How to reach Guwahati? Transport options?
1 Answer
Guwahati is the gateway to Northeast India and is well connected from most major cities. Here's a complete breakdown:
By Air — Fastest Option
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) is about 20 km from the city centre.
| Route | Duration |
|---|---|
| Delhi → Guwahati | ~2.5 hrs |
| Mumbai → Guwahati | ~3 hrs |
| Kolkata → Guwahati | ~1 hr |
| Chennai/Bangalore → Guwahati | ~3–4 hrs |
IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air all operate daily flights. From Delhi, fares typically range ₹3,000–₹8,000 depending on how early you book.
By Train — Most Popular from Delhi/Kolkata
Guwahati is a major railway junction on the Northeast Frontier Railway zone.
| Train | From | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Rajdhani Express | New Delhi | ~27 hrs |
| Saraighat Express | Kolkata (Howrah) | ~17 hrs |
| Kamrup Express | Kolkata | ~18 hrs |
| Intercity trains | Kolkata | ~17–20 hrs |
Trains from Delhi take about 26–30 hours — a long but comfortable and scenic journey. Book well in advance especially for AC classes.
By Bus
- From Kolkata: Regular overnight buses, ~18–22 hours via NH27. Comfortable Volvo options available.
- From Siliguri (West Bengal): ~5–6 hours — a popular gateway if travelling from Darjeeling or Sikkim.
- From Shillong: ~3.5–4 hours — very frequent shared cabs and buses.
- From Agartala / Imphal / Dimapur: Regular state transport and private bus services.
By Road
- Delhi → Guwahati: ~1,950 km via NH27 — a 2–3 day drive. Not commonly done in one go.
- Kolkata → Guwahati: ~1,030 km via NH12/NH27 — about 16–18 hours of driving.
- Siliguri → Guwahati: ~250 km — a scenic ~5 hour drive through the Assam plains.
By Ferry / River (Within Northeast)
Once in Guwahati, the Brahmaputra River ferries are a unique way to explore — connecting North and South Guwahati and nearby areas.
Quick Summary
| From | Best Mode | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Flight | ~2.5 hrs |
| Kolkata | Train or Flight | 17 hrs / 1 hr |
| Siliguri | Bus or Cab | ~5–6 hrs |
| Shillong | Bus/Cab | ~3.5–4 hrs |
From the Airport
Taxis (OLA/Uber available), pre-paid taxis, and city buses connect Guwahati airport to the city centre in about 30–45 minutes. Expect ₹400–₹600 for a cab.
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