Take China Group Tours in 2024 to enjoy a 30% discount compared to a private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price!
From Singapore Travel to Bhutan by Air - Most Recommended
Nothing beats the convenience of flying direct from bustling Singapore to the blissful kingdom of Bhutan. Since 2012, Drukair has operated flights to Singapore, providing easy access for tourists from Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and even Australia, to immerse themselves in the serenity and traditions of this Himalayan gem.
Direct Flights from Singapore to Bhutan: Schedule & Prices
| Airlines | From-To | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Freq. | Economy Class | Business Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Druk Air | Singapore - Paro | 12:30 | 16:45 | 6H15M | Thur., Sun. | Ca. 550 USD | Ca. 900 USD |
| Paro - Singapore | 14:30 | 22:40 | 6H10M | Wen., Sat. |
(Prices may change, please check the official website or contact our friendly travel experts.)
DrukAir's twice-weekly flights make it easy for Singaporeans and international travelers to reach Bhutan. Every Thursday and Sunday, Flight KB 541 departs from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) at 12:30 PM and arrives at Paro International Airport (PBH) at 4:45 PM.
The return flight operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with Flight KB 540 taking off from Paro at 8:05 AM and landing in Singapore at 4:10 PM.
Duration
The journey takes only about 6 hours, including a brief 45-minute refueling stop in Guwahati, India, where passengers remain on board.
Price
As it is widely known, there are no fixed ticket prices, and they are always subject to fluctuation, which applies to direct flights from Singapore to Bhutan as well. Considering that there is no First Class, you can enjoy the services offered by Drukair in their Business Class and Economy Class cabins on this journey. The prices listed here are for reference purposes:
Economy Class: Typically, there are around 102 seats available in Economy Class, with prices around $550 USD.
Business Class: The Airbus A319 aircraft has 16 seats in the Business Class cabin, with prices approximately around $900 USD.
Round-trip: The round-trip cost from Singapore to Bhutan is approximately SGD 1,465 (USD 1,050), but prices may vary due to taxes and availability.
Alternative Flight Options from Singapore to Bhutan
It is true that the limited availability of only 2 direct flights per week from Singapore to Bhutan restricts the possibilities of traveling to Bhutan. However, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines have more flight routes from countries like Thailand, Nepal, and India, with almost daily flights. You can choose to travel to one of these countries and then make a connecting flight from there to Bhutan.
Singapore - Thailand - Bhutan
Traveling from Singapore via Bangkok, Thailand, and then taking flights with Drukair and Bhutan Airlines to Paro International Airport can be a recommended option for transit.
On one hand, Thailand is a popular tourist destination and offers visa-free entry to citizens from 56 countries worldwide, including Singapore and citizens of most Western countries. On the other hand, Singapore has more frequent flights to Bangkok, with the advantage of even lower ticket prices, sometimes below $100 USD, providing more cost advantages.
With this transit option, you would need about 5-6 hours of flight time. Remember to arrive in Bangkok a day in advance as flights from Bangkok to Paro always depart in the early morning.
Singapore - India - Bhutan
As an alternative option, it is suggested connecting through India. Since there are direct flights from Singapore to Kolkata and Delhi in India, you can continue your journey to Bhutan from there. The total flying time is ca. 7 hours.
Singapore - Nepal - Bhutan
If you desire to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayan route, it is recommended considering a transit through Nepal. From Kathmandu to Paro, you will have the opportunity to witness the unparalleled panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. Remember to choose a seat on the left side of the aircraft. The total flying time for this route is around 6 hours. View all flights to Bhutan.
How to Book Your Flight?
Whether you are taking a direct flight or choosing a transit route, you can purchase tickets from various countries to Paro through the official websites of Drukair and Bhutan Airlines or through local travel agencies. When planning to visit Bhutan during the peak tourist season in March-May and September-November, remember to buy your tickets in advance.
Exploring Changi International Airport and Transit
For tourists flying from Singapore to Paro, it is recommended to proceed to Row 10 at Terminal 3 of Changi Airport to check-in for your flight. The check-in counters open three hours before the scheduled departure time and close 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.
What You'll Need at Check-in:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
- The e-ticket for Drukair
- A valid visa for Bhutan
If you have several hours of transit time at Changi Airport:
If you have a few hours of layover in Singapore, it means you have the opportunity to explore one of the most award-winning airports in the world. The 40-meter-tall Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport, the world's largest indoor waterfall, has been a major attraction for many tourists and is worth a visit and a photo stop.
Similarly, the different themed gardens across the 5 terminals are loved by nature enthusiasts: Cactus Garden (T1), Sunflower Garden (T2), Enchanted Garden (T2), Orchid Garden (T2), and the popular Butterfly Garden (T3).
With over 300 shops, the airport also offers a shopper's paradise where you can spend your time indulging in some retail therapy.
Passengers traveling in Business Class (J Class) on flights KB541 and KB900 can also access the Marhaba Lounge on the 2nd floor after receiving their boarding pass and lounge invitation card. They can enjoy the facilities available in the lounge.
Get to Bhutan from Singapore by Road
If you prefer traveling to Bhutan by road, you can start by traveling from Singapore to India. From there, you can continue your journey to Bhutan by road. Generally, there are three gateway cities that allow road access to Bhutan.
Phuentsholing: The Gateway to Bhutan
Phuentsholing stands as the primary overland threshold to Bhutan. This vibrant border town is where the contemporary pace of India transitions into the measured rhythm of Bhutanese life.
Reaching Phuentsholing:
From the Indian metropolis of Kolkata, travelers can fly or take a train to Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri, then complete their journey to Phuentsholing by road. Delhi's denizens have similar options, with flights to Bagdogra being the quickest route before the scenic drive to the border. For those nearer to the northeastern states, a direct road trip from Guwahati to Phuentsholing is a feasible option, with panoramic vistas accompanying you to the gateway of Bhutan.
