By Air

Most visitors enter Bhutan by flying into Paro International Airport, the country’s sole international gateway. Paro is known for its dramatic approach, surrounded by steep mountain slopes, and only highly trained pilots are certified to land here. Two Bhutanese carriers—Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines—operate all international flights, using modern Airbus A319 aircraft designed for high-altitude operations.

Drukair operates flights to and from:

• Bangkok (Thailand)

• Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Gaya & Guwahati (India)

• Kathmandu (Nepal)

• Dhaka (Bangladesh)

• Singapore
  
  

Bhutan Airlines flies to and from:

• Bangkok (Thailand)

• Delhi & Kolkata (India)

• Kathmandu (Nepal)
  
  

Flight schedules vary seasonally, so advance booking is strongly recommended—especially during festival months when demand is at its peak.

By Land

Bhutan shares open land borders only with India, making road entry a practical option for travelers combining Bhutan with Indian destinations such as Sikkim, Darjeeling, or Assam.

1. Phuentsholing (Southwest Bhutan)

The most commonly used border crossing is Phuentsholing, adjacent to the Indian town of Jaigaon in West Bengal. This route is ideal if you plan to visit Sikkim or Darjeeling before or after Bhutan.

• Thimphu ↔ Phuentsholing: approx. 5 hours by road

• Phuentsholing ↔ Sikkim/Darjeeling: approx. 6 hours
  
  

Travelers can enter or exit Bhutan through this point. Permits for Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian citizens can be processed here; all other nationalities must have their visa approved beforehand.

2. Samdrup Jongkhar (Southeast Bhutan)

For visitors exploring eastern Bhutan, Samdrup Jongkhar provides the most convenient land exit. Located on the border with Assam, it significantly reduces the long return drive back to Paro.

• Samdrup Jongkhar ↔ Guwahati (India): approx. 110 km / 3 hours
  
  

Guwahati offers excellent onward connections with daily flights to:

• Kolkata

• Delhi

• Bangkok

• Bagdogra

This border is typically used only for exit, but entry may be possible depending on government regulations at the time.