How to Travel from Guwahati to Shillong , A Complete Guide

Introduction

Guwahati and Shillong are two beautiful cities in Northeast India. Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya, while Guwahati is the capital of Assam. Many people travel from Guwahati to Shillong for work, study, or tourism. This guide will help you understand the different ways to travel between these two cities.

 Planning a trip to the hills? Shillong, also called the “Scotland of the East,” is just a few hours away from Guwahati. The journey is filled with greenery, waterfalls, and peaceful views. If you’re wondering how to get there easily and comfortably, you’re in the right place.

  In this guide, you’ll learn about all the travel options from Guwahati to Shillong. We’ll cover roads, taxis, buses, and shared cabs. You’ll also find tips on costs, travel time, and the best route to take. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular traveler, this guide has everything you need.

Distance between Guwahati to Shillong 

There are around 100 kilometers between Guwahati and Shillong. It usually takes 3 to 4 hours to travel, depending on the weather and traffic. The road is mostly smooth and scenic, passing through hills and forests.

You can travel by car, bus, or shared taxi. The most common route is via NH6 (National Highway 6). It’s a beautiful drive with many small tea stalls and viewpoints along the way. People often stop at Umiam Lake, a popular spot just before Shillong.

Travel By Road 

Traveling by road from Guwahati to Shillong is the most popular option.There are beautiful views along the way and the journey is smooth. Many people prefer this route for comfort and flexibility. You can use a private car, shared taxi, or bus.

Here are some common road travel options:

• Private Car: Best for families or groups. You can stop anywhere you like.
  
• Shared Taxi: Easily available at Paltan Bazar in Guwahati. Cheaper but less space.
  
• Bus: Budget-friendly and available throughout the day. Choose between government and private buses.
  

It takes about 3 to 4 hours to travel by road. It’s a pleasant drive, especially during the monsoon and winter seasons.

Travel By Air

There is no direct flight from Guwahati to Shillong. However, Shillong does have a small airport called Umroi Airport. Only a few flights operate there, and they are not regular.It is more convenient for travelers to fly to Guwahati and then drive to Shillong.

If you are flying, you should land at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati.There is 120 km between there and Shillong.It is possible to take a taxi or a shared cab to Shillong after landing. The road journey from the airport takes about 3 to 4 hours.

Travel By Train

Trains between Guwahati and Shillong do not run directly. Shillong does not have a railway station. The nearest railway station is in Guwahati. So, if you are coming from another city by train, you will arrive at Guwahati Railway Station first.

From Guwahati, you can take a taxi, shared cab, or bus to reach Shillong. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to travel by road. Many travelers choose this option as trains to Guwahati are frequent and affordable. It’s a good way to start your trip before enjoying the scenic ride to the hills.

place visitable in shillong

Shillong is a beautiful hill station with many places to explore. It is known for its green hills, waterfalls, and peaceful surroundings. Tourists love to visit for its natural beauty and cool weather. Whether you like nature, culture, or adventure, Shillong has something for you.

Here is a table of popular places to visit in Shillong:

Place	What to See	Entry Fee	Best Time to Visit
Umiam Lake	Boating, scenic views	₹20 (approx.)	Morning or evening
Shillong Peak	Highest point, panoramic view of the city	Free	Clear days for best view
Elephant Falls	Three-layered waterfall	₹30 (approx.)	During monsoon or post-monsoon
Ward’s Lake	Garden, boating, walking path	₹10 to 20 (approx.)	Afternoon or evening
Don Bosco Museum	Culture and history of Northeast India	₹100 (approx.)	Anytime
Police Bazar	Local market, shopping, street food	Free	Evening
Laitlum Canyons	Valley views, photography, trekking	Free	Morning or sunset
Mawphlang Sacred Forest	Ancient forest, guided nature walks	₹50 to 100 (approx.)	Morning

These places offer a mix of nature, culture, and fun. You can enjoy calm lakes, rich forests, and lively markets all in one trip.

Best restaurant in shillong

Shillong has many good restaurants with tasty food. You can find Indian, Chinese, and local Khasi dishes. The city is also known for its cozy cafes and peaceful vibe. Most restaurants are clean and budget-friendly.

Some popular places include Café Shillong, Trattoria, and Jadoh Stall. Coffee and snacks are great at Shillong Coffee. Trattoria is famous for local Khasi food. Jadoh Stall is perfect if you want to try real local flavors at low prices. Whether you want a fancy meal or street food, Shillong has something for everyone.

