Meghalaya, located in the northeastern part of India, is known for its lush green hills and vibrant culture. Mumbai, on the west coast, is a major metropolitan city and a common starting point for travelers heading to Meghalaya.

This route is popular among tourists and nature lovers seeking to explore Meghalaya’s scenic beauty. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Meghalaya using different transport modes, along with practical tips for a smooth journey.

Getting from Mumbai to Meghalaya – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a budget-friendly option but requires multiple changes as there is no direct train to Meghalaya. It suits travelers who prefer scenic routes and have flexible schedules.

• You can board trains from Mumbai CST or LTT to Guwahati Railway Station, the nearest major railhead to Meghalaya, covering around 2,800 km in approximately 40-45 hours depending on the train chosen.

• Popular trains include the Guwahati Express and North East Express, with fares ranging from INR 800 to 2,500 for sleeper and AC classes; booking via IRCTC is recommended to secure seats in advance.

• From Guwahati, you need to take a taxi or bus to Shillong, Meghalaya’s capital, which is about 100 km and takes 3-4 hours on NH6 and NH40; roads are hilly and may be slow during monsoon.

• Train travel can be crowded during festivals and holidays, so plan ahead; also, carry water and snacks as pantry services may be limited on some trains.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and affordable way to reach Meghalaya from Guwahati, but there are no direct buses from Mumbai to Meghalaya. You must combine train or flight to Guwahati first.

• From Guwahati, state-run buses by Meghalaya Transport Corporation and private operators run regular services to Shillong and other towns, costing INR 150-300 and taking 3-4 hours.

• Buses depart from Paltan Bazaar Bus Station in Guwahati; frequency is good during the day but limited at night, so plan accordingly.

• From Mumbai, MSRTC buses connect to Guwahati only partially; it is better to use train or flight to Guwahati and then bus to Meghalaya.

• Bus roads are scenic but winding; avoid traveling during heavy monsoon rains due to landslide risks and delays.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Meghalaya is a long but adventurous option, suitable for travelers who enjoy road trips and want to explore offbeat places en route.

• The distance is about 3,000 km via NH44 and NH27, taking around 50-55 hours of driving time, so plan multiple stops and overnight stays.

• Major cities on the route include Nagpur, Raipur, and Guwahati; highways are mostly well-maintained but expect narrow and hilly roads near Meghalaya.

• Toll plazas are frequent on national highways; budget around INR 1,500-2,500 for tolls one way.

• Fuel stations are available on major highways, but keep extra fuel when approaching remote hilly areas in Meghalaya.

• Driving during monsoon requires caution due to slippery roads and landslides; winter fog in northern states can reduce visibility.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Meghalaya from Mumbai, especially for travelers with limited time.

• Direct flights from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport take around 3.5 to 4 hours.

• Airfares range from INR 3,000 to 7,000 depending on the airline and booking time; booking 2-3 weeks in advance is advisable for better rates.

• From Guwahati airport, you can hire prepaid taxis or use Ola/Uber services to reach Shillong, which is about 100 km and takes 3-4 hours.

• Flights can be delayed during foggy winter mornings or heavy monsoon; check weather updates before booking.

• There are no direct flights to Shillong airport from Mumbai; Guwahati is the nearest major airport for Meghalaya.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Mumbai to Meghalaya, helping you organize your journey smoothly.

• Book your train or flight ticket from Mumbai to Guwahati in advance through IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute hassles and secure the best fares.

• Upon arrival in Guwahati, plan your onward journey to Shillong by booking a prepaid taxi or checking bus schedules at Paltan Bazaar Bus Station for safe and reliable transport.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and warm clothing, especially if traveling during winter or monsoon seasons when weather can be unpredictable.

• Use Ola or Uber apps in Guwahati for local travel and to book cabs to Shillong; prepaid taxis at the airport are also available but compare prices.

• Check weather and road conditions before starting your Shillong trip, as heavy rains or fog can cause delays and roadblocks in hilly areas.

• Keep your ID and travel documents handy during all stages of travel, as checkpoints are common in northeastern states for security reasons.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water in Meghalaya to prevent stomach issues; buy food from trusted vendors or eat at popular restaurants in Shillong.

• Book train and flight tickets well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons like winter and festivals, to avoid unavailability and high prices.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs in Guwahati and Shillong to avoid overcharging and ensure safer travel.

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

• Be cautious while driving or traveling by road during monsoon due to landslides and slippery roads; check local news for updates.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying valuables openly in crowded places like railway stations and bus stands.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Meghalaya is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and roads are safer. Monsoon season brings heavy rains that can disrupt travel plans.

Winter months can be cold and foggy, especially in the mornings, affecting flights and road visibility. Plan your departure times accordingly for a smoother journey.

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

• Monsoon season (June to September) can cause landslides and roadblocks on NH routes leading to Meghalaya, causing delays and safety risks.

• Early morning flights and trains are less likely to be delayed by fog compared to late-night or late-evening services.

• Weekdays usually have less traffic and better availability of transport compared to weekends and holidays.

Arrival at Meghalaya & What to Expect

When you arrive in Shillong or other parts of Meghalaya, you will find a calm and scenic environment with hills and greenery all around. Local transport options include shared taxis, private cabs, and buses.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate in Shillong, making it easy to reach your accommodation. Popular areas to stay include Police Bazar and Laitumkhrah, which have good hotels and eateries.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Meghalaya from Mumbai is by flying to Guwahati and then taking a taxi or bus to Shillong. This option saves time and offers convenience, especially for first-time travelers.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and choosing reliable local transport will make your journey comfortable and safe. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip from Mumbai to Meghalaya and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and culture of the northeast.