Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, is nestled in the hills of Northeast India. Guwahati, Assam’s largest city, serves as a major gateway to the region. Traveling between these two places is common for tourists and locals alike, connecting the plains to the scenic hills.

This guide will help you understand the main transport options from Guwahati to Kohima. You will learn about trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Guwahati to Kohima – Main Options

Train

Train travel between Guwahati and Kohima is limited due to the hilly terrain near Nagaland. However, you can use trains for part of the journey and then switch to road transport. This option suits travelers who prefer rail comfort for the plains section.

• The nearest major railway station to Kohima is Dimapur, about 75 km away, connected to Guwahati by regular trains taking around 6 to 8 hours depending on the service.

• From Guwahati Railway Station, trains to Dimapur run daily, with fares ranging from ₹200 to ₹600 for sleeper and second class, offering affordable travel.

• After reaching Dimapur, you need to hire a taxi or take a bus for the 2 to 3-hour road journey to Kohima, which involves winding hill roads and tolls.

• Train services can be affected during monsoon months (June to September) due to landslides or track maintenance, so check IRCTC updates before booking.

• Booking tickets via IRCTC or authorized agents is recommended, especially during festivals like Hornbill Festival when demand rises sharply.

Bus

Buses are a popular choice for direct travel from Guwahati to Kohima. They offer a balance of cost and convenience, with several daily departures. This mode suits budget travelers comfortable with long road journeys.

• Buses depart from Guwahati’s Paltan Bazaar Bus Station and reach Kohima via National Highway 27 and NH 29, covering approximately 350 km in 9 to 11 hours.

• State-run buses like Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and Nagaland State Transport operate regular services, with fares between ₹400 and ₹700 depending on the bus type.

• Volvo and deluxe buses are available but less frequent; ordinary buses are more common and often crowded during peak seasons.

• Road conditions can be challenging during the monsoon, with occasional delays due to landslides, so plan extra travel time in June to September.

• Food stalls and rest stops are available along NH 27 and NH 29, but it is advisable to carry water and snacks for comfort on this long journey.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Guwahati to Kohima offers flexibility and the chance to explore scenic routes at your own pace. This option is ideal for travelers comfortable with Indian hill driving conditions and toll payments.

• The drive covers about 350 km via NH 27 and NH 29, taking roughly 8 to 10 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• You will pass through towns like Nagaon, Golaghat, and Dimapur before ascending to Kohima, with several toll plazas on the highways requiring cash or FASTag payments.

• Roads are mostly two-lane highways with some winding sections near Kohima; drive cautiously, especially during night or monsoon seasons.

• Fuel stations and eateries are available at regular intervals on the plains but become sparse near the hills, so plan refueling and breaks accordingly.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Guwahati, with options for SUVs recommended for hill roads; ensure your vehicle is well-maintained for the journey.

Flight

There is no direct flight between Guwahati and Kohima as Kohima does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Dimapur Airport, which connects to Guwahati by road.

• Flights from Guwahati to Dimapur take around 30 to 45 minutes, operated by regional airlines with daily services.

• From Dimapur Airport, Kohima is approximately 75 km away, reachable by taxi or bus in 2 to 3 hours on hilly roads.

• Flight fares typically range from ₹1500 to ₹3000 one way, depending on booking time and airline.

• Booking flights early is advised, especially during festival seasons or holidays when seats fill quickly.

• Dimapur Airport has limited facilities; pre-booked taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are recommended for onward travel to Kohima.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Guwahati to Kohima, helping you prepare and execute your journey smoothly.

• Step 1: Decide your preferred transport mode based on budget, comfort, and time. For example, choose train plus taxi for a mix of comfort and cost, or bus for direct road travel.

• Step 2: Book tickets in advance using IRCTC for trains, official bus websites or counters for buses, or airline portals for flights. Early booking avoids last-minute hassles.

• Step 3: Pack light but include essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank. Hill roads can be bumpy, so secure your luggage well in vehicles or buses.

• Step 4: Arrive at your departure point early—Guwahati Railway Station, Paltan Bazaar Bus Station, or airport—to avoid rush and confirm your seat or boarding.

• Step 5: During the journey, keep your phone charged and carry offline maps or GPS. Inform family or friends about your travel plan for safety.

• Step 6: On arrival in Kohima or Dimapur, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs to reach your accommodation safely and avoid overcharging.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety: Avoid traveling alone at night on hill roads; use trusted transport and keep emergency contacts handy, including local police and hotel numbers.

• Food and Water: Carry bottled water and light snacks, especially on bus or car journeys, as clean food options may be limited on highways and remote areas.

• Booking Strategy: Use official websites or apps like IRCTC, ASTC, and airline portals for reliable bookings; avoid touts or unverified agents to prevent scams.

• Local Transport: In Kohima, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs for safe and fair local travel; negotiate fares in advance if using private taxis.

• Luggage: Pack light and secure your bags with locks; keep valuables and important documents in a carry bag during transit for easy access.

• Seasonal Warnings: Monsoon months bring landslides and roadblocks; check weather and road conditions before traveling and carry rain gear.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Guwahati to Kohima is during the dry months from October to April. Weather is pleasant, and roads are safer for hill travel. Avoid monsoon months due to heavy rain and landslide risks.

Winter mornings can be foggy in Assam and Nagaland, causing delays especially for trains and flights. Plan departures after 9 AM for better visibility and smoother travel.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja in Guwahati or Hornbill Festival in Kohima unless you want to experience crowds and higher fares.

• Monsoon season (June to September) often causes landslides and road closures on NH 29, leading to unpredictable delays.

• Early morning departures from Guwahati help avoid city traffic and ensure timely arrival at stations or airports.

• Winter fog in December and January can delay trains and flights; keep flexible schedules during this period.

Arrival at Kohima & What to Expect

When you arrive in Kohima, whether by taxi from Dimapur or bus, you will find a small but bustling hill town with narrow roads and scenic views. The main bus stand and taxi points are near the city center.

Local transport includes shared taxis, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs, though the latter may be limited. Most travelers stay near the city center areas like Aradura or near the Kohima War Cemetery for convenience.

Prepaid taxis are recommended for safe travel from bus stands or Dimapur Airport. Walking is common within the town, but be prepared for uphill climbs and uneven pavements.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kohima from Guwahati depends on your priorities. For comfort and speed, flying to Dimapur followed by a taxi is best. Budget travelers may prefer direct buses or train plus road transport. Driving yourself offers flexibility but requires caution on hill roads.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather and road conditions, and preparing for hill travel challenges. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a smooth and scenic journey from the plains of Guwahati to the hills of Kohima confidently.