Meghalaya Northeast States, India Travel Guide
Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport - SHL) is a small domestic airport approximately 30 km from Shillong city. Its connectivity has limits, mainly offering flights to Kolkata and sometimes Delhi. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Guwahati Airport - GAU) in Assam serves as the main gateway to Meghalaya. It stands approximately 120 km from Shillong. GAU has excellent connectivity to various parts of India and some international destinations.
No direct international flights land at Shillong Airport. For international travelers, the typical approach involves flying into a major Indian metropolitan city first (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Kolkata). From these cities, a connecting domestic flight to Guwahati follows. Guwahati itself has limited direct international connections, so a stopover in a larger Indian city frequently proves necessary for travelers from global hubs. Flight prices frequently increase during peak tourist season (October-April) and around major Indian festivals.
Flight prices frequently increase during peak tourist season (Oct-Apr) and around major Indian festivals (Diwali, Christmas). Booking flights well in advance secures better rates, especially for high season. Monsoon season might reveal lower fares due to reduced demand. Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner help find deals.
Guwahati (GAU) offers modern facilities: ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, food outlets, car rental desks, pre-paid taxi counters. Shillong (SHL) has more basic facilities, a smaller terminal, limited food options and services; it mainly serves as a domestic hub.
Meghalaya shares an international border with Bangladesh. Dawki-Tamabil is the most well-known land port. If crossing into Bangladesh, a valid visa for both countries is needed. Check the latest immigration rules for both India and Bangladesh. The border point is scenic, with the clear Umngot River flowing beneath the bridge.
No specific exit fees or taxes are levied for international departures from Indian airports beyond what your airfare already covers. Your ticket price includes all government taxes and airport charges.
For Guwahati Airport (GAU), plan to arrive 2-3 hours before a domestic flight and 3-4 hours before an international flight. This time frame allows for check-in, security, and immigration procedures. When traveling from Shillong to GAU, allow 4-5 hours for the road journey to account for potential traffic delays.
Guwahati Airport provides a range of facilities for departing travelers, including lounges, food courts, various shopping options, and typical airport amenities. Shillong Airport has more basic amenities, with a smaller waiting area and limited food and retail choices.
Always confirm your flight or train status a day or two before departure. Road conditions, especially during monsoon, can cause unexpected delays, so updated information proves useful.
