There are five ways to get from Guwahati to Shillong, and most websites get at least one of them wrong. Here is each option with what it really costs, how long it takes and who it suits, from a Shillong team that drives this road every day.
Quick answer
There is no train to Shillong: take the train to Guwahati, then go by road. Guwahati to Shillong is about 100 km and 3–3.5 hours. The cheapest way is a government bus (MTC or ASTC) from Paltan Bazar for roughly ₹200–350 a seat. A shared taxi costs about ₹350–500 a seat and leaves when full. A private cab costs ₹2,700 for the whole car (up to 4 people) from the city, or ₹3,000 from Guwahati Airport. The state helicopter flies Guwahati–Shillong in about 30 minutes for about ₹2,200 a seat, Monday to Saturday, with very few seats.
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At a glance
Key facts at a glance
| Distance | About 100 km from Guwahati city · 123 km from the airport |
|---|---|
| Time by road | 3–3.5 hours (more on Friday evenings and in rain) |
| Cheapest | MTC / ASTC bus, about ₹200–350 a seat |
| Shared taxi | About ₹350–500 a seat from Paltan Bazar |
| Private cab | ₹2,700 whole car from the city · ₹3,000 from the airport |
| Train | None to Shillong: nearest station is Guwahati (GHY) |
| Helicopter | About ₹2,200 a seat, Mon–Sat, confirm with MTC |
All five options compared
Prices below are per person for the bus, shared taxi and helicopter, and for the whole car for a private cab. For two or more people with luggage, a private cab often costs about the same per head as shared seats, and it leaves when you want.
| Option | Cost | Time | Leaves from | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government bus (MTC / ASTC) | ~₹200–350 a seat | 3–3.5 hrs | Paltan Bazar, Guwahati | Solo travellers on a budget |
| Shared taxi (Sumo / Innova) | ~₹350–500 a seat | 3–3.5 hrs | Paltan Bazar or Khanapara | Budget, flexible timing |
| Private cab | ₹2,700 per car (city) · ₹3,000 (airport) | 3–3.5 hrs | Your door, the station or the airport | Families, groups, early flights, luggage |
| Helicopter (MTC) | ~₹2,200 a seat | About 30 min flying | Guwahati Airport | Saving time, if seats are free |
| Train | Not possible | — | — | No line to Shillong |
Is there a train from Guwahati to Shillong?
No. Shillong has no railway station and no train runs to it. The planned Byrnihat–Shillong line has been stalled since 2017, so do not expect it soon. Meghalaya's only station, Mendipathar in North Garo Hills, has almost no passenger service and is nowhere near Shillong or the tourist areas.
If you are coming by train, book to Guwahati (GHY) or Kamakhya (KYQ). From either station it is about 100 km by road to Shillong. Shared taxis and buses leave from Paltan Bazar, a short walk from Guwahati station.
By bus: MTC, ASTC and private buses
The Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) and Assam's ASTC run buses from Paltan Bazar in Guwahati to Shillong, roughly from early morning to the afternoon. Fares are about ₹200–350 a seat and the ride takes about 3–3.5 hours. Private operators also sell seats on booking apps.
Timings change and the published lists online do not agree with each other, so check at the MTC or ASTC counter in Paltan Bazar, or on the operator's booking page, the day before. Buses drop in town, so you still need a local taxi to your hotel.
- Good for: one person with light luggage and a flexible day.
- Not good for: an early flight to catch, lots of bags, or arriving late at night.
By shared taxi
Shared Sumos, Innovas and small cars leave from Paltan Bazar, near Guwahati station, and from Khanapara on the road out of the city. A seat costs roughly ₹350–500 and the car leaves when every seat is sold, which can mean a wait. From Guwahati Airport there is no regular shared stand, and arranged seats cost about ₹700–1,000.
By private cab
A private cab costs ₹2,700 for the whole car from Guwahati city or the railway station, and ₹3,000 from Guwahati Airport, for up to 4 people in a Dzire. Larger cars cost more; see the fare chart. It picks you up at the door, the station or arrivals, stops at Umiam Lake on the way if you like, and drops you at your hotel. Fuel, tolls and the driver are included.
Two people sharing a cab pay about the same per head as two shared-taxi seats from the airport, without the wait.
By helicopter
The state-run Meghalaya Helicopter Service (MTC) flies between Guwahati, Shillong and Tura. When it resumed in June 2025, the Guwahati–Shillong fare was set at ₹2,200 a seat, with two Guwahati–Shillong rounds a day from Monday to Saturday. Flying time is about 30 minutes.
There are very few seats, flights are cancelled in bad weather, and there are baggage limits, so treat it as a bonus rather than a plan. Confirm the current fare and timings with MTC before you count on it, and keep a road option ready.
Which one should you choose?
Alone and on a budget: the MTC or ASTC bus. Two people with flexible plans: a shared taxi. Families, groups, anyone with an early flight or a late arrival: a private cab, because it leaves when you land and there is no waiting for seats. The helicopter only if you can get a seat and the weather is clear.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is there a train from Guwahati to Shillong?
No. Shillong has no railway station. Take a train to Guwahati (GHY) or Kamakhya, then go 100 km by bus, shared taxi or cab.
What is the nearest railway station to Shillong?
Guwahati (GHY), about 100 km away, 3–3.5 hours by road. Kamakhya (KYQ) in Guwahati works too.
How much is the bus from Guwahati to Shillong?
About ₹200–350 a seat on MTC and ASTC buses from Paltan Bazar. Private operators on booking apps charge more. Check timings at the counter the day before.
Is there a helicopter from Guwahati to Shillong?
Yes, the state-run Meghalaya Helicopter Service flies Monday to Saturday. The fare set in June 2025 was ₹2,200 a seat. Seats are few and weather-dependent, so confirm with MTC first.
How far is Shillong from Guwahati Airport?
About 123 km, 3.5–4 hours by road. A private cab from the airport costs ₹3,000 for the whole car.
What is the cheapest way from Guwahati to Shillong?
The MTC or ASTC bus from Paltan Bazar, at about ₹200–350 a seat.
Up nextGuwahati to Shillong Shared Taxi: Fare per Seat, Where to Board & TimingsGuwahati to Shillong shared taxi: ~₹350–500 per seat from Paltan Bazaar, ₹700–1,000 from the airport. Where to board, timings, bus vs shared vs private cab.Read next (6 min) Keep reading
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