If you're wondering how to reach Meghalaya and make the most of your trip, you’re in the right place. This guide is packed with facts, handy tips and a conversational tone that'll feel like chatting with a friend who’s been there.
How to Reach Meghalaya by Air
When it comes to flying, you’ve got two main options:
Option 1: Fly into Shillong’s Umroi Airport
- Location: Just ~30 km from the city centre of Shillong.
- Airlines & Routes: IndiGo, Alliance Air, SpiceJet operate ATR‑72s daily from Kolkata, Delhi, Imphal, Silchar, Dibrugarh, and Guwahati.
- Travel Time from Airport: Around 1 hour by road through scenic Umiam Lake.
Option 2: Fly into Guwahati (Guwahati Airport – GAU)
- Why it’s better connected: GAU is India’s 10th busiest airport with flights from major metros and even international destinations like Bangkok and Kathmandu.
- Road to Meghalaya: From Guwahati to Shillong (~103 km) takes 3–4 hours via NH‑40/NH‑6.
- Bonus: Shared taxis, buses, or private cab options are readily available from both Guwahati airport and city.
How to Reach Meghalaya by Train
Meghalaya doesn’t have its own major rail network yet—so you’ll rely on Guwahati or the newly added Mendipathar station:
Guwahati Railhead
- Connected To: Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore via trains like Brahmaputra Mail, Northeast Express, Saraighat Express.
- Journey Times: Delhi → Guwahati: ~36–40 hrs; Kolkata → Guwahati: ~12–14 hrs.
- Last Leg: Catch a bus, shared taxi or private cab to Shillong (~3.5 hrs).
Mendipathar Station
- Location: On Meghalaya soil, but services are limited since launching in 2014 .
- Use Case: If you’re near the Garo Hills region, you might find local trains here.
How to Reach Meghalaya by Road
Road trips in Meghalaya are scenic and popular—here’s how:
From Guwahati to Shillong
- Route: Around 100–103 km via NH‑40/NH‑6. Travel time: 3–4 hrs.
- Transport Options:
- MTC buses (state-run)
- Shared taxis/Sumos (~₹300–₹500 pp)
- Private cabs for convenience and door‑to‑door comfort
Inter‑district Travel within Meghalaya
Once in Shillong, the hilly state invites you to explore further:
- Shared taxis connect to Cherrapunji, Dawki, Tura & elsewhere
- State highways (NH6, NH106, NH206) link valleys and plateau regions.
Driving tip: Rain makes roads slippery—sure footedness on the wheel helps, especially during monsoon.
Quick Comparison Table
| Mode | Entry Point | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air | Shillong / Guwahati | Fastest, scenic Umiam route | Limited flights to Umroi |
| Train | Guwahati | Budget-friendly, scenic rail route | Long journey time |
| Road | Guwahati–Shillong | Flexible schedule, local sights | Weather-dependent roads |
Pro Tips to Reach Meghalaya Smoothly
- Fly into Shillong if short on time, but check flight availability.
- Guwahati is the better airport/rail option for most visitors.
- Pre-book shared taxis or cabs, especially during peak season.
- Use private cab hire to roam freely once you arrive, call us anytime.
FAQs
1. Which is the nearest airport to Meghalaya?
The nearest airport is Shillong Airport (Umroi), about 30 km from Shillong. Guwahati Airport is another major option located around 120 km away.
2. Is there a train to Meghalaya?
No direct trains go to Meghalaya. The nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station, well-connected to major Indian cities.
3. How far is Shillong from Guwahati?
Shillong is approximately 100–120 km from Guwahati and takes about 3 hours by road.
4. Can I drive to Meghalaya?
Yes! Meghalaya is well-connected by road from Assam. The scenic drive from Guwahati to Shillong is one of the best in Northeast India.
5. How to reach Meghalaya from Delhi?
You can fly from Delhi to Guwahati and then take a taxi or bus to Shillong (about 3 hours). If you prefer trains, take a train to Guwahati and continue by road to Meghalaya.
6. How to reach Meghalaya from Mumbai?
Take a flight to Guwahati or Shillong. Alternatively, travel by train from Mumbai to Guwahati and then drive or take a shared taxi to Shillong. Road trips are also possible but long, around 2,800 km.
7. How to go to Meghalaya from Kolkata?
You can take a direct flight from Kolkata to Shillong or travel by train to Guwahati and continue by road. Many travelers also prefer taking an overnight train or bus to Guwahati and then a taxi to Meghalaya.
8. How to reach Meghalaya from Bangalore?
Fly from Bangalore to Guwahati (direct or via Kolkata) and then travel to Shillong by road. You can also take a train from Bangalore to Guwahati and hire a cab from there.
9. How to reach Meghalaya from Chennai?
You can fly from Chennai to Guwahati or Shillong with a layover in Kolkata. Another option is to take a train to Guwahati and then travel to Meghalaya by car or bus.
10. How to reach Meghalaya from Hyderabad?
Fly from Hyderabad to Guwahati or Shillong (via Kolkata). You can also board a train to Guwahati and take a scenic road journey to Shillong.
11. How to reach Meghalaya from Lucknow?
Take a connecting flight from Lucknow to Guwahati via Kolkata or Delhi. You can also go by train to Guwahati and then travel by car, cab, or bus to Shillong.
