Guwahati is the largest city in Assam and a key gateway to Northeast India. It lies on the banks of the Brahmaputra River and serves as a major hub for travelers visiting the region. Many people travel to Guwahati for business, tourism, or to connect to other northeastern states.

This guide explains how to reach Guwahati from various parts of India using different transport modes. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Major Cities to Guwahati – Main Options

Train

Train travel to Guwahati is popular due to its affordability and extensive rail connections. The city’s Kamakhya and Guwahati railway stations connect it to many Indian cities.

• Guwahati railway station is the main hub, well connected to cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai via direct trains taking 24 to 48 hours depending on the route and train type.

• Kamakhya station serves the western parts of Guwahati and is useful for travelers coming from the northeast or nearby towns; trains here are frequent but less crowded than the main station.

• Train fares range from INR 300 for sleeper class to INR 1500 for AC classes, making it an economical choice for most travelers, especially during non-peak seasons.

• During monsoon, some trains may be delayed due to landslides or waterlogging in the Northeast Frontier Railway zone, so check schedules on IRCTC before booking.

• Long-distance trains often have pantry cars, but it is advisable to carry your own food as station vendors may have limited options and hygiene varies.

Bus

Buses to Guwahati are widely used by travelers from nearby states like Meghalaya, Tripura, and West Bengal. State transport and private operators run regular services.

• Major bus terminals include Paltan Bazaar Bus Station and Kamakhya Bus Stand, with buses arriving from Shillong, Silchar, and Kolkata, covering distances of 100 to 500 km.

• Bus travel time varies from 3 hours (Shillong to Guwahati) to over 12 hours (Kolkata to Guwahati), with fares ranging from INR 200 to INR 800 depending on bus type and distance.

• Volvo and deluxe buses offer more comfort and air conditioning, but are less frequent and more expensive than ordinary buses.

• During winter mornings, fog can delay buses, especially on hilly routes; monsoon season may cause roadblocks or slow traffic on NH27 and NH37 highways.

• Rest stops on NH37 have basic food stalls and tea shops; avoid eating roadside food if you have a sensitive stomach.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Guwahati offers flexibility and the chance to explore scenic routes. The city is accessible via major national highways.

• NH27 and NH37 connect Guwahati to Assam’s major towns and neighboring states, with distances like 300 km from Shillong and 560 km from Siliguri.

• The drive from Shillong to Guwahati takes about 3.5 to 4 hours on well-maintained roads, but expect narrow stretches and occasional traffic jams near city limits.

• Toll plazas on NH37 charge moderate fees; keep cash handy as some plazas may not accept digital payments.

• Fuel stations are available along highways, but plan refueling stops in advance during night travel as some pumps close early.

• Use apps like Ola or Uber for last-mile connectivity in Guwahati, as parking in central areas can be limited and traffic congested during peak hours.

Flight

Flights are the fastest way to reach Guwahati, especially from metropolitan cities. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport serves the city.

• The airport is located about 20 km from the city center and is well connected by prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber.

• Direct flights operate from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bangalore, with flight durations between 2 to 3 hours and fares ranging from INR 2500 to INR 7000 depending on the season and airline.

• Domestic airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet offer multiple daily flights, making it convenient for business and leisure travelers.

• During peak festival seasons like Bihu or Durga Puja, book flights at least 2-3 weeks in advance to avoid high fares and sold-out seats.

• Airport facilities include car rentals, ATMs, and food courts, but it is advisable to arrange your onward transport beforehand for a hassle-free arrival.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers heading to Guwahati. It covers essential actions to ensure a smooth journey.

• Book your tickets early through official platforms like IRCTC for trains or airline websites to get confirmed seats and better prices, especially during holidays.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank, as some routes have limited food options and charging points.

• Arrive at the station or airport at least 1 hour before departure to avoid last-minute rush and complete security checks calmly.

• Use trusted taxi services or prepaid counters on arrival to reach your accommodation safely; avoid unauthorized cabs to prevent overcharging.

• Keep a printed or digital copy of your ID and ticket handy during travel, as Indian transport authorities often check documents.

• Download offline maps or apps like Google Maps and Ola for easy navigation and booking local transport once in Guwahati.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a bottle of purified water and avoid drinking tap water to prevent stomach infections common in Indian travel.

• Use official railway enquiry counters or the IRCTC app to check train status and platform numbers to avoid confusion at busy stations like Guwahati.

• During monsoon, pack rain gear and check weather updates as landslides and roadblocks can affect bus and car travel in Northeast India.

• For food, try local Assamese cuisine at reputable restaurants but avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach or are new to the region.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid leaving valuables unattended in public transport or crowded places to prevent theft.

• Use prepaid taxi booths or app-based cabs for local travel in Guwahati to ensure fair pricing and safety, especially after dark.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Guwahati is from October to April when the weather is pleasant and travel conditions are good. Summers can be hot and humid, while monsoon brings heavy rainfall.

Travelers should plan their trips avoiding major festivals like Bihu when transport is crowded and prices rise. Early morning departures often help avoid traffic and delays.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon months of June to September due to heavy rains causing road and rail disruptions.

• Peak festival periods like Bihu in April and Durga Puja in October see increased passenger traffic and higher fares on trains and flights.

• Winter fog in December and January can delay early morning flights and trains, so plan for later departures if possible.

• Departing Guwahati between 8 AM and 11 AM usually offers smoother traffic and better availability of transport services.

Arrival at Guwahati & What to Expect

On arrival at Guwahati railway station or airport, you will find multiple transport options to reach your accommodation. Prepaid taxi counters are available at both locations, offering fixed fares to popular city areas.

The city’s main commercial areas like Paltan Bazaar and Pan Bazaar have many hotels and guesthouses. Ola and Uber cabs are widely used for convenient and affordable local travel. Auto-rickshaws are also available but agree on fares beforehand.

Conclusion

Traveling to Guwahati is straightforward with multiple options suited to different budgets and preferences. Trains offer an economical and scenic route, while flights provide the fastest access from major cities. Buses and self-drive options give flexibility for nearby state travelers.

Plan your journey considering seasonal weather and booking in advance during peak times. Use reliable local transport on arrival and keep essential travel tips in mind. With careful preparation, you can reach Guwahati comfortably and enjoy your time exploring Northeast India.