Border Crossing Procedures:
Indian nationals can breeze through the border with valid ID proof, while foreign tourists must ensure they have secured a visa and made travel arrangements with a Bhutanese tour operator. The immigration office in Phuentsholing is your first stop for the necessary entry permits.
Alternative Overland Entry Points
Beyond Phuentsholing, there are lesser-trodden paths like Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu that offer alternative entries into the Dragon Kingdom.
Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu:
Both these entry points are accessible via Guwahati in Assam. A drive to Samdrup Jongkhar typically takes about three hours, while Gelephu is a longer journey through the sub-tropical plains of Assam.
Border Formalities:
As with Phuentsholing, travelers must have their documentation in order, including visas for international visitors and travel permits, which can be obtained at the respective entry points.
Explore alternative popular ways to enter Bhutan from other countries:
How to Travel to Bhutan from USA
How to Travel from Bangkok(Thailand) to Bhutan
How to Get to Bhutan from Nepal
How to Get to Bhutan from Nepal
How to Travel to Bhutan from India
Do I Need a Bhutan Visa from Singapore to Bhutan?
And Yes, if you are a Singapore citizen or departing from Singapore, you will need a visa to enter Bhutan. You can apply for a Bhutan visa by filling out the application form on the official website, submitting the required documents, and paying the visa fee and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 per night. It's important to note that these fees do not cover the expenses you will incur during your trip in Bhutan.
Alternatively, you can also apply for a visa through a Bhutanese travel agency after booking your tour packages with them.
If you're facing challenges with the payment process for the necessary accounts, a travel agency can be an invaluable resource. Agencies like Asia Odyssey Travel, when you reserve one of their travel packages, offer comprehensive services that include managing your Bhutan visa application. They possess the expertise in handling the transfer protocols, ensuring a smooth preparation for your journey. By opting for their services, you can sit back and let the professionals take care of all the details.
How to Plan Your Bhutan Trip from Singapore?
Venturing from the tropical cityscape of Singapore to the serene Himalayan haven of Bhutan is a journey from one world to another. With its majestic mountains and monasteries, Bhutan is a destination that promises an escape into a culture preserved through time. To navigate the planning of your Bhutanese expedition, consider these essential pointers.
Best Time to Visit Bhutan
Timing is crucial to making the most of your Bhutan trip. The spring months of March to May bloom with rhododendrons and clear blue skies, offering perfect conditions for those iconic mountain views. Autumn, from September to November, is equally splendid, with golden hues painting the landscapes and crisp air enhancing the great festivities of popular Tsechus (festivals). Both seasons boast pleasant weather, conducive to exploring the great outdoors and witnessing Bhutan's vibrant cultural tapestry. Best time to visit Bhutan.
Must-Visit Destinations in Bhutan
Bhutan is dotted with destinations that are as mystical as they are beautiful.
Thimphu, the capital, is a trove of tradition with a dash of modernism. Here, the Tashichho Dzong stands as a fortress of history.
Journeying to Paro uncovers the treasure of Taktsang Monastery, a sacred site defying gravity atop a cliff.
Punakha, with its fortress of fine architecture by the river, and Bumthang, a spiritual oasis with ancient temples, are unmissable. The serene Phobjikha Valley whispers the tales of migrating black-necked cranes against a backdrop of pastoral beauty.
Perhaps you would like to know more travel tips for your bhutan travel:
10 Best Places to Visit in Bhutan
20 Best Things to Do in Bhutan
Top 7 Valleys in Bhutan to Visit
Top 10 Thimphu Tourist Places to Visit
Planning Your Bhutan Travel Length
When deciding on the duration of your journey from Singapore to Bhutan, the return flight timing from Paro to Singapore becomes a crucial factor. The return flights are available on Wednesdays and Saturdays, which allows for a stay in Bhutan for 6-8 days. This timeframe typically covers the cultural highlights of Bhutan, including the Tiger's Nest Monastery in Paro, the magnificent dzongs in Thimphu and Punakha, and the serene valleys of Bumthang. This time range is suitable for relaxed exploration, meaningful interactions with the local culture, and participation in traditional Bhutanese celebrations.
For those seeking a more profound connection with Bhutan's landscape and heritage, a 14-day journey allows for comprehensive tours that can include a trekking in more remote areas like the Jomolhari or Druk Path, where the natural beauty of Bhutan unfolds in a tapestry of mountain trails and alpine meadows.
Click the following link when you're unsure about how many days to stay in Bhutan
How to Plan Bhutan Itinerary for 5 Days
How to Plan Bhutan Itinerary for 6 Days
How to Plan Bhutan Itinerary for 7 Days
How to Plan Bhutan Itinerary for 8 Days
Explore Bhutan with Local-based Asia Odyssey Travel
Asia Odyssey Travel is a local-based travel agency that offers Bhutan Group Tours and customized tours in Bhutan. Our team of experienced local guides ensures that you have an immersive and insightful journey, sharing our deep understanding of Bhutanese culture, history, and spirituality.
Bhutan, known as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," is a captivating destination with its stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and rich Buddhist traditions. Asia Odyssey Travel can help you discover the highlights of Bhutan, including Paro, Punakha, Thimphu, Bumthang, and Gangtey.
Whether you're interested in trekking through pristine mountain trails, participating in vibrant festivals, or exploring remote villages, Asia Odyssey Travel can tailor Bhutan Trekking Tour and Bhutan Festival Tour itineraries to suit your preferences.
Embark on a memorable journey through Bhutan with Asia Odyssey Travel and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty and traditions of this unique Himalayan kingdom.
If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.
Data in submission...
