How to Reach Mizoram – Complete Travel Guide
Learn how to reach Mizoram by train, bus, car, and air with practical tips on routes, timings, and local travel for a smooth journey.
Mizoram is a beautiful state located in the northeastern part of India, bordered by Assam, Manipur, and Tripura, and sharing international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh. Known for its rolling hills, vibrant culture, and lush greenery, Mizoram attracts travelers seeking nature and tranquility.
This guide will help you understand the main ways to reach Mizoram, including train, bus, car, and flight options. You will also find practical travel tips, a step-by-step plan, and advice on arrival to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.
Getting from Major Indian Cities to Mizoram – Main Options
Train
Train travel to Mizoram is limited but still a popular option for many travelers due to affordability and comfort. The nearest major railway stations connect well to Mizoram by road.
The closest major railway station to Mizoram is Silchar Railway Station in Assam, about 90 km from Aizawl, Mizoram’s capital. It is well connected to cities like Guwahati, Kolkata, and Delhi.
From Silchar, you can take buses or taxis to Aizawl; the road journey takes around 3 to 4 hours covering hilly terrain and costs approximately ₹300 to ₹600 depending on vehicle type.
Train services to Silchar are frequent, with several daily trains from Guwahati, including express and passenger trains, offering options for different budgets and timings.
During monsoon season, landslides can cause delays on the rail route to Silchar, so plan extra time if traveling between June and September.
Booking tickets through IRCTC is recommended to secure seats in advance, especially during festivals and holidays when trains get crowded.
Bus
Buses are a common way to reach Mizoram from neighboring states and are preferred for their affordability and frequency, though travel times can be long due to hilly roads.
State-run buses operated by Mizoram State Transport (MST) and Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) run regular services from Silchar, Guwahati, and Aizawl bus stands, connecting major towns.
The bus journey from Silchar to Aizawl takes about 4 to 5 hours, covering around 90 km on National Highway 306, with fares ranging from ₹250 to ₹500 depending on bus type.
Private shared taxis and minibuses are also common for last-mile connectivity within Mizoram, especially for remote villages not served by buses.
During winter months, fog can reduce visibility on hilly roads, so buses may run slower or be delayed, especially early morning or late evening.
Booking bus tickets in advance is advisable during festivals like Chapchar Kut, as buses fill up quickly with tourists and locals traveling home.
Car / Self-Drive
Driving to Mizoram offers flexibility and the chance to explore scenic routes, but it requires careful planning due to mountainous roads and limited fuel stations.
The main highway to Mizoram is National Highway 306, connecting Silchar to Aizawl, covering about 90 km of winding hill roads with several toll plazas en route.
From Guwahati, the drive to Aizawl is approximately 350 km and takes 10 to 12 hours, passing through Assam and Meghalaya before entering Mizoram.
Fuel stations are sparse along the highway, so it is important to fill up in Silchar or before entering Mizoram to avoid running low in remote areas.
Road conditions are generally good but can be slippery and narrow during monsoon; avoid night driving due to limited street lighting and wildlife crossings.
Permits are not required for Indian citizens to enter Mizoram by road, but carrying valid ID and vehicle documents is mandatory for checkpoints.
Flight
Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Mizoram, especially for travelers coming from distant cities in India.
Aizawl Lengpui Airport is the only airport in Mizoram, located about 32 km from the city center, with regular flights connecting to Kolkata, Guwahati, and Imphal.
Flights from Kolkata to Aizawl take around 1.5 hours, while flights from Guwahati take about 45 minutes, with fares typically ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 depending on the season.
Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at Lengpui Airport for convenient transfers to Aizawl city and nearby towns.
Flight frequency may reduce during the monsoon season due to weather disruptions, so check schedules and book tickets in advance to avoid last-minute cancellations.
Booking flights early through airline websites or travel portals can help secure better fares, especially during peak tourist seasons like winter and festivals.
Step-by-Step Travel Plan
This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Mizoram, helping you organize your journey smoothly from booking to arrival.
Step 1: Choose your mode of transport based on budget, time, and comfort. Flights are fastest, trains and buses are economical, and self-drive offers flexibility.
Step 2: Book your tickets early using IRCTC for trains, MST or ASTC websites for buses, or airline portals for flights to avoid last-minute hassles.
Step 3: Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and rain gear, especially if traveling by road through hilly terrain prone to weather changes.
Step 4: Arrive at your departure point early to manage security checks, ticket verification, and boarding, particularly at Silchar railway station or Lengpui Airport.
Step 5: On arrival in Mizoram, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs for safe and reliable local transport; avoid unregistered vehicles to ensure security.
Step 6: Keep local emergency numbers and your accommodation details handy, and inform someone about your travel plans for added safety.
Practical Travel Tips
Safety: Always use prepaid or app-based taxis in Mizoram to avoid overcharging and ensure driver reliability, especially when traveling at night or to remote areas.
Food and Water: Stick to bottled water and freshly cooked local meals; avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach to prevent illness during your trip.
Booking Strategy: Book train and bus tickets well in advance during peak seasons like winter and festivals to secure seats and avoid waiting in long queues.
Local Transport: Shared taxis and minibuses are common for local travel but confirm fares before boarding to avoid misunderstandings with drivers.
Luggage: Pack light and use sturdy bags, as some buses and taxis have limited space; carry a small daypack for essentials during sightseeing.
Seasonal Warnings: Avoid traveling during heavy monsoon months (June to September) when landslides and roadblocks are common in Mizoram’s hilly areas.
Best Time & Travel Conditions
The best time to visit Mizoram is during the winter months from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant. Summers can be warm, and monsoon brings heavy rains that affect travel.
Travel conditions vary with the seasons, so planning your trip around weather and local festivals will enhance your experience and reduce travel disruptions.
Avoid traveling during major festivals like Chapchar Kut in March if you prefer less crowded transport, as buses and trains fill up quickly.
Monsoon season brings heavy rainfall and occasional landslides, causing delays on roads and railways, so plan extra travel time or consider flights.
Early morning departures are best for road travel to avoid fog and traffic, especially in winter when visibility can be low.
Winter evenings can be cold in Mizoram, so carry warm clothes if traveling during this season to stay comfortable.
Arrival at Mizoram & What to Expect
When you arrive in Mizoram, whether at Silchar railway station or Lengpui Airport, you will find several local transport options to reach your final destination. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are reliable and widely available.
Aizawl city is the main hub for accommodation and local sightseeing. Popular areas to stay include the city center near Bara Bazar and the Serchhip Road area, both offering good access to markets and restaurants.
At Silchar Railway Station, you will find state-run bus stands and private taxis for onward travel to Mizoram. At Lengpui Airport, prepaid taxi counters are present, and app-based cabs can be booked via mobile apps for convenience.
Conclusion
The most efficient way to reach Mizoram depends on your priorities. Flights to Lengpui Airport offer the fastest and most comfortable journey, while trains and buses provide budget-friendly options with scenic road travel. Self-driving is ideal for those seeking adventure and flexibility.
Plan your trip by booking tickets early, considering seasonal weather, and preparing for hilly terrain. With the right information and preparation, you can travel confidently to Mizoram and enjoy its natural beauty and warm hospitality without stress.