How To Reach Bhutan From Chennai

Your Gateway from Chennai to the Land of Happiness

Request a Callback

How To Reach Bhutan From Chennai

Your Gateway from Chennai to the Land of Happiness

Enquire Now

Bhutan has this quiet pull to it: peaceful monasteries tucked into hillsides, sweeping Himalayan views, and an old-world charm that's made it one of the most loved destinations for travellers chasing a quiet mountain escape. So if you're wondering how to reach Bhutan from Chennai, here's the deal: fly to Paro, connecting through Delhi or Kolkata. There's no direct flight or train, so you're either flying or taking a train to West Bengal and finishing the trip by road through the Phuentsholing border.
Flying gets you there in 6–12 hours. Train, along with road journeys, can take up to 40 hours. Which one you pick depends on your budget, how much time you can spare, and whether a longer, scenic haul through Northeast India sounds appealing to you rather than tedious.
Most people set off from Chennai International Airport (MAA) and land at Paro International Airport (PBH) or cross in at the Jaigaon–Phuentsholing border if they've gone overland. 
Booked a Bhutan tour package or planning this on your own? Either way, here's everything on how to go from Chennai to Bhutan by flight, train, and road.

 Best Route to Reach Bhutan from Chennai

Travel ModeTotal TimeAvg. CostConvenienceBest For
Flight via Delhi/Kolkata6–12 hours₹15,000-25,000ExcellentFamilies, short trips
Flight to Bagdogra + Road8–12 hours₹8,000-15,000GoodBudget travellers
Train to NJP/Hasimara + Road40-50 hours₹2,000-5,000ModerateBackpackers, budget travellers
Road Trip4-5 days₹25,000+ChallengingAdventure seekers

Chennai to Bhutan: Distance by Flight, Train & Road

The distance between Chennai and Bhutan changes depending on your travel route. Since Bhutan is located in the eastern Himalayas, there is no direct rail or road connection from Chennai. 

By Flight

The aerial distance from Chennai to Bhutan is approximately 1,800 km. Since there are no direct flights from Chennai to Paro, travellers need to take a connecting flight through cities like Delhi or Kolkata.
A Chennai to Bhutan flight usually takes around 6–12 hours depending on the layover duration. Flying is the fastest way to reach Bhutan from Chennai and is the preferred option for travellers who have limited time.

By Train

There are no direct trains from Chennai to Bhutan. If you are looking at how to reach Bhutan from Chennai by train, you will first need to travel to West Bengal. The Chennai to NJP train distance is around 2,000 km, and the journey usually takes 35–45 hours depending on the train route and stops. 
The nearest major railway stations for Bhutan are:
  • New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP)
  • Hasimara Railway Station (HSA)
From these stations, you can continue by road to Jaigaon and cross the border into Phuentsholing, Bhutan.

By Road

The road distance from Chennai to Bhutan is around 2,400–2,700 km depending on the route taken. A complete road journey is long and requires multiple stops.
Travellers usually follow the route through Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, and Assam before reaching Jaigaon near the Bhutan border. This option is best suited for people who enjoy long drives and want to explore different parts of India along the way.

How to Reach Bhutan from Chennai by Flight (Fastest Option)

If you want to save time, flying is the best way to reach Bhutan from Chennai. Since Bhutan has only one international airport, all international flights arrive at Paro International Airport (PBH).There is no direct Chennai to Bhutan flight, but connecting flights are available through major Indian cities.

Step 1: Fly from Chennai International Airport (MAA)

Flights from Chennai International Airport (MAA) usually connect through:
  • Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL)
  • Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (CCU)
The first leg of the journey takes around 2.5–3 hours from Chennai to the connecting city. After the layover, the flight continues towards Paro International Airport (PBH). The total journey time depends on your connection and can range between 6–12 hours.

Step 2: Reach Bhutan from Paro International Airport (PBH)

Once you land at Paro International Airport (PBH), you can easily reach major destinations like:
DestinationDistance from Paro AirportTravel Time
Paro Town6 km15 minutes
Thimphu50 km1.5 hours
Punakha120 km3-4 hours
Most hotels and tour operators arrange airport transfers. You can also hire a private taxi for sightseeing.

How Much Does a Chennai to Bhutan Flight Cost?

The cost of a Chennai to Paro flight depends on your travel dates, booking time, and season.
Flight RouteApproximate Fare
Chennai to Paro via Delhi₹15,000-25,000
Chennai to Paro via Kolkata₹15,000-22,000
Chennai to Bagdogra + Road Transfer₹8,000-15,000
Flights are usually more expensive during peak seasons like October to December and March to May. Booking early can help you get better prices.
Note: Flight prices change frequently depending on the season, booking time, airline, and availability. Check the latest fares before booking your tickets.

