Meghalaya, known for its lush hills and vibrant culture, is located in Northeast India, while Patna is the capital city of Bihar in Eastern India. This route is popular among travelers seeking to explore Meghalaya’s natural beauty starting from Patna, a major urban center with good connectivity.

This guide explains the main transport options from Patna to Meghalaya, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also find practical travel tips, a step-by-step plan, and advice on arrival to help you plan your trip confidently.

Getting from Patna to Meghalaya – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a common choice for budget travelers and those who prefer a scenic journey. However, Meghalaya does not have a direct railway station, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• Take a train from Patna Junction (PNBE) to Guwahati (GHY), the nearest major railway station to Meghalaya, covering around 600 km in approximately 12 to 15 hours depending on the train service chosen.

• Train fares range from INR 300 for sleeper class to INR 1500 for AC classes; trains run frequently but book early on IRCTC to avoid last-minute unavailability.

• From Guwahati, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, which is about 100 km away and takes around 3 to 4 hours by road.

• Be aware that during monsoon season, trains may face delays due to fog or heavy rain, so plan buffer time accordingly.

• Food options are available on most trains, but carrying light snacks is advisable as some trains have limited pantry services.

Bus

Buses offer a direct and economical way to reach Meghalaya from Patna, though the journey can be long and tiring. This option suits travelers who prefer road travel and want to experience local bus services.

• State-run and private buses operate from Patna bus stands like Patliputra Bus Stand to Shillong and other towns in Meghalaya, covering approximately 700 km in 18 to 22 hours.

• Bus fares generally range between INR 700 to INR 1200 depending on the type of bus, such as non-AC, semi-sleeper, or Volvo coaches.

• Buses usually depart in the evening or night, allowing overnight travel and saving daytime for sightseeing upon arrival.

• Expect crowded buses during festival seasons like Durga Puja and Diwali, so booking tickets in advance is recommended.

• Road conditions on NH27 and NH6 are mostly good, but some hilly stretches near Meghalaya may have narrow roads and occasional landslides during monsoon.

• Frequent stops for tea and meals are available at highway dhabas and rest areas, but carry bottled water to stay hydrated.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Patna to Meghalaya is ideal for travelers who want flexibility and comfort. The route offers scenic views but requires careful planning due to long distances and hilly terrain near Meghalaya.

• The distance from Patna to Shillong by road is about 700 km, taking roughly 15 to 17 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The main route follows NH27 towards Guwahati, then NH6 to Shillong, passing through cities like Siliguri and Guwahati.

• Toll plazas are present on NH27 and NH6, so keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage.

• Plan stops at major towns like Siliguri and Guwahati for food, fuel, and rest; popular dhabas offer local cuisine and refreshments.

• Driving during monsoon requires caution due to slippery roads and possible landslides near Meghalaya’s hills.

• Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained, and carry a physical map or GPS device as mobile signals may be weak in some hilly stretches.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Meghalaya from Patna, especially for those with limited time. However, there are no direct flights to Shillong, so you must connect via Guwahati.

• Fly from Jay Prakash Narayan Airport (PAT) in Patna to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati; flight duration is about 1.5 hours.

• Airlines like IndiGo and AirAsia operate daily flights on this route, with fares typically ranging from INR 2500 to INR 6000 depending on booking time.

• From Guwahati airport, Shillong is approximately 100 km away and can be reached by prepaid taxi or shared cabs in 3 to 4 hours.

• Booking flights at least 2 weeks in advance can secure better fares, especially during peak travel seasons.

• Note that weather conditions like fog in winter can cause flight delays, so check real-time updates before departure.

• Airport facilities in Patna and Guwahati include food courts, waiting lounges, and taxi counters for convenient onward travel.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Patna to Meghalaya, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets early via IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats and avoid last-minute price hikes.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank, especially for long bus or train journeys.

• If traveling by train, reach Patna Junction at least 45 minutes before departure to find your platform and settle comfortably.

• On arrival at Guwahati, use prepaid taxi services or trusted app-based cabs like Ola or Uber to reach Shillong safely and avoid overcharging.

• Carry some cash in local currency for tolls, small purchases, and tips, as digital payments may not work everywhere on the route.

• Check weather forecasts before starting your trip, and adjust your travel times to avoid night driving in hilly areas for safety.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables openly, especially at crowded bus stands and railway stations.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during the journey to prevent waterborne illnesses common in Indian travel.

• Use official websites or trusted agents to book tickets, as unverified sources may sell fake or overpriced tickets.

• For local travel in Meghalaya, use shared taxis or local buses to reduce costs and experience authentic travel.

• Pack a small first-aid kit with basic medicines for motion sickness, headaches, or stomach upsets common on long journeys.

• During monsoon, carry rain gear and waterproof bags to protect your luggage from sudden downpours on the route.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Patna to Meghalaya is during the cooler months from October to April when the weather is pleasant and roads are safer. Avoid the monsoon season from June to September due to heavy rains and landslide risks.

Festival periods like Durga Puja and Diwali see high passenger traffic, so plan and book well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Avoid traveling during heavy fog in winter mornings, especially on NH27, as visibility can be very low and cause delays.

• Depart early in the morning or late evening to avoid city traffic congestion in Patna and Guwahati.

• Monsoon rains can cause roadblocks near Meghalaya’s hills; check local news or transport updates before starting your journey.

• Plan your arrival in Meghalaya during daylight hours to navigate local transport and find accommodation easily.

Arrival at Meghalaya & What to Expect

Upon arrival in Shillong or other parts of Meghalaya, you will find several local transport options including shared taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses. Prepaid taxis are available at Guwahati airport and major bus stands for safer and fixed fares.

Popular areas to stay include Police Bazaar and Laitumkhrah in Shillong, which have good connectivity and many hotels. Local markets and eateries offer authentic Khasi cuisine, so exploring nearby areas on foot or by local transport is convenient.

Conclusion

Among all options, flying from Patna to Guwahati followed by a road trip to Meghalaya is the fastest and most comfortable. However, train and bus journeys offer budget-friendly alternatives with scenic routes, suitable for travelers with more time.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for road travel in hilly terrain. With these tips and the detailed travel plan, you can confidently explore Meghalaya from Patna and enjoy a memorable journey through Northeast India.