Traveling by Bus in Bhutan – Schedules and Connectivity

Bhutan, a country we think of when we think of finding solace! The small Himalayan nation is full of beauty and wonder. Of course, heading on such trips, we often want to experience the whole place – it’s culture and history, the food and lifestyle, nature, and people – in one go.

For, there is so much of the world to see, and we are often very fickle – new experiences trump heading back to the same old place! Fortunately, truly experiencing a majority of the country is quite possible in a nation the size of Bhutan.

However, transportation is the only true facilitator of such a pipeline dream! Getting from region to region gets tricky here because there are limited flights and even trains that operate in this country.

But, fret not, we are here to make your trip to Bhutan the most comfortable and seamless, especially in terms of transport!

Mainstream Transportation of Bhutan – Buses

The country might lack in infrastructure of railways and airways. But, the bus connectivity makes up for it. It should be noted that since the country has a $200 minimum spend quota, only locals, and tourists excluded from the quota get to travel independently.

Reaching Bhutan from India

You can board buses operated by the Royal Bhutanese Government from Indian towns of Kolkata and Siliguri. For Kolkata, the bus leaves at 7:00 PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays to drop you off at Phuentsholing.

This entire journey takes an entire day – so rest up as much as you can. From Siliguri, the buses depart daily at 7:30 AM and 1:30 PM and cover the distance to Phuentsholing in ~6 hours.

Local Bus Service in Bhutan

A note of caution – the local buses tend to be uncomfortable. And, with the presence of the ever-curving Himalayan roads, the buses here have earned the nickname of vomit comets. However, private operators use more comfortable buses that cost higher than state-owned transportation.

Transport companies of Bhutan include Meto, Master, Khorlo, Pelyab, Sernye, Dhug, Bumpa, Dungkhar, Tamshing, Lhakhpa and Kuenphen. These companies operate 20, 30, and 50 seater buses.

The views are insanely beautiful, and the journeys will be the most memorable. Yes, there might be some inconvenience caused to you, thanks to the nation still being a developing country. But, trust me, it won’t mean for much once you get to the places you want to explore!

Southern and Central Bhutan Bus Service and Connectivity

If you have ever thought of rural perfection – then, Central Bhutan is it! Neatly cultivated fields, beautiful evergreen mountain backdrops, and postcard worth views – Central Bhutan has beauty up to its wazoo! Also, the cultural heartland of Bhutan houses some of the oldest and most significant temples as well as monasteries. There is a tonne to do here, including celebrating the finest Buddhist traditions.

However, central Bhutan sees limited tourism as compared to Western Bhutan. Nature lovers and adventure seekers will feel all the feels when here. From untouched trails to day hikes, from wildlife jungles and national parks to serenity – the place as it all!

The road infrastructure is well developed, especially from Central Bhutan. One may catch buses to almost all villages, towns, cities, and everything in between from here. The main headquarters for buses in the region are Phuentsholing and Gelephu.

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Phuentsholing Bus Terminal

The closest city to India, the city has thrived from cross-border trade. As a major hub, Pheuntsholing connects you with all major towns including – Thimpu, Paro, Wangdue, Punakha, Samdrup Jongkhar, Tendu, Haa, Dagana, Tsirang, Bumthang, Gelephu, and Phobjikha.

In terms of private operators, you’ll see most buses operated by Meto, Khorli, and Dhug.

Thimpu

There are daily buses to and from Thimphu from Phuentsholing, taking a total time of around 7 hours. There are numerous buses throughout the day – so reaching Thimpu as per your desire will not be a concern.

While most buses are decent 20-seaters, the journey can get rough in a few places. It will cost you about BTN 180 for a one-way journey. From Thimpu, buses leave daily at 7:00 AM towards Phuentsholing.

Pro Travel Tip: Do not forget to check our most popular detailed day by day travel plan for a Bhutan trip.

Paro

Again, there are daily buses to Paro from Phuentsholing. The frequency is less as compared to Thimpu, with only two 20-seater buses running daily at 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM. Reaching Paro will take you about 6 hours and cost BTN 200. Conversely, buses leave Paro towards Phuentsholing, daily at 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM as well.

Samdrup Jongkhar

On Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, buses leave for Samdrup Jongkhar at 6:30 AM taking 12 hours to reach the destination. Bumpa Transport also runs a 31-seater bus daily at 5:30 AM. From Samdrup Jongkhar, buses for Phuentsholing run every day at 6:00 AM.

Gelephu Bus Terminal

While the connectivity is not as extensive from Gelephu, you’ll still be able to connect with all the major towns, such as Phuentsholing, Tsirang, Thimphu, Bumthang, Punakha, Samdrup Jongkhar, Wangdue etc.

