How to Reach Shillong From Guwahati: Every Option Compared
Quick take: Shillong is about 100 km from Guwahati by road, 3–4 hours on NH6. There's no train, and very few flights, so you go by road. Shared taxis and buses are the cheapest; a rented scooty or bike is the most fun; a self-drive car or a private car with a driver is the most comfortable. Here's how they compare.
The options at a glance
| Option | Time | Rough cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared taxi | 3–4 hours | Cheapest per person | Solo travellers on a budget |
| Bus | 3–4 hours or more | Cheap | Budget travellers who don't mind fixed times |
| Rented scooty or bike | 3–4 hours | From ₹799/day plus fuel | Couples and riders who want to explore |
| Self-drive car | 3–4 hours | ₹2,799/day plus fuel | Families and groups of up to 7 |
| Private car with a driver | 3–4 hours | From ₹4,200/day | Comfort, no driving, door to door |
Shared-taxi and bus fares change; check them locally on the day.
Shared taxi
Shared taxis to Shillong leave from around Paltan Bazaar, near Guwahati railway station, once they fill up. They're the cheapest way to go and run through the day. The trade-offs: you wait for the car to fill, luggage space is limited, and you can't stop on the way.
Bus
State and private buses run between Guwahati and Shillong. They cost the least but take at least as long as a taxi, and they leave at fixed times. Good if you're travelling light and on a tight budget.
Rent a scooty or bike and ride
The road is the best part of the trip: flat for the first hour, then a climb through pine forest after Nongpoh, with Umiam Lake just before Shillong. Scooters are allowed to Shillong, and a geared bike is more comfortable two-up or if you're going on to Cherrapunji or Dawki.
You pick up at our location in Maligaon, Guwahati, about 2 km from Kamakhya station and 7 km from Guwahati railway station. There's no security deposit on the vehicle, and helmets come with it. The full ride, with stops, is in our Guwahati to Shillong route guide; renting a bike for Shillong explains how booking works.
Rent in Guwahati, ride to Shillong
Self-drive · CarSuzuki Ertiga 7-seaterFamilies · Groupsfrom ₹2,799/day
Self-drive · BikeYamaha FZ-S FI V2Solo riders · Couplesfrom ₹999/day
Self-drive · BikeHonda SP 125Solo riders · Couplesfrom ₹999/day
Self-drive · BikeBajaj Pulsar N160Solo riders · Couplesfrom ₹1,199/day
Self-drive · ScooterYamaha RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid Street RallyCity exploration · Short local tripsfrom ₹799/day
Self-drive · ScooterTVS NTorq 150City rides · Couplesfrom ₹899/day
Self-drive · BikeRoyal Enfield Scram 440Experienced riders · Couplesfrom ₹1,999/day
Self-drive · BikeRoyal Enfield Himalayan 450Experienced riders · Couplesfrom ₹2,499/day
Self-drive · BikeHero XPulse 200 4VSolo riders · Off-road trailsfrom ₹1,499/day
Self-drive · BikeHero XPulse 210Solo riders · Couplesfrom ₹1,699/daySelf-drive car
Our Suzuki Ertiga 7-seater seats 7 at ₹2,799/day, with room for luggage and the freedom to stop at Umiam Lake or a roadside fruit stall. Split between a group, it's often cheaper per person than several taxi seats, and you keep it for day trips from Shillong.
Private car with a driver
The comfortable option: a sedan or 7-seater with a local driver who knows the road and the parking in Shillong. Do it as a day trip or keep the car for 2–3 days. Costs are on our Guwahati to Shillong private car page, or for a longer trip, Meghalaya by private car.
Which should you pick?
- Solo, on a budget: shared taxi.
- Two people who like riding: a scooty or bike; the cheapest way to have your own transport.
- Family or a group of friends: the self-drive 7-seater, or a private car if nobody wants to drive.
- First time in the hills, or with older parents: a private car with a driver.
FAQs
How far is Shillong from Guwahati? About 100 km on NH6, usually 3–4 hours depending on traffic at Jorabat and Byrnihat.
Is there a train from Guwahati to Shillong? No. Shillong has no railway; the nearest station is Guwahati.
Can I fly to Shillong? Shillong has a small airport with limited flights. Most visitors fly into Guwahati and go by road.
What's the cheapest way to reach Shillong from Guwahati? A shared taxi or bus. If there are two of you and you want your own transport, a rented scooty from ₹799/day plus fuel is close in cost.
Can I go to Shillong and come back the same day? Yes, but it's about 200 km of driving. A night in Shillong turns it into a proper trip.
Contact / Book
Message us on WhatsApp with your dates, and tell us whether you want to ride, drive or be driven.
The information in this post is indicative. Final terms and policies are discussed and confirmed when you take the vehicle on rent.
