Asia > 🇧🇹 Bhutan
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Bhutan can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Bhutan; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Bhutan?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Bhutan?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Bhutan
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|
🏔️ Should You Rent a Car in Bhutan? 🚗🕉️
Bhutan is unlike any other country. Known for its Gross National Happiness, dramatic Himalayan landscapes, and sacred monasteries perched on cliffs, Bhutan follows a unique tourism model designed to protect its culture and environment. Because independent travel is highly restricted, many visitors wonder: should you rent a car in Bhutan? The true answer depends on how you enter the country and the type of trip you’re planning.
🚫 Independent Car Rental Is Not the Usual Option
In Bhutan, nearly all international tourists must travel on a pre-arranged tour package with a licensed Bhutanese guide and driver. This rule ensures responsible tourism and protects natural and cultural heritage.
✅ What This Means For You
| Aspect | Visitor Experience | Transport Included? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Tour Packages | Required for most visitors | ✅ Yes – Private car + driver |
| Custom or Luxury Tours | Fully tailored itineraries | ✅ Yes – Vehicle included |
| Indian, Bangladeshi, Maldivian Citizens | May travel independently | ✅ Can rent cars (with restrictions) |
➡ In most cases, you will travel by private vehicle with a driver, already included in your daily tourism fee.
🚗 When Renting a Car Applies (Limited Cases)
Only travelers from India, Bangladesh, or the Maldives entering overland without a tour requirement have the option to rent a car themselves.
✅ Pros of Renting (If Eligible)
| Benefit | What You Can Explore |
|---|---|
| Freedom | Visit remote monasteries at your own pace |
| Scenic drives | Himalayan switchback roads |
| Cultural access | Reach hidden valleys and villages |
⚠️ Challenges of Self-Driving
-
Narrow mountain roads
-
Frequent fog and landslides
-
Limited signage
-
Driving rules enforced strictly
➡ Even eligible travelers often hire a car with a local driver for safety and convenience.
🚍 What Most Visitors Use Instead
| Transport Type | Best For | Why It Works Well |
|---|---|---|
| Private car + driver (included in tour) | All tourists | Safe, efficient, scenic |
| Domestic flights | Long distances between valleys | Saves time |
| Guided trekking transport | Remote monastery routes | Organised for you |
➡ This system ensures you see Bhutan’s highlights while supporting local livelihoods.
🏁 Final Recommendation
| Traveller Type | Car Needed? | Best Option |
|---|---|---|
| International visitor (most nationalities) | ❌ No | Use tour-included driver |
| Independent regional traveller | ✅ Possible | Renting allowed with caution |
| Adventure and culture explorer | ✅ Yes (with driver) | Best access to valleys and monasteries |
| Trekker or spiritual seeker | ❌ No | Tours arrange all logistics |
✨ Final Takeaway
So, should you rent a car in Bhutan?
👉 For most visitors, the answer is no, because Bhutan’s tourism system provides a professional driver and vehicle as part of your tour package—making travel easy, safe, and culturally respectful.
👉 However, if you are eligible to travel independently, you can rent a car, although most travellers still prefer hiring a local driver due to challenging road conditions.