Best Food

Shillong is known for its unique and tasty food. The local dishes are simple but full of flavor.Rice and meat are combined in Jadoh, one of the most famous dishes.It is a must-try for anyone visiting the city.

Other popular foods include Tungrymbai (fermented soybean), Dohneiiong (pork with black sesame), and momos (steamed dumplings). You can also enjoy fresh fruits, spicy pickles, and hot tea in the local markets. The food in Shillong is a mix of tradition and taste that everyone can enjoy.

Nearby Hotels

Shillong has many hotels for every budget.There are luxury hotels, mid-range accommodations, and budget guesthouses to choose from. Most hotels are located near Police Bazar, which is the main market area. This location is good for shopping, food, and transport.

Here is a table of some popular hotels in Shillong:

Hotel Name	Type	Location	Starting Price (Approx.)	Facilities
Hotel Polo Towers	Luxury	Police Bazar	₹5,000 per night	Free Wi-Fi, Restaurant, Parking
Café Shillong Bed & Breakfast	Mid-range	Laitumkhrah	₹2,500 per night	Breakfast, Clean Rooms, Good Location
The Loft Executive Inn	Mid-range	Lachumiere	₹3,000 per night	Modern Rooms, Free Wi-Fi, Café
Hotel Centre Point	Mid-range	Police Bazar	₹3,500 per night	Restaurant, Conference Hall, Parking
Woodland Hill Stay	Budget	Near Golf Links	₹1,500 per night	Peaceful Area, Basic Amenities
Isabella Hostel	Budget	Laitumkhrah	₹800 per night	Shared Rooms, Backpacker Friendly

There is a mix of comfort and location in these hotels. It depends on your travel style and budget which one you choose.Most places also offer online booking for easy planning.

Low Budget Rooms

Shillong has many low budget rooms for travelers. These are good for solo travelers, students, or anyone wanting to save money. Most of these rooms are clean, safe, and simple. You can find them in areas like Laitumkhrah, Police Bazar, and near the bus stand.

Some budget stays include Isabella Hostel, Woodland Hill Stay, and small local guest houses. Prices usually start from ₹500 to ₹1500 per night. Basic services like clean beds, hot water, and Wi-Fi are often available. These rooms give you a comfortable stay without spending too much.

Tour Package

Tour packages are a good choice if you want a stress-free vacation. It includes travel, hotel stay, sightseeing, and sometimes food. Many travel agencies in Guwahati and Shillong offer packages for solo travelers, couples, or families. You can choose from 1-day to 5-day tours based on your time and budget.

Here is a table of popular tour packages from Guwahati to Shillong:

Package Name	Duration	Includes	Starting Price (Approx.)	Best For
Shillong Day Tour	1 Day	Taxi, Sightseeing, Guide	₹1,500 per person	Quick visit
Shillong & Cherrapunji Tour	3 Days	Hotel, Transport, Breakfast, Sightseeing	₹6,000 per person	Nature lovers
Meghalaya Explorer Package	5 Days	Hotel, Meals, Full Tour, Entry Fees	₹12,000 per person	Families & groups
Budget Backpacker Plan	2 Days	Shared Cab, Dorm Stay, Basic Tour	₹2,500 per person	Solo or student travelers
Premium Couple Package	3 Days	Private Car, 3-Star Hotel, Meals, Guide	₹10,000 per person	Couples on holiday

Tour packages help you save time and avoid last-minute planning. You can also customize most packages as per your interest. Booking in advance usually gives better rates.

Conclusion

Traveling from Guwahati to Shillong is easy and enjoyable. Whether you choose to go by road, bus, or taxi, the journey offers beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere. Shillong itself is full of amazing places to visit, great food, and comfortable places to stay. There is something for every traveler, no matter the budget.

Planning your trip with a tour package can make things simple and stress-free. But if you like exploring on your own, there are many options available too. Just pick what suits you best and enjoy your time in these beautiful cities. A trip from Guwahati to Shillong will leave you with great memories and a desire to come back again.

FAQs

How far is Shillong from Guwahati?
Shillong is about 100 kilometers from Guwahati.

What is the best way to travel from Guwahati to Shillong?
Traveling by road via taxi or bus is the most common and convenient way.

Are there direct flights from Guwahati to Shillong?
No, there are no regular direct flights between Guwahati and Shillong.

How long does it take to reach Shillong from Guwahati by road?
The road journey usually takes 3 to 4 hours.

Can I book a tour package for Guwahati to Shillong?
Yes, many travel agencies offer tour packages including transport and sightseeing.