How to Reach Shillong by Air, Train & Road

Key hubs

Shillong airport and railway station

Airport: Shillong Airport (SHL) at Umroi, roughly 30–40 km away; about 1–1.5 hours by road depending on traffic
Railway station: No major station in Shillong; nearest major stations are Guwahati (about 4 hours by road) or Silchar (about 3–4 hours)
Getting around: Hire a car and driver for day trips and sightseeing; autos and local cabs work for moving around the city. Roads to waterfalls and hill destinations require a driver.

Shillong has no airport of its own; Guwahati, about 3 hours by road, is the nearest major gateway.

There is no major station in Shillong; Guwahati (about 4 hours by road) or Silchar (about 3–4 hours) are the nearest railheads.

A hill road connects Shillong to Guwahati, winding through the Khasi Hills.

A hired car and driver suits day trips and waterfall sightseeing; autos and local cabs cover in-town journeys.

For parents and senior travellers

Hire a car and driver for the whole stay. Shillong is hilly and spread out, and most day trips require a vehicle. A driver allows you to rest between sights.
Choose a hotel with lifts and room access by vehicle. Hotels in quieter residential areas such as Laitumkhrah and Upper Shillong are often calmer but may require walking up hills to reach. Check accessibility carefully.
Carry water, sunscreen and a hat even in cool weather; the sun at altitude is strong and clouds can clear suddenly. Layers are essential, as temperature drops with altitude and time of day.
Hospitals and pharmacies are clustered in downtown Shillong. Note the nearest one to your hotel and carry a list of any medications. Altitude is not extreme (about 1,500 metres) but can cause mild breathlessness in the first day or two.
Pace Cherrapunji and waterfall visits carefully. Many involve slippery paths and uneven terrain. A guide from a local homestay or through your hotel is recommended for older travellers.
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.