Northeast India is a beautiful and diverse region located in the easternmost part of the country. It comprises eight states known for their scenic landscapes, rich culture, and unique traditions. Many travelers visit this region to explore its natural beauty, tribal heritage, and vibrant festivals.

This guide will help you understand the main ways to reach Northeast India from major Indian cities. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips and step-by-step planning advice to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Major Indian Cities to Northeast India – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical way to reach Northeast India, especially from cities like Guwahati, Kolkata, and New Delhi. The rail network connects key cities, but some destinations require onward travel by road.

• The primary railway hub in the Northeast is Guwahati Railway Station in Assam, well connected to New Delhi, Kolkata, and other major cities by daily and weekly trains covering distances of 1500 to 2200 km in 30 to 40 hours.

• Trains like the Rajdhani Express and North East Express offer comfortable sleeper and AC coaches, with fares ranging from ₹800 to ₹2500 depending on class and distance.

• Train frequency can be affected during monsoon months (June to September) due to landslides and flooding, so plan accordingly and check IRCTC updates before booking.

• Last-mile connectivity from railway stations to hill stations or remote areas often requires taxis or buses, as rail lines do not cover all parts of the Northeast.

• Booking tickets via IRCTC online is recommended to avoid queues and secure confirmed seats, especially during festival seasons like Bihu and Durga Puja.

Bus

Buses offer flexible and affordable travel options to Northeast India, connecting cities within the region and from neighboring states. State transport and private operators run regular services.

• Major bus terminals such as Guwahati ASTC Bus Station and Shillong Bus Stand serve as hubs for routes from West Bengal, Bihar, and Assam, with travel times varying from 6 to 24 hours depending on origin.

• Bus fares typically range from ₹300 to ₹1000 for intercity journeys, with deluxe and Volvo services available on popular routes for added comfort.

• Road conditions can be challenging during monsoon due to landslides on NH37 and NH44, so check weather and road status before departure.

• Night buses are common but can be crowded; booking tickets in advance through MSRTC or private operators’ websites is advisable.

• Rest stops along highways often have basic food stalls offering local snacks and tea, but carrying water and snacks is recommended for long journeys.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Northeast India offers flexibility and the chance to explore offbeat destinations. The region is accessible via national highways and scenic routes, but requires careful planning.

• Key highways include NH27 and NH37, connecting Assam to neighboring states and the rest of India, covering distances of 1000 to 2000 km from major cities like Kolkata or Guwahati.

• Travel time by car varies from 20 to 40 hours depending on the starting point and route, with toll plazas and fuel stations available at regular intervals.

• Road conditions improve near urban centers but can be narrow and winding in hilly areas, so cautious driving is essential, especially during monsoon when landslides are common.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in cities like Guwahati and Shillong, with daily rates ranging from ₹1500 to ₹3000 depending on vehicle type.

• Plan overnight stops at towns like Siliguri or Tinsukia to rest and refuel, and use GPS apps with offline maps due to limited network coverage in remote areas.

Flight

Flights are the fastest and most convenient way to reach Northeast India from major Indian cities. Several airports serve the region, connecting it to metros like Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangalore.

• Key airports include Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Guwahati), Imphal Airport, Dibrugarh Airport, and Agartala Airport, with daily flights from Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati.

• Flight durations range from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the origin, with fares typically between ₹2000 and ₹6000 for one-way economy class tickets.

• Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet operate frequent flights, but booking 2-3 weeks in advance is recommended to secure lower fares and preferred timings.

• Weather disruptions like fog in winter months (December-January) can cause delays, so allow buffer time for connecting travel.

• From airports, prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available for onward travel to city centers or tourist spots.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

If you are traveling to Northeast India for the first time, this step-by-step plan will help you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common difficulties.

• Step 1: Decide your entry point based on your itinerary and convenience, usually Guwahati for Assam or Shillong for Meghalaya, as these have the best transport links.

• Step 2: Book your train or flight tickets online via IRCTC or airline websites at least two weeks in advance to get confirmed seats and better prices.

• Step 3: Arrange local transport from arrival points using prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Step 4: Pack light but include essentials like rain gear, comfortable shoes, and a power bank, since some areas have limited electricity and network coverage.

• Step 5: Check weather forecasts and road conditions before starting your journey, especially during monsoon or winter fog seasons, to avoid delays and hazards.

• Step 6: Keep a physical copy of your ID and tickets, as some remote areas may have limited mobile connectivity and digital verification may not be possible.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water in remote areas to prevent stomach issues, as clean water availability can be limited.

• Use prepaid taxi services or trusted app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for local travel to ensure fair pricing and safety, especially after dark.

• Book train and bus tickets online through official portals like IRCTC and MSRTC to avoid last-minute hassles and scams at stations or bus stands.

• Carry some cash in small denominations, as many local shops and transport providers do not accept cards or digital payments.

• Be cautious of landslides and roadblocks during monsoon; check local news and ask locals about road conditions before traveling long distances by road.

• Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting tribal villages and religious sites, to ensure a positive travel experience.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Northeast India is during the winter and early spring months when the weather is pleasant and dry. Monsoon season brings heavy rains, which can disrupt travel plans.

Winter months offer clear skies and comfortable temperatures, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, fog in December and January can delay flights and trains, so plan accordingly.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Bihu in Assam and Wangala in Meghalaya unless you want to experience crowds and higher prices.

• Monsoon from June to September causes frequent landslides and road closures on highways like NH37, so avoid road travel during heavy rains.

• Early morning departures are best for flights and trains to reduce chances of delays caused by weather or congestion.

• Winter fog can affect visibility on roads and at airports, so allow extra travel time and check live updates before starting your journey.

Arrival at Northeast India & What to Expect

Upon arrival in Northeast India, you will find a mix of modern amenities and traditional charm. Major cities like Guwahati and Shillong have good local transport options including prepaid taxis, shared cabs, and app-based services.

Most airports and railway stations have clear signage and official taxi counters to help you reach your accommodation safely. Popular areas to stay include Pan Bazaar and Paltan Bazaar in Guwahati, and Police Bazar in Shillong, which offer easy access to markets and eateries.

Conclusion

Traveling to Northeast India is rewarding and manageable with proper planning. Flights offer the quickest access, while trains and buses provide economical and scenic routes. Driving yourself can be adventurous but requires caution and preparation.

Booking tickets in advance, checking weather and road conditions, and using reliable local transport will help you enjoy a smooth journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip to Northeast India and explore its unique culture and natural beauty without stress.