Planning a trip from the busy streets of Chennai to the beautiful hills of Shillong? Well, get ready for a real adventure! Chennai and Shillong are like two different worlds. Many Meghalaya tour packages start from Chennai, making your trip easier! The distance between them is about 2,050 kilometers if you fly straight, but by road, it’s almost 2,800 kilometers!
The fastest way to travel is by plane — you fly from Chennai to Guwahati in about 3 hours, then take a 3 to 4-hour drive to Shillong. If you love long journeys, you can take a train to Guwahati and then continue by road. Either way, you’ll go from warm beaches to chilly hills, and from spicy South Indian food to delicious Northeast flavors.
So buckle up, say goodbye to Chennai traffic, and get ready to trade your sunglasses for a sweater. Because Shillong isn’t just a destination—it’s a whole vibe waiting to surprise you! Ready for the switch? Let’s roll!
How to Reach Shillong from Chennai
Reaching Shillong from Chennai involves a significant journey, as they are on opposite sides of India. The most practical and recommended way is to combine air travel with a road journey.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to reach Shillong from Chennai:
1. By Air (Recommended and Most Efficient)
This is by far the quickest and most comfortable way to travel from Chennai to Shillong.
Step 1: Fly from Chennai (MAA) to Guwahati (GAU)
No direct flights to Shillong — Umroi Airport in Shillong is tiny and barely connected, so no luck flying straight there from Chennai. Instead, fly to Guwahati (GAU), the biggest nearby airport and the main gateway to Meghalaya.
The flight from Chennai to Guwahati takes around 3 to 3.5 hours. Airlines like IndiGo, Vistara, and Akasa Air fly this route, sometimes with a quick stop if direct flights aren’t available on your date.
Step 2: Travel from Guwahati Airport (GAU) to Shillong by Road
It’s about 100 km from Guwahati Airport to Shillong. The drive takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic. The road is good, and the views? Absolutely lovely! A perfect road trip from Guwahati to Shillong to kick off your Shillong adventure in style.
Chennai to Shillong Flight Ticket Price
Chennai to Shillong flight ticket prices (via Guwahati, the nearest major airport) typically range from ₹7,500 to ₹12,000 if booked in advance, but can increase to ₹15,000 - ₹25,000+ for last-minute travel. Prices vary based on booking time, season, and airline.
2. By Train (Time-Consuming)
This option is significantly longer and involves multiple transfers.
Step 1: Train from Chennai (MAS) to Guwahati (GHY) / Kamakhya (KYQ)
No direct Chennai to Shillong trains because Shillong does not have a railway station. The closest big stations are Guwahati (GHY) and Kamakhya (KYQ).
The Chennai to Shillong train journey actually means taking a train from Chennai to Guwahati, which takes a long time of around 44 to 50 hours, almost 2 days. You can check trains like the Guwahati Express 12509 or other superfast options.
Step 2: Travel from Guwahati Railway Station to Shillong by Road
Guwahati Railway Station near Paltan Bazaar is about 100 kilometers from Shillong. The road trip takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
You’ve got choices here — shared taxis, private cabs, or state-run buses all wait outside the station to take you on your way.
3. By Road (Not Recommended for Direct Travel)
Driving straight from Chennai to Shillong? That’s one wild road trip which is about 2700 to 2800 km of nonstop driving! If you try to do it all at once, you’re looking at 48 to 55 hours behind the wheel. Yeah, that’s crazy and pretty much impossible without lots of breaks.
You’d need to split it up over 4 or 5 days, with stops to sleep and recharge (both you and the car!). The route takes you through Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, and then into Assam and Meghalaya.
Honestly, this is only for serious road trip lovers who have plenty of time, a strong car, and nerves of steel for driving through all kinds of roads. If that’s you, buckle up and enjoy the adventure! You can even hop on for a Meghalaya bike trip for some extra thrill!
Best Routes & Transport Options
Getting from Chennai to Shillong is a two-step adventure! First, fly or take a train to Guwahati. Then, let’s talk about how to reach Shillong from there:
1. Shared Taxis/Sumos/Winger Vans
These are easy to find right outside Guwahati Airport. They’re budget-friendly and leave once they’re full. Perfect if you don’t mind some travel buddies!
2. Pre-paid Taxis
For a comfy solo ride, grab a pre-paid taxi from the airport counter. It’ll take you straight to your Shillong hotel—zero stress!
3. Inter-State Buses
Buses by MTC and ASTC run from Guwahati’s Paltan Bazaar to Shillong. But heads up—you’ll need a taxi to get to the bus station first.
4. Cab Apps (Ola/Uber)
They might be available, but they’re rare for inter-state rides. Better to trust the good old local taxis.
Best Time to Visit Shillong from Chennai
The best time to visit Shillong from Chennai is between March and June. The weather is cool and pleasant which makes it a perfect escape from Chennai’s heat.
If you love misty hills and romantic vibes the monsoon season from July to September is dreamy but expect sudden rain.
It is better to avoid winter months from December to February if you are not comfortable with very cold weather since Shillong gets quite chilly during this time.
Travel Tips for Your Chennai to Shillong Trip
- Pack Smart – Shillong’s weather is cooler than Chennai, so carry warm clothes, especially if you're traveling between November and February.
- Plan for Layovers – Since there are no direct flights or trains to Shillong, prepare for a break in Guwahati.
- Book in Advance – Flights, trains, and hotels can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so it’s best to book early.
- Carry Essentials – Keep power banks, snacks, and offline maps handy, especially for the road trip from Guwahati to Shillong.
- Local Transport – Shared taxis and cabs are common in Meghalaya. Bargain a bit, but always fix the fare before starting.
And there you have it—your full scoop on traveling from Chennai to Shillong! Whether you’re up for the long train journey, a wild road trip, or the easy-breezy Chennai to Shillong flight (well, to Guwahati, technically!), the adventure is totally worth it. From coastal vibes to misty hills, it’s like flipping to a whole new chapter of India. So pack that sweater, charge your camera, and get ready to swap dosas for momos. Shillong’s calling—and you’ve got to answer!
