Paro is Bhutan's international airport, served by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. We meet you at arrivals and drive you to your hotel in Paro, to Thimphu (about 1 hour away) or straight on to the rest of your trip. Book a single transfer, or keep the car and driver for your whole stay.
Get a quote on WhatsApp
Opens WhatsApp with your trip details filled in. We reply with a quote for the vehicle, driver and guide.
The flight into Paro is famous for its mountain views and its approach down a narrow valley. After you land, the last thing you want is to haggle for a ride. With a transfer booked in advance, your driver is waiting, your bags go straight into the car and you can enjoy your first look at Bhutan from the window.
Popular transfers from Paro Airport
- Paro town and Paro valley hotels: a short drive.
- Thimphu: about 1 hour along the Paro and Wangchhu rivers.
- Haa: over the Chele La pass, one of the highest roads in Bhutan.
- Punakha: via Thimphu and the Dochula Pass.
What happens when you land
- Collect your bags and complete arrival formalities inside the terminal.
- Walk out to arrivals, where your driver or guide waits with a name board.
- Load up and head to your hotel, or start sightseeing straight away if you are feeling fresh.
We share your driver's contact details on WhatsApp before you travel, so you can message if anything changes. If you are also leaving from Paro, we can book your departure transfer at the same time and make sure you reach the airport with time to spare.
First stops in the Paro valley
Paro is one of the prettiest valleys in Bhutan and a gentle place to spend your first day. Rinpung Dzong, a fortress and monastery above the river, is reached by a traditional covered bridge and is beautiful in the evening light. Above it, Ta Dzong, a former watchtower, houses the National Museum, with masks, thangkas and objects from daily life that help everything you see later make sense.
Many visitors save the hike to Tiger's Nest for the end of the trip, once they have adjusted to the altitude. It is a good plan: your legs and lungs will thank you. Your guide can advise on the best day and start time.
The road to Thimphu
The drive from Paro to Thimphu follows the Paro river down to its meeting with the Wangchhu, then turns up the valley to the capital. It is an easy road of about an hour. On the way, it is worth stopping at Tachog Lhakhang, a small temple reached by an old iron chain bridge over the river. In Thimphu, Buddha Dordenma watches over the city from the hillside.
Over Chele La to Haa
For a full day out, or a night or two in a quieter valley, take the road from Paro up to Chele La, one of the highest road passes in Bhutan. On a clear day there are wide mountain views and prayer flags snapping in the wind. Beyond the pass, the road drops into the Haa valley, with its farmhouses and few visitors. Haa needs a route permit, which your guide arranges.
Vehicles
| Vehicle | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Creta SUV | Couples and small families | Five-seat SUV with good ground clearance for mountain roads |
| Kia SUV | Families wanting extra comfort | Roomy SUV for long days on the road |
| Toyota HiAce | Groups and large families | Group van with space for everyone and their luggage |
| Taxi | Short trips and transfers | City rides, airport runs and one-way drops |
Solo travellers and couples are well served by a taxi or a Hyundai Creta. Families often prefer the Kia SUV for extra room, and groups with plenty of luggage travel together in the Toyota HiAce. More options are on our Bhutan car rental with driver page.
Guide and permits
Under current rules, every tourist, including visitors from India, needs a licensed Bhutanese guide to travel beyond Thimphu and Paro, and a route permit for districts such as Punakha, Haa, Wangdue and Bumthang. Your guide arranges the route permits. Rules change from time to time, so we confirm the latest position for your travel dates when you book.
A transfer within Paro or to Thimphu can be booked with a driver only. If your trip continues to Haa, Punakha or beyond, add a licensed guide; ours speak English, Hindi and Nepali, with Bengali subject to availability. Read more about hiring a guide in Bhutan.
Altitude and arrival tips
- Take it easy: Paro and Thimphu sit much higher than the plains. Plan a gentle first day and drink plenty of water.
- Passes: Chele La and Dochula are higher again and can be cold and windy, even when the valley is warm.
- Layers: mornings and evenings are cool for most of the year, so keep a warm layer in your hand luggage.
- Weather: from June to September rain and fog can slow mountain roads; spring and autumn are usually clearest.
Fees and planning
Most nationalities pay a Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 per adult per night, confirmed until 31 August 2027. Indian nationals pay INR 1,200 per person per night. Rules and fees can change, so we confirm the latest for your dates. Use our Bhutan Trip Cost Calculator to estimate fees and the festival calendar to see whether the Paro tshechu or another festival falls in your dates.
Ideas for trips that start at Paro
A short break of four or five days can cover Paro, Thimphu and a morning drive up to Chele La. A week allows you to add Punakha, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours from Thimphu over Dochula, and the Phobjikha valley. With nine days or more you can reach Trongsa and Bumthang in central Bhutan. Whatever the length, we suggest ending in Paro so the Tiger's Nest hike comes after you have adjusted to the altitude, and so you are close to the airport for your flight home.
Arriving on a festival date? The Paro tshechu draws large crowds to Rinpung Dzong, and hotels fill early. Let us know as soon as you have your flight so we can plan the car and guide around the celebrations.
Families and groups
For families with young children or older parents, a calm first day is the best start. We can plan shorter drives and more stops, and our guides adjust the pace to suit everyone. Groups arriving on the same flight can travel together in the Toyota HiAce, which keeps luggage, people and plans in one place.
How to book
Send us your flight number, arrival date, number of travellers and where you are staying. Let us know if you want just the transfer or a car, driver and guide for the whole trip. We confirm everything and send a clear quote.
Landing in Paro? Message us on WhatsApp on +975 17661648 or email [email protected]. Your quote lists exactly what is included, so there are no surprises later.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Paro Airport from Thimphu?
Thimphu is about 1 hour by road from Paro Airport.
Will the driver wait if my flight is late?
Yes. We track your flight and our driver waits at arrivals with a name board.
Can I keep the same car for my whole trip?
Yes. Many travellers book the airport transfer together with a car, driver and guide for the whole stay.
Can you drive us from Paro Airport to Haa?
Yes. The road goes over the Chele La pass. Haa needs a route permit and a licensed guide under current rules, and your guide arranges the permit.
Do I need a guide for a Paro Airport transfer?
Not for a transfer within Paro or to Thimphu. Under current rules, a licensed guide is required for travel beyond Thimphu and Paro, so add one if your trip continues further.
Which vehicle is best for a family arriving at Paro?
A Hyundai Creta suits small families who travel light, while the Kia SUV gives more room. Larger families and groups usually choose the Toyota HiAce. Tell us your numbers and luggage and we will suggest one.
Can you also arrange my departure transfer?
Yes. Tell us your departure flight and we will plan the pickup from your hotel so you reach Paro Airport with time to spare.
