Meghalaya is a beautiful state in Northeast India known for its hills, waterfalls, and unique culture. Kochi, located in Kerala in South India, is a major port city and commercial hub. Traveling from Kochi to Meghalaya is a popular route for those seeking to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of India.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Kochi to Meghalaya. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival in Meghalaya.

Getting from Kochi to Meghalaya – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a cost-effective and scenic way to cover most of the distance between Kochi and Meghalaya. However, there is no direct train to Meghalaya, so you will need to combine train and road travel.

• You can board trains from Ernakulam Junction or Ernakulam Town stations in Kochi to Guwahati, Assam, which is the nearest major railhead to Meghalaya. The journey covers around 3500 km and takes approximately 48 to 54 hours, depending on the train.

• Popular trains on this route include the Guwahati Express and the Kamakhya Express, which run several times a week. Booking tickets through IRCTC well in advance is recommended due to high demand.

• Train fares range from INR 800 for sleeper class to INR 2500 for AC 3-tier. Trains offer basic catering, but carrying your own food is advisable for comfort during the long journey.

• From Guwahati Railway Station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Shillong, Meghalaya’s capital, which is about 100 km and takes 3 to 4 hours by road. Roads can be narrow and winding, so plan accordingly.

• During monsoon season (June to September), train delays are common due to landslides and track maintenance in Northeast India. Winter fog in December and January may also cause minor delays.

Bus

Bus travel is an option mainly for the last leg of the journey from Guwahati to Meghalaya. Direct buses from Kochi to Meghalaya are not available due to the long distance and multiple state borders.

• From Kochi, you can take a bus or taxi to Bangalore or Kolkata and then board a long-distance bus to Guwahati. This multi-stage bus travel is time-consuming and less comfortable for most travelers.

• Once in Guwahati, Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) and private operators run frequent buses to Shillong and other towns in Meghalaya. These buses leave from Paltan Bazaar Bus Station in Guwahati.

• Bus fares from Guwahati to Shillong range from INR 100 to INR 300 depending on the type of bus (ordinary or Volvo). The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours on National Highway 40.

• During festivals or holidays, buses can be crowded and tickets sell out quickly. Booking early or arriving at the bus station early is advisable.

• Road conditions can be affected by monsoon rains causing landslides and delays, so check weather updates before traveling.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kochi to Meghalaya is a long but adventurous option. The route covers approximately 3500 km and passes through multiple states with varied road conditions.

• The most common route is via NH44 from Kochi to Bangalore, then NH27 through Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Assam to Meghalaya. This route takes around 60 to 70 hours of driving time without long breaks.

• Driving gives you flexibility to stop at major cities like Bangalore, Kolkata, and Guwahati for rest and sightseeing. Toll plazas are frequent on national highways, so keep cash or FASTag ready.

• Fuel stations are available along the route, but some stretches in Northeast India have fewer options, so plan refueling carefully.

• Roads in Meghalaya are hilly and narrow, especially near Shillong and Cherrapunji. Driving here requires caution and local knowledge.

• Monsoon season causes slippery roads and occasional landslides, so avoid driving during heavy rains. Winter fog in the Northeast can reduce visibility early mornings and evenings.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Meghalaya from Kochi. However, Meghalaya does not have a major airport, so you will fly to nearby Guwahati and continue by road.

• Cochin International Airport (COK) offers connecting flights to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati. There are no direct flights, so most routes connect via Delhi, Kolkata, or Bangalore.

• Flight duration including layovers ranges from 6 to 12 hours depending on the connection. Airfares vary from INR 4000 to INR 9000 one way, depending on the season and booking time.

• From Guwahati Airport, you can hire a prepaid taxi or take a shared cab to Shillong. The road journey takes about 3 to 4 hours on NH40.

• Prepaid taxis are available outside the airport and cost around INR 1500 to INR 2000 to Shillong. Ola and Uber services are limited in Guwahati but may be available.

• Flights can be affected by fog and weather conditions in winter, so check flight status before departure.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Kochi to Meghalaya. It helps 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. Advance booking is essential during holidays and festivals.

• If traveling by train, plan to reach Guwahati Railway Station a day before you want to enter Meghalaya. This allows buffer time for any train delays and rest before the road journey.

• From Guwahati, book a reliable taxi or check bus schedules at Paltan Bazaar Bus Station to Shillong. Confirm timings and ticket availability a day in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank for long journeys. Meghalaya’s weather can be cool, so include warm clothes if traveling in winter.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or trusted cab apps in Guwahati to avoid overcharging. Always agree on the fare before starting the trip to Shillong.

• Keep your ID and travel documents handy, as some areas in Meghalaya may require permits for tourists. Check local requirements before traveling.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety: Avoid traveling alone at night on remote highways, especially in Northeast India. Use well-known taxi services and avoid unmarked vehicles.

• Food and Water: Carry bottled water and eat from clean, popular eateries. Street food in Guwahati and Shillong is tasty but choose busy stalls to avoid stomach issues.

• Booking Strategy: Use official websites like IRCTC for trains and airline portals for flights. For buses in Meghalaya, buy tickets at official counters or trusted agents.

• Local Transport: In Shillong, use shared taxis or local buses for short distances. Auto-rickshaws are limited, so plan accordingly.

• Luggage: Pack light and use sturdy bags. Roads in Meghalaya can be bumpy, so secure your luggage well in taxis or buses.

• Seasonal Warnings: Avoid traveling during heavy monsoon months (June to September) due to landslides and roadblocks in Meghalaya and Northeast India.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kochi to Meghalaya is during the dry months from October to May. This period offers pleasant weather and safer road conditions.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains, landslides, and travel delays, especially in Meghalaya’s hilly terrain. Winter mornings can be foggy in Northeast India, affecting flights and trains.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja in Kolkata or Bihu in Assam, as transport services become crowded and expensive.

• Summer months (April to June) can be warm in Kochi but pleasant in Meghalaya, making it a good time for sightseeing.

• Early morning departures from Kochi help avoid city traffic and make connecting flights or trains on time.

• Plan road travel in Meghalaya during daylight hours to navigate hilly roads safely and enjoy scenic views.

Arrival at Meghalaya & What to Expect

When you arrive in Meghalaya, most travelers reach Shillong, the capital city. Shillong has a small but busy bus stand and taxi stands near the city center and police bazaar area.

You can find prepaid taxis and shared cabs easily, but it is best to agree on fares before starting your journey. Local buses are available but may be crowded and less frequent. Popular areas to stay include Police Bazaar, Laitumkhrah, and Bara Bazar, which have good hotels and eateries.

Conclusion

Traveling from Kochi to Meghalaya involves covering a long distance with multiple transport options. Flying to Guwahati and then taking a taxi or bus to Shillong is the fastest and most convenient method for most travelers. Train travel offers a budget-friendly but longer alternative with scenic views.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and understanding local transport options will make your journey smoother. With proper preparation, you can confidently explore the beautiful hills and culture of Meghalaya starting from Kochi.