Planning a trip to Assam and wondering how to reach Assam from your city? The gateway to Northeast India, Assam is well-connected by air, rail, and road networks from all major Indian cities. Whether you’re traveling from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, or Kolkata, reaching Assam (primarily through Guwahati) is convenient and offers multiple options to suit every budget. This comprehensive guide covers everything about how to reach Assam including routes, costs, timings, and travel tips to make your journey smooth and hassle-free!
| Mode of Transport | Best For | Approximate Cost | Travel Time from Delhi |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Air | Time-savers, comfort seekers | ₹4,000-15,000 | 2.5-3 hours |
| By Train | Budget travelers, scenic journey | ₹800-3,500 | 32-40 hours |
| By Road | Adventure seekers, flexible travel | ₹5,000-20,000 (varies) | 40-48 hours |
| By Bus | Ultra-budget travelers | ₹2,000-4,000 | 45-50 hours |
Main Entry Point: Guwahati serves as the primary gateway to Assam and the entire Northeast region.
Flying is the quickest and most convenient way to reach Assam, with Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport serving as the main hub.
Location: 20 km from Guwahati city center | Airport Code: GAU
This is Northeast India’s busiest airport, handling over 4 million passengers annually with excellent connectivity to major Indian cities.
Airlines Operating:
| From City | Flight Duration | Daily Flights | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 2.5-3 hours | 15-20 | ₹4,000-12,000 |
| Mumbai | 3.5-4 hours | 8-12 | ₹5,000-15,000 |
| Bangalore | 3-3.5 hours | 6-10 | ₹4,500-13,000 |
| Kolkata | 1-1.5 hours | 20-25 | ₹3,000-8,000 |
| Hyderabad | 3-3.5 hours | 4-6 | ₹4,500-12,000 |
| Chennai | 3.5-4 hours | 3-5 | ₹5,000-14,000 |
| Pune | 3.5-4 hours | 2-4 | ₹5,500-14,000 |
Pro Tips for Air Travel:
Transportation Options:
Recommendation: Pre-book a cab or use app-based services for convenience and transparent pricing.
Secondary Airports for Specific Destinations:
| Airport | Location | Connectivity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dibrugarh Airport | Upper Assam (500 km from Guwahati) | Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati | Tea gardens, Kaziranga (eastern access) |
| Jorhat Airport | Central Assam (300 km from Guwahati) | Kolkata, Guwahati | Majuli Island, Kaziranga |
| Silchar Airport | South Assam (330 km from Guwahati) | Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal | Barak Valley region |
| Tezpur Airport | North Assam (180 km from Guwahati) | Kolkata, Guwahati | Tezpur town, Nameri National Park |
When to Use Secondary Airports: If your final destination is closer to these airports, consider flying there directly to save travel time.
Train travel to Assam offers a perfect blend of affordability, comfort, and scenic beauty. Guwahati Railway Station is the major railhead connecting Assam to the rest of India.
1. Guwahati Railway Station (GHY)
2. Kamakhya Junction (KYQ)
Other Important Stations:
| Train Name | Train No. | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Days of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rajdhani Express | 12423 | 15:55 | 10:30+1 | 18h 35m | Daily |
| Northeast Express | 12506 | 12:55 | 21:40+1 | 32h 45m | Daily |
| Brahmaputra Mail | 12435 | 09:40 | 21:00+1 | 35h 20m | Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun |
| Kamrup Express | 15959 | 22:35 | 09:30+2 | 34h 55m | Daily |
Ticket Costs (Delhi to Guwahati):
| Train Name | Train No. | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Days of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saraighat Express | 12345 | 15:50 | 07:05+1 | 15h 15m | Daily |
| Kamrup Express | 15959 | 21:15 | 12:05+1 | 14h 50m | Daily |
| Kanchanjunga Express | 13174 | 07:05 | 23:00 | 15h 55m | Daily |
Ticket Costs (Kolkata to Guwahati):
| Train Name | Train No. | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| LTT Kamakhya Express | 15646 | ~46 hours | Weekly (Saturday) |
Alternate Route: Mumbai → Delhi (flight/train) → Guwahati (train) – More frequent options
No Direct Trains Available
Best Options:
Booking Strategies:
What to Expect:
Safety Tips:
Driving to Assam offers the ultimate flexibility and adventure, allowing you to explore multiple destinations along the way.
