Thimphu Getting there & around

Getting around

If you are on a normal tourist visa, you will have a car/minibus, driver and guide available throughout your stay in Bhutan, and you’ll have little trouble getting around. Most shops and points of interest are within easy walking distance of Thimphu’s major hotels; it’s easy to pop out for a drink or a round of shopping on foot.

Bus & tram

Bus

A public bus service operates throughout Thimphu between 7.30am and 7.30pm from a starting point at the parking area on Chang Lam. Fares are Nu 1 to 9 depending on the distance travelled. In addition to several city routes, the buses also operate to Dechenchoeling in the north and Simtokha and Babesa to the south. Routes, fares and timetables are available at www.bhutanpost.com.bt.

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Local transport

Taxi

Most of the taxis are tiny Maruti minivans with meters that the drivers rarely use. The taxi stand is on Chang Lam, although you can flag down an empty taxi in the street. Taxi drivers have a habit of charging foreigners, including Indians, as much as they can – one of Bhutan’s few flagrant rip-offs. You should be able to hire a taxi for the whole day for about Nu 500, and local trips should cost between Nu 40 and 60 in a shared taxi.

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