How to reach Shillong: A Complete Travel Guide
Are you excited to go to Shillong, but don’t know how to get there? In the middle of Meghalaya, there’s a beautiful place called Shillong that people like to call the “Scotland of the East” because it has amazing views and nice weather. The town has green hills, clear lakes, and friendly people, which makes it special for visitors. But figuring out how to get there can be tricky because there are so many ways to travel and lots of fun things to see in the town. If you’re thinking about going on a fun trip to Shillong, it’s important to know how to get there! Whether you’re flying in an aeroplane or driving in a car, we’ve got all the helpful tips about how to reach Shillong.
Transportaition option to Shillong
1. By Air
To reach Shillong by air, the nearest airport is the Shillong Airport (also known as Umroi Airport), located about 30 kilometres from the city centre. However, it has limited flight connectivity, with a few regional flights primarily from Kolkata and a few other Indian cities. For better connectivity, most travellers opt for the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam, which is about 120 kilometres (approximately a 3-hour drive) from Shillong. Guwahati Airport is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai, with multiple daily flights. From Guwahati, travellers can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Shillong. The scenic drive through the lush hills of Meghalaya makes the journey enjoyable.
2. By Train
Reaching Shillong by train requires travellers to first reach the nearest railway station, which is Guwahati Railway Station in Assam, located about 100 kilometres from Shillong. Guwahati is well-connected to major cities across India, with regular trains from places like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai. From Guwahati, travellers can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Shillong, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours by road. The journey offers scenic views of rolling hills and lush green landscapes. Although Shillong itself does not have a railway station, the convenient road connection from Guwahati makes travelling by train a viable option for reaching the hill station.
3. By Road
Reaching Shillong by road is a popular and scenic option, with well-maintained highways connecting it to nearby cities, especially from Guwahati. The most common route is via National Highway 6 (NH6), which stretches approximately 100 kilometres between Guwahati and Shillong, taking around 2.5 to 3 hours by car or bus. Private taxis, shared cabs, and state-run buses regularly operate on this route. The drive is known for its breathtaking views of the Khasi Hills, mist-covered landscapes, and pine forests, making the journey a pleasant experience. Direct bus services, including those by the Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) and private operators, also run from Guwahati, and some services connect Shillong to cities like Silchar and Tura within Meghalaya. Road travel provides the flexibility of stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way.
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Local Transportation in Shillong
Local transportation in Shillong is quite accessible, with several options available for travellers to get around the city. The most common and convenient mode of transportation is shared taxis, which are plentiful and operate on fixed routes within the city. They are affordable and commonly used by both locals and tourists. Private taxis can also be hired for a more comfortable and personalized experience, either for point-to-point travel or for sightseeing around the city and nearby attractions.
For budget-friendly options, local buses operated by the Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) are available, though they are less frequent and primarily used by locals. Some areas of Shillong are best explored on foot, especially around the Police Bazaar and Ward’s Lake, where walking is both enjoyable and practical due to the compact nature of these areas.
Conclusion
Getting to Shillong is pretty easy because there are many ways to travel there. If you want to fly, the nearest big airport is in Guwahati. From there, you can take a beautiful 3-hour car ride to reach Shillong. If you like trains, you can catch one at Guwahati Railway Station, which connects to lots of important cities in India. After that, you just need to take a car or bus to get to Shillong. If you enjoy driving, you can also take a road trip on National Highway 6, which has lovely views along the way from Guwahati or nearby areas. Each way of travelling lets you see the beautiful sights of Northeast India, making the trip to Shillong just as fun as being there!
Here you can also check our Meghalaya Tour Packages.
People also ask about How to reach Shillong
1. What is the nearest airport to Shillong?
The nearest airport to Shillong is Umroi Airport (Shillong Airport), located about 30 km from the city. However, it has limited flights. The nearest major airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, which is about 120 km away.
2. How can I reach Shillong from Guwahati Airport?
From Guwahati Airport, you can reach Shillong by:
- Taxi: Private taxis are available from the airport to Shillong, and the journey takes around 3 to 4 hours.
- Shared Cabs: You can also opt for shared cabs that are available near the airport.
- Bus: ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) buses operate from Guwahati to Shillong regularly.
3. Is there a train station in Shillong?
No, Shillong does not have a railway station. The nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station, which is about 100 km from Shillong.
4. How can I reach Shillong from Guwahati Railway Station?
From Guwahati Railway Station, you can take a shared cab or private taxi to Shillong. Buses are also available from the Guwahati bus stand, located near the railway station.
5. Is there a direct bus service from Guwahati to Shillong?
Yes, ASTC and Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) run regular buses from Guwahati to Shillong. Private buses and shared cabs are also available.
6. Can I drive to Shillong from Guwahati?
Yes, you can self-drive or hire a taxi to Shillong from Guwahati. The road condition is generally good, and the scenic drive takes around 3 hours via NH6.
7. How can I reach Shillong from Kolkata or Delhi?
You can fly to Guwahati Airport from Kolkata or Delhi and then take a taxi or bus to Shillong. Alternatively, you can take a train to Guwahati and continue by road.
8. Are shared cabs available for Shillong at night?
Shared cabs are generally available from morning until early evening. For late-night travel, private taxis are a more reliable option.