Key hubs
Kohima airport and railway station
- Nearest airport
- Dimapur Airport (DMU) is the main entry point, roughly 1.5–2 hours by road from Kohima, traffic dependent
- Railway station
- No direct rail service; Dimapur is the nearest major station, about 1.5 hours away. A few trains serve Guwahati (further north), which connects to major Indian railway hubs
- Getting around
- A private car and driver is essential; the town is compact but built on steep terrain. Local taxis and auto-rickshaws work for shorter hops, but limited English and negotiable fares make planning ahead easier
How to reach Kohima by air
Dimapur Airport (DMU) is the main gateway, roughly 1.5-2 hours by road from Kohima depending on traffic.
How to reach Kohima by train
There is no direct rail service to Kohima; Dimapur, about 1.5 hours away, is the nearest railhead, with onward connections to Guwahati and major Indian cities.
How to reach Kohima by road
Kohima is roughly 1.5-2 hours by road from Dimapur on hill roads that climb steadily and can be slow in poor weather.
Getting around Kohima
A private car and driver is close to essential, since the town is compact but built on very steep terrain with few level pavements; local taxis and auto-rickshaws work for shorter hops.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Kohima
- Kohima's steep terrain and numerous stairs make it challenging for those with limited mobility. Choose a hotel in the town centre or Bara Basti, which requires fewer stairs to access nearby sights, and use a car and driver for the day.
- Hire a car and driver for the full day rather than walking long distances. The town's steep lanes and lack of pavements make walking uncomfortable for extended periods.
- English is limited; confirm restaurant menus and orders with your driver or hotel staff in advance to avoid surprises or misunderstandings.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.