Planning your domestic flights in Bhutan
Here’s everything you need to know before booking your domestic flight in Bhutan, including which airlines offer flights, airports in Bhutan, and how to plan a multi-city adventure.
Cheap Domestic Flights in Bhutan
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Book cheap domestic flights in Bhutan
Planning to explore Bhutan? Flying domestically is the quickest and most convenient way to travel between Bhutan’s key destinations.
Whether you're heading to Paro, Bumthang or Gelephu, domestic flights help you experience more of the Kingdom of Bhutan in less time.
At Alternative Airlines, you can search and book domestic flights within Bhutan quickly and easily, all in one place. With over 600 airlines to choose from and 40+ ways to pay, Alternative Airlines helps you find your perfect flight.
Use the the button below to find domestic Bhutan flights now and start planning your journey 👇
Why fly domestically in Bhutan?
Bhutan is known for its dramatic Himalayan landscapes, monasteries, and vast valleys. However, road travel through mountainous terrain can take many hours.
Flying domestically allows you to:
- Save significant travel time compared to long mountain road journeys
- Reach central Bhutan faster, including Bumthang
- Travel comfortably between valleys
- Make the most of limited travel days
For example, travelling from Paro to Bumthang by road can take you 8 to 10 hours, while a domestic flight takes under an hour.
Domestic flights make it easier to explore Bhutan’s cultural heartlands, remote valleys and iconic landmarks without exhausting overland travel.
Pay your way for domestic flights in Bhutan
Booking domestic flights in Bhutan with Alternative Airlines is simple and flexible.
You can pay in over 160 currencies, including, US Dollars, Indian Rupees, Euros, and Bhutanese ngultrum.
We also offer multiple secure payment options, including debit and credit cards, as well as Buy Now, Pay Later options in selected countries.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to spread the cost of your booking with providers such as Affirm, Afterpay, SPayLater, GrabPay, and more!
With Alternative Airlines, you can focus on planning your Bhutan adventure while choosing a payment option that works best for you.
Airlines flying domestically in Bhutan
Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines)
Bhutan’s national carrier, flying domestic routes between Paro, Bumthang and Gelephu, as well as international services to nearby countries.
Bhutan Airlines
Bhutan’s private airline mainly operating international routes, with domestic services depending on schedule and availability.
Flight schedules within Bhutan can be limited, so booking in advance is recommended.
Popular domestic routes in Bhutan
- Paro to Bumthang - PBH → BUT
- Bumthang to Paro - BUT → PBH
- Paro to Gelephu - PBH → GLU
- Gelephu to Paro - GLU → PBH
Airports in Bhutan
Bhutan has four main airports serving domestic and international flights:
Paro International Airport (PBH)
Paro International Airport is Bhutan’s only international airport and the main gateway into the country. Located in a Himalayan valley, it handles all international flights as well as domestic connections within Bhutan.
Bathpalathang Airport (BUT)
Located in Bumthang, Bathpalathang Airport connects central Bhutan with Paro.
Gelephu Airport (GLU)
Gelephu Airport serves southern Bhutan and operates domestic routes, primarily linking to Paro.
Yonphula Airport (YON)
Yonphula Airport provides access to eastern Bhutan, with limited domestic services depending on schedule and season.
Multi-city travel in Bhutan
Bhutan may be a small country, but every region feels completely different - from the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro to the peaceful, spiritual valleys of Bumthang and subtropical landscapes of Gelephu.
If you’re planning to explore more than one region, multi-city travel is a great way to experience the best of Bhutan in a single trip.
With Alternative Airlines, you can search for multi-city flights by selecting the multi-city option in the search tool. Simply add your destinations and travel dates to compare available routes and schedules in one place.
Multi-city travel makes it easier to create a flexible itinerary, whether you’re combining Paro and Bumthang or exploring multiple regions across Bhutan.
Ready to book your domestic Bhutan flight?
Search available routes within Bhutan, compare airlines and schedules, and secure your seat in just a few clicks. Start planning your journey today with Alternative Airlines.
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Domestic Flights in Bhutan FAQs
Do I need a passport for domestic flights in Bhutan?
A copy of your passport will be required for domestic flights in Bhutan. There are specific requirements for international travellers entering Bhutan.
All foreign travellers flying into Bhutan must have a valid visa clearance letter issued by the Department of Immigration of Bhutan before boarding the flight. More information can be found on the official Bhutan Government e-visa website.
Do I need a visa for domestic flights in Bhutan?
All foreign travellers who wish to explore Bhutan will need to have a valid visa clearance letter that has been issued by the Department of Immigration of Bhutan before entering the country.
Visas are only issued to tourists who have booked with a locally licensed tour operator or through a foreign travel agent. You will receive your visa upon arrival in Bhutan.
For more detailed information on entry into Bhutan and visa requirements for domestic travel in Bhutan, we recommend contacting your Department of Travel for the country you reside in.
How early do I need to check in and arrive for a domestic flight in Bhutan?
If you're checking in at an airport in Bhutan and flying with Drukair, the check-in counters usually open from 3 hours up to 1 hour before the flight is scheduled to depart. Online check-in is also available. You can check in online via the Drukair mobile application or via Drukair's website - this is available from 72 hours up to 4 hours before the flight is scheduled to depart.
As a general rule, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours prior to the departure time to allow you plenty of time to check in your baggage and get through security.
Can I book domestic flights in Bhutan online?
Yes! You can book your domestic flights in Bhutan right here at Alternative Airlines! Although we offer 600+ airlines on our site, the only airline you'll be able to book with is Drukair, Bhutan's flag carrier airline.
Use our search form at the top of the page to begin searching for your domestic flights in Bhutan. Enter 'Bhutan' into the departure or arrival airport field - you should see a list of all the available cities in Bhutan that you can fly to.
Can I book domestic flights in Bhutan and pay later?
Absolutely! At Alternative Airlines, we have many different ways for you to pay for your tickets, including Buy Now Pay Later methods that let you spread the cost of your tickets over time, such as Afterpay, Klarna and Affirm. This means you can book your domestic flights in Bhutan today and pay later on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis, depending on the plan you chose.
Please note that different payment plans will appear at checkout depending on your country of residence and the currency you use. You can find out more about all our Buy Now Pay Later options here.