Assam, the cultural and geographical heart of Northeast India, is a state known for its tea gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, ancient temples, and riverside towns. For travelers exploring India’s Northeast by land, train travel to Assam is one of the most economical and scenic options.
The state is well-connected with major Indian cities through the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) zone. Whether you’re coming from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, or other states, Assam’s expanding railway network makes it accessible and affordable for tourists, students, and business travelers.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore how to reach Assam by train, including major routes, railway stations, train timings, travel classes, ticket booking tips, and useful information for first-time visitors.
1. Overview: Railway Connectivity in Assam
- Railway Zone: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR)
- Railway Headquarters: Maligaon, Guwahati
- Major Junctions: Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silchar, New Bongaigaon, Lumding
- Popular Trains: Rajdhani, North East Express, Saraighat, Kamrup Express, Vivek Express
Assam’s rail network links the state with West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, connecting North India, East India, and parts of South India.
2. Why Travel to Assam by Train?
- Budget-Friendly: Train fares are far cheaper than flights, especially for long-distance travel
- Scenic Journeys: Crosses rivers, forests, tea estates, and tribal villages
- More Luggage: Train travel allows more baggage compared to flights
- Multiple Options: Trains run daily or weekly from all parts of India
- Great for Explorers: Connects lesser-known towns like Tezpur, Haflong, Mariani, etc.
3. Major Railway Stations in Assam
Here’s a list of key railway stations that serve as entry points into different parts of Assam:
| Station Name | Station Code | Region Served |
|---|---|---|
| Guwahati | GHY | Capital region, gateway to Northeast |
| Kamakhya Junction | KYQ | Guwahati outskirts, spiritual travelers |
| New Bongaigaon Junction | NBQ | West Assam, Bhutan border access |
| Dibrugarh | DBRG | Upper Assam (tea belt, Sivasagar) |
| Jorhat Town / Mariani Junction | JTTN / MXN | Kaziranga, Majuli, Jorhat |
| Silchar | SCL | Barak Valley, South Assam |
| Lumding Junction | LMG | Hills and railway line change hub |
| Tezpur (non-junction) | TZTB | For access to Arunachal and North Bank |
4. Most Popular Train Routes to Assam from Major Cities
Assam is connected to most metros through weekly and daily trains. Below are the most important routes:
A. Delhi to Assam
| Train Name | Route | Travel Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajdhani Express (12424) | Delhi – Guwahati | ~27–30 hrs | Daily |
| North East Express (12506) | Anand Vihar – Guwahati | ~31 hrs | Daily |
| Brahmaputra Mail (15955) | Delhi – Dibrugarh | ~37 hrs | Daily |
| Avadh Assam Express (15910) | Delhi – New Tinsukia | ~50 hrs | Daily |
B. Kolkata to Assam
| Train Name | Route | Travel Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saraighat Express (12345) | Howrah – Guwahati | ~17–18 hrs | Daily |
| Kamrup Express (15959) | Howrah – Dibrugarh | ~34 hrs | Daily |
| Kanchanjunga Express (13175) | Sealdah – Silchar | ~35 hrs | 3x/week |
C. Mumbai to Assam
| Train Name | Route | Travel Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| LTT–Guwahati Express (15645) | Lokmanya Tilak (Mumbai) – Guwahati | ~46 hrs | 2x/week |
| Mumbai–Dibrugarh Express (15945) | LTT – Dibrugarh | ~52 hrs | Weekly |
D. Bangalore / South India to Assam
| Train Name | Route | Travel Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vivek Express (15905) | Kanyakumari – Dibrugarh | ~82 hrs | Weekly |
| Guwahati Express (12510) | Bangalore – Guwahati | ~53 hrs | Weekly |
5. Special Trains for Assam Travelers
- Vivek Express: India’s longest train route (82 hrs), passes through 8 states
- Kanchanjunga Express: Scenic travel to Silchar and Barak Valley
- Kamrup Express: Connects both Upper Assam and Brahmaputra Valley
6. Local and Inter-District Trains in Assam
| Route | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Guwahati – Jorhat | ~8 hrs | Connects to Kaziranga access points |
| Guwahati – Dibrugarh | ~10–12 hrs | Connects to Upper Assam |
| Guwahati – Silchar | ~12–14 hrs | Important for South Assam |
| Silchar – Agartala | ~6 hrs | Connects Assam to Tripura |
| Guwahati – Rangiya – Tezpur | ~6 hrs | Scenic route through hills and villages |
Note: Many local trains are unreserved and slow; plan accordingly.
