What Is The Guwahati To Shillong Distance? What Are The Modes Of Transportation?
The approval of the Shillong-Silchar highway project is the biggest announcement, with a promise to make transportation between Guwahati and Shillong more convenient.
This project, approved by the Union Cabinet on 30th April, 2025, will build a greenfield high-speed corridor of 166.80 km. It will start from Mawlyngkhung in Meghalaya and end in Panchgram in Assam. The total project cost will be ₹22,864 crore.
When the corridor is complete, there will be less pressure on the traffic on NH-06. This route will pass through the following places to boost traffic infrastructure in alignment with the “PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan” and the government vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
The route will pass through:
- Ri Bhoi
- East Khasi Hills
- West Jaintia Hills
- East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya
- Cachar District in Assam.
It goes without saying that cutting down the travel time and distance will make national and international tourists happier to explore the scenic spots of Northeastern India.
Nevertheless, there is already a reliable Guwahati to Shillong transportation system in place. You can travel between these two cities via train, flight, or road.
And in this Dream and Travel Guide, I will discuss the distance between Guwahati and Shillong and the various modes of transportation between the two cities.
What Is The Guwahati To Shillong Distance?
The distance between Guwahati and Shillong is 99.8 km. You have to travel via NH-06 for around 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Shillong. Taking a sumo or a shared jeep taxi from the Khanapara bus stand in Guwahati is the most convenient way to travel to Shillong.
However, there are other modes of transportation between these two cities, and travel time will vary by mode.
| By Bus | 3-3.5 Hours |
| By Taxi/Private Car | 2 Hours and 30 Minutes |
How To Travel From Guwahati To Shillong?
Find all the details about the bus services and shared and private taxi availability from Guwahati to Shillong.
1. Guwahati To Shillong Bus
The Meghalaya Transport Corporation(MTC) runs many buses from Guwahati to Shillong.
ASTC Paltan Bazar is the main pickup point for these buses. You can also board a bus from ISBT Guwahati or Khanapara. The bus drops you at the Police Bazar Stand or Mawiong ISBT in Shillong. The travel time is around 3 to 3.5 hours.
Have a look at the timetable and ticket price in the table below. (Source: redBus).
| Departure | Arrival | Ticket Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 7 AM | 10 AM | 200 |
| 7:30 AM | 10:45 AM | 200 |
| 12 PM | 3 PM | 200 |
2. Guwahati To Shillong Shared Taxi
As buses from Guwahati to Shillong are not frequent, you can take a shared jeep or Sumo from Khanapara. To reach Khanapara, you can take a bus from the G.S. Road near the Guwahati Railway Station. The ticket price is INR 10.
From Khanapara, the shared taxi ride costs around INR 200 per person. However, waiting in a Sumo can be a little annoying as the driver will wait for the Sumo to get filled.
3. Guwahati To Shillong Private Taxi
To pace the beautiful journey from Guwahati to Shillong better, you can book an Uber cab. Uber offers cab services on this route at ₹2749. You can also now use the FESTOFF500 code to get discounts on the price (Valid until the promo code offer expires).
Also, you can book a local taxi service, and the Guwahati to Shillong taxi fare is around INR 2500. You will even find taxi services on this route online. Megha Yatri is one such service, and you can contact them at +91-9862361803.
What Is The Route From Guwahati To Shillong? Is The Road Well-Maintained?
You have to travel via NH-06 to reach Shillong from Guwahati. The road condition is decent. Also, the route has tolls, but you are unlikely to face road closure in usual conditions.
If you are traveling in a private taxi or car, you must stop by the man-made Umiam Lake. It is around 81 km away from Guwahati. The place is a popular stopover for amazing scenic views.
Umiam Lake is also known as Barapani, and near the lake, you will find stalls selling snacks and tea.
Shillong To Guwahati Helicopter Ride: A Unique Experience Worth Exploring
The helicopter service run by MTC has resumed its operations in June 2025. This helicopter service from Guwahati to Shillong and back operates twice a day, Monday to Saturday. The ticket price is INR 2200 per person.
Have a look at the timetable below.
| Days | Guwahati to Shillong Helicopter | Return Helicopter from Shillong to Guwahati |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | • 8:30 AM • 12 PM | • 9:10 AM • 12:40 PM |
| Tuesday | • 9:30 AM • 12 PM | • 10:10 AM • 12:40 PM |
| Wednesday | • 8:30 AM • 12 PM | • 9:10 AM • 12:40 PM |
| Thursday | • 9:30 AM • 12 PM | • 10:10 AM • 12:40 PM |
| Friday | • 8:30 AM • 12 PM | • 9:10 AM • 12:40 PM |
| Saturday | • 9:30 AM • 12 PM | • 10:10 AM • 12:40 PM |
What Are The Best Places To Visit Between Guwahati And Shillong?
