Guwahati Airport to Shillong — Complete Transfer Guide
The Guwahati to Shillong route is one of the most travelled in Northeast India. Nearly every Meghalaya tourist starts here. Here's everything you need to know about making this transfer.
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Distance & Travel Time
The route climbs steadily from Guwahati's flat plains (50m elevation) up to Shillong at 1,500m. The ascent through the Khasi Hills is scenic — pine trees, waterfalls, and misty valleys. Expect the road to narrow and wind after Jorabat.
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Ways to Get from Guwahati Airport to Shillong
1. Pre-Booked Private Cab (Recommended)
Book a cab in advance through Meghalaya Cabs (or a similar service). Your driver waits inside arrivals with a name board. Load your luggage and go — no haggling, no waiting in taxi queues.
Advantages:
Book via WhatsApp at +91 73708 35098 — send your flight details and hotel address.
2. Prepaid Taxi Counter at Airport
Guwahati airport has a prepaid taxi counter inside the arrivals hall. Rates change periodically. As of 2026, expect to pay around ₹2,500–₹3,500 for a sedan to Shillong city. Queue and process can take 20–30 minutes.
Drawbacks: You won't know the driver in advance. No guarantee on vehicle condition or language. No stops at scenic viewpoints.
3. Shared Cab from Paltan Bazaar (Guwahati city)
Shared sumos and taxis to Shillong depart from Paltan Bazaar in Guwahati city (~30 minutes from airport by local transport). These fill up and go — you share with 6–7 others, dropped at Police Bazaar in Shillong.
Fare: ~₹350–₹500 per seat
Drawbacks: No departure schedule — you wait until the cab fills. Journey is 2.5–3+ hours. No luggage space. No stops.
4. ASTC / State Bus
Assam State Transport buses run between Guwahati (Paltan Bazaar stand) and Shillong (Shillong bus stand). Slow (3–4 hours), infrequent, and no direct service from the airport.
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Guwahati to Shillong Route Highlights
If you're in a private cab, ask your driver to stop at:
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What to Do on Arrival in Shillong
Once your cab drops you at your hotel, the city centre (Police Bazaar) is walkable. For Day 1 evening:
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the drive take?
Typically 2–2.5 hours in good conditions. Friday evenings and long weekends can add 45–60 minutes. Monsoon season (June–September) can add more due to rain and road conditions.
Does my driver wait if my flight is delayed?
Yes — all Meghalaya Cabs transfers include a 2-hour free wait at the airport. If your delay is longer, WhatsApp your driver and they'll update the plan.
Can I make a stop at Umiam Lake?
Absolutely. Just mention it when booking. We build stops into the schedule.
Is the Guwahati–Shillong road safe at night?
The highway is reasonably well-lit. Our drivers are familiar with the night route. However, we recommend arriving in daylight for your first visit — you'll miss the mountain scenery in the dark.
What if I'm flying back from Shillong?
We also do Shillong to Guwahati airport drops. Book your return transfer when you book your arrival transfer and confirm flight details closer to the date.
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Book Your Guwahati Airport Transfer
WhatsApp us at +91 73708 35098 with:
Your driver will be in arrivals when you land.