Transport in Bhutan

Road transport is Bhutan's central means of transport. According to the reviewed network data for 2023, the road network covered around 18,337.29 kilometres. Mountains, dispersed settlements, difficult routes and missing last-mile connections extend travel times and can restrict accessibility. Rainy seasons, border congestion and local road conditions cause additional delays. Public transport is not organised uniformly nationwide. In Thimphu, the City Bus operates on 17 routes during the day and 5 routes at night; service runs approximately from 7:00 to 0:30. A Smart Card and the Gakyid Ride app provide local access to tickets, timetables and real-time information. Road buses and taxis also operate between larger places. The Bhutan Post Express Coaster runs daily from Thimphu to Phuntsholing and back; according to the timetable, it departs at 10:00, and the listed fare is Nu 485 per journey. Tickets are available, among other places, at post offices in Thimphu and Phuntsholing. Timetables, prices and available services depend on the operator and current operations. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT) is responsible for overarching transport policy. The Department of Surface Transport (DoST) handles roads, public transport, electric vehicles and non-motorised mobility. The Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority (BCTA) regulates vehicles, driving licences and public-transport safety. Local governments and Thromde are responsible for local roads and walking and cycling infrastructure. The Traffic Division of the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) monitors traffic, records accidents and enforces traffic rules. The Road Safety and Transport Regulations 2021 apply to cars and motorcycles. Driving licences distinguish between learner, ordinary and professional licences. A learner licence is possible from the age of 17. The minimum age is 18 for light vehicles and two-wheelers, and 21 for medium and heavy vehicles as well as certain work vehicles. The learning period is six months when learning independently or three months after training at a recognised driving institute. This is followed by theory and practical tests. Vehicle registration, a valid Roadworthiness Certificate (RWC) as proof of roadworthiness, emissions testing and insurance are also part of the process. Among other services, the BCTA provides online services for registration, renewals, replacement documents, RWC matters, fines, driving licences and test bookings. Listed fees include, for example, Nu 100 for a learner licence, Nu 100 for the driving licence plus Nu 100 for the card, Nu 75 for a light-vehicle test, Nu 50 for a two-wheeler test, Nu 100 for a medium- or heavy-vehicle test and Nu 500 for a work-vehicle test. A professional licence as a taxi driver requires at least 21 years of age and three years of experience with light vehicles. Commercial passenger transport also requires permits for the relevant route, valid proof of roadworthiness, insurance and applicable fare rules. Foreign vehicles may use Bhutan temporarily only under applicable bilateral, multilateral or regional agreements and on payment of the prescribed fees. They may not carry paying passengers between places in Bhutan. Bhutanese traffic rules apply to all vehicles. Bhutan drives on the left. Under the 2021 rules, the RBP gives 50 km/h for light vehicles and two-wheelers, 35 km/h for medium and heavy vehicles, and 20 km/h in built-up areas as reference limits. Local signs may set lower speeds. Seat belts are required in front seats, and helmets are required for two-wheelers. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, dangerous overtaking, improper parking, and lack of roadworthiness or insurance may be penalised. There is currently no rail transport within Bhutan. There is neither regular passenger nor freight train service. A 2025 agreement between Bhutan and India concerning connections between Gelephu and Kokrajhar and between Samtse and Banarhat covers studies and planning, but not yet usable train services. For long journeys, road transport and, in some cases, air transport remain the practical alternatives. Paro International Airport is the central gateway for air transport. Drukair connects Paro with Bumthang, Gelephu and Yonphula and, according to the reviewed operator information, also operates flights to ten international destinations. Bhutan Airlines offers connections from Paro to Kolkata, Delhi, Bangkok and Kathmandu. Flight schedules may change seasonally and depending on operating conditions. The Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) oversees, among other things, aviation safety, airport security, air traffic control and flight operations. Short journeys on foot are highly important in practice. A stakeholder estimate from 2021 assumes that more than 75 percent of journeys within one to two kilometres are made on foot or by non-motorised means. Cycling is less common and is often used for sport or certain everyday journeys. Dedicated cycle lanes are absent in many places, and topography and winter make use more difficult. Footpaths, safe crossings, bicycle parking, bicycle rental and the improvement of Norzin Lam in Thimphu are included in plans, but have not yet been implemented nationwide. According to a MoIT working document based on 2011 data, transport caused around 45 percent of energy-related emissions and 7.6 percent of total greenhouse-gas emissions. Bhutan is therefore promoting lower-emission mobility. Charging stations for electric vehicles are planned in all 20 districts (Dzongkhags); charging at participating locations is intended to remain free until the end of 2029. A DoST contract provides for 45 electric buses, whose operation is expected by the end of 2026. In addition, the Bhutan Green Transport Project plans 50 battery-electric buses, bus priority, intelligent transport systems and 23 signalised pedestrian crossings. Planning and contract awards do not yet mean that full ongoing operations exist. Timetables, fees and project dates reflect the researched status as of 6 September 2026 and should be checked with the BCTA or the relevant operator before use.