Paro Airport

Paro Airport, opened in 1968, is Bhutan’s dramatic mountain gateway with a single compact terminal serving limited daily flights; its small size belies its national importance as the primary international airport for the kingdom. The airstrip sits roughly 6 km from Paro town and about a 1.5–2 hour scenic drive to the capital, Thimphu, with taxis, hotel transfers and occasional local buses connecting travelers. Known for one of the world’s most challenging approaches, Paro is a base for Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines, with few carriers and seasonal schedules—meaning flights tend to be pricier than average for budget travelers.