Bern is Switzerland's federal city, but it is not where most long-haul journeys begin. The capital's own airport has only a limited schedule, so travellers heading to Bhutan usually take the train to Zurich Airport (ZRH) or Geneva Airport (GVA) and fly from there. Switzerland's rail network makes this easy, with stations right beneath both terminals. From either airport, you connect in Asia to one of Bhutan's two airlines. This page explains how the trip typically works for travellers starting in Bern, as a companion to our complete guide for Swiss visitors.
By Rail from Bern to Your Departure Airport
Zurich is the more common choice for flights to Asia, while Geneva can suit travellers in the west of the canton or those flying via the Gulf. Check the SBB timetable when planning, and allow a comfortable margin, especially for early morning flights. Many airlines let you check in online and drop bags at the airport, so you can arrive with less stress.
Long-Haul Choices from Zurich and Geneva
There are no direct flights from Switzerland to Bhutan. Paro International Airport (PBH) is Bhutan's only international airport, and only Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines operate there.
Our Switzerland guide lists Swiss International Air Lines, Emirates and Qatar Airways among the carriers typically used to reach Delhi, Bangkok or Kathmandu. It gives one example from Zurich: a flight of 7 to 8 hours to Delhi with Air India or Swiss, followed by a 2 to 3 hour Drukair flight to Paro, for a total of around 12 to 15 hours including layovers. From Geneva, similar overall timings apply via Doha or Dubai. Check current schedules before booking.
- Delhi: often the most efficient connection for Swiss travellers.
- Bangkok: attractive if you want to add a stopover in Thailand.
- Kathmandu: ideal for a combined Nepal and Bhutan holiday.
Bern to Paro: An Illustrative Itinerary
As an example rather than a promise, you might board an InterCity at Bern station in the late morning, arriving at Zurich Airport in good time for an afternoon flight to Delhi. You spend the night near the airport and fly on to Paro the next morning. Our guide suggests buffering a day in the transit city and choosing morning departures from the hub where possible. Paro's approach is visual-only and weather can cause delays, so that buffer is time well spent. Your guide will be waiting at the terminal when you land.
Swiss Time Against Bhutan Standard Time
Bern keeps Central European Time, UTC+1, in winter and Central European Summer Time, UTC+2, from late March to late October. Bhutan stays on UTC+6 all year. So Bhutan is five hours ahead of Bern in winter and four hours ahead in summer.
The change is moderate. Sleep on the overnight leg if you can, rest in Delhi, and keep your first afternoon in Paro gentle.
Alpine Seasons and Himalayan Ones
Bern has a temperate climate with cold winters, warm summers and changeable spring and autumn weather, and many Bernese are no strangers to mountains. Bhutan's seasons, though, follow the monsoon. The country receives the most visitors in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November); summer (June to August) is wet monsoon season, and winter (December to February) is cold yet usually clear, especially at altitude.
Autumn is a favourite with Swiss travellers, with clear skies and the Thimphu Tshechu. Spring brings the Paro Tshechu and flowering hillsides. Both festivals follow the lunar calendar, so dates change annually. Mountain lovers will notice that Bhutan's valleys sit lower than its high passes and peaks, so pack for a wide range of temperatures, much as you would for a trip into the Alps.
Formalities for Swiss Passport Holders
Swiss citizens need a Bhutan visa, applied for online in advance and usually arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. Our Switzerland guide explains that your operator submits details such as your passport copy, valid for at least six months beyond your stay, along with your flight itinerary and a recent photo, then sends you the approval to present on arrival.
The Sustainable Development Fee is currently USD 100 per adult per night for most international visitors, including the Swiss. Before you commit, check the latest rates with the Department of Tourism. Travel insurance covering your whole stay is required; Swiss health insurance alone may not meet this, so check your cover.
Bhutan's ngultrum (BTN) is pegged 1:1 to the Indian rupee. Bring some cash for small purchases, as ATMs are mainly in towns.
Trip Lengths for Swiss Travellers
- 6 nights: a compact introduction to Paro and Thimphu.
- 8 to 10 nights: our usual suggestion for a first visit from Switzerland.
- 12 nights or more: for trekking, which keen Swiss hikers often choose, or for festivals.
A GA travelcard can cover the rail journey to the airport, which makes Zurich and Geneva equally practical from Bern. Some travellers also choose to fly out of one airport and return to the other, depending on which gives the better connection on each date.
Bern FAQ
Can I fly from Bern Airport to Bhutan?
Bern's airport has a limited schedule, so most travellers take the train to Zurich or Geneva for their long-haul flight.
Is Zurich or Geneva better?
Zurich is more commonly used for Asia, but Geneva can work well via Gulf hubs. Compare current schedules for your dates.
How far ahead is Bhutan?
Five hours ahead of Bern in winter and four hours ahead in summer.
For complete information on visas, the SDF and itineraries for Swiss travellers, see our main guide: How to Travel to Bhutan from Switzerland. We are happy to plan your journey from Bern.
