Paro International Airport
PBH / VQPR
Paro International Airport (PBH) is Bhutan’s only international airport. It is a small, single‑terminal airport handling all scheduled international services; the traffic volume is low compared with international hubs and flights are operated by a very small number of carriers serving Bhutan.
Terminal Guide for Paro International Airport #
Single small terminal building with basic arrival/departure facilities; check-in, immigration and baggage are all handled within the same compact terminal. Facilities and retail options are limited compared with larger international airports.
Getting to and From Paro International Airport #
Ground transfers are by taxi or pre-arranged hotel/agency transfer; there is no rail service. Travel time to Thimphu is typically about 1.5-2 hours by road depending on stops and traffic.
- Taxi / Private transfer: Most visitors use hotel-arranged transfers or taxis - these are the most reliable options.
- Driving: Roads between Paro and Thimphu are mountainous; allow extra time for road conditions and stops.
Facilities, Shopping, and Dining at Paro International Airport #
Very limited facilities focused on the needs of arrivals and departing tourists.
- Lounges & food: A small selection of cafes/shops landside and airside; no extensive retail.
- Wi‑Fi & charging: Basic Wi‑Fi and charging points may be available but services are limited.
- Accessibility: Basic assistance can be provided; visitors should notify carriers or tour operators in advance for support.
Tips for Paro International Airport #
- All foreign tourists must book travel to Bhutan through a licensed tour operator and have the required permits and visa arranged before arrival.
- Flights are weather-dependent and approaches into Paro are visual and restricted to experienced pilots-expect cancellations or delays when weather is poor.
- Arrange onward transport in advance - hotel transfers or local taxis are the usual way to reach Paro town or Thimphu; public transport is limited.
Weather & Climate near Paro International Airport #
Paro International Airport's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1242 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 0° - 13° | 6° | 14 mm | some cloud | 65% | 1.5 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 10.5h |
| February | Good | 2° - 15° | 7° | 26 mm | partly cloudy | 67% | 1.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.1h |
| March | Very Good | 5° - 18° | 12° | 39 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 2.0 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Good | 8° - 20° | 14° | 73 mm | overcast | 73% | 2.4 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.7h |
| May | Good | 11° - 23° | 17° | 104 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.4h |
| June | Good | 14° - 24° | 19° | 185 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.7h |
| July | Good | 15° - 24° | 20° | 297 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.3 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.6h |
| August | Good | 15° - 24° | 19° | 251 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.3 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.0h |
| September | Good | 13° - 23° | 18° | 159 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Good | 9° - 21° | 15° | 78 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 1.3 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.4h |
| November | Excellent | 5° - 18° | 11° | 10 mm | some cloud | 76% | 1.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.7h |
| December | Very Good | 1° - 15° | 8° | 6 mm | some cloud | 67% | 1.4 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.3h |
