How to Reach Shillong From Delhi
How to Reach Shillong from Delhi: Complete Travel Guide
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is often called the “Scotland of the East.” With its misty hills, pine forests, cascading waterfalls, and pleasant weather, it attracts thousands of travelers from Delhi and across India. If you’re planning your journey, you might be wondering: How to reach Shillong from Delhi?
This guide explains every possible travel option – by flight, train, bus, and car – so you can choose the best way to reach Shillong depending on your budget, time, and comfort.
For more details and complete travel inspiration, you can also check: Shillong Travel Guide
How to Reach Shillong from Delhi by Air
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Delhi to Shillong is by air. Since Shillong has a small airport (Umroi Airport), only limited flights operate here.
- Direct Flights: Currently, there are very few direct flights from Delhi to Shillong. The routes are not always daily and depend on airline schedules.
- Via Guwahati: The best option is to take a direct flight from Delhi to Guwahati Airport (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport). From Guwahati, Shillong is about 100 km away and takes around 3 hours by road. Shared taxis and private cabs are available at the airport.
Approximate Travel Time: 3 hours (Delhi to Guwahati flight) + 3 hours (Guwahati to Shillong by road)
Approximate Cost: ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 (one-way flight) + ₹500–₹3,000 (road transfer, depending on cab/sharing)
👉 If you want to save time, Delhi to Guwahati flight + road trip to Shillong is the most practical choice.
How to Reach Shillong from Delhi by Flight
Many travelers search specifically for how to reach Shillong from Delhi by flight. The answer is simple:
- Look for available direct flights from Delhi to Shillong.
- If direct flights are not available on your dates, book a flight to Guwahati and continue your journey by road.
This is the quickest and most comfortable way, especially if you’re short on time. Plus, the road journey from Guwahati to Shillong is scenic, with beautiful hills and lush greenery.
How to Reach Shillong from Delhi by Train
If you’re someone who enjoys train journeys, here’s the truth: Shillong does not have a railway station. The nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station, located about 100 km away.
- From Delhi to Guwahati, several trains are available, including Rajdhani Express, Brahmaputra Mail, and Northeast Express.
- The train journey usually takes 28–36 hours, depending on the train.
- Once you reach Guwahati, you can continue your journey by cab, bus, or shared taxi to Shillong.
Approximate Travel Time: 30–36 hours (train) + 3 hours (road transfer)
Approximate Cost: ₹700 – ₹3,000 (train ticket) + ₹500–₹3,000 (road transfer)
👉 This option is budget-friendly, but it requires patience and long travel time.
How to Reach Shillong from Delhi by Bus
There is no direct bus service from Delhi to Shillong, as the distance is more than 2,000 km. However, if you still want to explore by bus, here’s how you can do it:
- First, take a bus from Delhi to Guwahati (this can take 40–45 hours, and such long routes are rare).
- A more practical way is to reach Guwahati by train or flight, then take a state-run bus or private bus to Shillong.
- Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) and Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) operate buses between Guwahati and Shillong.
- Deluxe and semi-deluxe buses are available.
Approximate Travel Time: 3–4 hours (Guwahati to Shillong by bus)
Approximate Cost: ₹150 – ₹400 per person
👉 Taking a bus only makes sense from Guwahati to Shillong, not all the way from Delhi.
How to Reach Shillong from Delhi by Car
For those who love long road trips, driving from Delhi to Shillong can be a thrilling adventure. The journey is long but full of diverse landscapes, cultures, and food experiences.
- Distance: Around 2,000 km
- Route: Delhi → Lucknow → Gorakhpur → Siliguri → Guwahati → Shillong
- Travel Time: Around 40–45 hours of continuous driving (usually split across 4–5 days)
Things to Consider:
- Road conditions are mixed – some stretches are smooth highways, while some parts in Assam and Meghalaya are hilly and require careful driving.
- You’ll need to plan overnight stops at major cities along the way.
- Best for people traveling in groups and looking for an adventurous road trip.
Approximate Cost: Fuel (₹15,000–₹20,000 one way) + tolls + accommodation during stops
👉 If you’re short on time, driving is not recommended. But if road trips excite you, this is one of the most adventurous ways to reach Shillong.
Best Way to Reach Shillong from Delhi
- Fastest: By flight to Guwahati + 3-hour road journey to Shillong
- Cheapest: By train to Guwahati + shared taxi/bus to Shillong
- Adventurous: By car (Delhi to Shillong road trip)
Travel Tips for Your Journey
- Book flights early – Prices to Guwahati fluctuate a lot. Early booking helps save money.
- Carry warm clothes – Shillong has cool weather, especially in the evenings.
- Choose shared cabs from Guwahati if you want to save money.
- For families, private taxis are more comfortable from Guwahati.
- Roads in Meghalaya are hilly – if you have motion sickness, keep medicines handy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there a direct flight from Delhi to Shillong?
Currently, very few direct flights operate between Delhi and Shillong (Umroi Airport). The most reliable option is to take a direct flight from Delhi to Guwahati and then travel by road to Shillong.
2. How far is Shillong from Delhi?
The distance between Delhi and Shillong is approximately 2,000 km by road and about 1,460 km by air (Delhi to Guwahati flight + road trip).
3. How to reach Shillong from Delhi by train?
Shillong does not have a railway station. The nearest railway station is Guwahati, about 100 km away. From Delhi, you can take trains like Rajdhani Express or Northeast Express to Guwahati, then continue by taxi, bus, or shared cab to Shillong.
4. How to reach Shillong from Delhi by flight?
The fastest way is to fly from Delhi to Guwahati Airport (3 hours), then take a 3-hour cab/bus ride to Shillong. Some direct flights to Shillong exist but are limited.
5. How to reach Shillong from Delhi by bus?
There is no direct bus from Delhi to Shillong. However, after reaching Guwahati by train or flight, you can take Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) or Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) buses to Shillong.
6. How to reach Shillong from Delhi by car?
You can drive around 2,000 km via Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Siliguri, and Guwahati. It takes about 4–5 days, depending on stops. This option is best for adventure road trip lovers.
7. How many days are enough to visit Shillong?
A 3–4 day trip is enough to explore Shillong and nearby attractions like Cherrapunji and Dawki. For a relaxed trip covering Meghalaya’s highlights, plan for 5–6 days.
8. Which is the best way to reach Shillong from Delhi?
- Fastest: Flight to Guwahati + road to Shillong
- Cheapest: Train to Guwahati + shared cab/bus
- Adventurous: Road trip by car
9. How much does it cost to travel from Delhi to Shillong?
- By Flight: ₹4,000–₹8,000 (Delhi–Guwahati flight) + ₹500–₹3,000 (cab/bus to Shillong)
- By Train: ₹700–₹3,000 (train ticket) + ₹500–₹3,000 (road transfer)
- By Car: ₹15,000–₹20,000 (fuel one-way) + tolls + accommodation en route
10. What is the nearest airport and railway station to Shillong?
- Nearest Airport: Shillong Umroi Airport (limited flights), but Guwahati Airport is the main option.
- Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station (100 km from Shillong).
Final Thoughts
Shillong is one of the most charming hill stations in India. Whether you fly, take a train, hop on a bus, or even drive down from Delhi, the journey itself is part of the experience.
If you’re still deciding the best way, here’s a simple rule:
- For time-saving – take a flight.
- For budget travel – go by train.
- For adventure – plan a road trip.
Whichever option you choose, the reward is the same – reaching a city full of natural beauty, waterfalls, and rich Khasi culture.
👉 For detailed guides, itineraries, and travel tips, check here: Shillong Travel Guide