Bhutan Toll Roads Complete Guide: Travel Fees, Highway System & Payment 2025
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Bhutan Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: No road tolls - All highways completely toll-free
Coverage: 12,000 km road network including East-West Highway
Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) - equivalent to Indian Rupee
Tourist Fee: $100 Sustainable Development Fee (not road toll)
Operator: Department of Roads (DoR), Project DANTAK (India)
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Bhutan? 2025 Update
No, there are no road tolls in Bhutan. All 12,000 km of roads including the East-West Highway, national highways, and district roads are completely toll-free for all vehicles.
Important Distinction: While roads are toll-free, tourists pay a $100 Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) per person per night. This is a tourism fee, not a road toll, and applies regardless of transport method.
2025 Context: Bhutan maintains its "high-value, low-impact" tourism policy with the SDF reduced from $200 to $100 through August 31, 2027. This fee supports sustainable development, not road infrastructure.
Bhutan Travel Costs: What You Actually Pay
Understanding Bhutan's fee structure is crucial as costs relate to tourism, not road tolls.
Sustainable Development Fee (2025)
| Visitor Type | Daily Fee | Currency | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Tourists (Adults) | $100 | USD | Until August 31, 2027 |
| Children (6-12 years) | $50 | USD | Same period |
| Children (Under 6) | Free | - | No fee |
| Indian Nationals | 1,200 | BTN/INR (~$14.50) | Permanent rate |
| Indian Day Trippers | Free | - | 24-hour exemption |
Road Network (All Toll-Free)
Total Road Network: 12,000 km motorable roads (60% paved, 40% gravel/dirt)
Primary National Highways: 2,000 km including East-West Highway
Secondary National Highways: 650 km connecting major towns
Urban Roads: 350 km within municipal (Thromde) boundaries
How Transportation Works in Bhutan
As a landlocked country, Bhutan relies entirely on road transport for domestic and international connectivity.
1. Road System Access:
- All roads completely toll-free for all vehicles
- No payment required for highway usage
- Speed limit: 50 km/h outside urban areas
2. Road Maintenance Funding:
- Government-funded through national budget
- Indian assistance through Project DANTAK (680 km)
- ADB and World Bank infrastructure support
3. Bhutanese Vehicles in India:
- Bhutanese vehicles pay double toll fees on Indian highways
- Heavy vehicles pay over BTN 4,000 (Samdrup Jongkhar to Phuentsholing)
- Government working on FASTag system integration
Recent Changes (2025)
Tourism Policy Updates:
- SDF reduced from $200 to $100 through August 31, 2027
- Government targeting 300,000 annual tourists (50% from non-Indian countries)
- Prime Minister indicating potential fee increases if demand exceeds capacity
Infrastructure Development:
- East-West Highway expansion ongoing with Indian assistance
- Samdrupjongkhar-Trashigang highway upgrade in progress
- New bypasses being constructed to reduce travel distances
Road Connectivity Projects:
- ADB-supported road network masterplan development
- Focus on climate-proof technology and bioengineering
- Target: 8-hour north-south, 16-hour east-west travel times
Regional Highway Information
East-West Highway (Lateral Road):
- Main arterial road from Phuentsholing (Indian border) to Trashigang
- Passes through high mountain passes including Trumshing La (3,800m)
- Connects all major valleys and urban centers
- Completely toll-free for all vehicles
Western Bhutan Roads:
- Paro-Thimphu Highway: Best paved road, two-lane standard
- Thimphu-Punakha: 75 km, 3-3.5 hours, mix of paved and gravel
- Connections to Ha, Chukha, and border towns
- Maintained by Project DANTAK (Indian Border Roads Organisation)
Eastern Bhutan Network:
- Fewer roads than western regions
- Spurs to Trashiyangtse, Lhuntse, Pemagatshel
- Samdrup Jongkhar border crossing to India
- Terrain challenges with frequent landslides
Planning Your Journey
Road Travel Costs:
- Zero road tolls - All highways and bridges free
- Fuel costs: Petrol/diesel imported from India
- Vehicle permit and registration fees apply
Travel Time Considerations:
- Mountainous terrain limits speeds (50 km/h maximum)
- Monsoon season (May-August) brings landslide risks
- Single-lane roads require careful overtaking
Transport Options:
- Private vehicle rental (with mandatory guide for tourists)
- Public buses connecting major towns
- Taxi services available in urban areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any toll roads in Bhutan?
No, Bhutan has no toll roads. All 12,000 km of roads including major highways are completely toll-free for all vehicles.
What is the Sustainable Development Fee?
The SDF is a $100 daily tourism fee (not a road toll) that supports education, health, environment, and cultural preservation. It's separate from transportation costs.
Do Indian nationals pay the same fees?
Indian nationals pay a reduced SDF of BTN 1,200 (~$14.50) per night, and day trippers are exempt. Roads remain toll-free for all nationalities.
Why do Bhutanese vehicles pay double tolls in India?
Bhutanese vehicles cannot use India's FASTag system, forcing them to pay higher manual toll rates. The government is working on system integration to resolve this issue.
What are the road conditions like?
Only 60% of roads are paved. Most are single-lane with challenging mountain terrain. The Paro-Thimphu section offers the best road conditions with two-lane paved surface.
Bhutan vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | Road Toll System | Tourist Fees | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bhutan | No tolls | $100/day SDF | All roads toll-free |
| India | Electronic FASTag | No daily fees | Major highways |
| Nepal | No tolls (tunnel planned) | No daily fees | All roads toll-free |
| Bangladesh | Limited tolls | No daily fees | Major bridges/tunnels |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- India Toll Roads - Information on neighboring India's toll system
- Nepal Toll Roads - Details on Nepal's toll-free highways
- Bangladesh Toll Roads - Bangladesh's limited toll infrastructure
Government Resources:
- Department of Roads (DoR): Road construction and maintenance
- Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport: National transport policy
- Tourism Council of Bhutan: SDF and tourism policies
- Department of Immigration: Visa and entry requirements
Key Contacts:
- Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport: +975-2-327998
- Tourist Information: Licensed tour operators required
- Emergency Services: Limited availability outside major towns
