Meghalaya sits roughly 2,500 km from Bangalore, and knowing how to reach Meghalaya from Bangalore makes the planning a lot simpler. The fastest way is by flight from Kempegowda International Airport to Guwahati, followed by a 3- to 4-hour road transfer to Shillong.
Direct flights take around 3 to 3.5 hours with fares starting from Rs. 3,000. For a budget-friendly alternative, the train via Chennai or Kolkata covers the same distance in 55 to 65 hours.
For those seeking a hassle-free start, there are also Meghalaya travel packages departing from Bangalore that are a practical option. They typically cover flights or train tickets, accommodation, sightseeing, and local transfers, removing a lot of the back and forth that comes with planning a Northeast trip independently.
This guide covers everything you need to know about how to reach Meghalaya from Bangalore, whether you are flying, taking the train, or hitting the road for a multi-day drive through some of the most varied landscapes in the country.
Right Way to Reach Meghalaya from Bangalore
Here's a comparison table to help pick the best way to reach Meghalaya from Bangalore:
Bangalore to Meghalaya Travel Overview
- Most Popular Route: Bangalore to Guwahati by flight, then road to Shillong
- Bangalore to Meghalaya Distance by Flight: Approximately 2,100 km (Bangalore to Guwahati)
- Bangalore to Meghalaya Distance by Road: Approximately 2,500 to 2,700 km (Bangalore to Shillong)
- How Long it Takes: 7-9 hours if you fly and then drive, 55-60 hours by train plus road, or 6-8 days if you're driving the entire route
- Where You Enter Meghalaya: Either Guwahati (Assam) by road via NH6, or Umroi Airport near Shillong by helicopter
- Best Way to Go: Fly into Guwahati, then grab a private taxi or shared cab to Shillong
- Flight Cost (roughly): Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 7,000 per person
- Approx. Train Fare: Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 4,000 per person
- Best Time to Travel: Meghalaya tourism is best experienced between October and February for pleasant weather and clear roads
Best-Selling Meghalaya Tour Packages from Bangalore
How to Reach Meghalaya from Bangalore by Flight
If you're wondering how to reach Shillong from Bangalore by flight, the good news is that air travel remains the fastest option, even though there's no non-stop connection between the two cities.
Most travelers either book Meghalaya packages from Bangalore that include a connecting Bangalore-to-Shillong flight or fly into Guwahati and continue by road on their own. Here's a complete breakdown.
Meghalaya to Bangalore Flight Route Options
Option 1: Fly Directly to Shillong (via Connection)
There's no non-stop flight from Bangalore to Shillong. Shillong Airport, also known as Umroi Airport (SHL), is a small facility about 30 km from the city and has limited flight traffic: mostly regional connections. Because of this, most bookings route through Kolkata or Guwahati, with IndiGo and SpiceJet handling most of this traffic.
Option 2: Fly to Guwahati, Then Drive to Shillong (Recommended)
This is probably the way most people go, and for good reason. Bangalore has several non-stop flights to Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) every day, so getting there isn't a hassle.
Getting from Guwahati Airport to Shillong
Shillong is roughly 100 km from Guwahati Airport (GAU), and getting there takes 1.5–4 hours depending on your choice.
- Prepaid Taxi / Private CabAvailable right outside arrivals; pay a fixed rate at the counter, no haggling. Fares: ₹2,500–₹6,000. Takes 3–4 hours via NH6, with flexibility to stop at viewpoints along the way.
- App-Based Cabs (Ola/Uber)Operate from the airport, but availability can be inconsistent on this route, so book ahead or arrange via your hotel.
- Shared Sumo/TaxiPicks up near the airport or from Paltan Bazar (Guwahati ISBT), drops at Police Bazar in Shillong. Cost: ₹500–₹1,000 per person. Leaves only once full, so expect some wait time.
- MTC/ASTC BusThe cheapest option. Take a local taxi/auto to Paltan Bazar bus stand, then board a bus to Shillong. Fares: ₹170–₹200. Runs a couple of times daily — slower, but budget-friendly.
- Helicopter (Pawan Hans)Fly Guwahati to Shillong’s Umroi Airport in just 15–20 minutes. Fares: ₹1,500–₹2,200. Seats are limited, so book in advance through the Meghalaya Transport Department or authorized agents. Frequently cancelled due to fog, rain, or low visibility, especially in monsoon, so keep a backup plan.
Whichever route you pick, keep in mind that the Bangalore to Meghalaya flight ticket price climbs sharply during peak season and around festivals like Bihu, so it's best to book 4–5 weeks ahead.
Quick Tips Before You Book
- If you're flying into Guwahati, book a cab or shared taxi to Shillong ahead of time — it saves you the scramble at the airport.
