A perfect combination of modernity, peace, scenic beauty, and tribal heritage makes Itanagar the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, which further lies on the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. Itanagar serves as the political nucleus of the state while also acts as a great point for commencing journeys into the western parts of Arunachal. Currently, whether you are an officer, tourist, student, or a professional working in the Northeast, with effective planning, reaching Itanagar is now safe and effortless.
In this travel guide, we will provide all the practical strategies and the relevant updates that are required for traveling to Itanagar via airplane, train, or bus—routes, tips, and information—all while making sure that the travel aligns with your comfort, budget, and time sense.
1. Where is it located?
- State: Arunachal Pradesh
- Region: Western Arunachal
- Coordinates: Near the Assam border
- Nearby Cities: Naharlagun (Twin town), Banderdewa (Border point of Assam), Lakhimpur (Assam), Tezpur
Approximately, Itanagar is 380 kilometers away from Guwahati and 15 kilometers away from Naharlagun. Furthermore, it is about 110 kilometers from North Lakhimpur.
2. Travel to Itanagar by air
A. Proximate Airports to Itanagar
Donyi Polo Airport, Hollongi
- Situated approximately 14 km south of Itanagar Terminal- Donyi Polo Airport
- Fully operational Greenfield airports are a new Itanagar-based development
- Flight operations began in October 2022
- Hollongi is served by IATA airport code HGI
- Daily connections to all metropolitan centers in India.
- Serviced by Unlimited El Al from Kolkata, Guwahati and Mumbai- IndiGo
- Alliance Air has flights on regional routes.
- Time spent in air on flights is as follows:
- Kolkata to Itanagar 1 hr 40 mins
- Guwahati to Itanagar in 1 hr
- Mumbai to Itanagar 3.5hrs, via Kolkata or Guwahati
- Catering: Basic refreshments
- Also Offered at Hollongi Airport:
- Baggage Claim
- First aid kit
- Balance salon pay
- Transport to it from n to s
- Travel Tip for the Region: Best buy tickets long in advance to mark the low fare. Within the season windows of Nyokum and Dree festival, be advised prices for tickets soar. B. Alternate Airport: Lilabari (IXI), Assam
- Hollongi to Itanagar maintained an average friction of 65-70 km
- North Lakhimpur of Assam is where I found my ideal location
- Current Operations: 3-4 flights per week on Alliance Air servicing Guwahati and Kolkata
- From Lilabari, charters and prearranged taxi will drop you at Your destination I’m two hours from now.
- Why select Lilabari?
- Serves as an alternative when there are no direct flights available to Hollongi.
- Flights to Itanagar airport are often pricier.
3. Getting to Itanagar by Train
A. Nearest Railway Station: Naharlagun (NHLN)
- Distance: Approximately 15 km from Itanagar
- Gauge Type: Northeastern broad gauge connected with key cities (Guwahati, Delhi etc.)
- Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).
Major Trains to Naharlagun:
| Train Name | Route | Days of Operation |
|---|---|---|
| Arunachal AC SF Express (22412) | Delhi→Naharlagun | Weekly |
| Donyi Polo Express (15617/18) | Guwahati→Naharlagun | Daily |
| Shatabdi Express (12087/88) | Guwahati→Naharlagun | 6 days/week |
Travel Duration:
- Delhi to Naharlagun: Roughly 38-40 hours.
- Guwahati to Naharlagun: Roughly 9-10 hours.
Station Services:
- Waiting areas
- Transportation to Itanagar via cab/auto rickshaw
- Shops selling refreshments
- Local guides
How to Get from Naharlagun Station to Itanagar
- Taxi: ₹300–₹500
- Auto rickshaw: Cheaper, but takes longer.
- Shared cabs: Accessible from outside the station.
- Important: Make sure you book your train tickets early. Naharlagun is the only significant station catering to Itanagar and tickets get taken up fast during the peak season. 4. Getting to Itanagar by Road
A. Road Entry Gate: Banderdewa Check Gate
- It marks the road border entry from Assam to Arunachal.
- It is situated around thirty kilometers from North Lakhimpur, Assam.
- All travelers arriving by road are required to show Inner Line Permit (ILP) here.
B. Approaches for Reaching Itanagar by Road
1. Itanagar from Guwahati
- Distance: ~380 km
- Travel Time: 9–10 hours driving.
- Route: Guwahati → Mangaldoi → Tezpur → Banderdewa → Naharlagun → Itanagar
- Road and Traffic Conditions: The NH27 is clear and well maintained to Tezpur, then hilly roads thereafter.
