Quick take: for 2 days in Shillong in the same size of car, the self-drive Suzuki Ertiga 7-seater rent is ₹5,598 and a 7-seater taxi with a driver is ₹12,000. The self-drive rent is lower, but fuel, tolls and parking come on top.
The two side by side
| Taxi, 7-seater | Self-drive Suzuki Ertiga 7-seater | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 days | ₹12,000 | ₹5,598 rent |
| Driver | Included | You drive |
| Fuel | Included | You pay for the fuel you use. We hand the car over with a full tank, and a fuel deposit is settled when you return |
| Tolls | Included | You pay: you recharge the FASTag |
| Parking | You pay | You pay |
| Driver's food, stay and night halt | Included | Not applicable |
| Distance | The km per day are included | 300 km a day; extra km are ₹8 a km |
Shillong is about 100 km from Guwahati, 3 to 4 hours. Parking around Police Bazaar is tight, which is one reason many visitors let a driver drop them and wait.
Choose a taxi if
- You would rather not drive the climb after Nongpoh and the fog on the upper section.
- You want the driver to deal with parking in the centre of Shillong.
- You want one price that already includes fuel and tolls.
Choose self-drive if
- You want your own pace and stops, such as Umiam Lake and Laitlum Canyons.
- Someone in the group is comfortable driving on hill roads.
- You would rather spend the difference on the trip.
More detail
The 3-day version of this comparison is in Meghalaya 3 days: taxi or self-drive. For the taxi, see the Shillong cab page and Guwahati to Shillong taxi. For the car, see car rental for a Shillong trip.
Self-drive car
No vehicle deposit
FAQs
Which costs less for 2 days in Shillong? The self-drive rent is lower: ₹5,598 against ₹12,000. Fuel, tolls and parking are extra on self-drive.
Are tolls included on a self-drive rental? No. You pay the tolls by recharging the FASTag.
Is fuel included in the taxi? Yes. The taxi day rate includes the driver, fuel, tolls, the driver's food and stay and the night halt. Parking is not included.
Who pays for parking? You do, in both cases.
The information in this post is indicative. Final terms and policies are discussed and confirmed when you take the vehicle on rent.
