Trying to figure out how to reach Meghalaya from Mumbai? Your quickest and easiest bet is flying into Guwahati, then driving the last 3 to 4 hours to Shillong. If you're on a budget, the train to Guwahati is worth looking at, and if you're up for a proper adventure, driving the whole way works too. It really comes down to your time, your budget, and how you like to travel.
Meghalaya is basically Mumbai's opposite in every way. Trade the skyscrapers for rolling green hills, the traffic for winding mountain roads, and the constant city noise for waterfalls, living root bridges, and quiet villages sitting up in the clouds.
This Mumbai to Shillong travel guide walks you through getting to Meghalaya from Mumbai, whether you're flying, taking the train, driving, or going by bus, along with travel times, costs, distances, and a few tips to help you land on the route that works best for you.
And if planning airport transfers, hotels, and local transport isn't something you want to deal with, several
Meghalaya trip packages by WanderOn bundle all of that together, so you can focus on the trip itself rather than the logistics.
Best Way to Reach Meghalaya from Mumbai
Popular Meghalaya Tour Packages from Mumbai
Mumbai to Meghalaya Distance
The road distance between Mumbai and Shillong runs close to 2,900 km, and driving it straight through takes about 4-6 days depending on the route and stops. By air, it's a much shorter hop, around 2,000 km, which is why flying tends to be the go-to option for exploring Meghalaya tourism as the fastest option
How to Reach Meghalaya from Mumbai by Flight (Fastest Way)
Flying is the quickest and most practical way to travel from Mumbai to Meghalaya. The full journey, from boarding your flight in Mumbai to arriving in Shillong, can be completed in under 8 hours.
For anyone short on time or simply looking to avoid a two-day train ride, this is the best route from Mumbai to Meghalaya.
Why Is There No Direct Mumbai to Shillong Flight?
Meghalaya does not have a major commercial airport. Shillong has a small airstrip at Umroi, about 30 km from the city, but it handles very limited and infrequent traffic. This is why no direct Mumbai to Shillong flight exists on any commercial airline.
The practical entry point into Meghalaya is Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in neighboring Assam. Guwahati is well-connected to Mumbai and most major Indian cities, and from the airport, Shillong is roughly 100 km away, about 3 to 4 hours by road depending on traffic.
Step 1 — Fly from Mumbai to Guwahati
Since no direct Mumbai to Shillong flight is available, the standard route is flying into Guwahati first. Flights leave from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai, and multiple airlines run direct services to Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU).
The flight itself takes about 3 to 3.5 hours, and there are multiple departures spread throughout the day, so finding a convenient slot is rarely a problem.
When it comes to Mumbai to Meghalaya flight fare, what you pay depends largely on when you book and the time of year you travel:
- Advance booking (3 to 4 weeks ahead): Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 4,000
- Standard booking: Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 6,000
- Peak season or last-minute: Rs. 6,000 and above
Booking early makes a real difference in getting decent fares on a Mumbai to Meghalaya flight via Guwahati. Also worth keeping in mind, travel between October to November and April to May tends to be busier, and prices reflect that. If you are also looking at Meghalaya tour packages from Mumbai, booking those in advance during peak season helps lock in better rates as well.
Step 2 — Getting from Guwahati Airport to Shillong
Once you land in Guwahati, the next step is to travel to Shillong. The distance is about 100 km and takes anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours depending on which option you pick and what the roads are like that day.
Private Taxi or Prepaid Cab
This is the easiest option after landing. Prepaid taxis are available right outside the arrivals exit at Guwahati Airport. Fares generally fall between Rs. 2,500 and Rs. 6,000 depending on the vehicle and whether you lock in a fixed rate before getting in.
If you want to make the most of the road trip from Guwahati to Shillong, a private taxi gives you the flexibility to stop along the way and take in the scenery at your own pace. Travel time is around 3 to 4 hours via NH6.
Shared Sumo or Shared Cab
If budget is a priority, shared taxis and Sumos are a solid choice. They pick up from points near the airport and drop passengers directly at the Police Bazar in central Shillong. The cost works out to around Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000 per person. The one thing to keep in mind is that these vehicles leave only once they are full, so some waiting time is part of the deal.
