Kohima is the capital city of Nagaland, located in the northeastern part of India. It is known for its rich culture, scenic hills, and historical significance. Delhi, the national capital, serves as a major gateway for travelers heading to Kohima.

This route is commonly traveled by tourists and locals alike who want to explore Nagaland’s unique heritage. In this guide, you will learn the best ways to travel from Delhi to Kohima, including train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical tips for a hassle-free journey.

Getting from Delhi to Kohima – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular option for those who want a budget-friendly and scenic route. However, there is no direct train to Kohima, so you must combine train and road travel.

• You can take a train from New Delhi Railway Station to Guwahati or Dimapur, which are the nearest major railway stations to Kohima. The journey typically takes 30 to 40 hours depending on the train chosen.

• Trains like the Rajdhani Express and other long-distance trains connect Delhi to Guwahati with fares ranging from INR 800 to INR 2500 in sleeper and AC classes. Booking via IRCTC is recommended for confirmed seats.

• From Dimapur or Guwahati, you need to hire a taxi or take a bus to Kohima, which is about 75 km from Dimapur and 280 km from Guwahati. The road journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours from Dimapur.

• Train travel is comfortable but can be crowded during festivals and holidays like Diwali or New Year, so book tickets well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Be prepared for delays during the monsoon season due to landslides in the Northeast, and carry snacks and water for the long journey.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and economical way to reach Kohima from nearby hubs but there are no direct buses from Delhi to Kohima. You must combine bus and train or flight travel.

• From Delhi, take a bus or train to Guwahati or Dimapur first, as these are the main transit points to Nagaland. Buses from Delhi to Guwahati take around 48 to 54 hours and cost INR 1500 to INR 2500.

• From Dimapur or Guwahati, regular state-run and private buses operate to Kohima. The bus journey from Dimapur to Kohima takes about 3 hours and costs INR 100 to INR 200.

• Buses in Nagaland are often basic but frequent, especially from Dimapur to Kohima. They run from early morning till evening, so plan accordingly to avoid late arrivals.

• During peak tourist seasons and festivals like Hornbill Festival in December, buses can get crowded, so arrive early at the bus stand or book seats in advance where possible.

• Road conditions on NH29 between Dimapur and Kohima are generally good but can be slippery during monsoon, so travel with caution and check weather updates.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Kohima is an adventurous option for travelers who enjoy road trips and want flexibility. The distance is long and requires planning.

• The road distance from Delhi to Kohima is approximately 2,500 km via NH44 and NH29, taking around 45 to 50 hours of driving time, spread over multiple days.

• The route passes through states like Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and finally Nagaland, offering diverse landscapes and cultural experiences.

• Major toll plazas are present on NH44 and NH29, so keep cash ready for toll payments. Fuel stations are available regularly on the highways but less frequent in hilly areas near Kohima.

• Plan overnight stops in cities like Lucknow, Patna, and Guwahati for rest and meals. Popular rest stops have dhabas and restaurants serving local and North Indian cuisine.

• Driving in Nagaland requires extra caution due to hilly terrain, narrow roads, and occasional landslides during monsoon. Avoid night driving in the hills for safety.

• Ensure your vehicle documents and permits are in order, as some areas in the Northeast may require special permits for private vehicles.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Kohima from Delhi, especially for those with limited time. However, Kohima does not have its own airport.

• You can fly from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi to Dimapur Airport (DMU), the nearest airport to Kohima. The flight duration is about 3.5 to 4 hours with direct flights operated by airlines like IndiGo and Air India.

• Flight fares range from INR 3500 to INR 7000 one way, depending on the season and how early you book. Booking tickets 3 to 4 weeks in advance can help secure better prices.

• From Dimapur Airport, you can hire a prepaid taxi or take a shared cab to Kohima, which is around 75 km away and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours by road.

• Dimapur Airport is small but has basic facilities including taxis and car rentals. It is advisable to pre-book your taxi or use app-based cabs like Ola or Uber where available.

• Flights can be affected by weather conditions such as fog in winter or heavy rains during monsoon, so keep some buffer time in your itinerary.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Kohima. It will help you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to get confirmed seats and better prices. This reduces last-minute stress and ensures availability.

• If traveling by train, choose a train to Guwahati or Dimapur that arrives during daylight hours for safer and easier onward travel to Kohima.

• Arrange your road transport from Guwahati or Dimapur to Kohima in advance, either by prepaid taxi or reliable bus services. This helps avoid waiting times and overcharging.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit, especially if you plan to travel by road through hilly areas where shops may be sparse.

• Check weather forecasts before departure to prepare for seasonal challenges such as fog or rain, which can affect road and air travel.

• Use mobile apps like Ola, Uber, or local taxi services to book cabs in Dimapur and Kohima for safer and transparent pricing during your arrival.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your valuables and travel documents secure, especially on crowded trains and buses. Use a money belt or hidden pouch to prevent theft.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey to avoid stomach issues. Carry a refillable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.

• Book tickets online well in advance during festival seasons like Hornbill Festival or Christmas, as transport services get fully booked quickly.

• Use local shared taxis or buses for short distances in Kohima to save money and experience local life, but confirm fares beforehand to avoid overcharging.

• Pack light, breathable clothes for the day and warm layers for the cooler evenings in Kohima, especially from October to February.

• During monsoon (June to September), expect road delays due to landslides or slippery roads. Carry rain gear and check local travel advisories before starting your trip.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Kohima is between October and April when the weather is pleasant and roads are safer. Avoid monsoon months due to heavy rains and landslides in the Northeast.

Winter months can be cold in Kohima, so pack accordingly. Summer in Delhi can be very hot, so plan your departure times to avoid midday heat.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals in Delhi like Diwali or Holi, as trains and flights are crowded and prices surge.

• Monsoon season brings heavy rainfall and fog, especially in Nagaland, causing flight delays and road closures.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help you avoid city traffic and reach transit points like Guwahati or Dimapur during daylight.

• Plan your return journey avoiding weekends and public holidays to get better availability and lower fares.

Arrival at Kohima & What to Expect

When you arrive in Kohima, you will likely come via Dimapur by road or air. The road journey from Dimapur to Kohima offers beautiful views of hills and valleys but can be winding and slow.

Kohima city has limited public transport, so prepaid taxis and shared cabs are the best options to reach your accommodation. Popular areas to stay include the city center near the Kohima Village and the Police Point area, which have good hotels and guesthouses.

Most taxis and cabs accept cash, so keep small denominations ready. App-based cabs are less common here, so rely on prepaid counters or trusted local operators.

At the Dimapur railway station or airport, look for official taxi counters to avoid scams. The journey to Kohima takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, so plan your arrival time accordingly.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kohima from Delhi is by flying to Dimapur and then taking a taxi or bus to Kohima. This saves time and offers a comfortable journey compared to long train or bus routes.

For budget travelers, combining train travel to Guwahati or Dimapur with road transport to Kohima is a practical option. Self-driving is best suited for experienced drivers who enjoy long road trips and have time to spare.

Remember to book tickets early, check weather conditions, and plan your last-mile transport in advance. With these tips, you can confidently plan your trip from Delhi to Kohima and enjoy the unique culture and natural beauty of Nagaland.