Kaziranga National Park is located in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, famous for its one-horned rhinoceroses and rich wildlife. Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, lies about 180 kilometers south of Kaziranga and serves as a popular starting point for travelers visiting the park.

This route is commonly traveled by nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts who want to explore the park’s unique biodiversity. In this guide, you will learn the main transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival at Kaziranga National Park from Shillong.

Getting from Shillong to Kaziranga National Park – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a good option if you want a comfortable and scenic journey, though there is no direct train from Shillong. You will need to combine train and road travel to reach Kaziranga.

• The nearest major railway station to Shillong is Guwahati Railway Station, about 100 km away, connected by regular buses and taxis from Shillong; trains from Guwahati to Furkating or Dimapur are available for onward travel.

• From Guwahati, you can take a train to Furkating Railway Station, which is approximately 90 km from Kaziranga; this route takes around 2 to 3 hours by train and is served by several passenger and express trains daily.

• After reaching Furkating, you will need to hire a taxi or take a bus to Kaziranga National Park, which is about 40 km away; the road journey takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Train fares between Guwahati and Furkating range from ₹100 to ₹400 depending on class; book tickets via IRCTC in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Train travel is comfortable and less affected by monsoon road conditions, but the combined journey requires careful planning to sync train and road connections efficiently.

Bus

Buses are a popular and affordable way to travel from Shillong to Kaziranga, though the journey can be long and sometimes crowded. Several government and private operators run services on this route.

• Direct buses from Shillong to Kaziranga are limited; most travelers take a bus to Guwahati first, which takes about 3 to 4 hours via NH6 and NH27, covering roughly 100 km.

• From Guwahati, Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and private buses run frequently to Bokakhat or Kohora, towns near Kaziranga, with travel times of 4 to 5 hours covering about 180 km.

• Bus fares from Shillong to Guwahati range from ₹150 to ₹300, while Guwahati to Kaziranga buses cost around ₹200 to ₹400; buses vary from ordinary to deluxe, with deluxe buses offering more comfort and fewer stops.

• During peak tourist seasons and festivals, buses can be crowded and tickets may sell out early; it is advisable to book tickets a day in advance or arrive early at bus stands.

• Road conditions can be affected by monsoon rains, causing delays; buses usually stop at roadside dhabas for meals and rest breaks, providing an opportunity to try local Assamese cuisine.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Shillong to Kaziranga is a flexible and comfortable option, ideal for travelers who want to explore at their own pace and enjoy scenic views along the way.

• The distance by road is approximately 180 to 200 km via NH6 and NH27, with a typical drive time of 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• You can rent a self-drive car in Shillong or hire a private taxi for a round trip; car rental prices start around ₹2000 per day, while taxi fares for a one-way trip range from ₹3500 to ₹5000.

• The route passes through towns like Jorabat and Guwahati, where you can stop for refreshments or refuel; several toll plazas on NH27 require payment, so keep cash handy for tolls.

• Driving yourself allows stops at local attractions like Kaziranga’s nearby tea gardens and scenic spots; however, be prepared for narrow and winding roads in some stretches, especially near Shillong.

• During monsoon season, some roads may be slippery or under repair, so check weather and road updates before starting your journey to ensure safety.

Flight

There is no direct flight between Shillong and Kaziranga National Park, but flying can be part of your journey if you prefer faster travel combined with road transport.

• The nearest airport to Kaziranga is Jorhat Airport, about 97 km from the park, with flights connecting to Guwahati and Kolkata; Shillong’s Umroi Airport has limited flights mainly to Guwahati and Kolkata.

• You can take a short flight from Shillong to Guwahati (around 30 minutes), then either hire a taxi or take a bus to Kaziranga, which is about 220 km from Guwahati by road.

• Flight fares between Shillong and Guwahati typically range from ₹1500 to ₹3000 depending on the airline and booking time; booking early can secure better prices.

• From Guwahati Airport, taxis and buses are available to Kaziranga; the road journey takes about 4 to 5 hours, so plan accordingly to avoid late arrivals.

• Flights are best during dry seasons; fog in winter mornings can cause delays or cancellations, so keep alternative travel plans ready.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Shillong to Kaziranga National Park. It helps you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Start by booking your preferred mode of transport in advance, especially train or bus tickets via IRCTC or state transport websites, to secure seats during busy periods.

• If traveling by train, take a taxi or bus from Shillong to Guwahati Railway Station early in the morning to catch a connecting train to Furkating or Dimapur without rush.

• Upon arrival at Furkating, pre-book a taxi or check bus timings to Kaziranga to avoid waiting long hours; local taxi drivers often wait near the station for passengers.

• If you choose to drive, plan your route using GPS apps and check for toll plazas; start early to avoid heavy traffic near Guwahati and reach Kaziranga before dusk.

• Carry sufficient water, snacks, and cash for tolls and small purchases, as some stretches have limited food options and no ATMs.

• Once near Kaziranga, confirm your accommodation booking and arrange for local transport or park guides to maximize your wildlife viewing experience.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a copy of your ID and booking confirmations, as police and park authorities may check documents during travel and entry.

• Drink only bottled water and eat at reputable dhabas or restaurants to avoid stomach issues common in rural travel areas.

• Book tickets and accommodations well in advance during peak seasons like winter and festivals to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Guwahati for safer and transparent fares; avoid unlicensed taxis especially late at night.

• Pack light but bring essentials like raincoats and sturdy shoes, as weather can change quickly and wildlife safaris require comfortable footwear.

• During monsoon, check weather forecasts and road conditions daily; landslides or floods can disrupt travel, so have flexible plans and emergency contacts ready.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Shillong to Kaziranga National Park is during the dry winter months from November to April when roads are clear and wildlife sightings are frequent. Summers can be hot, and monsoon rains may cause travel delays.

Seasonal festivals and holidays in Assam and Meghalaya can increase traffic on roads and trains, so plan your trip to avoid these peak times for a more comfortable journey.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (June to September) as heavy rains can cause roadblocks and slippery conditions on NH routes.

• Winter mornings often have fog, especially near Guwahati and Shillong, which can delay flights and trains; mid-morning departures are safer.

• Peak tourist season is December to February; book transport and accommodation early to avoid full bookings and higher prices.

• Early morning departures from Shillong help you avoid city traffic and reach Kaziranga with enough daylight for check-in and safari bookings.

Arrival at Kaziranga National Park & What to Expect

When you arrive at Kaziranga National Park, you will likely enter through one of the main gates such as the Kohora or Bagori gates, depending on your accommodation location. The park is well connected by local taxis and shared jeeps for safaris.

Most visitors stay in nearby towns like Bokakhat or Kohora, where you will find a range of lodges, resorts, and guesthouses. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are rare here, so arrange transport through your hotel or trusted local operators.

At the park entrance, expect to pay entry fees and safari charges; guides and jeep rentals can be booked on-site or through your accommodation. Carry cash as card payments may not be accepted.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kaziranga National Park from Shillong depends on your priorities. If comfort and speed matter, combining a taxi or bus to Guwahati with a train or bus onward is practical. For flexibility, self-driving offers the best experience but requires careful planning.

Remember to book your tickets and accommodation early, especially during peak seasons, and prepare for changing weather conditions. With proper planning and local knowledge, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable journey to one of India’s most famous wildlife destinations.