MTC Bus (Meghalaya Transport Corporation)
The cheapest way to cover this leg. You will need to first take a local taxi or auto from the airport to the Paltan Bazaar bus stand in Guwahati city and from there board a Meghalaya Transport Corporation bus to Shillong. Bus fares are between Rs. 170 and Rs. 200. It takes more time and effort, but for backpackers or solo travelers watching every rupee, it gets the job done.
Helicopter (Pawan Hans)
Pawan Hans runs a helicopter service connecting Guwahati to Umroi Airport, which is close to Shillong. The ride takes just 20 minutes and seats cost around Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,200. It is a great option when it works, but seats are limited, booking ahead is essential, and the service does get cancelled during poor weather, so keep a backup in mind.
Total Travel Time Breakdown from Mumbai to Guwahati
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Travel
- Book your onward transport before you land. Cabs and shared Sumos from Guwahati Airport fill up fast on weekends and public holidays. Sorting this out in advance saves a lot of hassle at the airport.
- Take a morning flight if you can. Leaving Mumbai early gets you into Guwahati by midday, which leaves enough daylight to reach Shillong and settle in without rushing.
- Carry cash. A good number of taxi and shared cab operators near Guwahati Airport still do not accept UPI or cards. Having cash on hand avoids an awkward situation after a long journey.
- Check road conditions. The Guwahati to Shillong highway can slow down significantly because of landslides, especially between June and September during the monsoon. A quick check before you travel is a good habit.
- Download offline maps. Mobile signals along parts of the Guwahati to Shillong highway can be unreliable. Having an offline map downloaded before you leave Guwahati is a small thing that saves a lot of frustration.
How to Reach Meghalaya from Mumbai by Train (Cheapest Option)
If you have been wondering how to reach Meghalaya from Mumbai by train, this is the route to consider. It takes longer than flying, but it costs significantly less and gives you a chance to watch the landscape change across several states before you arrive in the Northeast.
It also pairs well with Meghalaya budget tour packages, since keeping travel costs low on the way leaves more room to spend on experiences once you arrive.
Step 1 — The Basic Route
There are no direct trains to Meghalaya itself since the state does not have its own railway station. The closest major railhead is Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) in Assam, from where you continue by road to Shillong. The road distance between Guwahati and Shillong is about 100 km, roughly 3 to 4 hours by cab.
Trains from Mumbai to Guwahati
A limited number of trains run between Mumbai and Guwahati each week. The journey covers approximately 2,700 km and takes around 48 to 52 hours depending on the train and stops along the route.
Since trains on this route run only once or twice a week, it is important to plan ahead and book early. Waitlisted tickets are common on this route, especially during holidays and long weekends.
Train Fare from Mumbai to Guwahati
Fares vary depending on the class of travel you choose.
Step 2 — Guwahati to Shillong by Road
Once you reach Guwahati Railway Station, the next step is getting to Shillong. The options are the same as those available from the airport.
Total Travel Time Breakdown
Is Taking the Mumbai to Guwahati Train Worth It?
Things to Keep in Mind
- Book tickets as early as possible. Trains on the Mumbai to Guwahati route are limited and fill up fast. Booking 30 to 60 days in advance through IRCTC or a trusted ticketing platform gives you the best chance of a confirmed berth.
- Carry food and snacks for the journey. While pantry cars and vendors board at major stations, having your own snacks for a 2-day train ride is always a good idea.
- Plan your Guwahati arrival time wisely. If your train pulls into Guwahati late at night, reaching Shillong the same evening is not practical. It is better to rest in Guwahati overnight and continue to Shillong the next morning.
- Keep your documents handy. Your ticket, ID proof, and booking confirmation should be accessible at all times, especially for ticket checking during the night.
- Download offline maps and entertainment. Two days on a train goes by faster with downloaded music, podcasts, books, or films. Mobile connectivity through parts of central and eastern India can be inconsistent.
How to Reach Meghalaya from Mumbai by Road (Best for Road Trip Enthusiasts)
Driving from Mumbai to Meghalaya is not the most common way to make this trip, but for those who enjoy long road journeys, it is an experience on its own. Here’s how to go Meghalaya from Mumbai by road:
The Distance and Basic Route
The road distance from Mumbai to Shillong is approximately 2,900 to 3,100 km depending on the exact route taken. This is not a drive you complete in one stretch. Most travelers break it into 4 to 6 days, stopping at towns and cities along the way to rest and explore.
