Want to visit the Abode of Clouds, but not sure how to get there? Meghalaya might feel like it's hidden away in the northeast, but getting to this beautiful state is easier than you'd think. Most people don't realise there are multiple ways to get here, and once you figure out how to reach Meghalaya, planning becomes a breeze. This blog covers all travel options, including actual distances, routes, and practical tips.
Getting to Meghalaya gets easier when you know the right entry points. Most folks fly into Guwahati first, then take a beautiful drive to Shillong or Cherrapunji. If dealing with buses and bookings sounds tiring to you, Meghalaya tour packages handle all that stuff so you can skip straight to exploring waterfalls and those incredible living root bridges. Let's figure out which route works best for your trip.
How to Reach Meghalaya
Reaching Meghalaya is relatively straightforward once you determine your route. The state doesn't have its own airport or big railway station, but that shouldn't worry you. Most travellers pick one of three ways to get here, and each option works depending on where you're coming from and how much time you have.
How to Reach Meghalaya by Air
Flying is your fastest bet to reach Meghalaya. The nearest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam, which is about 125 kilometres from Shillong. Most big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore have daily flights to Guwahati. Once you land, taxis and shared cabs are easy to find outside the airport. The drive to Shillong takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, and honestly, the roads are quite smooth. You'll pass through some really green patches that make the journey feel shorter. Most people use Shillong as their base and then head out to places to visit in Meghalaya like Cherrapunji or Dawki.
How to Reach Meghalaya by Train
If you like train journeys and don't mind spending a few extra hours, this option works great. Meghalaya doesn't have trains running inside the state yet, so Guwahati Railway Station becomes your stop. Popular trains like Rajdhani Express, Northeast Express and Kamrup Express connect Guwahati to cities across India. From the station, Shillong is about 100 kilometres away. State buses, private coaches and shared taxis wait right outside, so finding transport is easy. The ride takes close to 3 hours, and vehicles keep running from morning till late evening. Since Guwahati is Meghalaya nearest railway station, almost everyone travelling by train ends up here first.
How to Reach Meghalaya by Road
Driving or hopping on a bus gives you the most freedom to explore at your own pace. National Highway 6 connects Guwahati to Shillong, and the roads stay pretty good throughout the year. Meghalaya State Transport runs regular buses from Paltan Bazaar in Guwahati to Shillong, Tura and other towns. The whole trip takes about 3 hours, whether you're in a car or a bus. If you're already in nearby states like Assam or Tripura, the road networks link up nicely, and the scenery keeps you entertained. Many travellers actually prefer this route because you can stop wherever something catches your eye, and the journey becomes as memorable as the destination itself.
Reaching Meghalaya from Major Indian Cities
If you're travelling from one of India's bigger cities, planning your route becomes much easier when you know the direct options. Here's how you can reach Meghalaya from five major cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai. Each city has its own flight and train connections that eventually get you to Guwahati.
Meghalaya from Bangalore
Bangalore to Meghalaya is best done by flight since the distance is quite long. Direct flights from Kempegowda International Airport to Guwahati take about 3 to 3.5 hours, and airlines like IndiGo and Air India operate daily. Once you land in Guwahati, you're just 125 kilometres away from Shillong, which takes around 3 hours by taxi or bus. If you prefer trains, you can take the Guwahati Express from Yesvantpur Junction, but it's a 40-hour journey, so most people skip that option. The best time to visit Meghalaya is between October and April when the weather stays pleasant for exploring.
Distance: 2,500 km
Travel Time: Flight 3-3.5 hrs + Shillong 3 hrs
Meghalaya from Kolkata
Kolkata is one of the closest major cities to Meghalaya, so you've got plenty of travel options here. Flights from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport to Guwahati take just about an hour, and there are multiple flights throughout the day. Trains are equally convenient, with options like the Saraighat Express and the Kamrup Express taking around 14 to 16 hours to reach Guwahati Railway Station. From there, the road to Shillong is about 100 kilometres and takes roughly 3 hours by cab or state bus. Once you reach, things to do in Meghalaya range from exploring waterfalls to trying local cuisine.
Distance: 1,000 km
Travel Time: Flight 1 hr + Shillong 3 hrs
Meghalaya from Chennai
Getting from Chennai to Meghalaya usually means catching a flight to Guwahati first. Direct flights are available from Chennai International Airport and take about 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on the airline. Once you reach Guwahati, taxis and buses can take you straight to Shillong in about 3 hours. There are also train services, such as the Guwahati Express, but the distance exceeds 40 hours, which is why it is more rational to fly, because you will have time to see Meghalaya without tirelessly travelling. Many travellers coming from Chennai enjoy trekking in Meghalaya during the cooler months.
Distance: 2,200 km
Travel Time: Flight 3.5 hrs + Shillong 3 hrs
Meghalaya from Mumbai
Mumbai to Meghalaya is a long distance, and flying is the most convenient option. Direct flights from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to Guwahati take around 3.5 to 4 hours. Airlines such as Air India, Vistara and IndiGo operate frequent flights on this route. After landing, you can hire a cab or catch a bus to Shillong, which is about 125 kilometres away and takes 3 to 3.5 hours. If you're thinking about trains, options like the Kamrup Express exist, but take over 40 hours, which most travellers find too tiring. Once there, don't miss the famous double-decker living root bridge in Nongriat village.
Distance: 2,070 km
Travel Time: Flight 3.5 hrs + Shillong 3 hrs
Meghalaya from Hyderabad
Travelling from Hyderabad to Meghalaya goes smoothly if you take a flight to Guwahati. Flights from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport take about 3 to 3.5 hours, and you'll find daily options from carriers like IndiGo and Air India. Once you touch down at Guwahati, which is Meghalaya nearest railway station and airport hub, the drive to Shillong takes around 3 hours by road. Trains are available too, but they take close to 45 hours, so unless you really enjoy long train rides, sticking to flights makes the trip far less exhausting.
Distance: 1,900 km
Travel Time: Flight 3 hrs + Shillong 3 hrs
Conclusion
Getting to Meghalaya really isn't as complicated as it might seem at first. Whether you're flying into Guwahati, taking a train there, or driving through those beautiful northeastern roads, each route has its own charm. The key is picking what suits your schedule and budget best. Once you figure out how to reach Meghalaya, the rest of your trip planning becomes much easier. The state might feel far away on the map, but it's actually quite accessible from most major Indian cities. So pack your bags, pick your route, and get ready to explore one of India's most stunning destinations. The clouds are waiting for you.
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