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How to Get to Arunachal Pradesh

How to Get to Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh Northeast States, India Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Arunachal Pradesh

While Arunachal Pradesh now has its own operational airport, most travelers still use airports in neighboring Assam as main gateways due to better connectivity.

Airports

  • Donyi Polo Airport (Itanagar/Hollongi, HGI): The main airport within Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Lilabari Airport (North Lakhimpur, IIM): In Assam, about 60 km from Naharlagun.
  • Guwahati International Airport (GAU): Largest and busiest in Northeast India, main hub for region.

Flights & Transfers

There are no direct international flights to any of the airports serving Arunachal Pradesh. International travelers typically fly into major Indian metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata.

Connectivity & Pricing

  • Major Indian carriers (IndiGo, Air India) operate flights. Direct flights connect regional airports to major Indian cities.
  • Flight prices generally increase during peak tourist season (Oct-Mar) and major Indian festivals.
  • Taxis, shared taxis, and buses connect airports to cities/accommodations.

Flight Deals

Find affordable flights via Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Booking Advice

Book domestic flights well in advance, especially during peak season or direct to Donyi Polo Airport.

International Access

No direct international flights. Connect via major Indian metros (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata).

Land Transportation

Train Connections

  • Naharlagun Railway Station (NHLN): Closest to Itanagar, direct connections to Delhi and Guwahati.
  • Murkongselek (MZS) & Harmuti (HMY): Other railheads in Assam serving eastern Arunachal.
  • Guwahati Railway Station (GHY): Major rail hub for extensive connections across India.
  • Booking train tickets well in advance is strongly recommended, as they fill quickly.

Bus Services

  • APST & ASTC Buses: State-run services connecting towns in Assam (Guwahati, Tezpur) to major towns in Arunachal Pradesh (Itanagar, Bomdila, Ziro).
  • Private Bus Operators: Offer services, including Volvo (luxury), AC, and non-AC options with more comfort.
  • Tickets purchased at terminals or through online platforms like RedBus.
  • Land borders with Bhutan, China, and Myanmar are not open for tourist crossings. All tourist entry from Assam or Nagaland.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Self-Driving Not Advised

Self-driving a rented vehicle is generally Not recommended for foreign tourists. Terrain is challenging, and local conditions differ significantly.

Road Quality

Road conditions vary. Expect paved national highways and also rough, unpaved or narrow roads in remote areas. Landslides are common during monsoon.

Recommended Travel

Hiring an experienced local driver with a reliable vehicle is the safest and most accessible option for travel within Arunachal Pradesh. DiscoverCars.com may facilitate such arrangements outside the state.

Sea/River Arrivals

No Sea Access

Arunachal Pradesh is a landlocked state, meaning it has no access to the sea. Therefore, sea or river arrivals are not applicable for tourist travel directly into the state.

Ferry Services

  • Ferry services and cruise ports are not relevant for Arunachal Pradesh tourism.
  • River transportation for tourists is not a main or organized mode of inter-town travel.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for entry into Arunachal Pradesh.

Limited River Use

While some limited local river transport exists on specific rivers for local communities, it is not a main or organized mode of tourist transportation for inter-town travel.

Connectivity

  • Major rivers like Siang, Kameng, Subansiri, Lohit, and Dibang are present.
  • These rivers are important for local livelihoods but not for widespread tourist transport.
  • Focus on air and land travel for reaching and exploring the state.

Domestic Flights

Arrive at least 2 hours before departure for domestic flights from regional airports.

Train/Bus Travel

Arrive 30-60 minutes prior to departure at railway stations or bus terminals.

Allow Extra Time

Always allow extra time for travel to airports or stations. Road conditions can be unpredictable, causing delays.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Taxes

There are no separate exit fees or taxes specifically for departing Arunachal Pradesh. Airport departure taxes are typically included in the airline ticket price for flights originating from India.

Check Ticket Details

  • Confirm that all taxes are covered in your airline ticket.
  • No additional payments are typically needed at the point of departure from the state.
  • For international departures from India, standard airport taxes apply and are usually part of the fare.

Airport/Station Facilities

Regional airports and railway stations in Arunachal Pradesh generally offer basic facilities like waiting areas, restrooms, and some small food stalls.

Larger Hubs

  • Larger airports like Guwahati feature more extensive services, including a wider range of food and retail options.
  • Guwahati Airport offers currency exchange counters and car rental services.
  • Restroom facilities are available at all formal transport hubs.

Departure Procedures

Air Travel

For domestic flights, plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time.

Train/Bus Travel

Try to arrive at the railway station or bus terminal 30-60 minutes prior to departure.

Consider Road Conditions

Always allow extra time for travel to airports or stations within Arunachal Pradesh. Road conditions can be unpredictable, causing unforeseen delays.

Departure Planning

When planning departure, build in extra time for travel to the airport or station. Road conditions can cause delays, so account for potential unforeseen circumstances.