With the exception of 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 road network. 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 kilometre! 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 speed for road travel rarely exceeds 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 magnificent monasteries.
The majority of the roads are black topped but can still be bumpy and are almost always single lane. Bhutan’s drivers know their land well and are cautious and careful drivers. The density of traffic on most roads is normally low.
| From / To | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thimphu – Paro | 65 km | 1 hr 30 min |
| Thimphu – Phuntsholing | 176 km | 6 hrs |
| Phuntsholing – Bagdogra (India) | 170 km | 4 hrs |
| Thimphu – Haa | 115 km | 3 hrs 30 min |
| Haa – Paro | 60 km | 2 hrs 30 min |
| Thimphu – Wangdue Phodrang | 70 km | 2 hrs |
| Thimphu – Punakha | 77 km | 2 hrs 15 min |
| Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang | 21 km | 30 min |
| 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 |