Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, serves as the main gateway to Northeast India. Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is a popular hill station known for its scenic beauty and cool climate. Many travelers journey between these two cities for tourism, business, or education.

This guide explains the main ways to travel from Guwahati to Shillong. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical advice to plan your trip confidently and comfortably.

Getting from Guwahati to Shillong – Main Options

Train

Train travel between Guwahati and Shillong is limited as Shillong does not have a railway station. However, nearby stations can be used for part of the journey. Train travel suits those who prefer a relaxed start and want to combine rail and road travel.

• The nearest railway station to Shillong is Guwahati Railway Station, a major junction connecting Northeast India with the rest of the country. It is well connected by express and passenger trains.

• From Guwahati, you can take a train from major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, or Bangalore to reach Guwahati station, which is about 100 km from Shillong by road.

• After reaching Guwahati station, you must switch to road transport such as buses or taxis to reach Shillong, as there is no direct train service to Shillong.

• Train fares to Guwahati vary widely depending on the origin city and class, ranging from economical sleeper class to air-conditioned coaches, making it suitable for different budgets.

• Train travel is comfortable and scenic, but the last leg from Guwahati to Shillong requires road travel, which can take 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and weather.

Bus

Buses are the most popular and economical way to travel from Guwahati to Shillong. Frequent services connect the two cities, making bus travel convenient for most travelers.

• Buses depart from Guwahati’s Paltan Bazaar and GS Road bus stands, heading towards Shillong via NH 40 and NH 44, covering approximately 100 km in 3 to 4 hours.

• Both government-run buses by Meghalaya Transport and private operators run regular services, including ordinary, deluxe, and Volvo coaches, catering to different comfort levels.

• Bus fares range from ₹150 to ₹400 depending on the type of bus, with deluxe and Volvo buses costing more but offering better comfort and air conditioning.

• During peak tourist seasons and weekends, buses can get crowded, so booking tickets in advance through online portals or local counters is advisable.

• The road passes through hilly terrain with winding curves; monsoon season may cause landslides or delays, so check weather conditions before traveling.

• There are several roadside dhabas and rest stops along the route for tea and snacks, especially near Shillong’s outskirts and along NH 40.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Guwahati to Shillong is a popular option for travelers who want flexibility and comfort. The route is scenic but requires cautious driving due to hilly roads.

• The distance by road is about 100 km via NH 40 and NH 44, typically taking 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• You can rent a self-drive car from Guwahati city or airport, with popular providers offering SUVs and sedans suitable for hill driving.

• The route includes toll plazas and narrow winding roads, especially near Shillong, so driving experience in hills is recommended for safety.

• Fuel stations are available along the highway, but it is best to fill up in Guwahati before starting the journey to avoid delays.

• Driving allows stops at scenic points like Umiam Lake and Elephant Falls, making the journey more enjoyable and personalized.

• During monsoon, landslides and slippery roads are common, so check weather reports and avoid night driving for safety.

Flight

There are no direct flights between Guwahati and Shillong as Shillong does not have a commercial airport. Flights are not a practical option for this route.

• The nearest airport to Shillong is Umroi Airport, about 30 km away, but it has limited commercial flights and connectivity.

• Most travelers fly into Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, which is well connected to major Indian cities.

• From Guwahati airport, you must use road transport such as taxis or buses to reach Shillong, which takes about 3 to 4 hours.

• Flight tickets to Guwahati vary depending on origin, with low-cost carriers and full-service airlines operating daily flights.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers making the journey from Guwahati to Shillong. It covers key actions to ensure a smooth trip.

• Book your tickets early:

  Whether by bus or train to Guwahati, book tickets in advance through IRCTC or bus booking apps to avoid last-minute hassles, especially during weekends and holidays.

• Arrive at Guwahati station or bus stand early:

  Reach your departure point at least 30 minutes before departure to find your platform or bus stand easily and avoid rush.

• Choose the right bus or taxi for Shillong:

  For comfort and safety, opt for deluxe or Volvo buses or pre-book a reliable taxi via Ola or Uber from Guwahati to Shillong.

• Carry light luggage and water:

  The hilly road can be bumpy; packing light helps, and carrying bottled water is essential as roadside options may be limited.

• Check weather and road conditions:

  Before starting, check local weather forecasts and traffic updates to avoid monsoon delays or fog-related slowdowns.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs on arrival:

  In Shillong, use prepaid taxi counters or Ola/Uber for safe and fair local travel, avoiding unmetered cabs.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety is important on hilly roads; avoid night travel from Guwahati to Shillong as roads can be poorly lit and slippery during monsoon.

• Drink only bottled water and eat at well-known dhabas or restaurants to avoid stomach issues common in unfamiliar places.

• Book bus or taxi tickets online or at official counters to prevent scams or overcharging, especially during peak seasons.

• Local transport in Shillong includes shared taxis and auto-rickshaws; negotiate fares beforehand or use app-based cabs for convenience.

• Pack warm clothes even in summer, as Shillong’s weather is cooler and can get chilly in the evenings and early mornings.

• Monsoon season (June to September) can cause landslides and roadblocks; plan extra travel time and carry emergency supplies like snacks and a flashlight.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Guwahati to Shillong is during the cooler months from October to March. Weather is pleasant, and roads are generally clear.

Avoid traveling during the monsoon season from June to September due to heavy rains, landslides, and slippery roads. Early morning departures help avoid traffic and fog delays.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja and Christmas in Shillong when roads and accommodations are crowded.

• Monsoon rains can cause landslides on NH 40, leading to delays or road closures; check local news before traveling.

• Early morning departures from Guwahati help you avoid city traffic and reach Shillong before afternoon rains or fog set in.

• Winter months can be foggy in the mornings, so plan for some delay if traveling early in the day.

Arrival at Shillong & What to Expect

When you arrive in Shillong, you will reach the city center or the main bus stand depending on your mode of transport. Shillong is a compact city with easy local transport options.

Prepaid taxi counters are available at bus stands and popular arrival points. Ola and Uber also operate in Shillong, providing app-based cabs for safe and convenient travel. Shared taxis and auto-rickshaws are common for short distances.

Popular areas to stay include Police Bazar, Laitumkhrah, and Bara Bazar, all within easy reach of transport hubs. Local markets and eateries are nearby, making it easy to settle in after your journey.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to travel from Guwahati to Shillong is by bus or car. Buses offer an economical and frequent service, while driving gives you flexibility and the chance to enjoy scenic stops. Train travel is useful only for reaching Guwahati, as Shillong lacks a railway station.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and choosing comfortable transport options. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a smooth and pleasant journey between these two beautiful cities in Northeast India.