2. From Assam’s North Lakhimpur
- Distance: ~110 km
- Travel time: 2.5 – 3 hours
- Route: Route begins from North Lakhimpur then proceeds to Banderdewa and then Itanagar.
- Best for: Travelers coming through train to North Lakhimpur or flights to Lilabari C. Means of Road Transport
1. Arunachal Pradesh State Transport (APSTS)
- Bus services offered from Guwahati, Tezpur and North Lakhimpur.
- Categories: Semi–deluxe and regular buses.
- Fares: Purchased from bus counters and some routes offer online bookings.
2. Shared Sumos / Tata Magic Vans
- Pick up locations:
- Guwahati (Paltan Bazar)
- North Lakhimpur
- Tezpur ISBT
- Fee: Route dependent ₹500-₹800
- Departing Time: 4am-7am
3. Private Taxis / Rent a car
- Private taxis can be booked just from Guwahati Airport for 6k-8k INR
- For the self-drive option, Zoomcar and Revv rentals are available in Guwahati. It is advised to confirm with them or else expect issues driving to Arunachal.
- Advice: Bring extra fuel, as stations are few and far between in the hills.
5. Inner Line Permit (ILP): Required for Indian Tourists
Like other states, Indian citizens are required to possess ILP in visiting Arunachal Pradesh.
- Apply Online: http://arunachalilp.com
- Cost: ₹100-₹200 (varies)
- Documents Needed: Government Issued ID and a passport-sized photograph.
- Validity: Generally 15 days but can be extended.
- Where to Show: If traveling by Road then at Banderdewa gate, if by train then at the railway station, and if flying then at the airport.
- Foreign Nationals: Requires a Protected Area Permit (PAP)—guidelines before travel.
6. Best Time to Travel to Itanagar
| Season | Travel Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| March to May | Good for road and train | Monsoon and landslides disruptions are present from June to September. Clear skies during the earlier months and favorable weather. |
| October to February | Also good, crisp air, but some fog during December and January. |
7. Travel Time and Cost Summary (Quick Overview)
| Mode | From | Destination | Duration | Approx Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | Kolkata | Hollongi | 1.5 hrs | ₹2,500–₹6,000 |
| Train | Delhi | Naharlagun | 38 hrs | ₹1,000–₹3,000 |
| Road | Guwahati | Itanagar | 9-10 hrs | ₹800 (bus), ₹6,000 (taxi) |
8. Tips for Smooth Travel to Itanagar
- Ensure you book everything well in advance like trains and ILP documents.
- Traveling during festival days like Nyokum or Independence Day requires additional buffer days due to local parades or road blockages.
- Have offline Google Maps, mobile reception tends to get patchy post Banderdewa.
- Keep additional photocopies of ILP as they are frequently needed at hotels and various checkpoints.
- Generally, it is advisable not to travel at night, especially by road while in Arunachal, as hilly roads are not secured after dark.
9. Itanagar’s Intercity Travel Options Upon Your Arrival
Once you’ve arrived in the city:
- Local Taxis: Order via your phone or hotel and pick-up is available.
- Auto-rickshaws: Cheap and quite common.
- Bike Rentals: Accessible in Itanagar and Naharlagun (average of ₹800/day).
- Local Buses: Functional but limited services along main roads.
10. Attractions Near Itanagar That You Can Visit
| Place | Distance | Travel Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ziro Valley | 110 km | 4–5 hrs | Rice fields, the Apatani tribes, their festivals |
| Ganga Lake (Gekar Sinyi) | 6 km | 30 min | The green lake enveloped by a forest shaped vegetation |
| Itanagar Gompa | City center | 20 min | Calm monastery offering a view over the town |
| Namdapha National Park | 500+ km | 12+ hrs | Biodiversity hotspot (ideal for long trips) |
11. Concluding Remarks: What Do You Think Is The Best Way To Travel To Itanagar?
This depends on the city you are starting from, time, and budget.
- Traveling to Itanagar? For those who fly, Hollongi (Itanagar Airport) is nearest.
- On a budget? Train lovers can take a train to Naharlagun.
- Thrill seekers? There’s a hill drive from Guwahati.
No matter your choice, it has become quite easy and dependable to reach Itanagar now. The locals greet you with warm smiles and embrace you into their relaxed lifestyle.
Zogyy Travel Suggestion
“Remember to bring a portable flashlight, an additional water bottle, and a printed map. This is especially beneficial when venturing to areas beyond Itanagar where power outages and no-network zones are frequent.”
