Kaziranga National Park is located in Assam, famous for its one-horned rhinoceros and rich wildlife. Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, lies to the south of Kaziranga and is a popular starting point for travelers heading to this UNESCO World Heritage site.

This route is commonly traveled by nature lovers and tourists wanting to explore the wildlife sanctuary. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Shillong to Kaziranga, including trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with useful tips for a smooth journey.

Getting from Shillong to Kaziranga – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a good option if you prefer a relaxed journey and want to experience local rail routes. However, Shillong does not have a direct railway station, so you will need to connect via nearby stations.

• The nearest major railway station to Shillong is Guwahati, about 100 km away, connected by regular buses and taxis; from Guwahati, you can catch trains to Furkating or Jagiroad, which are close to Kaziranga.

• Train travel from Guwahati to Furkating or Jagiroad takes around 2 to 3 hours, with fares ranging from ₹100 to ₹300 depending on the class, offering a comfortable and scenic ride.

• Trains are frequent but can get crowded during festivals and holidays, so booking tickets in advance via IRCTC is advisable to secure your seat and avoid last-minute hassles.

• From Furkating or Jagiroad railway stations, you will need to hire a taxi or take local transport to reach Kaziranga, which is about 30 to 40 km away, taking roughly 1 to 1.5 hours.

• Train travel is less affected by monsoon delays compared to road travel, but fog in winter mornings can cause minor delays on some routes.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to travel between Shillong and Kaziranga, especially for budget travelers. The journey offers a chance to see the scenic hills and plains of Northeast India.

• Direct buses from Shillong to Kaziranga are limited; most travelers take buses from Shillong to Guwahati first, which takes around 3 to 4 hours via NH6 and NH27, costing ₹150 to ₹300.

• From Guwahati, Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and private buses run frequently to Kaziranga or nearby towns like Bokakhat and Jorhat, taking 3 to 4 hours and costing ₹100 to ₹250.

• Buses can be crowded during weekends and festival seasons, so arriving early at Shillong’s main bus stand or booking tickets in advance is recommended to get a seat.

• Road conditions vary, with some stretches on NH37 near Kaziranga being well maintained, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery roads.

• Bus stops along the route offer basic food stalls and restrooms, but it is wise to carry water and snacks for the journey, especially during longer waits.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Shillong to Kaziranga is a flexible and comfortable option, ideal if you want to explore at your own pace and stop at interesting places en route.

• The distance between Shillong and Kaziranga is approximately 180 to 200 km, taking around 5 to 6 hours by car via NH6 and NH37, depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Hiring a private taxi or self-driving allows you to stop at scenic spots like Nameri National Park or tea gardens along the way, enhancing your travel experience.

• Fuel stations are available along the highways, but some stretches have limited options, so it is best to fill up in Shillong or Guwahati before starting the journey.

• Toll plazas are present on NH37 near Kaziranga; toll charges are moderate and can be paid in cash or digital wallets like Paytm or Google Pay.

• During monsoon, some roads may be slippery or waterlogged, so check weather updates and avoid night driving for safety.

Flight

While there is no airport in Kaziranga, flying is an option to cover part of the journey quickly by air to Guwahati, followed by road travel to Kaziranga.

• Shillong has a small airport with limited flights; the nearest major airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, about 100 km from Shillong.

• Flights from Shillong to Guwahati take about 30 to 40 minutes, but schedules are limited, so check availability and book early via airline websites or apps.

• From Guwahati airport, you can hire prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber to Kaziranga, which takes around 4 to 5 hours by road, costing ₹1500 to ₹2500.

• Flying saves time on the Shillong-Guwahati leg but adds cost and requires coordinating connecting road transport to Kaziranga.

• Weather conditions like fog in winter mornings may delay flights, so plan buffer time if you have tight schedules.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Shillong to Kaziranga, helping you organize your trip smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Start by booking your train or bus tickets early through IRCTC or state transport websites to secure seats, especially during peak seasons or holidays.

• Arrange local transport from Shillong to Guwahati if traveling by train or bus, as Shillong lacks a direct railway connection; shared taxis or buses are frequent and affordable.

• From Guwahati, choose your onward transport to Kaziranga—train, bus, or taxi—based on your comfort and budget preferences, and confirm timings a day before travel.

• If self-driving, plan your route via NH6 and NH37, check vehicle condition, and carry a physical map or GPS device, as mobile signals can be weak in some areas.

• Pack essentials like water, snacks, and light rain gear, especially during monsoon, and keep emergency contacts handy, including local taxi numbers and park authorities.

• Upon arrival near Kaziranga, book a local jeep safari through authorized operators to explore the park safely and enjoy wildlife sightings with expert guides.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber in Guwahati and Shillong to avoid overcharging and ensure safety during transfers.

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water during the journey; buy food from clean, well-reviewed stalls or restaurants to prevent stomach issues.

• Book tickets online well in advance during festivals like Bihu or Shillong Autumn Festival, when travel demand spikes and services get crowded.

• Use local shared taxis or auto-rickshaws for last-mile connectivity in Shillong and Kaziranga; negotiate fares beforehand or insist on meter usage.

• Pack light but include rain protection and comfortable walking shoes, as Kaziranga involves jeep safaris on uneven terrain and possible wet conditions.

• During monsoon (June to September), check weather and road conditions daily; landslides and flooding can disrupt travel, so have flexible plans.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Shillong to Kaziranga is between November and April, when the weather is pleasant and the park is open for safaris. Monsoon months can cause delays and road issues.

Winter mornings may have fog affecting visibility and transport schedules, so plan departures after sunrise for safer travel. Avoid major festivals if you prefer less crowded transport and accommodation.

• Avoid traveling during the Bihu festival in Assam (April) and Shillong Autumn Festival (October) if you want less crowded buses and trains.

• Monsoon rains from June to September can cause slippery roads and occasional landslides on NH6 and NH37, leading to delays and cancellations.

• Early morning departures after 7 AM help avoid fog-related delays and heavy traffic in Shillong and Guwahati.

• Winter months (December to February) are cool but can have dense fog in the Brahmaputra valley, so allow extra travel time for trains and flights.

Arrival at Kaziranga & What to Expect

When you arrive near Kaziranga, you will likely reach towns like Bokakhat or Kohora, which serve as gateways to the park. These towns have basic facilities and are well connected by road.

Local transport includes shared jeeps and private taxis that can take you to park entrances and your accommodation. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are rare here, so negotiating fares in advance is important. Popular areas to stay include Kaziranga National Park’s central zone near Kohora and Bokakhat town, offering lodges and resorts catering to tourists.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kaziranga from Shillong depends on your priorities. If you want comfort and speed, flying to Guwahati followed by a taxi is best. For budget travelers, buses and trains offer economical options but require transfers. Self-driving provides flexibility and the chance to explore the scenic Northeast at your own pace.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport in advance. With careful preparation, you can enjoy a smooth journey from Shillong to Kaziranga and experience one of India’s most famous wildlife destinations confidently and comfortably.