How to Reach Meghalaya: An International Traveller’s Guide

Wondering how to reach Meghalaya from outside India? Imagine a land where clouds nestle among rolling hills, waterfalls tumble over moss-draped cliffs, and bridges grow from living tree roots. This isn’t fantasy—it’s Meghalaya, India’s “Abode of Clouds.”

As you arrive, you will be captivated by lush green landscapes, the warmth of the local Khasi and Garo people, and culinary delights that tantalise your taste buds. Every moment of your Meghalaya trip promises breathtaking views, cultural encounters, and unforgettable experiences.

In this comprehensive guide, we will navigate you through the mists of confusion as well as walk you through the most efficient ways to reach Meghalaya by air, road, and train. We hope your journey to Meghalaya is as enchanting as the destination itself.

1. How to Reach Meghalaya by Air

When pondering how to reach Meghalaya by air, prepare for a descent through layers of clouds that feel almost magical. While Meghalaya has its airport in Shillong (Umroi Airport), it’s as elusive as a four-leaf clover. Your best bet for reaching Meghalaya from outside India is to aim for the more accessible Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in neighbouring Guwahati, Assam.

2. How to Reach Meghalaya by Road

If you believe that the journey is as important as the destination, learning how to reach Meghalaya by road is your ticket to adventure. If you’re already in India, make your way to Guwahati—it’s the gateway to the Northeast and the launching pad for your Meghalaya expedition.

The Guwahati Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) is where your road trip begins. Hop on a Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) bus, or if you’re feeling fancy, hire a private taxi. The Guwahati-Shillong route is a feast for the senses. And as you leave the Brahmaputra Valley behind, the air becomes cooler, the vegetation denser, and soon you’re enveloped in Meghalaya’s famous mists.

Here’s a little secret – ask your driver to stop at the Umiam Lake viewpoint. It’s the perfect spot to stretch your legs and snap that first “I’m in Meghalaya!” selfie. The vast expanse of water surrounded by pine-covered hills is a preview of the natural wonders awaiting you as you complete the final leg of how to reach Meghalaya.

3. How to Reach Meghalaya by Train

Now, here’s the twist in our “how to reach Meghalaya” tale—the state doesn’t have a railway network. But don’t let that derail your plans! Learning how to reach Meghalaya by train involves a journey to its doorstep, offering a window into the heart of India.

Book a berth on an overnight train to Guwahati from major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, or Mumbai. As you chug along, you’ll witness India’s diverse landscape unfold like a living geography lesson. From the Gangetic plains to the tea gardens of Assam, it’s a journey that tells a thousand stories.

You will arrive at Guwahati Railway Station refreshed and ready for the final leg to Meghalaya. The station is a hub of activity, with vendors selling everything from spicy samosas to colourful handicrafts. Grab a quick bite—I recommend the piping hot kachori—before you hop into a shared taxi or bus to Shillong, Meghalaya.