Home » Layover Guide » Paro Layover Guide (PBH)

Paro Layover Guide (PBH)

What are you looking for in PBH?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Paro Airport (PBH) is an international airport located in Paro, Bhutan. It’s situated about 6 km (3.7 miles) from Paro town. The airport officially opened in 1968. Paro is a historic town nestled in a deep valley surrounded by mountains. It’s known for its traditional architecture, serene atmosphere, and sacred sites. The airport is famous for its challenging approach and stunning Himalayan views, offering travelers a truly unique flying experience.

Can you leave Paro Airport (PBH) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Paro International Airport has no transit lounge; if you wish to exit during a layover you must pass immigration. Non-exempt travelers need a duly pre-approved Bhutanese visa clearance letter before departure. Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals only require an official valid permit instead of a visa. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Tiger’s Nest Monastery Nestled on a sheer cliff face, this sacred Vajrayana Buddhist temple offers panoramic views over Paro Valley and a rewarding uphill hike through lush forests adorned with fluttering prayer flags. (Time required: 3–4 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min to trailhead)
• Rinpung Dzong Imposing fortress-monastery featuring stunning Bhutanese architecture, intricately carved woodwork, and vibrant murals, serving as the administrative center and venue for colorful festivals such as the annual Paro Tsechu celebration. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 10 min)
• National Museum (Ta Dzong) Housed in an ancient watchtower overlooking Paro, this museum boasts diverse collections of Bhutanese artifacts, traditional costumes, ancient thangkas, weapons, and royal memorabilia, offering insight into the nation’s vibrant cultural heritage. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 10 min)
• Kyichu Lhakhang One of Bhutan’s oldest temples, established in the seventh century, this serene shrine features vibrant frescoes, prayer wheels, and a sacred natural spring, attracting pilgrims and visitors seeking spiritual tranquility. (Time required: 45 min. / Airport to here: Taxi 10 min)
• Drukgyel Dzong Explore the evocative ruins of this 1649 fortress, once a defensive stronghold against Tibetan invasions, set against snow-capped peaks and blooming rhododendron forests in spring, evoking centuries of resilience. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 25 min)
• Paro Town Market Wander through lively streets lined with colorful market stalls selling handmade textiles, Bhutanese handicrafts, fresh produce, and aromatic spices, perfect for picking up authentic souvenirs and sampling street snacks. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 5 min)
• Chelela Pass Drive up to this scenic mountain pass at 3,988 meters for sweeping views over Paro Valley, prayer flag-draped ridges, and on clear days, glimpses of the majestic Himalayan giants. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 40 min)
• Farmhouse Cultural Lunch Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse lunch, learning to prepare local dishes like ema datshi, savoring organic vegetables, and engaging with warm villagers for an authentic cultural immersion. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min)

Things to Do in Paro Airport (PBH)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
PBH has two lounges on the upper floor of departures: the Bhutan Airlines Lounge offers simple seating, complimentary pillows, cold beverages and portraits of the king but no showers, while the Druk Air Thunder Business Lounge admits economy passengers for NU 280. Both provide a quiet refuge with basic amenities and comfortable seating. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Just outside Paro Airport, Hotel Tashi Phuntshok, Hotel Drukchen and Khangkhu Resort provide comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast and luggage storage. None offer free airport shuttles, but paid transfers can be arranged. Business centers, dining and laundry services are standard. view all or book an airport hotel online

.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There are no designated rest zones, cots or quiet rooms inside the terminal. Flights operate only from sunrise to sunset, and the airport closes at night, so overnight stays airside aren’t possible. Travellers should book a nearby hotel for overnight comfort.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Travellers report free Wi-Fi landside and airside, though speeds can be slow and coverage patchy. No official details are published, so for reliable connectivity it’s wise to bring a personal hotspot or purchase a local SIM/eSIM.

SIM/eSIM Card: A TashiCell kiosk near arrivals sells prepaid SIMs for about BTN 100 (≈$1.50) with data packages starting at BTN 50 for 425 MB valid seven days. Bhutan Telecom SIMs are also available. eSIM plans from providers like Airalo or EsimFox can be activated via QR code at arrival or beforehand. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Paro Airport (PBH) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Metered taxis wait outside arrivals; a Nu 30 airport surcharge applies. Fares to Paro town take about 10 minutes, while Thimphu runs 1–2 hours (Nu 800–1,000). Drivers may not speak English—carry your hotel address in writing. Ensure the meter is used.

Train: Bhutan has no railway network, so there is no train service to or from Paro Airport. Proposed cross-border links remain in feasibility stages with no operational trains.

Bus: Dhug Transport operates two daily buses at 9:00 and 14:00 between Paro Airport and Thimphu, a 1–2 hour journey costing BTN 200. The Road Safety & Transport Authority oversees schedules, available on the BCTA website. (more info)

Shuttle: No free airport shuttle exists. Many hotels offer paid round-trip transfers. Third-party operators like DrukRide provide pre-booked shared or private shuttles via app or website, covering airport and intercity transfers. Advance booking is recommended.

Car rentals: Europcar and keddy by Europcar operate at PBH, offering vehicles from compacts to SUVs. In-terminal pickup with no hidden fees; compare and book deals on Skyscanner or Kayak. Drivers need a valid license, passport and credit card. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term parking is divided into four zones: Light vehicles pay Nu 100/30 min in Zone 1, Nu 50/30 min in Zone 2, Nu 20/30 min in Zone 3 (crew park free), and Zone 4 is staff-only. Overnight Zone 3 parking is Nu 200/night. Heavy vehicle rates are higher.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no luggage storage or locker facilities inside the terminal. Travellers must use hotel or third-party storage services in Paro town. It’s advisable to travel light or coordinate storage with your accommodation. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Paro Airport (PBH) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks