Meghalaya, often called the “Abode of Clouds,” is one of India’s most captivating travel destinations, renowned for its lush rolling hills, misty valleys, and sparkling waterfalls. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant charm of Shillong, the rain-drenched wonders of Cherrapunji, or the crystal-clear waters of Dawki, your adventure begins with picking the right route. In this comprehensive guide, we explain how to reach Meghalaya from Guwahati, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi, along with useful travel tips and tour package suggestions to make your journey smooth and memorable.
1. From Guwahati to Meghalaya
Guwahati serves as the nearest major city and the main gateway for travelers heading to Meghalaya. The drive from Guwahati to Shillong (Meghalaya’s capital) is among the most scenic road journeys in Northeast India.
By Road: Shillong is roughly 100 km from Guwahati and can be reached in about 3 hours via NH6. Travelers can hire a private taxi, book a shared sumo (shared SUV), or rent a car. The route offers picturesque views of lush hills and deep valleys.
By Bus: Regular bus services by ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) and private operators run between Guwahati and Shillong.
By Air: Shillong’s Umroi Airport, located about 30 km from the city, has limited flights. Most visitors instead fly into Guwahati Airport (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport) and then continue by road to Shillong.
Travel Tip: Choosing meghalaya tour packages from guwahati is an easy way to explore the region, as these packages often include transportation, accommodations, and sightseeing in Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki, and offbeat gems like Mawlynnong.
2. From Hyderabad to Meghalaya
For travelers from Hyderabad, flying is the most convenient way to reach Meghalaya, as the distance exceeds 2,000 km. The journey typically involves reaching Guwahati first and then traveling to Meghalaya by road.
By Air: The quickest option is to fly from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad) to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Guwahati). Flight duration is approximately 3–4 hours (direct or with a layover). From Guwahati, it’s a scenic 3-hour drive to Shillong.
By Train: There are no direct trains to Meghalaya. You can travel by train from Hyderabad to Guwahati, which takes about 2–3 days, and then continue by road to Shillong.
By Road: Covering over 2,000 km by road is not a practical option unless you’re on an extended expedition.
Travel Tip: Opting for a meghalaya-tour-package-from-hyderabad is a smart choice, as these packages generally cover flights, Guwahati–Shillong transfers, hotel stays, and guided tours to top spots like Cherrapunji, Dawki, and Mawphlang.
3. From Bangalore to Meghalaya
The distance from Bangalore to Meghalaya makes air travel the most preferred method for visitors from Karnataka and nearby states.
By Air: Depart from Kempegowda International Airport (Bangalore) to Guwahati, with most flights having a layover in cities like Kolkata, Delhi, or Hyderabad. Total travel time is about 4–5 hours. From Guwahati, Shillong is a beautiful 3-hour drive away.
By Train: Bangalore to Guwahati train journeys take approximately 55–60 hours. After reaching Guwahati, you can proceed by taxi, shared cab, or bus to Shillong.
By Road: The distance exceeds 3,000 km, making road trips suitable only for adventurous travelers.
Travel Tip: Many meghalaya-tour-packages-from-bangalore include return flights, airport transfers, accommodations, and guided excursions to major attractions like Nohkalikai Falls, Dawki River, and the famous Living Root Bridges — making your trip well-organized and time-efficient.
4. From Mumbai to Meghalaya
Reaching Meghalaya from Mumbai involves a long journey, so most travelers prefer to fly.
By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai) offers multiple flights to Guwahati, usually with a layover in Kolkata, Delhi, or Bangalore. The total flight time is around 4–5 hours. From Guwahati, Shillong is a 3-hour road trip filled with scenic views.
By Train: Trains from Mumbai to Guwahati take about 40–48 hours. From Guwahati, continue to Shillong by taxi, shared cab, or bus.
By Road: The journey is over 2,800 km, taking several days, and is ideal only for long-distance driving enthusiasts.
Travel Tip: Booking a meghalaya-tour-package-from-mumbai helps save time and effort, as it combines flights, transfers, hotel bookings, and sightseeing into one convenient plan.
5. From Delhi to Meghalaya
Delhi offers some of the best connectivity to Meghalaya, making it one of the most accessible starting points for travelers.
By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) operates several daily direct flights to Guwahati, with a flight time of around 2.5–3 hours. From Guwahati, Shillong is a 3-hour road trip through beautiful hills.
By Train: Delhi to Guwahati trains take about 30–36 hours. Once in Guwahati, you can travel to Shillong by road.
By Road: At over 2,000 km, this journey is rarely undertaken unless planned as an adventure road trip.
Travel Tip: A meghalaya-tour-package-from-delhi offers a stress-free travel experience, covering flights, comfortable stays, and guided tours to highlights such as Cherrapunji, Dawki, and Mawlynnong.
Final Travel Tips for Planning Your Meghalaya Trip
Best Route: The most convenient way to reach Meghalaya is to fly to Guwahati and then continue to Shillong by road (approximately 3 hours).
From Any City: Whether starting from Guwahati, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, or Delhi, connecting via Guwahati ensures a smooth journey.
Tour Packages: Consider ready-made packages like meghalaya tour packages from guwahati, meghalaya-tour-package-from-hyderabad, meghalaya-tour-packages-from-bangalore, meghalaya-tour-package-from-mumbai, or meghalaya-tour-package-from-delhi to save time and planning hassles.
What’s Included: Most packages include flights or transfers, hotel stays, sightseeing tours, and local transport — making the trip worry-free.
Best Time to Visit: October to April offers pleasant weather and clear skies, perfect for exploring.
Extra Tip: Pack light woolens, comfortable walking shoes, and keep some cash handy, as ATMs might be scarce in remote locations.