Meghalaya is a beautiful state in Northeast India known for its hills, waterfalls, and unique culture. Delhi, the capital city of India, is located in the northern part of the country. Many travelers from Delhi visit Meghalaya to explore Shillong, Cherrapunji, and other scenic spots.

This guide will help you understand the main ways to travel from Delhi to Meghalaya. You will learn about trains, buses, flights, and driving options, along with practical tips to plan your journey confidently.

Getting from Delhi to Meghalaya – Main Options

Train

Train travel is popular for budget travelers but requires multiple connections as Meghalaya has no direct railway station. The nearest major railway stations are Guwahati and Lumding.

• You can take a train from New Delhi Railway Station to Guwahati, which takes about 30 to 36 hours covering roughly 1900 km. Trains like the Rajdhani Express and North East Express are comfortable and run frequently.

• From Guwahati, you need to take a bus or taxi to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, which is about 100 km and takes 3 to 4 hours on National Highway 40.

• Train fares from Delhi to Guwahati range from ₹800 for sleeper class to ₹3000+ for AC classes, depending on the train and booking time on IRCTC.

• During monsoon, train delays can occur due to landslides in the Northeast, so plan extra buffer time if traveling between June and September.

• Booking tickets early on IRCTC is recommended as trains to Guwahati are popular, especially during festivals like Durga Puja and Bihu.

Bus

Buses offer a direct but long journey option. There are no direct buses from Delhi to Meghalaya, so you must break the journey at Guwahati or nearby cities.

• From Delhi, you can take a Volvo or deluxe bus to Guwahati, which takes around 36 to 40 hours covering about 2100 km, with fares between ₹1500 and ₹2500 depending on the operator.

• Once in Guwahati, Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) and private buses run regular services to Shillong and other towns, taking 3 to 4 hours.

• Bus travel can be tiring due to long hours and road conditions, especially during the monsoon when landslides may cause delays on NH routes.

• Booking bus tickets from Delhi to Guwahati is easier through online portals like RedBus or directly at major bus terminals like Kashmere Gate ISBT.

• Night buses are available but can be crowded during peak travel seasons such as summer holidays and winter festivals.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Meghalaya is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility. The distance is about 2200 km and takes roughly 40 to 45 hours of driving time.

• The most common route is via NH44 to Nagpur, then NH27 through Assam to Guwahati, and finally NH40 to Shillong. This route passes through multiple states with toll plazas and rest stops.

• Driving allows you to stop at interesting places like Nagpur, Guwahati, and Kaziranga National Park along the way, making the journey more enjoyable.

• Fuel costs will be significant, and tolls on national highways can add up, so budget accordingly. Ensure your vehicle is well-serviced for long-distance travel.

• Road conditions vary; highways are mostly good but expect narrow and winding roads near Meghalaya, especially during monsoon when landslides can occur.

• Plan overnight stays in safe towns such as Nagpur or Guwahati to avoid fatigue. Booking hotels in advance during peak seasons is advisable.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Meghalaya from Delhi. Shillong has an airport, but most flights connect through Guwahati.

• Direct flights from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport to Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport take about 2.5 to 3 hours with multiple airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara operating daily.

• From Guwahati airport, you can hire a prepaid taxi or take a shared cab to Shillong, which is about 100 km and takes 3 to 4 hours on NH40.

• Flight fares vary from ₹3000 to ₹7000 depending on the season and how early you book. Booking at least 3 weeks in advance can secure better prices.

• Shillong’s airport (Umroi Airport) has limited connectivity and flights are infrequent, so most travelers prefer flying to Guwahati and then road travel.

• During winter months, fog can cause flight delays in Delhi and Guwahati, so check flight status before departure.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Meghalaya to help you organize your trip smoothly and avoid common issues.

• Book your train or flight tickets early using IRCTC or airline websites to get confirmed seats and avoid last-minute price hikes, especially during festivals.

• If traveling by train, plan your arrival in Guwahati during daylight hours to easily find transport to Shillong and avoid night travel in unfamiliar areas.

• Reserve your bus or taxi from Guwahati to Shillong in advance if possible, as shared taxis fill up quickly during weekends and holidays.

• Pack light but include rain gear and warm clothes, as Meghalaya’s weather can be cool and wet even in summer.

• Use apps like Ola or Uber in Guwahati for local transport, but pre-book prepaid taxis for the Guwahati to Shillong route to avoid haggling and ensure safety.

• Keep local cash handy, as many small towns in Meghalaya have limited digital payment options and ATMs may be scarce.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water in Meghalaya to prevent stomach infections common among travelers unfamiliar with local water sources.

• Use official prepaid taxi counters at Guwahati airport and railway station to avoid overcharging by local drivers.

• Book accommodation in Shillong or Cherrapunji well in advance during peak tourist seasons like winter and the monsoon to secure good options.

• Be cautious when traveling by road during monsoon months (June to September) due to frequent landslides and slippery roads in Meghalaya’s hilly terrain.

• Keep your valuables secure and avoid traveling alone late at night in remote areas; local markets and public places are generally safe during the day.

• Use IRCTC’s Tatkal scheme if you need last-minute train tickets, but book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

Meghalaya’s weather and travel conditions vary greatly with the seasons. The best time to visit is during the cooler months when roads are safer and sightseeing is pleasant.

Monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, which can cause roadblocks and landslides, making travel difficult. Winter months are cool and dry but early morning fog can delay flights and trains.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali when trains and flights are crowded and prices surge.

• Monsoon (June to September) can cause landslides on NH40 and other roads leading to Meghalaya, so check weather and road conditions before starting your journey.

• Early morning departures from Delhi are best to avoid city traffic and catch connecting transport comfortably.

• Winter months (November to February) have clearer skies but prepare for fog delays in Delhi and Guwahati airports.

Arrival at Meghalaya & What to Expect

When you arrive in Meghalaya, most travelers reach Shillong, the state capital, which is well connected by road from Guwahati. Shillong’s taxi stands and bus terminals are close to the city center.

Local transport options include shared taxis, private cabs, and buses. Ola and Uber services are limited, so prepaid taxis or local taxis are preferred. Popular stay areas include Police Bazaar and Laitumkhrah, which have many hotels and guesthouses.

Conclusion

Flying to Guwahati and then taking a taxi or bus to Shillong is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Meghalaya from Delhi. Train travel is economical but requires multiple connections and longer travel time. Driving is adventurous but needs careful planning and rest stops.

Booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and planning your last-mile transport will help you have a smooth journey. With these tips, you can confidently plan your trip from Delhi to Meghalaya and enjoy the scenic beauty and culture of this unique Northeastern state.