The most commonly used route is:
Mumbai → Nagpur → Raipur → Kolkata → Siliguri → Guwahati → Shillong
Alternate Route via Varanasi
Some travelers take a detour through Varanasi and Bihar instead, since it breaks up the drive with a bit more scenery and lets you pass through a few historically significant towns along the way.
Mumbai → Nagpur → Varanasi → Patna → Siliguri → Guwahati → Shillong
This route runs a little longer, but it splits up the drive differently and works well if you want to fit in a stopover at Varanasi or Patna.
Mumbai to Shillong Fuel and Travel Cost Estimate
Costs on a road trip of this length depend on your vehicle type, fuel efficiency, and how many people are sharing the journey.
*These numbers are for a private car. If you are driving an SUV or a larger vehicle, fuel costs will be higher. Splitting costs across 3 to 4 people makes this route reasonably affordable.
Suggested Mumbai to Meghalaya Road Trip Itinerary
Rather than pushing long drives back to back, breaking the journey into manageable daily stretches makes the trip far more enjoyable.
Day 3 is the longest stretch and can be split into two days if needed, with an overnight stop at Asansol or Durgapur. If time allows, an extra day in Kolkata is worth it.
Road Conditions Along the Mumbai to Shillong Route
Road quality varies considerably across this journey. The western and central stretches are generally well-maintained national highways, but conditions change as you head into the Northeast. For those planning Meghalaya adventure trips, the winding hill roads closer to Shillong are actually part of the charm, but it is worth knowing what to expect before you set out.
Best Time to Drive from Mumbai to Shillong
Choosing the best time to visit Meghalaya matters more on a road trip than most other routes, given the range of climates you pass through across five states.
Should You Drive Your Own Car or Hire One?
Both options are workable depending on your comfort level and budget.
If you are driving your car, make sure it is serviced before the trip. A breakdown somewhere between Raipur and Kolkata is far more inconvenient than it sounds.
Practical Things to Keep in Mind
- Start early each day. Getting on the road by 6 AM gives you cooler driving conditions, lighter traffic through towns, and enough time to reach your stopover well before dark. You should avoid driving after sunset on unfamiliar highways, especially through Assam and the hills.
- Carry a physical map or download offline navigation. Mobile signal drops in parts of central India and through the Northeast. Google Maps or Maps.me downloaded offline for each state is a practical backup.
- Keep an emergency kit in the car. A basic toolkit, a puncture repair kit, jump cables, a first aid kit, and a torch are worth carrying on a drive of this length.
- Check permit requirements. Some areas in the Northeast have inner line permit requirements. Meghalaya itself does not require one for Indian citizens, but it is worth checking current rules before you travel.
- Fuel up before entering remote stretches. Petrol stations are sparse between certain towns, particularly between Raipur and Kolkata and through parts of Assam. Keep the tank full in these sections.
- Avoid monsoon in Meghalaya if possible. The Guwahati to Shillong stretch is particularly vulnerable to landslides between June and September. Even a single landslide can mean hours of waiting on a narrow hill road.
Can You Reach Meghalaya from Mumbai by Bus?
No, there's no direct bus from Mumbai to Meghalaya. The road distance between the two is around 2,800 km, and no operator covers a stretch that long in one go.
That said, if you're set on going overland instead of flying, a multi-leg journey is doable; it's just a haul.
The multi-leg overland route (if you're skipping the flight)
Mumbai → (Train) → Kolkata → (Bus) → Siliguri → (Bus) → Guwahati → (Shared Cab/Bus) → Shillong
How to Go Meghalaya from Mumbai by Bus
- Mumbai to Kolkata (by train) Book a long-distance express from Mumbai (CSMT or LTT) to Kolkata (Howrah or Sealdah). This leg takes 26–33 hours, and honestly, there's no good bus alternative here since western and eastern India aren't well connected by road for a trip this long.
- Kolkata to Siliguri (by bus) From Kolkata, an overnight AC sleeper bus to Siliguri is your best option. Both NBSTC and several private operators run this route daily, and it takes about 12–14 hours.
- Siliguri to Guwahati (by bus) From the Siliguri bus terminal, catch an interstate bus to Guwahati, Assam. Figure on another 10–12 hours.
- Guwahati to Shillong, Meghalaya (by bus or shared cab) Once in Guwahati, head to the ISBT or Khanapara, where ASTC and MTC buses run regularly to Shillong. This last stretch is just 3–4 hours.