Tourism in Guwahati gets a new boost with the world-class Riverfront on the Brahmaputra. The riverfront stretches from the Kachari Ghat to the new DC Bungalow.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated this project on 7th November 2025, and the chief minister of the state, Himanta Biswa Sarma, described it as a “Proud Moment for Guwahati.”
Dubbed as a perfect blend of “Nature, Culture and Modernity,” this riverfront is surely going to be a major tourism attraction the next time you are in Guwahati.
Furthermore, on your way to Shillong from Guwahati, you will encounter the following places of attraction.
1. Umiam Lake (Distance From Guwahati: 81 Km)
Barapani or Umiam Lake stretches over an area of 220 square kilometers. Sylvan Hills and green pines create the dreamiest backdrop for this lake.
If you have the time and you are adventurous enough, you can try water activities such as boating, kayaking, and water cycling.
2. Lum Nehru Park (Distance From Guwahati: 82 Km)
The Lum Nehru Park is very close to the Umiam Lake. Named after Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, this park is home to beautiful orchids.
The park is surrounded by big pine trees, and it is known for the best sunrise and sunset views.
3. Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, Shangbangla (Distance From Guwahati: 58 Km)
This wildlife sanctuary is located in the Ri–Bhoi district of Meghalaya. With an area of 29 square kilometers, this sanctuary houses different types of fauna, birds, reptiles, and animals.
In 2021, this wildlife sanctuary was designated as the best protected area of the Northeast in a “management effectiveness evaluation (MEE) report of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.”
The park has Rufous-necked Hornbill and a total of 400 species of birds, hoolock gibbons, leopards, tigers, and elephants.
So, the recent protest against the development of an ecotourism project in the park by the Green Tech Foundation (GTF) seems only justified. This diverse and delicate ecosystem can be affected by such measures.
4. Sohliya Or The Strawberry Village
Sohliya, a quaint hamlet in Ri-Bhoi District, is another major attraction on the Guwahati to Shillong route. It is the hamlet that has led the strawberry revolution of Meghalaya with assistance from the state government.
Exploring the strawberry farms here is a great experience. Also, you will have an understanding of the local culture and livelihood while talking to the local people who take care of these farms.
What Are The Places To Eat Between Guwahati And Shillong?
You will find many local food stalls near Barapani or the Umiam Lake. However, you can try the famous foods of Meghalaya or home-style food at a small restaurant called Golden Spoon. This hotel is near Nongpoh.
Also, if you are looking for vegetarian options, Jiva Veg Restaurant is a popular stop. It is also getting a lot of attention thanks to the food bloggers on social media.
What Is The Best Time For The Guwahati To Shillong Journey?
October to March is the best time for the Guwahati to Shillong trip. However, Shillong is also beautiful from April to June, the spring and summer seasons.
Here is a seasonal comparison of the best seasons to travel between Guwahati and Shillong.
| Seasons | Months | Average Temperature (Degree Celsius) | Travel Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | May and June | 12-30 | • Best Time for Sightseeing and Spotting Wildlife |
| Monsoon | July to September | 17-24 | • Pristine Beauty of the Green Landscape Mighty Waterfalls |
| Winter | October to February | 9-12 | • Ideal Time for Adventure Activities |
| Spring | March and April | 11-25 | • Shad Suk Mynsiem Festival of the Khashi People |
Continuing The Journey: Onward Travel From Shillong
Do you want to continue your journey from Guwahati to Shillong? You can take day trips to the following nearby towns and attractions.
1. Cherrapunji (Distance: 53.7 Kms)
You can reach Cherrapunji, the rain capital of India, from Shillong by bus, car, or bike. The cheapest way to travel the Shillong to Cherrapunji distance is to take a bus run by the MTDC Ltd. or the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation Limited.
The ticket price is INR 600 per head. Once you reach Cherrapunji, you can explore natural wonders such as the Mawsmai Cave, the double-decker root bridge, Mawsynram, and Arwah Caves.
2. Dawki (Distance: 81 Kms)
Dawki is a quaint town bordering India and Bangladesh. It has the beautiful Umngot River, known for its crystal clear water, and it functions as a natural border between India and Bangladesh.
Furthermore, you can visit the Dawki Suspension Bridge, which was built in 1932 to boost the connectivity between the two banks of the Umngot River and India and Bangladesh.
3. Mawlynnong (Distance: 77 Kms)
Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia, is the neighbor of Dawki. The locals see the task of maintaining cleanliness as a collective commitment and not just a task to follow rules.
Furthermore, here you will find man-made bridges stemming from the roots of the Ficus elastica trees. These bridges are an extension of the quintessential Khashi lifestyle.
4. Shnongpdeng (Distance: 87 Kms)
Tour operators like NatureWings offer Kaziranga, Shillong, Cherrapunji, and Shnongpdeng Tour Packages. You can opt for these packages or take a cab from Shillong to Shnongpdeng.