Alternative Route: Chennai to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) + Road Journey

Another popular way to travel from Chennai to Bhutan is flying to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal and continuing by road.
Bagdogra is well connected with major Indian cities and is closer to the Bhutan border compared to Chennai. The journey from Bagdogra Airport (IXB) to Jaigaon takes around 4–5 hours by road. After reaching Jaigaon, you can cross the border into Phuentsholing and continue on to Thimphu or Paro.
This route is often preferred by travellers looking for cheaper flights or those who want to combine Bhutan with a road trip.

How to Reach Bhutan from Chennai by Train (Budget Option)

If you are looking for how to reach Bhutan from Chennai by train, you need to travel to West Bengal first and then continue by road.
Bhutan does not have a railway network, so the closest railway stations are located in India.

Take a Train from Chennai to West Bengal

If you are looking for how to reach Bhutan from Chennai by train, there are no direct trains to Bhutan. You need to travel from Chennai to nearby railway stations like New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) or Hasimara Railway Station (HSA) and continue your journey by road towards the Jaigaon–Phuentsholing border.
Some popular trains from Chennai towards North Bengal and Assam are:
Train NameTrain NumberRouteDuration
Guwahati Express12509Chennai Central (MAS) to Guwahati (GHY)Around 45 hours
Dibrugarh Express15929Tambaram (TBM) to New TinsukiaAround 45-48 hours
Aronai Express12507Thiruvananthapuram to Silchar via Chennai routeAround 45+ hours
Chennai–New Jalpaiguri Express22611Chennai Central (MAS) to New Jalpaiguri (NJP)Around 40-45 hours
Once you reach New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), you can take a taxi or shared cab towards Jaigaon, which is around 160 km away and takes about 4–5 hours. From Jaigaon, cross the border into Phuentsholing, Bhutan.
For a shorter road transfer, you can also take a train to Hasimara Railway Station (HSA). Hasimara is one of the closest railway stations to Bhutan, located only around 15–20 km from Jaigaon, making it a convenient option for travellers continuing by road.
Note: Train schedules and routes change frequently, so check the latest availability before booking.

Chennai to NJP Train Journey

New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) is one of the most commonly used railway stations for travellers heading towards Bhutan. If you prefer travelling by train, you can take a train from Chennai to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), which is one of the nearest major railway stations to Bhutan. There are a few trains that connect Chennai with NJP, but the journey is long and usually takes around 35–45 hours, depending on the train and route.
After reaching NJP, you can continue your journey to Bhutan by road. The railway station is around 160 km from Jaigaon, the Indian town located near the Bhutan border. You can hire a private cab, take a shared taxi, or travel via Siliguri and Hasimara to reach Jaigaon. From Jaigaon, you can cross the India–Bhutan border at Phuentsholing and continue to destinations like Thimphu, Paro, or Punakha.
From NJP, the route is: NJP - Siliguri - Hasimara - Jaigaon - Phuentsholing. The journey from NJP to Jaigaon takes around 4–5 hours by road.
DetailsInformation
RouteChennai - New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) - Jaigaon - Phuentsholing - Bhutan
Nearest railway station for BhutanNew Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP)
Chennai to NJP train journey timeAround 35–45 hours
Popular trainsGuwahati Express, Dibrugarh Express and other long-distance trains connecting Chennai with North Bengal routes
NJP to Jaigaon distanceAround 160 km
NJP to Jaigaon travel timeApproximately 4–5 hours by road
Best suited forBudget travellers and those who want to combine train travel with a scenic road journey

Chennai to Bhutan Train Fare

Approximate train fares:
ClassCost
Sleeper Class₹1,000-1,500
Third AC₹2,500-3,500
Second AC₹3,500-5,000
Train travel is cheaper than flying but takes much longer. It works well for travellers who have extra time and want to explore the journey at a relaxed pace.

Reaching Bhutan from Chennai by Road

For travellers who enjoy long drives, a road trip is another way to explore how to go to Bhutan from Chennai. The journey covers nearly 2,500 km and takes around 4–5 days depending on stops.
A common route is: Chennai - Vijayawada - Bhubaneswar - Kolkata - Siliguri - Jaigaon - Phuentsholing
The final stretch from Siliguri towards Bhutan offers beautiful views of tea gardens, forests, and Himalayan landscapes.

Suggested Road Trip Stops

Day 1: Chennai to Visakhapatnam

Drive along NH16 and enjoy coastal views while travelling through Andhra Pradesh.

Day 2: Visakhapatnam to Bhubaneswar

Continue towards Odisha and explore the landscapes around the eastern coast.

Day 3: Bhubaneswar to Kolkata

Travel through Odisha and West Bengal before reaching Kolkata.

