Driving in Bhutan
The main mode of transportation in Bhutan is motor vehicles. With all 20 Dzongkhags connected by a wide network of roads that stretch from narrow valleys to high mountain passes to flat southern foothills, it is a unique experience driving through Bhutan. Being a mountainous country, flat and straight roads are a rarity. It is common to encounter on average 5-6 turns in one Kilometre. The speed limit is 50 Km/hr. Shown below is the approximate distance and duration of travel while driving in Bhutan.
FROM | TO | APPROX DISTANCE (KM) | APPROX DRIVING TIME |
---|---|---|---|
Paro | Thimphu | 65 kms | 1 hours 10 minutes |
Paro | Haa | 70 kms | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Thimphu | Punakha | 77 kms | 03 hours |
Punakha | Wangduephodrang | 15 kms | 45 minutes |
Punakha | Gangtey | 78 kms | 03 Hours |
Gangtey | Trongsa | 120 kms | 05 Hours |
Punakha | Trongsa | 142 kms | 06 Hours |
Trongsa | Bumthang | 65 kms | 02 Hours |
Bumthang | Mongar | 190 kms | 08 Hours |
Mongar | Trashigang | 91 kms | 04 Hours |
Mongar | Lhuntse | 75 kms | 03 Hours |
Trashigang | Trashi Yangtse | 55 kms | 02 Hours |
Trashigang | Samdrup Jongkhar | 180 kms | 07 Hours |
Phuntsholing | Thimphu | 172 kms | 05 Hours 30 minutes |
Phuntsholing | Thimphu | 165 kms | 05 Hours |
Bagdogra airport (India) | Phuntsholing | 170 kms | 04 hours 30 minutes |
Siliguri (India) | Phuntsholing | 155 kms | 04 hours |
Guwahati (India) | Samdrup Jongkhar | 111 kms | 03 hours |
Traffic Signs
There are 3 types of road traffic signs in Bhutan; they are Mandatory signs, Cautionary signs, and then informative signs.
Mandatory signs
These signs are circular in shape with a white background, red borders, black legends and red bars. Failure to observe and obey these signs usually result in a fine.
No Entry
Penalty: NU 750.00
Speed Limit
Penalty: NU 1750.00
One Way
Penalty: NU 750.00
No Standing
Penalty: NU 550.00
No Parking
Penalty: NU 550.00
No Mobile Phone
Penalty: NU 1000.00
Cautionary signs
These are Triangular in shape with a white background and are meant to alert the driver of potential hazards that they may encounter on the road.
Pedestrian crossing
School Ahead
Man at Work
Falling Rocks
Slippery Area
Steep Ascent
Information signs
These are guide signs providing information on directions, services, facilities etc. They are rectangular in shape with blue borders and a white background.
Fuel Station
Restaurant