Ready to explore one of the wettest places on Earth? No Meghalaya trip feels complete without heading to Cherrapunji. The obvious question then is… how to reach Cherrapunji? It looks hidden away in the clouds, but the routes are pretty straightforward once you know where to start.
Most people either land in Guwahati or Shillong and then continue by road. If you’re flying in, Guwahati has way more flights, while Shillong Airport gets you closer, so it really depends on what works for you. The road trip that follows is honestly part of the fun. You’ll pass green valleys, sudden waterfalls, and that classic Meghalaya mist that comes and goes like it owns the place.
Need more details to decide what suits you best? Let’s break down all the options so you can choose the easiest and most scenic way to reach Cherrapunji without any confusion.
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How to Reach Cherrapunji by Air?
Guwahati Airport to Cherrapunji (Most Popular Route)
Flying into Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati is one of the best ways to reach Cherrapunji, thanks to its excellent flight connectivity and affordable options.
There are direct flights to Guwahati Airport from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Lucknow, Pune, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Silchar, Imphal, Dibrugarh, Aizawl and Dimapur.
- Distance from Guwahati Airport to Cherrapunji: 167 km
- Travel Time: 4.5–5 hours by road
- Easy availability of shared cabs and taxis
- Scenic route via Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Mawkdok Dympep Viewpoint
This is why most travellers choose Guwahati when searching for the Cherrapunji nearest airport with maximum convenience.
Shillong Airport to Cherrapunji (Nearest Airport)
The actual Cherrapunji nearest airport is Shillong Airport located in the Umroi region. If you are wondering how to reach Cherrapunji from Shillong Airport, here’s the answer:
- Distance: 80 km
- Travel Time: Around 3 hours
However, Shillong Airport has limited connectivity with direct flights only from Imphal, Aizawl and Kolkata. So travelers looking for better options and budget-friendly fares prefer landing in Guwahati instead.
Travel Tips for Cherrapunji by Air
- If you have flexibility, book your flight to Guwahati for more options.
- Choose daylight arrival if possible, driving in hills after dark can be slower.
- Pre-book a cab or taxi from the airport to Cherrapunji for ease.
Suggested Read: Cherrapunji in Monsoon: The Complete Guide You Need
How to Reach Cherrapunji by Train?
If you are a backpacker or budget traveler, traveling by train is one of the best ways to reach Cherrapunji. Since there are no train stations in Meghalaya, travelers take a train to Guwahati Railway Station, which is the nearest major train station to Cherrapunji. The distance from Guwahati to Cherrapunji is just 145 km and can be easily covered in 4.5 to 5 hours.
Major Trains to Guwahati Railway Station
Below are some popular trains that connect Guwahati with major Indian cities:
Almost 5 trains are running from Delhi to Guwahati and their average journey time is 27–48 hours.
Trains: Avadh Assam Express (15910), North East Express (12506), Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express (20504), Brahmaputra Mail (15657), Tripura Sundari Express (14620)
Around 4 trains with an average travel time of 45 hours.
Trains: Karmabhoomi SF Express (22511), Agartala AC SF Express (12519), Mumbai LTT Dibrugarh Express (15945)
4 weekly trains with an average travel time of 49 hours.
Trains: New Tinsukia Express (22501), Humsafar Express (12503), SMVT Bengaluru Guwahati Express (12509)
2 weekly trains departing on Mondays and taking 47–51 hours.
Trains: Silchar Express (12515), Nagaon Express (15629)
Several trains operate with an average journey of around 18 hours.
Trains: Sabroom Kanchenjunga Express (13173), Saraighat Express (12345), Kamrup Express (15959), Guwahati Garib Rath Express (12517)
Continue from Guwahati to Cherrapunji by Road
Once you reach Guwahati, Cherrapunji by road is the only onward option since there is no direct train. This makes Guwahati the Cherrapunji nearest airport alternative for long-distance travelers arriving by rail too.
You can easily find buses or taxis to travel onward to Cherrapunji from Guwahati or first to Shillong then continue the trip.
Travel Tips for Cherrapunji by Train
- If you’re coming from far off locations by train, plan for the extra road leg.
- Check train arrival times to ensure you don’t begin the hill road drive too late.
How to Reach Cherrapunji by Road?
A road trip to Cherrapunji is easily one of the top things to do in Meghalaya. The journey takes you through lush hills, cloud-covered viewpoints, tiny Khasi villages, and deep valleys, making it one of the best ways to reach Cherrapunji.
From Guwahati: The Most Common Route
If you are arriving by air or train, Guwahati is usually the first stop. Head to ISBT or Paltan Bazaar to find shared taxis or buses to Shillong.
Shared Sumos cost roughly ₹500 per person, while larger shared vehicles are about ₹200 per person. The Guwahati to Shillong drive takes about 3 to 4 hours and the route is smooth throughout.
From Shillong: Final Stretch to Cherrapunji
Once you reach Shillong, the final leg of the journey is full of excitement. If you’re wondering how to reach Cherrapunji from Shillong, the easiest options are shared taxis from Police Bazaar or Mawlonghat, which cost around ₹70 per person. For a faster and more comfortable trip, tourist taxis from Police Bazaar Taxi Stand take about 2 to 3 hours. Along the way, you can stop at scenic spots like Umiam Lake and Mawkdok Viewpoint.
Whether you take a shared ride or a private cab, the road to Cherrapunji is smooth and offers plenty of opportunities for stunning photos.
Popular Road Routes
Cherrapunji is connected by national highways to several major places in Northeast India. Here are some useful distances for planning:
- Guwahati to Cherrapunji: 147 km (about 4 hours)
- Shillong to Cherrapunji: 55 km (about 2 hours)
- Kaziranga to Cherrapunji: 280 km (about 7 hours)
- Tura to Cherrapunji: 326 km (about 8 hours)
Travel Tips for Cherrapunji by Road
- Try to travel in daylight to enjoy the scenery
- Pre-book transport during peak tourist seasons
- Weather changes fast here, so keep light layers handy
Suggested Read: When is the Best Time to Visit Cherrapunji? Complete Guide
Getting Around Cherrapunji
Once you arrive in Cherrapunji, navigating the area is straightforward. Public transport to Cherrapunji includes shared taxis and local buses that connect major attractions, markets, and nearby villages.
For more flexibility and comfort, private cabs or taxis are widely available for hire, making it simple to explore waterfalls, living root bridges, and viewpoints at your own pace. Walking is also a great option for nearby sights, letting you soak in the lush landscapes and local culture.
Reaching Cherrapunji can feel a little overwhelming with so many travel options, but WanderOn can help take all the stress out of planning your journey. Whether you fly into Guwahati, arrive by train, or start from Shillong, Wanderon guides you on the most scenic and convenient routes. You can relax knowing the best ways to reach Cherrapunji, by road, taxi, or shared transport, are sorted. Plan your timing, check weather conditions, and let the journey itself become part of the adventure, while Wanderon ensures a smooth, hassle-free start to your Meghalaya trip.
