendly Travel: Winter, along with the monsoon season (June-August), offers the lowest prices on flights and accommodations. This is due to the lower demand, making it an excellent time for budget-conscious travelers to experience Bhutan. You can also witness the endangered black-necked cranes in the Phobjikha Valley during the winter months.

Q: What is the airport in Bhutan called?
A: The sole international airport is Paro International Airport (PBH).

For the most accurate and up-to-date flight schedules, always refer to the official websites of Drukair and Bhutan Airlines.
Safe travels, and may your journey to Bhutan be as memorable as the destination itself!