Paro is a beautiful town located in the western part of Bhutan, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a major metropolitan city in eastern India and a common starting point for travelers heading to Bhutan.

This route is popular among tourists and pilgrims who want to explore Bhutan’s serene environment and historic sites. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Kolkata to Paro, including train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Kolkata to Paro – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train from Kolkata to the India-Bhutan border is a popular option for budget travelers. However, since Paro does not have a railway station, you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• You can take a train from Kolkata Railway Station (Howrah or Sealdah) to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which takes about 10 to 12 hours covering around 560 km, with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹1,200 depending on class and train.

• From New Jalpaiguri, you must travel by road to Phuentsholing, the Indian border town adjacent to Bhutan, which is approximately 160 km and takes about 5 to 6 hours by bus or taxi.

• Trains are frequent and well-connected, but booking via IRCTC in advance is advisable, especially during holidays and weekends to avoid last-minute unavailability.

• Be prepared for crowded trains during peak seasons like Durga Puja and winter holidays, and carry light luggage for easier transfers at NJP station.

Bus

Buses offer an economical way to reach the Bhutan border from Kolkata, but there is no direct bus to Paro. You will need to combine bus travel with other transport modes.

• State-run buses from Kolkata’s Esplanade or Siliguri bus terminals connect to Phuentsholing via Siliguri, covering about 650 km in roughly 18 to 20 hours, with fares between ₹400 and ₹700.

• Private buses and Volvo coaches operate between Kolkata and Siliguri, offering more comfort and faster travel times of 10 to 12 hours, but they do not cross into Bhutan.

• From Phuentsholing, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Paro, which is about 130 km and takes 4 to 5 hours on hilly roads.

• Bus travel can be affected by monsoon rains causing slippery roads and occasional landslides, so check weather conditions before departure.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to Paro is an adventurous option for travelers who enjoy road trips and want flexibility. The route covers diverse terrains and requires careful planning.

• The distance from Kolkata to Phuentsholing by road is approximately 650 km via NH27 and NH10, taking around 15 to 18 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• After crossing the border at Phuentsholing, you will drive about 130 km on the Bhutanese highway to reach Paro, which takes about 4 to 5 hours on mountainous roads.

• Indian nationals need a permit to enter Bhutan, which can be arranged at the border; ensure your vehicle documents and insurance are valid for Bhutan.

• Road conditions vary; highways in India are mostly good, but Bhutan’s roads can be narrow and winding, so drive cautiously, especially during monsoon and winter fog.

• Toll plazas are present on Indian highways, and fuel stations are available en route, but plan fuel stops carefully as options reduce after crossing into Bhutan.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Paro from Kolkata, especially for travelers with limited time. Paro Airport is Bhutan’s only international airport with limited flights.

• Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate flights from Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport to Paro Airport, with flight durations of about 1.5 hours.

• Flights are not daily; typically, there are 2 to 3 flights per week, so booking tickets well in advance is essential to secure seats and get better fares.

• Paro Airport is located in a valley surrounded by mountains, so flights can be affected by weather conditions like fog and strong winds, causing occasional delays or cancellations.

• On arrival, you will need to clear immigration and customs; Indian citizens require a permit to enter Bhutan, which can be arranged through tour operators or at the airport with prior approval.

• From Paro Airport, local taxis and shared cabs are available to reach your accommodation or explore nearby attractions.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers making the journey from Kolkata to Paro. It covers essential actions to ensure a smooth trip.

• Book your train or flight tickets well in advance using IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability, especially during festival seasons.

• If traveling by train, plan your arrival at New Jalpaiguri early in the day to catch connecting buses or taxis to Phuentsholing without overnight delays.

• Arrange your Bhutan entry permit before crossing the border; Indian nationals can obtain permits at Phuentsholing with valid ID and passport-sized photos, but it is easier if arranged through a registered tour operator.

• Hire a reliable taxi or use shared transport from Phuentsholing to Paro, as public transport options inside Bhutan are limited and schedules can be irregular.

• Carry sufficient Indian rupees and some Bhutanese ngultrum for tolls, food, and local transport; ATMs are scarce in border areas and Paro town.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a raincoat or warm clothes depending on the season, as weather can change quickly in the hills.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your travel documents, including permits and ID proofs, handy as Bhutanese authorities conduct regular checks at border and within the country.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey to avoid waterborne illnesses, especially when traveling by road through rural areas.

• Book your bus or taxi tickets a day before departure to secure seats and avoid overcrowding, particularly during weekends and holidays.

• Use app-based cabs like Ola or Uber in Kolkata for airport or railway station transfers to save time and avoid haggling with local drivers.

• Carry your luggage in manageable sizes; roads inside Bhutan can be bumpy and some hotels may have limited porter services.

• During monsoon (June to September), expect delays due to landslides and slippery roads; plan extra travel time and check weather updates regularly.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kolkata to Paro is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains causing roadblocks and travel delays, while winter months can have fog and cold temperatures affecting flights and road visibility.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja in Kolkata or Bhutan’s Tshechu festivals if you prefer less crowded transport and accommodation.

• Early morning departures are recommended to avoid city traffic in Kolkata and to reach border points before evening closures.

• Check weather forecasts for both Kolkata and Bhutan before traveling, especially during monsoon and winter seasons to anticipate delays.

• Plan your return journey with buffer days in case of flight cancellations or road disruptions due to weather.

Arrival at Paro & What to Expect

Upon arrival in Paro, whether by road or air, you will find a small but well-organized town with basic amenities and friendly locals. The town is compact and easy to navigate.

Local transport options include taxis, shared cabs, and some hotel-arranged vehicles. Prepaid taxis are not common, so agree on fares before starting your trip. Most travelers stay near Paro town center or close to popular sites like Paro Dzong.

At the airport or bus stand, you will find helpful tourist information centers and guides. Mobile connectivity is decent, and you can use apps like Ola or Uber only in major Indian cities, so plan local travel accordingly.

Conclusion

Among all options, flying from Kolkata to Paro is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Bhutan’s scenic town, especially if you book early and prepare for possible weather delays. Train and bus travel offer budget-friendly alternatives but require more time and coordination with road transport.

Planning your permits, tickets, and local transport in advance will help you avoid common pitfalls. With the right preparation and awareness of seasonal conditions, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable journey from Kolkata to Paro, ready to explore Bhutan’s unique culture and natural beauty.