Kaziranga National Park is located in the northeastern state of Assam, India. It is famous for its one-horned rhinoceros and rich biodiversity. Many travelers visit Kaziranga to experience its wildlife and natural beauty.

This guide explains the main ways to reach Kaziranga National Park from major cities and nearby hubs. You will learn about trains, buses, car travel, and flights, along with practical tips to plan your journey smoothly.

Getting from Major Cities to Kaziranga National Park – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and affordable option to reach Kaziranga. The nearest railway stations connect well with major cities like Guwahati and Jorhat.

• The closest railway stations to Kaziranga are Furkating and Golaghat, located about 30 to 40 km away, with regular trains from Guwahati and other northeast cities.

• From Guwahati Railway Station, you can take trains to Furkating or directly to Golaghat; the journey takes around 4 to 6 hours depending on the train service.

• Train fares range from ₹150 to ₹600 depending on class, with frequent options in sleeper and general compartments, though AC coaches are limited on some routes.

• Trains are generally reliable but can get crowded during festival seasons like Bihu or national holidays, so booking tickets early via IRCTC is recommended.

• After reaching the railway station, you will need to hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kaziranga, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours on NH37 and NH715 highways.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and economical way to reach Kaziranga from nearby cities. State-run and private buses operate regularly.

• Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) runs buses from Guwahati to Bokakhat and Kohora, the main entry points to Kaziranga, covering about 220 km in 5 to 6 hours.

• Private buses and shared taxis also operate on this route, often leaving early morning and late afternoon; fares range from ₹200 to ₹400 depending on the type of bus.

• Buses usually depart from Guwahati’s Paltan Bazaar or Fancy Bazar bus stands, which are well connected by local transport.

• During monsoon season, roads near Kaziranga can be slippery and prone to minor delays, so plan extra travel time during June to September.

• Rest stops along NH37 provide basic food and restroom facilities, but it is advisable to carry water and snacks for comfort.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Kaziranga offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you want to explore nearby attractions at your own pace.

• The main road route to Kaziranga is via National Highway 37 from Guwahati, covering approximately 220 km, which takes about 5 to 6 hours by car.

• Self-drive cars or taxis can be hired from Guwahati, with rental costs ranging from ₹2500 to ₹4000 per day depending on the vehicle type.

• Highways are mostly in good condition, but watch for toll plazas and occasional traffic near towns like Nagaon and Bokakhat.

• Driving during early morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid city traffic and enjoy cooler temperatures.

• Fuel stations are available en route, but it is best to fill up in Guwahati before starting the journey due to limited options near Kaziranga.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Kaziranga, especially for travelers coming from distant cities in India.

• The nearest airport is Jorhat Airport (Rowriah), about 97 km from Kaziranga, with daily flights from Guwahati and Kolkata operated by regional airlines.

• From Jorhat Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Kaziranga, which takes around 2 to 2.5 hours on NH715.

• Guwahati International Airport is about 217 km away and has more frequent flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

• From Guwahati Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kaziranga; taxis cost around ₹3000 to ₹4000, while buses are cheaper but slower.

• Booking flights early is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons from November to April, to secure better fares and seat availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Kaziranga National Park. It covers essential actions to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

• Book your train or flight tickets in advance using IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute hassles, especially during holidays and festivals.

• Plan your arrival time to Kaziranga during daylight hours to ensure easy navigation and check-in at your accommodation without difficulty.

• Arrange local transport from the railway station or airport beforehand, either by hotel pickup or trusted taxi services, to avoid waiting or overpaying.

• Carry sufficient water, snacks, and basic medicines as facilities inside Kaziranga can be limited, especially during long safari trips.

• Check weather forecasts and road conditions before departure, particularly during monsoon or winter fog seasons, to avoid delays or cancellations.

• Download offline maps or keep a local SIM card with data to help with navigation and communication in remote areas around Kaziranga.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber where available to avoid being overcharged by local drivers unfamiliar with Kaziranga routes.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water to prevent stomach issues, as tap water quality can be unreliable in rural Assam.

• Book your safari permits and accommodation well in advance through official channels or trusted travel agents to secure your preferred dates and avoid scams.

• Carry light luggage and pack comfortable clothes suitable for humid and sometimes wet conditions; waterproof shoes and insect repellent are recommended.

• Use local buses or shared jeeps for short trips within Kaziranga to save money, but confirm schedules as they may vary seasonally.

• Be cautious during monsoon season as some roads may flood or become muddy, making travel slower and more difficult.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Kaziranga National Park is from November to April when the weather is dry and wildlife sightings are easier. Monsoon season from June to September can cause road closures and limited access.

Winter mornings can be foggy, affecting visibility during safaris, so plan your trips accordingly. Summer months can be hot and humid but still manageable with proper hydration.

• Avoid traveling during Bihu festival and major holidays when transport and accommodations are heavily booked and crowded.

• Monsoon rains often cause waterlogging on NH37 and nearby roads, leading to delays or cancellations of safaris and bus services.

• Early morning departures are best to avoid city traffic in Guwahati and to reach Kaziranga with enough daylight for check-in and safari preparations.

• Late afternoon travel is less recommended due to fading light and increased chances of wildlife sightings being missed.

Arrival at Kaziranga National Park & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Kaziranga, you will find several entry points such as Kohora, Bagori, and Agoratoli, each with its own forest checkposts and safari booking counters. Most tourists stay in nearby towns like Bokakhat or along the park’s periphery.

Local transport options include prepaid taxis, shared jeeps, and cycle rickshaws for short distances. It is advisable to arrange your transfers through your hotel or authorized operators to avoid confusion. Many accommodations offer pickup services from railway stations or airports.

Conclusion

Traveling to Kaziranga National Park is best done by train or car for comfort and flexibility, while flights offer speed for distant travelers. Booking tickets and accommodations early is essential, especially during peak seasons.

With proper planning, you can enjoy a smooth journey to this iconic wildlife destination. Following the tips and steps outlined here will help you reach Kaziranga confidently and focus on experiencing its unique natural beauty.