- Try to catch a morning flight if you want to reach Shillong the same day, rather than driving through the hills after dark.
How to Reach Meghalaya from Bangalore by Train
Wondering how to reach Meghalaya from Bangalore by train? It's possible, but it takes patience—Meghalaya has no railway line of its own, so the journey involves a long train ride to Guwahati followed by a road trip into the hills.
This route is popular among those looking for Meghalaya budget tours, since trains work out far cheaper than flying. Here's the complete route broken down.
Route Options at a Glance
Step 1: Bangalore to Guwahati by Train
This is the core leg of the journey and also the longest. Multiple trains connect the two cities, running via routes covering roughly 2,900–3,000 km.
Because there's no daily train on this route, it's important to check the weekly schedule and book well in advance, especially during peak travel season.
Step 2: Guwahati to Shillong by Road
Once you reach Guwahati, Shillong is about 99–120 km away, and the journey takes a few hours through scenic hill roads, a stretch that's become popular for Meghalaya road trips thanks to the views along the way.
Bangalore to Meghalaya Train Fare — Class-Wise Estimate
(Add road transport cost from Guwahati to Shillong separately.)
How to Reach Meghalaya from Bangalore by Road
Driving to Meghalaya is possible but demanding; it's one of the longest road trips you can take within India. If you're looking for the best route from Bangalore to Meghalaya, here's the full breakdown.
Route Overview
Best Route from Bangalore to Meghalaya
Most drivers break the trip into stages through major cities along the way, rather than trying to push through in one go.
This route mostly follows NH44 and NH27, connecting through central and eastern India before entering the Northeast via Assam.
Things to Know Before Driving from Bangalore to Shillong
- Split the drive into 4-5 days — doing 2,500+ km straight through isn't safe, and you'll wear yourself out
- Fuel and tolls add up — expect regular fuel stops and toll charges as you cross state after state
- Roads aren't the same the whole way — most of the highway stretch is fine, but the last bit from Guwahati to Shillong turns hilly and winding
- Skip driving during monsoon (June-September) — rain and landslides can block or slow down the hill roads near Shillong
- Carry your papers — license, RC, insurance, PUC, you'll need them crossing multiple states
Can You Reach Meghalaya from Bangalore by Bus?
Yes, it's possible to travel from Bangalore to Meghalaya by bus, but it's a long haul best suited for travelers who enjoy road journeys or want to keep costs low.
There's no single direct bus covering the whole distance, so the trip happens in stages. Given the long overnight legs and multiple changeovers, this route isn't a great fit for solo female trips to Meghalaya. Here's the full picture.
Route Options at a Glance
Step 1: Bangalore to Guwahati by Bus
There's no direct Bangalore to Meghalaya bus, so the first leg takes you to Guwahati, the main gateway to the Northeast. A handful of private operators run this long-distance route.
Step 2: Guwahati to Shillong by Bus
Once in Guwahati, reaching Shillong is much easier and quicker.
Should You Take the Bus ?
- Cheap, but it's a long slog — you're looking at 1.5 to 2 days just to reach Guwahati
- Not many buses run this route — unlike flights or trains, only a handful of operators cover it, so book early
- Go for AC Sleeper or Volvo if you can — worth paying a bit more for a journey this long
- Good if you want to turn it into a road trip — some people break it up with stops in Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, or Kolkata
- Skip this if you're short on time — it really only makes sense if you've got 4+ days to spare
What is the Cheapest Way to Reach Shillong from Bangalore?
The cheapest way to reach Shillong from Bangalore is by train. A Bangalore to Meghalaya train journey costs significantly less than flying and works well for travelers who have time on their side and want to keep the overall trip budget low.
Common Challenges While Travelling from Bangalore to Meghalaya
Understanding how to reach Meghalaya from Bangalore means factoring in a few real challenges, since the distance is over 2,600 km. Here's what to expect:
- No direct connection, you'll need to change somewhere along the way, usually at Guwahati, then keep going by road to reach Shillong
- Flying gets you there in 7-9 hours, but train or bus can eat up 50+ hours
- Trains and buses aren't running every day, so if you miss one, you could end up stuck for a couple of days waiting for the next
- Prices swing quite a bit so expect higher fares around festivals in Meghalaya like Durga Puja, Bihu, and Christmas, plus the busier months from October to March
- Even after landing or getting off in Guwahati, there's still another 90-120 km to cover by cab or bus before you actually reach Shillong
- Monsoon season (June-September) can throw a wrench in things - landslides, delayed roads, flights getting cancelled
- Since you're booking the trip in separate legs, it takes a bit more planning, book each part on its own and leave some buffer time in between
