How to Get to Shillong from Its Two Airports

Guwahati Airport is the main choice for reaching Shillong by air, while Umroi offers a closer but more limited alternative.

Meghalaya Tourism identifies Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, also called Guwahati Airport, as Shillong’s primary airport gateway. It gives the distance from Shillong as about 100 km, with a journey of around 3 hours.

The East Khasi Hills district administration gives a longer distance figure of about 128 km, so treat the drive as a substantial road journey rather than relying on a single distance estimate.

Shillong Airport is at Umroi, about 35 km from Shillong city centre. Its limited flight service means it may not work for every itinerary. Check your flight’s arrival airport first, then choose a transfer for that airport. Meghalaya Tourism also identifies Guwahati Railway Station as a major entry point for travel to Shillong.

From Guwahati Airport, you can continue to Shillong by road on National Highway 40 using a taxi, shared cab, bus or other transfer service.

The East Khasi Hills district administration names shared cabs, the STPS Airport Shuttle and Tata Sumos as transport options from the airport. Meghalaya Tourism also describes taxis, shared cabs, state-run buses and private buses as services for travel from Guwahati toward major towns in Meghalaya.

For the road journey, the district administration gives around 2 hours for Sumos and taxis to reach Shillong. Buses usually take around 3 hours and stop at Nongpoh. The two estimates provide a useful comparison when you are deciding between a private or shared road transfer and a bus.

Meghalaya Transport Corporation and Assam State Transport Corporation buses run between Guwahati and Shillong daily from 0600 hours to 1700 hours, according to the district administration. Schedules and services can change, so check the official site before you go; for bus details, consult the relevant transport operator.

National Highway 40 is the road connection between Guwahati and Shillong. During the monsoon, Meghalaya Tourism advises checking daily weather forecasts and paying attention to warnings of heavy rain and landslides before setting out; what to know about Shillong’s seasons can help you plan around seasonal conditions.

Shillong Airport at Umroi is closer to the city than Guwahati Airport, but has limited flights and onward transport options include buses and taxis.

Meghalaya Tourism places Umroi Airport about 35 km from Shillong city centre and describes its flight service as limited. The East Khasi Hills district administration also gives the distance as about 35 km and says buses and taxis are available between Umroi and Shillong.

If your flight lands at Umroi, arrange the onward leg with the available bus or taxi service. Confirm the arrangements before travel, since airport service and transport details can change. If your flight is to Guwahati instead, plan for the longer road transfer from there.

From Shillong Airport at Umroi, buses and taxis connect with Shillong. Before travelling, confirm the service and its arrangements with the relevant operator. Once in the city, Shillong’s sights and activities can help you plan what to do after arrival. If travelling during the monsoon, check the daily forecast and heed heavy-rain or landslide warnings.

Once you reach Shillong, the city centre is about 35 km from Umroi Airport, while Guwahati Airport involves a longer drive of around 3 hours.

For a stay at Hotel Poinisuk, a hotel in Shillong, Guwahati Airport is roughly 41.7 miles away. That distance can help you frame the final road leg when comparing arrival airports.