Northeast States, India
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati functions as the main air gateway for Assam and the entire Northeast India region. It handles most domestic and limited international flights. Other regional airports include Dibrugarh Airport (DIB), Silchar Airport (IXS), and Jorhat Airport (JRH), mainly for domestic flights.
Flight prices tend to be higher during Assam's peak tourist season (October to March) and around major Indian festivals. Booking flights well in advance during these periods secures better rates. The monsoon season (June to September) typically sees lower fares due to reduced tourist demand.
Flights see higher prices during peak tourist season (Oct-Mar) and major festivals. Monsoon (Jun-Sep) typically sees lower fares.
All major airports offer standard facilities: lounges, duty-free shops (GAU), currency exchange, ATMs, food outlets. GAU has car rental and tourist info.
From GAU: Pre-paid taxis, Uber/Ola, Airport Buses (ASTC), private car rentals for convenient city access.
| Airport Name | IATA Code | Major Airlines Operating | Domestic Routes | Limited International Routes (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (Guwahati) | GAU | IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, Drukair, Bhutan Airlines | Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad | Paro (Bhutan), Singapore (seasonal), Bangkok (seasonal) |
| Dibrugarh Airport | DIB | IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet | Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru | None |
| Silchar Airport | IXS | IndiGo, Air India | Kolkata, Guwahati | None |
| Jorhat Airport | JRH | IndiGo, SpiceJet | Kolkata, Bengaluru, Guwahati | None |
Consider World Nomads for adventurous travelers, or SafetyWing for digital nomads. Insubuy offers medical and travel coverage for US visitors.
AirHelp assists passengers in receiving up to €600 compensation for delayed or canceled flights. This service offers convenience when flight issues arise.
Assam connects to the rest of India by Indian Railways. Major rail hubs include Guwahati's Kamakhya Junction (KYQ) and Guwahati Railway Station (GHY). Regular express and superfast trains connect Assam to major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
The Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) operates an extensive network of government buses within Assam and to neighboring states (Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram, and West Bengal). Numerous private bus operators also provide inter-state and intra-state services, often including more comfortable options like sleeper buses and air-conditioned Volvo buses.
Foreigners planning to self-drive need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their valid national driver's license. Driving in India can be challenging due to varied road conditions and chaotic traffic. Roads range from well-maintained highways to narrow, unpaved rural roads. Traffic is a mix of vehicles, pedestrians, and animals.
Assam shares land borders with neighboring countries, mainly Bangladesh and Bhutan. Land crossings require appropriate visas for both India and the destination country.
Assam is a landlocked state, so traditional sea arrivals are not applicable.
Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable to Assam as it is a landlocked state. Its river transport does not involve international immigration procedures within the state's borders. International river crossings are not a standard entry point for foreign visitors.
Essential for crossing the Brahmaputra, especially to Majuli Island from Nimati Ghat. Basic services carry passengers and vehicles.
Multi-day river cruises offer upscale experiences with wildlife viewing, cultural visits, and tea garden tours. Operators like Assam Bengal Navigation.
River ghats connect to local transportation like auto-rickshaws, shared taxis, or buses for onward travel to towns and attractions.
No specific exit fees or taxes are levied upon departure from airports in India for international travelers; such fees are typically included in your airfare.
Major airports and railway stations in Assam offer various facilities for departing travelers.
Ensure all necessary documents, including your boarding pass and a valid ID proof (passport for foreigners, Aadhar/Driving License for Indian citizens), are readily accessible.
Prepare for security checks, which can involve longer queues during peak times. Follow all instructions from airport staff.
Double-check your luggage for prohibited items and ensure all valuables are with you or securely packed in carry-on bags.
Planning your airport arrival time, keeping documents organized, and knowing what to expect at security checkpoints contribute to a smooth departure from Assam.