Major Highway Routes:
1. NH27 (Old NH37) – East-West Corridor
2. NH27 Extension
3. Via Kolkata Route
4. Via Bangladesh (Shortest – requires permit)
Route: Delhi → Meerut → Lucknow → Gorakhpur → Siliguri → Cooch Behar → Guwahati
Suggested Stopovers:
Fuel Cost: ₹12,000-15,000 (diesel car, approximate) Toll Charges: ₹2,000-3,000 Accommodation: ₹3,000-8,000 (2 nights)
Total Estimated Cost: ₹20,000-30,000 (excluding food)
Route: Kolkata → Durgapur → Asansol → Siliguri → Guwahati
Suggested Stopovers:
Travel Time: 20-24 hours (with breaks) Fuel Cost: ₹6,000-8,000 Toll Charges: ₹1,000-1,500
Good Sections:
Challenging Sections:
Best Time for Road Trip: October to March (pleasant weather, clear roads)
Self-Drive:
With Driver:
Recommendation: If traveling alone or in pairs, consider hiring a driver. For groups of 4+, self-drive is economical and fun.
Long-distance buses connect Assam to neighboring states, though this is the most time-consuming option.
ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation)
Popular Routes:
Bus Types:
Booking Platforms:
Important Note: Very few direct buses operate from Delhi or Mumbai to Guwahati. Most travelers change buses at Siliguri.
Major Entry Points:
Checkpoints: Vehicle checking common at state borders, keep documents ready.
Inner Line Permit: Required for some areas in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland (not for Assam)
| Season | Months | Weather | Travel Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | November-February | Pleasant (10-25°C) | Best for travel, clear roads |
| Summer | March-May | Warm (25-35°C) | Good for travel, occasional pre-monsoon showers |
| Monsoon | June-September | Heavy rainfall | Road conditions may deteriorate, landslides possible |
| Post-Monsoon | October | Pleasant | Good travel weather, lush greenery |
Best Time for Road Trips: October to March Best Time for Budget Flights: April to September (off-season discounts)
Want to know more about when to visit? Read our detailed guide on best time to visit Assam for month-by-month breakdown.
Once you’ve reached Guwahati, here’s how to explore Assam:
1. Trains
2. Buses
3. Shared Taxis/Sumos
4. Private Taxis
5. Self-Drive Rentals
| Destination | Distance | Travel Time | Best Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaziranga National Park | 240 km | 4-5 hours | Private taxi/bus |
| Majuli Island | 300 km | 6-7 hours + ferry | Taxi + ferry |
| Manas National Park | 175 km | 4 hours | Private taxi |
| Tezpur | 180 km | 3-4 hours | Bus/taxi |
| Sivasagar | 370 km | 7-8 hours | Train/bus |
| Jorhat | 310 km | 6-7 hours | Train/bus/taxi |
Discover more exciting activities in our comprehensive guide on things to do in Assam.
For Indian Citizens:
For Foreign Nationals:
Medical Precautions:
Safety Tips:
Mobile Networks:
Internet:
ATM Availability:
Currency:
Commonly Spoken:
Useful Assamese Phrases:
Transportation: ₹3,000-8,000 (train from major cities) Accommodation: ₹500-1,000 per night Food: ₹300-600 per day Local Transport: ₹300-500 per day Activities: ₹500-1,500 per day
Total for 5 Days: ₹10,000-20,000
Transportation: ₹4,000-12,000 (flight to Guwahati) Accommodation: ₹1,500-3,500 per night Food: ₹800-1,500 per day Local Transport: ₹1,000-2,000 per day Activities: ₹2,000-4,000 per day
Total for 5 Days: ₹25,000-50,000
Transportation: ₹10,000-18,000 (business class flight) Accommodation: ₹5,000-15,000 per night Food: ₹2,000-5,000 per day Private Transport: ₹3,000-5,000 per day Activities: ₹5,000-10,000 per day
Total for 5 Days: ₹80,000-1,50,000+
For detailed cost analysis and money-saving tips, check our comprehensive Assam trip cost guide.
