How to Reach Meghalaya

How to Reach Meghalaya, when translated, means 'the abode of clouds' and the state stands to what it literally means. From extreme monsoons, long line of pine trees and some of the rarest species of flora and fauna, the state has a whole bunch of surprises waiting to be discovered. Not to forget the very famous Shillong that is known as Scotland of the East, and the many similar exotic hill stations. The state has English as its official language and is home to several tribes. Welcome yourself to this gorgeous state where you enjoy the serenity of nature, warmth of the locals and some exciting things that will satiate your wanderlust soul. How to reach Meghalaya? Here's a guide.

By Road:
Road is the only means of transport within the state, Shillong the capital city is relatively well connected by road. National Highway NH 40 connects Shillong with Guwahati. MTC and private transport operators have services to various places in Meghalaya and to neighbouring states. Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) operates bus services from Shillong to Guwahati and Guwahati to Shillong daily. Tourist Taxis, Tata Sumo Taxis, Tourist coaches are also available for travel between Shillong to Guwahati and vice-versa. Shillong is well connected by a net work of roads with all important cities in the neighbouring states and major cities in the country.
Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) has bus services coordinated with train arrivals at Guwahati. The buses leave Guwahati beginning 6 am till 5 pm (three and a half hrs). Reciprocal services from Shillong also leave at the same time. Taxis are available at Guwahati Railway Station.

By Train:
Meghalaya does not have any railhead or railway station, the nearest railway station is Guwahati which is 104 km from Shillong. Most of the tourist first arrive into Guwahat (Assam) and then enter Meghalaya by road transport. Assam have a major railhead as well as an airport with regular train and air flight services to the rest of the country.

By Air (flights):
It has a small airport at Umroi, about 40 km from Shillong on the Guwahati-Shillong highway. The small size of the airport does not allow the operation of large aircraft, and only small aircraft operate from Kolkata and Agartala, the capital of the neighboring state of Tripura. At present, Air India operates with ATR42 type of aircraft on this route. Buses / Taxis are available from Shillong to Umroi and back.