Planning a trip to Shillong is almost like planning a date with nature. You know it will be stunning, but the journey might test your patience a little. Shillong is the base for any Meghalaya trip , so getting there is the first step.
Shillong does not have its own railway station or major airport, which means your adventure really begins from Guwahati, Assam. You can take a flight or train to Guwahati and then continue your journey by road. Shared taxis, private cabs, and state buses are easily available. No matter which mode of travel you choose, the journey will be just as beautiful as the destination.
Bags ready? Energy high? Perfect. Reaching Shillong is not just travel, it is a mini-adventure that sets the mood for your entire Meghalaya trip. Let us dive in and find out the best way to reach Shillong!
How to Reach Shillong by Air
The easiest and fastest way to reach Shillong is by taking a flight. Here’s how to reach Shillong by air:
Nearest Airport to Shillong
The nearest airport to Shillong is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati (GAU). It is well connected with major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. There are multiple flights to Shillong via Guwahati every day, making it the most reliable entry point for travelers.
Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport)
Shillong has its own airport at Umroi, located about 30 km from the city. Although smaller in size, it is improving steadily. Limited flights to Shillong operate from major cities like Kolkata and Delhi, usually with connecting routes. Since operations vary, travelers often choose Guwahati for better frequency.
Traveling from Shillong Airport to Shillong City takes around 45 to 60 minutes by taxi. The scenic drive offers early glimpses of Meghalaya’s lush beauty, making the ride pleasant and refreshing.
How to Reach Shillong from Guwahati Airport
Once you land in Guwahati:
- Hire a private taxi (fastest option)
- Book shared cabs from Paltan Bazaar (budget friendly)
- Choose Meghalaya State Transport buses (comfortable and economical)
Travel time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours along a stunning hill highway.
Suggested Read: How to Reach Shillong from Delhi Easily – All Travel Options
most popular meghalaya travel packages:
How to Reach Shillong by Train
If you are a budget traveler, the best way to reach Shillong is to travel by train. However, there are no train stations in Meghalaya. So, travelers wanting to travel to Shillong by train, take a train to Guwahati Railway station, which is the major nearest railway station to Shillong. The distance between the same is just 100 km and can be easily covered in 2.5 to 3 hours.
Other railway stations near Shillong, along with their distance and travel time to Shillong City Centre, are listed below:
- Kamakhya Junction (107 km) - 3 hour journey
- Tetelia Junction (102 km) - 2.5-hour journey
- Digaru Railway Station (96 km) - 2.5 hour journey
Some of the major trains that connect Guwahati with other major cities in India as follows:
- Train from Delhi to Guwahati: Almost 5 trains are running from Delhi to Guwahati and their average journey time is 27 to 48 hours. These trains are Avadh Assam Express (15910), North East Express (12506), Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express (20504), Brahmaputra Mail (15657), Tripura Sundari Express (14620).
- Train from Mumbai to Guwahati: Almost 4 trains are running from Mumbai to Guwahati and their average travel time is 45 hours. Trains like Karmabhoomi SF Express (22511), Agartala AC SF Express (12519), and Mumbai LTT Dibrugarh Express (15945).
- Train from Bangalore to Guwahati: There are 4 weekly trains from Bangalore to Guwahati whose average travel time is 49 hours. Some of the trains are Newtinsukia Express (22501), Humsafar Express (12503), and SMVT Bengaluru Guwahati Express (12509).
- Train from Chennai to Guwahati: There are only 2 trains from Chennai to Guwahati departing on Mondays and taking approximately 47-51 hours to reach. These trains are Silchar Express (12515), and Nagaon Express (15629).
- Train from Kolkata to Guwahati: There are several trains to travel to Guwahati from Kolkata. The average time for this train journey is around 18 hours. Some of these trains are Sabroom Kanchenjunga Express (13173), Saraighat Express (12345), Kamrup Express (15959), and Guwahati Garib Rath Express (12517).
You can explore more trains from the city you wish to travel from the IRCTC App. Hope this helps with your answer on how to reach Shillong by train.
Suggested Read: How to Reach Cherrapunji: Your Complete Guide
How to Reach Shillong by Road
Taking a road trip to Shillong is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore Meghalaya. The roads connecting Shillong to nearby cities and towns are smooth, scenic, and surrounded by lush green hills, dense forests, quaint villages, and beautiful valleys. How to reach Shillong by road is actually easier than it sounds.
Travelers arriving at Guwahati Railway Station or Guwahati Airport often continue their journey to Shillong by road, as it is convenient and time-saving. There are several vehicle options to suit different budgets, including private cabs, shared taxis, state transport buses, and private buses.
If you are coming from Siliguri, overnight buses are also available, taking approximately 13–15 hours to reach Shillong.
The Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) offer a variety of bus options, including AC, Volvo, and sleeper buses.The best route to Shillong for first-time traveler is via NH 6 from Guwahati, which is well-maintained and makes public transport travel comfortable. Shillong is also well connected to other parts of India via an extensive network of national highways.
Popular routes include:
- Guwahati to Shillong – 99 km (approx. 2.5 hours)
- Siliguri to Shillong – 540 km (approx. 13 hours)
- Kolkata to Shillong – 1106 km (approx. 24 hours)
- Agartala to Shillong – 441 km (approx. 13 hours)
- Kaziranga to Shillong – 182 km (approx. 4 hours)
Now that you have learned how to visit Shillong, it’s time to explore the city itself. Shillong is compact, and getting around is fairly easy. For most travelers, public transport in Shillong is the best way to move around, offering both convenience and affordability.
- Taxis: Shared and private taxis are widely available. Shared taxis are budget-friendly, while private taxis give you flexibility for day trips to nearby attractions.
- Buses: The Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) operate buses connecting different parts of the city and nearby towns, making public transport in Shillong a reliable option.
- Bike Rentals and Walking: Bikes or scooters are perfect for solo travelers or adventure enthusiasts, and walking in areas like Police Bazaar helps you soak in the local vibe.
Using Shillong’s transport wisely allows you to explore markets, cafes, hills, and waterfalls without hassle.
Suggested Read: How to Reach Meghalaya: Air, Train, and Road Options
Reaching Shillong is easier than it seems, and the journey itself is part of the adventure. Whether you are planning a short travel to Shillong or a full Meghalaya trip, choosing the best way to reach Shillong depends on your time, budget, and comfort preferences. Flights to Guwahati followed by a scenic drive are the fastest option, while trains or long road trips offer a more relaxed and budget-friendly experience. The drive from Shillong from Guwahati is not just a commute; it’s a scenic experience through lush hills, waterfalls, and charming villages that will make you fall in love with the region even before you reach the city. No matter which route you choose, reaching Shillong is rewarding!