Day 1: Guwahati (Kamakhya Temple, Umananda Island, Brahmaputra cruise) Day 2: Day trip to Manas National Park or Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Day 3: Guwahati (local markets, Assam State Museum) + departure
Day 1: Arrive Guwahati, local sightseeing Day 2: Guwahati → Kaziranga (240 km) Day 3: Kaziranga National Park safari (2 sessions) Day 4: Kaziranga → Majuli Island (via Jorhat, 300 km) Day 5: Majuli exploration → Return to Guwahati
For detailed planning, explore more activities in our things to do in Assam guide.
Day 1: Arrive Guwahati Day 2: Guwahati local sightseeing Day 3-4: Kaziranga National Park Day 5: Majuli Island Day 6: Sivasagar (Ahom monuments) Day 7: Return to Guwahati + departure
Planning your budget? Read our detailed Assam trip cost breakdown for accurate estimates.
Q1: What is the cheapest way to reach Assam? A: Train travel in sleeper class is the most economical option (₹800-1,500 from Delhi). Alternatively, book budget flights 2-3 months in advance during sales.
Q2: Is it safe to drive to Assam? A: Yes, driving is safe on major highways. Avoid night driving in remote areas and be cautious of wildlife crossings. Roads are best during October-March.
Q3: Do I need a permit to visit Assam? A: Indian citizens don’t need any permit for Assam. Foreign nationals may need Protected Area Permit for some regions. ILP is required only for Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
Q4: Which is better: Guwahati or Dibrugarh airport? A: Guwahati is the main hub with more flights and better connectivity. Choose Dibrugarh only if your destination is in Upper Assam (closer to Kaziranga’s eastern range, Majuli).
Q5: Can I visit Assam during monsoon? A: Yes, but expect heavy rainfall, humid conditions, and possible road disruptions. Monsoon (June-September) is off-season, so you’ll get better hotel deals. However, some national parks remain closed. Check our best time to visit Assam guide for seasonal recommendations.
Q6: How many days are enough for Assam? A: Minimum 5-7 days to cover Guwahati, Kaziranga, and Majuli. Add 2-3 more days for Manas National Park or Sivasagar historical sites.
Reaching Assam is easier than most people think! With excellent air connectivity, extensive railway networks, and well-maintained highways, this beautiful northeastern state welcomes travelers year-round. Whether you choose the speed of flying, the romance of train journeys, or the adventure of a road trip, each mode offers unique experiences.
The key is to plan according to your budget, time, and travel preferences. Book flights early for best deals, consider overnight trains to save accommodation costs, or embark on an epic road trip to experience India’s diverse landscapes.
Once you reach Assam, you’ll discover why this land of blue hills, mighty rivers, one-horned rhinos, and tea gardens is called the “Gateway to Northeast India.” From the spiritual aura of Kamakhya Temple to the wild beauty of Kaziranga, from the unique river island culture of Majuli to the historical grandeur of Sivasagar—Assam promises experiences that stay with you forever.
Ready to explore Assam? Start planning your trip today! Check out our guides on things to do in Assam, best time to visit Assam, and Assam trip cost for complete travel planning. Get ready for an unforgettable journey into India’s enchanting northeast!
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As an upcoming travel agent I got much support from travel tourister. We are getting very good leads from travel tourister and they mend our website which is also very commendable.... Excellent work Hope to do more business forward.... Thanks and regards CEO,Andaman Unlocked
Rating:
10/20/2018
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