Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a major gateway city in eastern India. Bhutan, a Himalayan kingdom to the north, shares a border with India and is known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture. Many travelers start their Bhutan trip from Kolkata due to its connectivity and facilities.

This guide explains the main ways to travel from Kolkata to Bhutan, including train, bus, car, and flight options. You will find detailed travel times, routes, and tips to plan your journey confidently and comfortably.

Getting from Kolkata to Bhutan – Main Options

Train

Train travel from Kolkata towards Bhutan is popular for budget travelers and those who prefer scenic routes. However, there is no direct train to Bhutan, so you must combine train and road travel.

• The nearest major railway station to Bhutan is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), about 150 km from Bhutan’s border at Phuentsholing, reachable by train from Kolkata in 10–12 hours on popular trains like the Darjeeling Mail or Padatik Express.

• Train fares from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri range from ₹300 to ₹1,200 depending on class, with sleeper and AC options available, making it affordable and comfortable for most travelers.

• Trains run frequently, but booking through IRCTC well in advance is recommended, especially during holidays and festivals, as trains tend to be crowded.

• From New Jalpaiguri, you can take a shared taxi or bus to Phuentsholing, the Bhutan border town, which takes about 4–5 hours by road on National Highway 31 and NH 317.

• Monsoon season can cause delays due to landslides on the route from New Jalpaiguri to Phuentsholing, so plan extra travel time if traveling between June and September.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and economical way to reach Bhutan from Kolkata, especially for travelers who prefer road travel and want to experience local transport.

• Direct bus services run from Kolkata’s Esplanade bus terminal to Phuentsholing, taking approximately 14–16 hours covering around 650 km via NH12 and NH31.

• State-run buses by NBSTC and private operators provide daily or alternate day services, with fares ranging from ₹600 to ₹1,000 depending on bus type and comfort.

• Buses are usually non-AC sleeper or semi-sleeper, and can get crowded during peak travel seasons like Dashain and New Year holidays in Bhutan.

• Stops for meals and rest are available at major towns like Siliguri and Hasimara, with roadside dhabas offering local Bengali and Indian cuisine.

• Road conditions are generally good on national highways, but monsoon rains may cause occasional delays and slippery roads, so check weather forecasts before departure.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to Bhutan is suitable for travelers who want flexibility and comfort. The route offers scenic views and several stops along the way.

• The distance from Kolkata to Phuentsholing by road is about 650 km, taking roughly 12–14 hours via NH12 and NH31, depending on traffic and stops.

• You can rent a car in Kolkata with popular providers like Zoomcar or local agencies; ensure you have valid Indian driving license and check if Bhutan permits Indian vehicles or if you need to arrange transport at the border.

• There are multiple toll plazas on the highways, so keep cash handy; toll charges vary but expect around ₹300–₹500 in total.

• Plan stops at Siliguri and Hasimara for meals and rest; these towns have good restaurants and fuel stations along the route.

• During winter mornings, fog can reduce visibility on highways near Siliguri, so drive carefully and avoid night driving in these sections.

• At the Bhutan border in Phuentsholing, you will need to complete customs and immigration formalities; Indian nationals require permits to enter Bhutan, which can be arranged in advance or at the border.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Bhutan from Kolkata, especially for travelers with limited time or those preferring comfort. Flights connect Kolkata to Paro, Bhutan’s main airport.

• Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate direct flights from Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) to Paro Airport (PBH), with flight times around 1 hour 15 minutes.

• Flight fares typically range from ₹5,000 to ₹12,000 one-way depending on season and booking time; booking early through airline websites or travel portals is advised.

• Paro Airport is located about 50 km from Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital; you can hire taxis or arrange hotel pickups for onward travel.

• Flights are limited and may be affected by weather conditions like fog or strong winds, especially in winter and monsoon seasons, causing occasional delays or cancellations.

• Carry all necessary travel documents including Bhutan visa or permits, as these are checked before boarding and on arrival.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan helps first-time travelers from Kolkata to Bhutan organize their journey smoothly, covering transport, permits, and local travel.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats and get better fares, especially during peak seasons.

• If traveling by train, reach New Jalpaiguri station on time and arrange a shared taxi or bus to Phuentsholing; confirm vehicle availability beforehand to avoid waiting.

• Obtain your Bhutan entry permits in advance through an authorized travel agent or at the border; Indian nationals need a permit for most Bhutan regions except border towns.

• Carry valid photo ID such as Aadhaar or passport, as these are required for permits and immigration checks at Bhutan’s border.

• Pack light but include essentials like water, snacks, and warm clothes if traveling in winter; road travel can be long and weather unpredictable.

• On arrival in Bhutan, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like BBS Taxi in Phuentsholing for safe and reliable local transport to your accommodation.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your travel documents, permits, and ID handy during the journey, as Indian and Bhutanese officials may ask for them multiple times.

• Drink only bottled water and eat at clean, popular restaurants or dhabas to avoid stomach issues common during long road trips in India and Bhutan.

• Book train and bus tickets online or at official counters to avoid scams; avoid unlicensed taxis or shared vehicles at stations or bus stands.

• Use local transport apps like Ola or Uber in Kolkata and prepaid taxis in Bhutan for safe and transparent fares; negotiate prices if using local taxis without meters.

• Pack your luggage in sturdy bags and keep valuables close; road travel can be bumpy and crowded, so secure your belongings carefully.

• During monsoon, check weather and road conditions frequently; landslides and floods can disrupt travel, so have flexible plans and emergency contacts ready.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kolkata to Bhutan depends on weather and festivals. Avoid monsoon months for safer and smoother road journeys.

Winter offers clear skies and pleasant weather but can be cold in Bhutan’s higher altitudes. Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing and comfortable travel.

• Avoid traveling during Bhutan’s major festivals like Tshechu (September–October) when accommodation and transport get crowded and expensive.

• Monsoon season (June to September) often causes road delays and landslides on routes from Siliguri to Phuentsholing; plan extra time or choose flights during this period.

• Early morning departures from Kolkata help avoid city traffic and reach Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri before afternoon rains or fog set in.

• Winter fog in northern West Bengal can reduce visibility on highways; avoid night travel between December and February for safety.

Arrival at Bhutan & What to Expect

When you arrive in Phuentsholing, the main entry point from India, you will go through customs and immigration. Indian nationals need permits to travel beyond border towns, so ensure these are ready.

Phuentsholing has prepaid taxi stands and app-based cabs for onward travel to Thimphu or other Bhutanese destinations. Local buses are available but less frequent and slower.

Popular accommodation areas include Phuentsholing town and Thimphu city. It is advisable to book hotels in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Currency exchange and ATM facilities are available, but carry some Indian rupees for border transactions.

Conclusion

Traveling from Kolkata to Bhutan offers several options depending on your budget, comfort, and time. Flights provide the fastest and most convenient way, while trains and buses offer economical and scenic routes. Self-drive is ideal for flexible travelers comfortable with Indian road conditions.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, arranging permits, and checking weather conditions will ensure a smooth journey. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a safe and memorable trip from Kolkata to the beautiful kingdom of Bhutan.