How to Reach Guwahati: A Simplified Guide

Guwahati is a city in Assam, northeast India, known for its large size and cultural richness. It boasts historical importance and beautiful landscapes besides being a prime trade and cultural hub in the region. Whether traveling for business, pleasure, or to see the natural wonders, getting to Guwahati is not very difficult as there are a variety of ways of traveling. Here, we are focusing on How to reach Guwahati.

1. By Air: The Fastest Way

The quickest and most convenient way to reach Guwahati is by air. The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) is the main airport for Guwahati, which is well connected to several major cities across India and international destinations. The airport is about 25 kilometers from the city center.

Domestic Flights

There are direct flights connecting Guwahati with all the other major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Regular flights operated by Air India, IndiGo, GoAir, and SpiceJet ensure one's journey to Guwahati from any other part of the country. Flight from Delhi takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Guwahati while it is a mere 1.5-hour journey from Kolkata.

International Flights

Guwahati also has limited international connections. Flights to and from Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Bhutan are available. If you are coming from abroad, you may need to transit through major Indian cities like Delhi or Kolkata before flying to Guwahati.

2. By Train: A Scenic Journey

For those who are interested in a scenic, leisurely tour, traveling by train to Guwahati is a fantastic option. One of the most important railway stations in northeastern India is Guwahati Railway Station, which has good connectivity with the majority of India's major cities. The railway station is also located in the heart of the city, where one can access public transport easily or hire a taxi after getting down.

Train Routes

Some of the important trains that connect Guwahati to other parts of India are as follows:

North East Express (New Delhi to Guwahati)

Kamakhya Express (Howrah to Guwahati)

Rajdhani Express (New Delhi to Guwahati)

Brahmaputra Mail (Mumbai to Guwahati)

The trip by train takes 12 to 24 hours, depending on the point of origin. Traveling by train is also a great opportunity to see the variety in the landscape of India, especially as you get closer to the northeastern region.

How to Book Train Tickets

You can buy train tickets either on the official Indian Railways website or popular booking apps. It is a good idea to book in advance, especially in peak seasons. The Guwahati Railway Station has also waiting rooms, food stalls, and shops to cater to travelers.

3. By Road: Drive or take a bus

The other flexible way of traveling to Guwahati is through roads. There is an extended national highway system linking the city and easily accessible from the states bordering the state of West Bengal, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh.

By Car

If you like road trips and are coming from neighboring cities, driving to Guwahati is a good option. The city is well connected to other parts of Assam and Northeast India by a network of highways. For instance:

The other option is by road from Kolkata: Take National Highway 27 towards Guwahati. That will be quite scenic and pretty much a direct route. Guwahati is around 17 to 20 hours' car drive with approximately 1,000 kilometers covered.

Guwahati can be reached from the capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong, which would be about a 3-4 hour drive for approximately 100 kilometers.

Roads are in a generally good condition, though weather and road conditions before embarking should be checked; the monsoon season might lead to landslides in the hills.

By Bus

If you do not have access to a car, there are many private and government buses that connect Guwahati with other cities. Buses run frequently from places like Kolkata, Shillong, Silchar, and other cities in the northeastern region. These buses are relatively affordable and comfortable for long-distance travel.

In Guwahati, the main arrivals for travelers will be at one of the two bus terminals available, such as the Paltan Bazaar Bus Station. Taxis and auto-rickshaws will be easily accessible to reach your destination from within the city.

4. By Boat: A Unique Option

Although less frequent, one can reach Guwahati by boat if they are visiting the Brahmaputra River and its surroundings. Ferry services are available from nearby locations, such as Majuli (a river island), Tezpur, and Jorhat.

Boats are a very interesting and scenic way to see the region, but they are not the most practical for people traveling long distances or for time-strapped tourists. It is a more leisurely and offbeat way to enjoy the surroundings.

5. Moving Around Guwahati

Once you have reached Guwahati, getting around the city is easy with a variety of transportation options:

Taxis and Auto-rickshaws: These are available all over the city and are a good way to travel short distances. Negotiate fares before the ride or use an app-based service.

City Buses: Guwahati has a bus service connecting different parts of the city. Though not as fast as taxis, buses are a budget-friendly way to travel.

Car Rentals: If you like comfort, you can hire a private car with a driver for a day or more, which is ideal if you plan to visit several places in and around Guwahati.

6. Best Time To Visit Guwahati

The best time to visit Guwahati is during the cooler months, October to March. The weather at this time of the year is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The monsoon season, from June to September, can be tough for travel since heavy rainfall could disrupt transport systems.

Conclusion

Reaching Guwahati is easy and convenient, with travel options to suit every budget and preference. From the speed of air travel to the scenic charm of a train journey, flexibility of road trips, or leisurely riverboat travel, Guwahati is well connected and accessible. The city is not only a transportation hub but also a gateway to the natural beauty, culture, and history of the northeastern part of India.