Getting Around Guwahati. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation

Comprehensive overview of public transit systems:

Metro/Trams: Guwahati lacks a metro or tram system. Plans for a metro are under consideration, but it is not operational.

Buses: Buses form the backbone of Guwahati's public transport network, operated by Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and private companies. They cover extensive city routes. Both standard city buses (crowded) and air-conditioned (AC) city buses (more comfortable, higher fare) are present. Formal route maps are not always easily found; locals are helpful with directions.

Shared Auto-rickshaws: These three-wheeled vehicles are widespread and popular for shorter distances. They operate on fixed routes, similar to mini-buses, with passengers sharing the auto and paying per seat. This is an economical and quick way to cover short-to-medium distances, operating frequently on main roads.

Routes, Fares & Tips

Route Maps & Hubs: Use Google Maps for guidance. Key hubs include Paltan Bazaar (central), Ganeshguri, Maligaon, and Khanapara.
Ticketing & Fares: Cash only for buses (pay conductor) and shared auto-rickshaws (pay driver). Have small denominations.
Hours & Frequency: Generally 6:00 AM to 9:00-10:00 PM. Higher frequency during peak hours.
Accessibility: Public transport is not wheelchair accessible. Private cars with drivers are a better option for mobility challenges.

City Buses

Cover extensive routes. Both standard and AC buses are available. Pay cash to the conductor.

Shared Auto-rickshaws

Economical for short distances, operating on fixed routes with per-seat payment.

Google Maps

Your go-to app for planning routes, estimating times, and finding stops for public transport.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Hailing & Fares

Licensed Taxis: Less common than apps. Pre-paid counters at airport/railway station.
Hailing: Negotiate fare beforehand for street-hailed auto-rickshaws. Meters rarely used. Cash is standard.
Airport/Station: Pre-paid counters are reliable. Use Ola/Uber from designated pick-up points.

Ride-Sharing & Safety

Recommended Apps: Ola (popular for autos & cars), Uber (cars). Download and set up before arrival.
Fares & Payment: App-calculated fares based on distance/time. Cash or in-app card payment.
Safety: Apps are generally safer (GPS tracking, driver details, ratings). Prefer apps over random hailed taxis, especially at night.

Rental Options

Self-Drive Cars

Not widely recommended for foreign tourists due to challenging traffic. DiscoverCars.com (affiliate link). An IDP is needed.

Car with Driver

Most popular and highly recommended for touring. Provides convenience, safety, and local expertise.

Motorcycle/Scooter

Available from local shops. Need valid motorcycle license and IDP. Traffic requires experience.

Bicycle Rentals

Limited. Not ideal for main roads due to traffic. Better for quieter areas or parks.

Walking & Cycling

Explore Guwahati on foot or by bicycle in suitable areas.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Newer commercial areas and parks, like Dighalipukhuri Park, are relatively walkable.
The Brahmaputra riverfront (ghats) offers pleasant walking opportunities.
Market areas like Fancy Bazaar are best explored on foot, though they can be crowded.
Be aware: pavements are often uneven or non-existent, traffic can encroach on pedestrian spaces.

Cycling & Safety

Dedicated bicycle lanes are very limited in Guwahati.
Cycling on main roads is risky due to heavy traffic and a lack of lane discipline.
Cycling is better suited for quieter residential areas, within large parks, or less-traveled routes.
No-go areas: High-traffic arterial roads like GS Road during peak hours are unsuitable for safe walking or cycling due to constant traffic and pollution.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

No formal hop-on-hop-off services. Local operators offer pre-arranged sightseeing tours in coaches or private cars.

Convenient for seeing multiple sites.
Reduces logistics concerns.
Often air-conditioned.

Water Taxis/Cruises

Local ferry services to Umananda Island act as water taxis, offering scenic views. Recreational sunset cruises are also popular leisure activities.

Frequent and inexpensive ferries.
Unique river perspective.
Part of organized tours.

Guwahati Ropeway

Cable car connecting Brahmaputra's banks (Uzanbazar to North Guwahati). Scenic aerial views of the river and city skyline.

Recreational activity.
Fast river crossing.
Avoids road traffic.

Accessibility Information

Limited Accessibility

Public transport (buses, auto-rickshaws) is not wheelchair accessible.
Many attractions have stairs, uneven surfaces, or lack ramps.
Pavements are often uneven or non-existent, making walking with mobility aids difficult.

Recommended Options

Hiring a private vehicle with a driver is the most feasible option.
Some newer, upscale hotels may feature accessible rooms; confirm in advance.
Specific local options for accessible travel are scarce.

Transport Tip

Always carry small change for local transport, as drivers may not have change for large denomination notes.

For ride-sharing apps, confirm your pick-up location accurately to avoid confusion.

Getting Around Guwahati