Shnongpdeng is known for adventure activities like ziplining, scuba diving, cliff jumping, etc. Pioneer Adventure Tour (www.pioneeradventuretour.com) is the only certified operator of these adventure tours in Shnongpdeng.
5. Laitlum (Distance: 25 Kms)
Also known as ”End of the Hills,” Laitlum stands out because of its dramatic canyons. Popular as a hiking and trekking destination, Laitlum is also an important hub for understanding the culture and livelihood of the local Khasi people.
6. Jowai (Distance: 69 Kms)
Jowai is a significant cultural hub for the Jaintia people. People here speak in the Pnar language. Behdienkhlam Festival, the socio-religious festival of the Jaintia people in Jowai, gets many tourists.
Nartiang Monoliths, Krang Suri Falls, Tyrshi Falls, the monument of Jaintia freedom fighter Kiang Nong Bah in the Syntu Ksiar historic site are the main attractions of Jowai.
Guwahati To Shillong: A 3-Day Itinerary And Tour Plan
The Guwahati to Shillong distance is ideal for a day trip. However, if you want a more immersive and slow-paced travel experience, you can consider this 3-day itinerary.
| Days | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | • Traveling from Guwahati to Shillong. • Stopping at Umiam Lake Barapani and enjoying boating and water cycling. • Visiting Lum Nehru Park, nearby. • Lunch at Golden Spoon near Nongpoh. • Visiting Ward’s Lake and Shillong Golf Course. • Exploring the Police Bazaar for souvenirs, handicrafts, and snacks. • Overnight stay in Shillong. |
| Day 2 | • Day trip to Cherrapunji by MTDC bus. • Exploring Mawsmai Cave and Nohkalikai Falls. • Trying local Khasi cuisine for lunch in Cherrapunji. • Driving back to Shillong. • Spending the evening in a cafe and having a pizza dinner. • Overnight stay in Shillong. |
| Day 3 | • Visit to Dawki and Mawlynnong. • A boat ride on the Umngot River. • Having authentic Khashi lunch at Mawlynnong. • Visiting Laitlum View Point and back to Shillong. • Break for coffee and pizza. Off to Guwahati. |
Local Tips, Etiquette, And Things To Keep In Mind During The Guwahati To Shillong Trip
Carry Water, light snacks, sunscreen, and a light jacket as travel essentials. Also, keep your raingear handy.
Furthermore, despite being in decent condition, the roads with hilly turns demand careful driving practices.
Most importantly, places such as Mawlynnong, Dawki, Jowai, and Sohliya are home to the indigenous Khashi and Jaintia people who practice distinct cultures. You must respect their customs and the way they practice gratitude for nature.
The villagers are particular about cleanliness, and they are socially committed to that cause. So, do not litter or leave waste.
Also, you must not photograph any villager without their permission.
What Are The Safety Tips For First-Time Travelers From Guwahati To Shillong?
- Airtel and Jio offer decent network coverage in Shillong.
- Keep the following emergency numbers handy.
- Police Control Room, Shillong – 100, 2222277, 2226042 (STD: 0364)
- Shillong Sadar PS: 2224400 (STD: 0364)
- Women’s Helpline: 1091
- Carry a power bank as power cuts are common.
- Seek help from a trusted service like Uber or a reputed tour operator for booking a taxi or private car. Ensure that you are paying the just price for the service and that you and your belongings are safe.
Approximate Cost Breakdown For Guwahati To Shillong Tour
The cost for a 3-day trip from Guwahati to Shillong will be around INR 6000-30000 per person. The cost depends on the mode of transportation, accommodation, food and beverages, entry fees and activities, souvenirs, and other miscellaneous expenses.
| Types of Travelers | Expenses | Cost (3 Days) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Traveler | • Shared taxi or bus. • Mid-range hotelsFood • Attractions and local transport • Shopping | INR 6000-8000 |
| Mid-Range Traveler | • Private Taxi • Mid-range hotelsFood • Attractions and lotransportorts • Shopping | INR 10000-12000 |
| Luxury Traveler | • Private Taxi • High-end hotels • Food • Attractions and local transport • Helicopter Ride (One-Way) • Shopping | INR 30000 Onward |
So, set your budget and get ready to explore Shillong, the beautiful capital of Meghalaya or the Land of Clouds.
Guwahati To Shillong: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about traveling from Guwahati to Shillong.
October to March is the best time to visit Shillong. The sky remains clear in these months, and the air is crisp. Also, these months, especially from October to December, are ideal for seeing the beautiful orchids in full bloom.
The distance between Guwahati and Cherrapunji is around 146 kms. The travel time by road is around 5 hours. However, it will be best if you drive from Guwahati to Shillong, take a break, and then ride to Cherrapunji.
NH6 is still the route from Guwahati to Cherrapunji. However, traveling will be faster when the Green Corridor Project is complete.
The distance between Guwahati and Meghalaya is around 99 kms. You can travel this distance by road in 2 hours and 45 minutes.