Pro Travel Tip: Do not forget to check this complete travel guide for traveling to Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan.

Thimpu

Buses leave daily at 7:00 and 7:30 AM for Thimpu, taking around 10 hours to reach. For the return journey, buses leave Thimpu ay 7 in the morning and 4:30 in the evening for Gelephu.

Samdrup Jongkhar

You can board a bus for Samdrup Jongkhar daily at 7 AM with the journey taking around 10 hours. Vice versa, a Bhutan Transport bus can be boarded from Samdrup Jongkhar at 6:00 AM daily

For ease of reference – here is an extensive time table for other Southern and Central Connectivity:

Pro Travel Tip: You can check this detailed guide on how to get all the necessary permits of Bhutan [2020 updates included].

From Tsirang Base

From Dagana Base

From Zhemgang Base

From Trongsa Base

From Bumthang Base

From Tshimashan Base

From Samtse Base

Western Bhutan Bus Service and Connectivity

Western Bhutan is a sight to see and explore. Trust me, you will fall in love with the beautiful vistas and the majestic dzongs of the region. Whether you’re coming in by air at Paro airport or by road, you’ll soon realize you’ve entered another dimension, another world altogether.

Thanks to the presence of the airport, this part of Bhutan sees the most tourists. The best is trusting a spectacular introduction to this beautiful country.

Major towns of Western Bhutan are – Punakha, Samtse, Haa, Thimphu, and Paro. If you compare with Central Bhutan, the infrastructure is not as well developed, but still quite decent. Thimpu and Paro can be called the epicenter of the most movement.

Thimpu Bus Terminal

Thimpu enjoys the most extensive connectivity in the region, with buses heading to which go to almost every town of Bhutan, including Trashigang, Paro, Gelephu, Lhuentse, Mongar, Samdrup Jongkhar, etc.

Gelephu

Coaster buses run daily at 7:00 AM, taking 10 hours to reach. The buses operated on this sector are by Bumpa and Sernya Transport.

Lhuentse

The buses to Lhuentse leave Thimpu on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 7:00 to cover the excruciatingly long journey of about 35 hours! There is a night halt at Bumthang in between.

Pro Travel Tip: Are you wonder how much will be the cost of Bhutan trip? Check our detailed guide on how to calculate the cost or budget of Bhutan trip?

Dheeraj Sharma

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Bumthang

Buses leave daily at 7:30 AM. Also, buses depart at 7:00 AM daily, except Mondays. The duration of the journey is about 12 hours.

Haa base

You may catch a bus towards Haa base at 1:00 PM and 9:00 AM daily – taking only 6 hours for the journey. The views on the way are exceptionally delightful

From Thimpu Base

Paro Bus Terminal

Paro is the economic center and also a famous tourist spot in the country. Naturally, you can assume that many buses run to and from Paro. However, this is not the case! Only a few buses run to some major towns.

Pro Travel Tip: Do not forget to check this complete month by month guide on the best time to visit Bhutan.

Samtse

Coaster buses leave every alternate day at 7:00 to reach Samtse at 4:00 PM.

Haa

For Haa base, a 22-seater bus leaves Paro on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9:00 AM, taking 6 hours to reach the destination.

From Paro Base

For ease of reference – here is an extensive time table for other Western Connectivity:

From Wangdue Base

From Punakha Base

From Haa Base

Eastern Bhutan Bus Service and Connectivity

Believed to truly the most beautiful and serene part of the country, the Eastern part of Bhutan has large hilly regions and high mountain peaks. However, the region is also prone to experiencing extremely harsh winters.

Because of this, the transport service here is not as developed. However, some buses do connect from Samdrup Jongkhar and Trashigang – the headquarter of the region to other major hubs of other regions.

For ease of reference – here is an extensive time table for Eastern Connectivity:

From Samdrupjongkhar Terminal

From Trashigang Base

From Mongar Base

From Lhuentse Base

Conclusion

While Bhutan might not be the most developed nation there is, it is certainly worth exploring. And, thanks to the immense road network of the country – they have made it quite easy to venture out and do your own thing.

Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions about traveling to the Himalayas.

The rough roads might make your journey more difficult – but the efforts will be worth every penny and body ache – given the surreal beauty that awaits you at every turn. Also, the people of the country are so happy and nice; it is indeed infectious.

You’ll hardly be bothered by the physical discomforts given the happy vibes surrounding you at all times. So, trust me, venture out and enjoy the wild beauty that awaits you!