Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a major cultural and commercial hub in eastern India. Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is known for its scenic hills and pleasant climate. Traveling from Kolkata to Shillong is popular for tourists and business travelers alike.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Kolkata to Shillong. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips and what to expect on arrival in Shillong.

Getting from Kolkata to Shillong – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a comfortable and economical choice for the first leg of the journey. However, there is no direct train to Shillong, so you will need to combine train and road travel.

• The nearest major railway station to Shillong is Guwahati Railway Station, about 100 km away. Trains from Kolkata to Guwahati take around 18 to 22 hours, covering approximately 1000 km.

• Popular trains include the Kamrup Express and Saraighat Express, departing from Howrah Station in Kolkata. Ticket prices range from INR 500 to INR 1500 depending on class.

• Trains run daily but can be crowded during festivals and holidays, so booking in advance via IRCTC is recommended to secure seats.

• After reaching Guwahati, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to Shillong, which takes about 3 hours on NH6 and NH40, covering hilly terrain with scenic views.

• Monsoon season may cause delays due to landslides or track maintenance, so check train status before travel.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to reach Shillong from Kolkata, suitable for budget travelers comfortable with long road journeys.

• Direct buses from Kolkata to Shillong depart from Esplanade Bus Terminal and take approximately 14 to 16 hours, covering around 600 km via NH12 and NH6.

• State-run buses like NBSTC and private operators run overnight Volvo and non-AC buses, with fares between INR 700 and INR 1200.

• Buses can be crowded during weekends and holidays, so booking tickets in advance through online portals or bus counters is advisable.

• The route includes several toll plazas and rest stops with basic food options, but carrying snacks and water is recommended for comfort.

• Road conditions are generally good except during heavy monsoon rains when landslides may cause delays.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to Shillong gives you flexibility to explore along the way and travel at your own pace. The route is scenic but involves hilly roads near Meghalaya.

• The distance by road is approximately 600 km, taking around 12 to 14 hours via NH12 and NH6, passing through Siliguri and Guwahati.

• The route includes toll plazas and several fuel stations. Plan stops at Siliguri or Guwahati for meals and rest.

• Driving through the hills near Shillong requires caution due to sharp bends and occasional fog, especially in early mornings or late evenings.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Kolkata with companies like Zoomcar or local agencies, with daily rates starting around INR 2500 plus fuel.

• Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained, carry necessary documents, and check weather forecasts to avoid monsoon-related roadblocks.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Shillong from Kolkata, suitable for travelers prioritizing time and comfort.

• Shillong has a small airport, Umroi Airport, with limited flights. Most travelers fly to Guwahati Airport, about 100 km from Shillong.

• Direct flights from Kolkata to Guwahati take about 1.5 hours, with airlines like IndiGo and AirAsia operating multiple daily flights.

• Flight fares range from INR 2000 to INR 5000 depending on booking time and season.

• From Guwahati Airport, you can hire prepaid taxis or use app-based cabs like Ola and Uber to reach Shillong in about 3 hours.

• Booking flights early, especially during peak tourist seasons, ensures better fares and seat availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Kolkata to Shillong to help you navigate the journey smoothly.

• Book your train or flight tickets in advance through IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute hassles and secure preferred timings.

• If traveling by train, reach Howrah Station early to find your platform easily and avoid confusion in the busy station environment.

• On arrival at Guwahati, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs to book your ride to Shillong safely and at fair rates.

• If taking a bus, arrive at Esplanade Bus Terminal early to confirm your bus and avoid overcrowding during peak hours.

• Carry sufficient water, snacks, and a power bank for long road journeys, especially if traveling by bus or car through hilly areas.

• Inform family or friends about your travel itinerary, especially when traveling by road through remote areas, for safety and communication.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying expensive items openly, especially in crowded stations and bus terminals.

• Drink only bottled water and eat at reputable eateries to avoid stomach issues during your journey.

• Book tickets online for trains and buses to avoid queues and ensure confirmed seats, especially during festivals and holidays.

• Use local transport options like shared taxis or auto-rickshaws for short distances in Shillong, and negotiate fares beforehand if meters are not used.

• Pack light but include rain gear during monsoon months, as sudden showers are common in this region.

• Carry a physical copy of your ID and travel tickets, as digital devices may run out of battery or face network issues in remote areas.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kolkata to Shillong is during the winter and spring months when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Monsoon season can cause delays and slippery roads.

Planning your journey outside major festivals and holidays will help you avoid crowded trains and buses, making your trip more comfortable.

• Avoid traveling during Durga Puja and Christmas holidays when transport services are heavily booked and crowded.

• Monsoon months from June to September bring heavy rains and possible landslides on hilly roads, causing delays and safety risks.

• Early morning departures are recommended to avoid city traffic in Kolkata and to reach Shillong before dusk, especially when driving.

• Winter months from November to February offer clear skies and comfortable temperatures, ideal for sightseeing upon arrival.

Arrival at Shillong & What to Expect

On arrival in Shillong, you will find a small but well-connected town with various local transport options. The main entry points are the Shillong Bus Stand and taxi drop-off points.

Local transport includes shared taxis, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs. Popular areas to stay are Police Bazaar, Laitumkhrah, and near Ward’s Lake, which offer easy access to markets and attractions.

Prepaid taxis are available at Guwahati Airport and major bus stands, but in Shillong, negotiating fares beforehand or using app-based cabs ensures fair pricing. Walking is also a good option in central areas due to the town’s compact size.

Conclusion

Traveling from Kolkata to Shillong offers several options depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Flying to Guwahati followed by a taxi ride is the fastest and most convenient method, while trains and buses provide economical alternatives with scenic road journeys.

Planning your trip with advance bookings, checking weather conditions, and preparing for hilly terrain will help you have a smooth and enjoyable journey. With this guide, you can confidently choose the best travel mode and navigate your way from Kolkata to Shillong with ease.