A long layover in Jakar is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Bathpalathang Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 30 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Before You Step Outside BUT
Before heading into Jakar, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Bhutan vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Jakar is roughly 30 minutes from BUT via local transport. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From BUT, the local transport gets you to Jakar in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage options at BUT can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Jakar for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Jakar, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Jakar.
What’s Worth Seeing in Jakar
If you head into Jakar, here are two things worth checking out:
Jakar Dzong (The Castle of the White Bird) is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. A quick visit here gives you a real sense of the area’s past.
Jambay Lhakhang is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. You don’t need long to appreciate it — even a brief visit is refreshing.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at BUT, check out Terminal Waiting Area & Mountain Views or Local Handicraft Display to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Grab a Meal
For food in Jakar, local travelers recommend Pizza House Jakar. If you have time for a second stop, Wangdicholing Resort Restaurant is another popular pick.
Back at BUT, Bathpalathang Airport Cafe & Snack Bar is the go-to. Bhutanese Tea & Coffee Corner rounds out your in-terminal options.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at BUT for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Jakar or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at BUT, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Jakar exploring the streets or relaxing at BUT, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.