Key Takeaways
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Bhutan is one of just two countries Indians can visit without a passport, and since it shares a border with India, there is more than one way to get there.
The best option, however, depends on where you start, how much time you have, which part of Bhutan you plan to visit and your travel budget.
This guide explains how to reach Bhutan from India by air, road and train, along with the entry requirements and rules for taking your own vehicle.
How to Reach Bhutan from India
There are three main ways to reach Bhutan from India: by air, by road, or by taking a train and continuing by road. So, let’s take a closer look.
Reach Bhutan by Air
The quickest and most convenient way to reach Bhutan from India is by air. Bhutan’s Paro International Airport (PBH) is connected to Indian cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra and Guwahati, with flight schedules varying by date.
From Paro, you can travel by road to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, about 47 kilometres away or continue onward to other destinations.
Direct Flights from India to Bhutan
| Indian City | Airline | Duration | Approx. One-Way Fare
(INR) |
| Delhi | Druk Air & Bhutan Airlines | 2 hrs 20 mins | 32,000 – 35,000 |
| Kolkata | Druk Air & Bhutan Airlines | 1 hr | 23,000 – 25,000 |
| Bagdogra, West Bengal | Druk Air | 50 mins | 15,000 – 17,000 |
| Guwahati, Assam | Druk Air | 55 mins | 16,000 – 18,000 |
| Gaya, Bihar | Druk Air | 1 hr 10 mins | 21,000 – 23,000 |
Flight availability is higher from Delhi and Kolkata, while Bagdogra and Guwahati have fewer scheduled services. Gaya has limited connectivity, with flights available only on select dates. So, check the latest schedule for your travel date.
Flights to Bhutan from Other Major Indian Cities
Travellers from cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi and Ahmedabad can reach Bhutan by taking a connecting flight through major hubs like Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, or Bagdogra.
Most of these routes involve a combination of flights from different airlines. These journeys take longer than direct flights and can often cost more, depending on the route and travel date.
Reach Bhutan by Road
Road travel is a practical way to enter Bhutan from India, especially for travellers starting in West Bengal or Assam. Bhutan has four official road entry points: Phuentsholing and Samtse in western Bhutan, Gelephu in central Bhutan, and Samdrup Jongkhar in eastern Bhutan.
For most Indian travellers, Phuentsholing is the main road gateway, while the other three borders are useful for travel to different parts of Bhutan. Indians can travel by bus, taxi or private vehicle, including their own car or motorcycle.
By Bus
Direct buses connect Kolkata with Phuentsholing. Buses leave from Esplanade Bus Terminal in Kolkata, and the journey takes around 18-22 hours. Services run on select days, with mainly evening departures.
Buses also run from Siliguri in West Bengal to Phuentsholing, departing from the Tenzing Norgay Central Bus Terminal on Hill Cart Road. The journey takes around 5-6 hours, with services operating on selected daily schedules.
By Your Own Vehicle
Indians can take their own car or bike to Bhutan. In fact, Indian-registered vehicles can travel within the designated border-town zone entirely free of charge.
Vehicles travelling beyond the Rinchending Check Post in Phuentsholing, for example, must pay a Green Tax of BTN 4,500 (approx. INR 4500) per day.
To travel beyond Royal Bhutan Police checkpoints, the vehicle must also be registered through the Check Post Management System (CPMS).
For vehicle entry, carry:
- Original driving licence
- Original Registration Certificate
- Vehicle insurance
- Vehicle emission and roadworthiness certificate
The vehicle must have been registered within the last 10 years. The registered owner should also be the person driving the vehicle. If the driver and owner are different, the driver must carry an authorisation letter from the vehicle owner.
A Bhutan entry permit is also required, and travellers taking their own vehicle should arrange the required Bhutan-side travel and guide arrangements before crossing the border.
Reach Bhutan by Train
Bhutan does not have a railway network, so you cannot travel directly from India by train. Instead, take an Indian train to a railway station near the Bhutan border and continue by road.
Hasimara in West Bengal is the nearest railway station to the Phuentsholing border, about 20 kilometres away. From Hasimara, you can take a short road transfer to Jaigaon, India, and cross into Phuentsholing. This makes it a useful railhead for travellers heading to Thimphu or Paro.
New Alipurduar and New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal are also useful when they have better train connections from your city. From these stations, Jaigaon is about 55 kilometres and 150 kilometres away, respectively.
For travellers heading to eastern Bhutan, Rangiya Junction in Assam is the railway station to head for. From there, you can travel by road to Darranga, Assam and cross the border into Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan.
India and Bhutan are developing new rail links between Kokrajhar-Gelephu and Banarhat-Samtse, but neither is operational yet.
Bhutan Entry Requirements for Indians
Indian citizens do not need a tourist visa for Bhutan, but they need an entry permit. You can apply online before travelling or get it at the port of entry.
Keep these ready to enter Bhutan:
- Original Indian passport with at least six months’ validity or original Voter ID card with photograph
- Two passport-size photographs
- Travel insurance
Children under 18 can carry either an original passport or a birth certificate in English, but they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
If you are applying online, visit the Bhutan Immigration Services Portal and submit a digital copy of your travel document along with a recent passport-size photograph. Applying in advance can help save time at immigration.
Sustainable Development Fee
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is separate from the entry permit. The fee is:
- INR 1,200 per adult per night
- INR 600 per child aged 6 to under 12 per night
- Free for children below 6
A 24-hour exemption applies to tourists staying within the designated areas of Phuentsholing, Samtse, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar. The SDF becomes payable when you travel beyond the permitted border-town areas.
Conclusion
Getting to Bhutan from India does not have to be complicated once you know which route fits your trip. Air travel is the quickest option, with direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati and, on select dates, Gaya to Paro.
Road travel is useful and cheaper for visitors coming from West Bengal and Assam, while train journeys require a road transfer after reaching a nearby Indian station. Those planning a road trip can take their own car or bike into Bhutan under the current vehicle rules.
Whichever route you choose, keep your entry permit and required travel documents ready, and include the SDF and other travel costs in your budget.
Since flight schedules, bus services, and border procedures can change, always check the latest information before departure. If you need more information, contact Dimaak Tours.
FAQs About How to Reach Bhutan from India
1. What is the easiest way to reach Bhutan from India?
Flying to Paro International Airport (PBH) is the easiest and most convenient way to reach Bhutan from India, with direct flights available from select Indian cities.
2. Which Indian cities have direct flights to Bhutan?
Delhi and Kolkata have more frequent direct flights to Paro, while Bagdogra in West Bengal and Guwahati in Assam have less frequent services. Gaya in Bihar also has direct flights, but only on select dates.
3. Is there a direct train from India to Bhutan?
No. Bhutan does not have a railway network. You need to take a train to a railway station in India near the Bhutan border and continue the journey by road.
4. Can Indians take their own vehicle to Bhutan?
Yes. Indians can take their own car or bike to Bhutan. Indian-registered vehicles can travel within the designated border-town zones without a vehicle charge. Vehicles travelling beyond them must pay a Green Tax of BTN 4,500 (approx. INR 4,500) per day and meet the required vehicle-entry rules.
5. Do Indians need a permit to enter Bhutan?
Yes. You can apply for it online through the Bhutan Immigration Services Portal before your trip or obtain it at the port of entry. Adults must carry an original Indian passport or Voter ID, while children under 18 can use a passport or birth certificate in English and must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