Day 4: Kolkata to Siliguri

Continue towards North Bengal and enjoy views of the changing landscape.

Day 5: Siliguri to Jaigaon

Drive towards the Bhutan border and enter Bhutan through Phuentsholing.
A road trip gives you more flexibility but requires proper planning, overnight stops, and a comfortable vehicle.

Things to Know Before Travelling from Chennai to Bhutan

  • Indians Do Not Need a Visa for Bhutan: Indian travellers do not require a visa to visit Bhutan. However, they need valid travel documents such as the following: a passport with a minimum of six months' validity or a voter ID card. A permit is required to enter Bhutan and can be obtained at the border or through authorised tour operators.
  • Best Entry Point Depends on Your Route: If you are flying, Paro International Airport (PBH) is the entry point. If you are travelling by train or road, you will enter Bhutan through Phuentsholing after crossing the Jaigaon border.
  • Keep Buffer Time During Monsoon: Heavy rainfall between June and September can cause delays due to landslides and road conditions, especially on mountain routes.
  • Carry Some Cash: Although digital payments are increasing, carrying some Indian currency is useful, especially during road journeys and local travel.
  • Book Flights Early: The number of flights to Bhutan is limited compared to other international destinations. Booking early helps you get better prices and preferred timings.

Explore Bhutan Tour Packages from Chennai

If you do not want to manage transport, hotels, permits, and route planning separately, joining a planned Bhutan group tour can make the journey easier. WanderOn’s Bhutan tour packages from Chennai include organised transfers, stays, itinerary planning, and trip captain support.
Bhutan PackageDurationHighlights
8 Days Bhutan Group Trip | Christmas & NY Special 8 DaysParo, Thimphu, Punakha sightseeing
Road Trip to Bhutan with Tiger’s Nest6–7 DaysBudget travel, local experiences, monasteries
Exclusive Bhutan Tour Package for Christmas and New Year6–7 DaysScenic valleys and offbeat locations
Best of Bhutan Tour from Chennai5–6 DaysPerfect for first-time visitors
These packages are ideal for travellers who want to enjoy their Bhutan trip from Chennai without worrying about transport arrangements or daily planning.

Best Bhutan Tour Packages 2026

Wanderlust Calling?

Allow Us to Call You Back!

Wanderlust Calling?

Allow Us to Call You Back!

+91
Thank you! Your form has been submitted successfully. We'll be in touch soon.

Bhutan Tour Packages

Don’t Just Dream, Travel! 🔥

Your details have been submitted. Our Expert will get in touch with you soon.

Hear from Travellers like you

Frequently Asked Questions

01

How can I reach Bhutan from Chennai?

The easiest way to reach Bhutan from Chennai is by taking a connecting flight from Chennai International Airport (MAA) to Paro International Airport (PBH) via Delhi or Kolkata. You can also travel by train to West Bengal and continue by road through Phuentsholing.

02

What is the fastest way to travel from Chennai to Bhutan?

03

Are there direct flights from Chennai to Bhutan?

04

How much does a Chennai to Bhutan flight cost?

05

How long does it take to reach Bhutan from Chennai?

06

Can I travel to Bhutan from Chennai by train?

07

Can I go to Bhutan from Chennai by road?

08

Do Indians need a visa to travel to Bhutan from Chennai?

09

What documents are required for Indians travelling to Bhutan?

10

How much does a Bhutan trip from Chennai cost?

Our Blogs

Some good reads to help you travel better!

WanderOn’s Secret Sauce

Why WanderOn?

No Third Party Mess

100 percent in-house operations for all trips! No third parties involved, hence no fishy claims!

sauce-logo

Transparency & Security

Real time monitoring of all trips by ground team! All routes and weather conditions are accurately updated!

sauce-logo

Co-Travelers Filtering

Multi-step filtering to bring only like-minded people together! That’s our key to have fuss-free trips!

sauce-logo

One Stop Hassle Free Experience

Comfortable stays, trained drivers, hospitable staff and friendly trip leaders put together that one memorable trip for you!

sauce-logo

Don’t Just Dream, Travel! 🔥

Your details have been submitted. Our Expert will get in touch with you soon.

WANDERON EXPERIENCES PVT LTD

CIN-U63040HR2019PTC118957

3rd Floor, Building No-436, Phase IV, Udyog Vihar, Sector-18, Gurugram, Haryana-122015

© WANDERON EXPERIENCES PVT LTD, All rights reserved.
bak
Request a Call Back
Request a Call Back
Request A Call Back
Enquiry form header

Don't just dream travel! 🔥
Allow us to call you back!

Thank you! Your form has been submitted successfully. We'll be in touch soon.