Paro International Airport is Bhutan's only airport and one of the world's most technically challenging: the runway, at 2,235 meters altitude, is surrounded by mountains up to 5,500 meters, and only a limited number of certified pilots is authorized to land, possible only in daylight and good visibility conditions.
It is located in Paro Valley, approximately 55 km from the capital Thimphu; flights are operated exclusively by Drukair (national carrier) and Bhutan Airlines, with connections from a limited number of Asian cities.
How to get to Paro Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to PBH
Parking near Paro Airport
The parking area is close to the terminal and small in size.
It is not staffed; rates are generally symbolic, consistent with the airport's very modest traffic.
How to get to Paro from PBH
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Paro Airport
Self-drive car rentals are rare in Bhutan: regulations require an organized tour with a driver, included in virtually all travel packages.
Those wishing a private driver outside a standard package must arrange it through an authorized local operator: self-drive rentals are not available to foreign visitors under current rules.
Hotels near Paro Airport
Downtown Paro
About 2-3 km from the terminal, just minutes by car or taxi.
Best for: Travelers who want to be within walking distance of the market and restaurants of the valley's only town.
- Just steps from the Paro Sunday Market and the Druk Choeding temple
- More choice of restaurants and evening shops than the riverside properties
- The town is small: half a day is enough to see almost everything it has to offer
- No views of the valley or the river, unlike the riverfront properties
Recommended hotels
- Hotel Khamsum 17 rooms in downtown Paro, about 3 km from the terminal; reviews especially highlight the staff's attentiveness. View availability
- Nirvana Inn A 5-minute walk from the Paro Sunday Market, in the town's shopping quarter; Indian, Chinese and American cuisine and bike rental. View availability
Along the Paro River
About 10 minutes from the terminal, along the course of the Paro River.
Best for: Travelers looking for a property with valley views, outside the town's built-up center.
- Views of the valley and the surrounding Himalayan mountains, not of the town
- The closest to the airport among the valley's upscale properties
- Outside the center: a car is needed for the town's market or restaurants
- Very few alternatives in the same price range throughout the valley
Recommended hotels
- Le Méridien Paro, Riverfront On the banks of the Paro River, about 10 minutes and 3.4 km from the terminal; views of the eastern Himalaya and Tachogang Lhakhang, the bridge-temple less than 2 km away. View availability
- Zhiwaling Heritage 45 rooms in traditional Bhutanese style, the only property in the country entirely locally owned and run; an in-house temple and archery range, not far from the trail to Tiger's Nest. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, in traditional Bhutanese architectural style, is small and easy to navigate. From check-in to the gate is typically 5–10 minutes.
Flights operate only in daylight hours and good visibility: weather delays and cancellations are relatively common, especially during monsoon season (June–September). For international flights, plan to arrive 2–3 hours early and build in a buffer for possible schedule changes.
Map of Paro Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How much does it cost to visit Bhutan?
Besides the visa (around 40 USD), you must pay the Sustainable Development Fee of 100 USD per person per night (halved for children aged 6-12, waived under 6), which funds conservation and infrastructure. Bhutan doesn't allow independent tourism: you need an organized itinerary through a licensed tour operator.
Q. Why is Paro considered a difficult airport?
The runway, at 2,235 meters among mountains rising to 5,500 meters, requires specifically certified pilots and allows landings only in daylight and good visibility conditions: only a small number of captains worldwide are qualified.
Q. How do you get to Thimphu from the airport?
With a roughly 1-1.5 hour drive along a scenic mountain road, almost always arranged and included by your tour operator, who welcomes visitors directly at the airport.
Q. Can flights be cancelled due to bad weather?
Yes, fairly often, especially during the monsoon season (June-September): it's advisable to build a margin of a day or two into your itinerary for possible changes to Drukair or Bhutan Airlines flights.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights