Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, is the 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 trains, buses, driving, and flights, along with practical tips to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Guwahati to Shillong – Main Options

Train

Train travel between Guwahati and Shillong is limited due to the hilly terrain. However, you can use trains for part of the journey combined with road transport. This option suits travelers who prefer rail comfort for the initial leg.

• Guwahati Railway Station is the main hub connecting Assam to other states, but there is no direct train to Shillong as the city lacks a railway station.

• You can take a train from Guwahati to Mendipathar, the nearest railhead to Shillong, about 50 km away, with travel time around 3-4 hours.

• From Mendipathar, you must hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to Shillong, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours on hilly roads.

• Train fares from Guwahati to Mendipathar range from INR 100 to 300 depending on class, but combined taxi costs add to the budget.

• Train frequency is moderate, so booking tickets early via IRCTC is advisable, especially during weekends and holidays.

• Monsoon season can cause delays due to landslides on railway tracks, so plan accordingly during June to September.

Bus

Buses are the most popular and economical way to travel from Guwahati to Shillong. Many government and private operators run frequent services connecting the two cities.

• Major bus terminals in Guwahati include Paltan Bazaar and GS Road, where you can find buses heading to Shillong.

• State-run Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) and Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) operate regular buses, including deluxe and non-deluxe options.

• Travel time by bus is approximately 3 to 4 hours covering around 100 km via NH6 and NH106, depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Bus fares range from INR 100 to 300, with deluxe buses costing more but offering better comfort and fewer stops.

• Buses run frequently from early morning until evening, but seats fill fast during weekends and festivals like Shillong Autumn Festival.

• Roads can be slippery and foggy during monsoon and winter mornings; choose daytime travel for safety and better views.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Guwahati to Shillong is a popular choice for travelers who want flexibility and comfort. The route offers scenic views but requires careful driving on hilly roads.

• The distance is about 100 km via NH6 and NH106, with an average driving time of 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• You can rent a car or self-drive vehicle from Guwahati; many agencies offer SUVs or sedans suitable for hill driving.

• The route passes through towns like Ri Bhoi and Umsning, with several roadside eateries and rest stops for refreshments.

• Toll plazas are present on NH6, so keep cash handy for toll payments during the journey.

• Driving during daylight is recommended due to narrow roads and occasional fog, especially in winter and monsoon seasons.

• Parking in Shillong city center can be limited; plan your accommodation with parking facilities or use local taxis for inner-city travel.

Flight

There are no direct flights between Guwahati and Shillong due to the short distance and lack of an airport in Shillong. The nearest airport to Shillong is Umroi Airport, which has limited connectivity.

• Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is the main airport serving the region with good connectivity across India.

• Umroi Airport near Shillong has limited flights mainly connecting to Kolkata and Guwahati but is not a practical option for direct travel from Guwahati.

• Travelers can fly into Guwahati and then use road transport to reach Shillong, which is the most common approach.

• Flight tickets between Guwahati and Shillong are generally not available due to the short distance and lack of regular service.

• Using flights is not recommended for this route; road travel remains the most efficient and cost-effective method.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan helps first-time travelers move smoothly from Guwahati to Shillong. Follow these steps to avoid confusion and enjoy your journey.

• Book your bus or train tickets in advance through official websites like IRCTC for trains or state transport portals to secure your seat during busy seasons.

• Arrive at Guwahati Railway Station or bus terminal at least 30 minutes before departure to find your platform or bus stand without rush.

• If traveling by train to Mendipathar, arrange a taxi or shared jeep in advance for the onward journey to Shillong to avoid waiting long hours.

• If driving, check your vehicle’s condition, fuel tank, and GPS route before starting; carry cash for tolls and local purchases.

• Pack light but include water, snacks, and a raincoat or umbrella during monsoon; dress in layers for cooler Shillong weather.

• On arrival in Shillong, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and convenient local travel to your accommodation.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a government-issued ID for ticket verification and hotel check-in, especially when using state transport or staying in Meghalaya.

• Drink bottled water and avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach; Shillong has many hygienic cafes worth trying.

• Book tickets online early during festivals like Shillong Autumn Festival or Christmas to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability.

• Use local shared taxis or auto-rickshaws for short distances in Shillong; negotiate fares beforehand or use meter apps where available.

• Pack light luggage as roads can be bumpy; secure your bags well in shared vehicles to avoid damage or loss.

• During monsoon, check weather updates and road conditions as landslides can cause delays; carry a flashlight and basic first aid kit.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Guwahati to Shillong is during the dry season from October to April. The weather is pleasant, and roads are safer for driving and bus travel.

Monsoon months from June to September bring heavy rainfall, slippery roads, and occasional landslides, which can delay travel and increase risk.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali in Guwahati when roads and transport are crowded.

• Early mornings in winter can have dense fog on NH6 and NH106, so plan departures after sunrise for safer driving.

• Summer months are warm in Guwahati but cool in Shillong, so pack accordingly for temperature changes.

• Weekends and holidays see higher traffic on the route; traveling on weekdays can offer a smoother journey.

Arrival at Shillong & What to Expect

Shillong’s main entry points are the Police Bazaar area and the Shillong Bus Stand, where most buses and taxis drop passengers. The city is compact but hilly, so local transport is essential for exploring.

Prepaid taxi counters are available at major drop-off points, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate in Shillong, providing safe and convenient rides. Many travelers prefer staying near Police Bazaar for easy access to markets and eateries.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to travel from Guwahati to Shillong is by bus or car, offering a balance of cost, comfort, and scenic views. Train travel is possible but requires additional road transport, while flights are not practical for this short route.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, choosing daytime travel, and preparing for hill road conditions. With these tips, you can confidently enjoy the beautiful journey from Guwahati to Shillong and explore the charming hill station without stress.