With the exception of the Gasa district, all major towns in the 20 districts of Bhutan are accessible by road. Despite high mountains, steep slopes, and the deepest of valleys Bhutan has a relatively well developed network of roads. That said, rarely will one find a length of either straight or flat road. In some stretches one can encounter 6 to 7 bends per kilometer! Steep ascents and descents are characteristic of road travel in Bhutan and this can make travel much slower than one may be used to. Average speeds for road travel rarely exceed 30 km/h, with tourist buses making even slower progress. One is however handsomely rewarded for the long and sometimes tiring car journey, by the spectacular views of towering mountains, lush green jungle, ancient villages and majestic monasteries.

The majority of roads is sealed but can still be bumpy and is almost always single lane. Bhutan’s drivers know their land well and are cautious and careful drivers. The density of traffic is normally very low.

Distances and Travel Times within Bhutan

From – To	Distance	Travel Time
Thimphu – Paro	65 km	1 hr
Thimphu – Phuntsholing	176 km	5 hrs 30 min
Phuntsholing – Bagdogra (India)	170 km	4 hrs
Thimphu – Ha	115 km	3 hrs
Ha – Paro	60 km	2 hrs 30 min
Thimphu – Wangdue Phodrang	70 km	2 hrs 30 min
Thimphu – Punakha	77 km	2 hrs 15 min
Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang	21 km	30 min
Wangdue Phodrang – Phobjikha	70 km	2 hrs
Wangdue Phodrang – Trongsa	129 km	4 hrs
Trongsa – Bumthang	68 km	2 hrs 30 min
Bumthang – Mongar	129 km	4 hrs
Mongar – Trashigang	90 km	3 hrs
Trashigang – Trashi Yangtse	55 km	2 hrs
Transhigang – Samdrup jongkha	180 km	6 hrs

Tourist Buses
Tourists can travel in Bhutan with medium-sized buses (20-22 seats), small buses (04-06 seats) or hired cars. Road widths do not permit larger buses