Imphal, the capital of Manipur, lies in the northeastern part of India, surrounded by hills and rich cultural heritage. Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, serves as the gateway to the Northeast and is well connected to Imphal by various transport modes.

This route is popular among tourists and locals traveling for business or family visits. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Guwahati to Imphal, including trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical tips for a smooth journey.

Getting from Guwahati to Imphal – Main Options

Train

Train travel between Guwahati and Imphal is limited but offers a unique experience through scenic routes. It suits travelers who prefer a relaxed journey and want to avoid road traffic.

• The nearest major railway station to Imphal is Dimapur, about 215 km away, as Imphal itself does not have a direct railway connection; you can take a train from Guwahati to Dimapur and then a bus or taxi to Imphal, which takes around 5 to 6 hours by road.

• Trains from Guwahati to Dimapur run daily, with travel time ranging from 5 to 7 hours depending on the train type; fares vary between INR 200 to 700 for sleeper and AC classes.

• Booking tickets through IRCTC is recommended due to high demand during festivals and holidays; trains can get crowded, so booking in advance is advisable.

• The train route passes through scenic hills and valleys, but expect some delays during monsoon due to landslides or track maintenance in the region.

• From Dimapur station, shared taxis and buses are available to Imphal; road conditions can be challenging during rainy seasons, so plan accordingly.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical choice for traveling from Guwahati to Imphal. They offer frequent services and connect well with local transport at both ends.

• State-run buses like Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and Manipur State Transport (MST) operate regular services from Guwahati’s Paltan Bazaar bus station to Imphal’s bus terminal, covering approximately 500 km in 12 to 14 hours.

• Private deluxe and Volvo buses offer more comfort and run mostly overnight, with fares ranging from INR 600 to 1200 depending on the bus type and season.

• Bus frequency is higher during daytime and early evening, but seats fill quickly during festivals like Yaoshang and Diwali, so booking tickets a few days in advance is wise.

• The route passes through National Highway 37 and NH 2, with several toll plazas and rest stops offering local food and tea stalls, but road conditions can be rough in some stretches during monsoon.

• Travelers should carry water and snacks, as some rest stops have limited hygienic options, and buses may stop only briefly for breaks.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Guwahati to Imphal offers flexibility and the chance to explore the scenic Northeast at your own pace. It suits travelers comfortable with long drives on hilly terrain.

• The distance by road is about 500 km via NH 37 and NH 2, taking approximately 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions.

• The route passes through towns like Nagaon, Dimapur, and Ukhrul, with multiple toll plazas and fuel stations available, but some stretches have narrow roads and sharp curves requiring careful driving.

• Self-drive vehicles can be rented in Guwahati with companies offering SUV options suitable for hilly terrain; ensure the vehicle has valid permits for interstate travel to Manipur.

• Monsoon season (June to September) can cause landslides and slippery roads, so avoid driving during heavy rain or foggy mornings for safety.

• Plan stops at towns like Dimapur and Senapati for meals and rest; local eateries offer authentic Northeast cuisine but check hygiene standards.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Imphal from Guwahati, especially for travelers with limited time or during peak travel seasons.

• Imphal’s Tulihal Airport is well connected to Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport with daily direct flights operated by airlines like IndiGo and Air India; flight time is about 1 hour.

• Airfares range from INR 1500 to 4000 depending on booking time and season; booking tickets 2 to 3 weeks in advance often secures better prices.

• Flights are frequent but can be affected by fog and low visibility during winter months (December and January), causing occasional delays or cancellations.

• Airport transfers in Guwahati and Imphal are available via prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber; pre-booking is recommended during peak hours.

• Flying avoids long road travel but requires planning for last-mile connectivity from the airport to city centers, which are about 8 km from Imphal airport and 20 km from Guwahati airport.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Guwahati to Imphal, helping you prepare and navigate the journey with ease.

• Choose your preferred transport mode based on budget, time, and comfort; flights are fastest, buses are economical, and driving offers flexibility.

• Book tickets in advance using IRCTC for trains, official bus portals or counters for buses, and airline websites or apps for flights to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit, especially if traveling by road where stops may be limited.

• Arrive at the departure point early—train stations, bus terminals, or airports—to manage check-in, security, and boarding without stress.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs for last-mile connectivity in Guwahati and Imphal to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Keep local emergency numbers and hotel contacts handy, and inform someone about your travel plans for added security during the journey.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a copy of your ID proof and travel tickets at all times, as security checks are common in Northeast India, especially near state borders.

• Drink only bottled or purified water during the journey to avoid stomach issues, and try local food at trusted eateries during rest stops for a safe experience.

• Book bus and train tickets a few days ahead, especially during festivals or holidays, as seats fill quickly and last-minute availability is limited.

• Use local transport options like shared autos and cycle rickshaws for short distances in Imphal, which are affordable and convenient.

• Pack light luggage with easy-to-carry bags, as some buses and trains have limited space and you may need to carry bags on foot at stations.

• During monsoon, check weather updates and road conditions before traveling by road, as landslides and floods can cause delays or detours.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Guwahati to Imphal is during the dry months from October to April when roads are clear and weather is pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season due to heavy rains and possible landslides.

Winter mornings can be foggy, especially in January and February, which may delay flights and road travel, so plan accordingly for early departures.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali when transport is crowded and prices rise.

• Monsoon months (June to September) bring heavy rainfall causing slippery roads and occasional landslides on NH 37 and NH 2.

• Early morning departures are best to avoid fog-related delays and heavy traffic in Guwahati city.

• Evening travel is common for buses and flights but can be affected by weather, so keep alternative plans ready.

Arrival at Imphal & What to Expect

Upon arrival in Imphal, you will find several transport options to reach your accommodation or explore the city. The city is compact, and local travel is convenient.

Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate from the airport and bus terminals, offering safe and fixed-price rides to major hotels and tourist spots. Shared autos and cycle rickshaws are common for short distances within the city.

Popular areas to stay include Khwairamband Bazaar, near the city center, and around the Imphal airport road, both offering a range of hotels and guesthouses. Expect moderate traffic and friendly locals, with clear signboards in English and Manipuri.

Conclusion

Traveling from Guwahati to Imphal is manageable with multiple options tailored to different budgets and preferences. Flights offer the quickest and most comfortable journey, while buses and self-drive provide scenic and economical alternatives. Train travel is possible up to Dimapur, combined with road transport to Imphal.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for local transport will ensure a smooth trip. With this guide, you can confidently plan your journey and enjoy the rich culture and natural beauty of Manipur starting from Guwahati.