By Air
- Hub
- Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU)
- Distance
- 115 km from Shillong
- Travel time
- ~3 hours by road from airport
- Cost
- ₹3,500 – ₹8,000 from Delhi
The nearest major airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, about 115 km (3 hours) from Shillong. Well-connected to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Alternatively, Umroi Airport (SHL) near Shillong has limited flights from Kolkata, subject to weather.
From GAU Airport to Shillong
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-paid Taxi | ~3 hrs | ₹2,500–3,500 |
| Shared Sumo | ~3.5 hrs | ₹400–600/person |
| ASTC Bus | ~4 hrs | ₹250–350 |
Tip Book your taxi from the pre-paid booth inside the airport — rates are 30% cheaper than outside.
By Train
- Hub
- Guwahati Railway Station (GHY)
- Distance
- 100 km from Shillong
- Travel time
- ~3 hours by road from station
- Cost
- ₹500 – ₹2,500 train fare + taxi
The closest major railway station is Guwahati Railway Station (GHY), about 100 km away. Excellently connected to the rest of India. The Rajdhani Express from Delhi takes ~26 hours. From the station, shared cabs, private taxis, or buses go to Shillong.
From GHY Station to Shillong
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Private Taxi | ~3 hrs | ₹2,000–2,500 |
| Shared Sumo | ~3.5 hrs | ₹350–500/person |
| ASTC Bus | ~4 hrs | ₹250 |
Tip Exit from Platform 1 side for the dedicated Meghalaya taxi stand.
By Road
- Hub
- NH40 (Guwahati–Shillong Highway)
- Distance
- 100 km from Guwahati
- Travel time
- ~3 hours
- Cost
- ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 (private taxi)
Meghalaya is well-connected by National Highway 40, which runs from Guwahati to Shillong. Roads are generally in excellent condition. The drive is scenic, passing through the stunning Umiam Lake. Shared Sumos and private taxis are easily available outside Guwahati airport and railway station.
Tip Avoid night driving on NH40 — visibility is poor and the roads are winding hill roads.
CONNECTIONS
From Major Cities
| City | Air | Train | Road | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 2.5h flight + 3h drive | 26h Rajdhani + 3h drive | – | Fly |
| Kolkata | 1h flight + 3h drive | 18h train + 3h drive | 16h drive (980 km) | Fly |
| Mumbai | 3h flight + 3h drive | 36h+ train + 3h drive | – | Fly |
| Bangalore | 3h flight + 3h drive | 40h+ train + 3h drive | – | Fly |
| Guwahati | – | – | 3h drive (100 km via NH40) | Drive |
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Pro Tips
- 01 Book your taxi from the pre-paid booth inside the airport — rates are 30% cheaper than outside.
- 02 Avoid night driving on NH40 — poor visibility and winding hill roads.
- 03 If arriving by train, exit Platform 1 side for the dedicated Meghalaya taxi stand.
- 04 Carry cash — many shared cab operators don't accept UPI on the Guwahati–Shillong route.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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