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.
From Guwahati, Shillong is easily accessible by road and takes around 3-4 hours. Travelers can choose from shared taxis, private cabs, app-based taxis, and state-run or private buses, all of which operate frequently throughout the day.
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 – Guwahati Airport (GAU)
The nearest airport to Shillong is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, , which is about 128 km away.
Guwahati Airport is well connected to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, with frequent daily flights operated by airlines like IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet.
Because of its strong air connectivity, Guwahati remains the preferred entry point for most travelers heading to Shillong.
Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport – SHL)
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 (twice daily via IndiGo) and Delhi, usually with connecting routes. Since operations vary, travelers often choose Guwahati for better frequency.
It takes about 45 to 60 minutes by taxi to get from Shillong Airport to Shillong City. The beautiful drive gives you a taste of Meghalaya's lush beauty early on, 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.
Premium trains such as the Rajdhani Express and Vande Bharat and other long-distance express trains regularly operate on this route, making train travel a reliable option for budget travelers.
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
One of the best ways to see Meghalaya is to take a road trip to Shillong. The roads that connect Shillong to nearby towns and cities are smooth, beautiful, and surrounded by valleys, small towns, and thick forests. How to reach Shillong by road is easier than it sounds.
People who arrive at Guwahati Railway Station or Guwahati Airport often drive to Shillong because it is easier and faster. There are many ways to get around that fit different budgets, such as private cabs, shared taxis, state transport buses, and private bus services.
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.
NH 6 from Guwahati is the best way for first-time travelers to get to Shillong. The road is well-maintained and makes it easy to use public transportation. There are also a lot of national highways that connect Shillong to other parts of India.
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)
Indeed, traveling to Shillong by road is one of the most adventurous ways to get there, offering stunning views and a close connection with nature. However, it also comes with a fair share of exhaustion.
Long hours of winding hill roads, traffic near Guwahati, and unpredictable weather can make the journey physically tiring, especially after a long flight or train ride.
Guwahati to Shillong Transport Prices
Bus Cost (Guwahati → Shillong)
- State or private buses from Paltan Bazar / ASTC bus stand to Shillong (Police Bazar) usually cost ₹140–₹200 per person (one-way).
- Meghalaya State Transport buses commonly charge around ₹180–₹200.
- During peak season or for AC coaches, fares may increase slightly but generally stay under ₹300.
Taxi / Cab Cost
Private taxi (entire car, one-way):
- Hatchback: ₹2,200–₹3,000
- Sedan (Dzire/Etios): ₹2,500–₹3,800+
- SUV (Innova/Ertiga): ₹4,000–₹5,000+
App-based cabs (Uber Intercity): Around ₹2,600–₹3,000+, depending on demand and timing.
Shared taxis:
- Shared SUV/Tata Sumo: ₹300–₹500 per person (from Guwahati bus stand or Khanapara)
- Shared sedan seat: ₹500+ per person
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 Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) and the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) run buses that connect different parts of the city and nearby towns. This makes public transportation in Shillong a good choice.
- Bike Rentals and Walking: Renting bikes or scooters is great for people who want to explore on their own or who love adventure. Walking around places like Police Bazaar is a great way to get a feel for the area.
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
Your Scenic Gateway to Shillong
If you’re deciding on the best way to get to Shillong, here’s the honest take. Flying to Guwahati is the quickest and most convenient option, especially if you’re short on time. From there, the best way to reach Shillong from Guwahati airport is by road, with plenty of taxis and transfers available.
If you’re traveling on a budget, taking a train to Guwahati is also a good option and works well for relaxed travelers. The road journey, though, is on another level; beautiful, adventurous, and packed with views, but yes, it can be long and tiring. For a smooth and well-planned journey without the hassle, traveling with WanderOn helps you enjoy the ride while they take care of the logistics.