7. How to Book Train Tickets to Assam
Online Options:
- IRCTC Website: www.irctc.co.in
- Apps: IRCTC Rail Connect, Trainman, ConfirmTkt, Paytm, MakeMyTrip
Offline Options:
- Railway booking counters (nationwide)
- Travel agents with railway license
Classes Available:
| Class | Features | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| 1AC | Private cabin, meals | Senior travelers, luxury |
| 2AC | Air-conditioned, good comfort | Families, business travelers |
| 3AC | Budget AC | Students, solo travelers |
| Sleeper | Non-AC, budget | Backpackers |
| General | Unreserved | Short distance only |
Tips for Booking:
- Book at least 30 days in advance for long-distance trains
- Use Tatkal if seats not available (opens 1 day before journey)
- Trains fill fast during Durga Puja, Bihu, Christmas, and summer holidays
8. Important Travel Information for First-Time Visitors
A. Guwahati Station (GHY)
- Central hub for train arrivals and departures
- Located in Paltan Bazar area (city center)
- Ola/Uber, buses, autos, taxis available
- Nearby Attractions: Kamakhya Temple, Brahmaputra Cruise, Fancy Bazaar
B. Kamakhya Station (KYQ)
- Used for spiritual pilgrims and less crowded
- Closer to Kamakhya Temple (5 km)
- Long-distance trains also operate from here
C. Train Travel to Other Northeast States from Assam
| State | Route | Train Option |
|---|---|---|
| Arunachal Pradesh | Guwahati – Naharlagun | Donyi Polo Express |
| Meghalaya | No railway (nearest: Guwahati) | Road from Guwahati |
| Nagaland | Guwahati – Dimapur | Dibrugarh / Brahmaputra Mail |
| Mizoram | Silchar – Bhairabi (narrow gauge) | Limited service |
| Manipur | Assam – Jiribam (up to border) | Under development |
| Tripura | Silchar – Agartala | DEMU Express available |
9. Train Travel Costs (Sample Fares)
| Route | Class | Approx. Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi – Guwahati | Sleeper | ₹750 |
| Delhi – Guwahati | 3AC | ₹1,950 |
| Mumbai – Guwahati | Sleeper | ₹800–₹950 |
| Kolkata – Guwahati | 2AC | ₹1,500 |
| Guwahati – Dibrugarh | Sleeper | ₹400 |
| Guwahati – Silchar | 3AC | ₹600 |
Fares may vary seasonally and based on dynamic pricing.
10. Best Time to Travel to Assam by Train
| Season | Benefits | Caution |
|---|---|---|
| October – April | Best season, dry weather | High demand during holidays |
| May – June | Off-season, easier bookings | Hot weather |
| July – September | Lush scenery, less rush | Monsoon delays, landslides possible |
Tip: Avoid booking trains during Assam’s major floods or heavy rains.
11. Sample 7-Day Itinerary Using Trains
Day 1: Board train from Delhi to Guwahati (North East Express)
Day 2: Arrive in Guwahati; local sightseeing
Day 3: Take local train or taxi to Kaziranga (via Jorhat)
Day 4: Safari at Kaziranga
Day 5: Train to Silchar or Jorhat
Day 6: Explore Majuli / Barak Valley
Day 7: Return via Guwahati or Dibrugarh train
12. Final Thoughts: Is Train Travel to Assam Worth It?
Yes – train travel is one of the most scenic and affordable ways to reach Assam. Whether you’re traveling alone, with family, or exploring Northeast India on a budget, trains give you a comfortable, authentic, and relaxed way to reach the heart of this vibrant region.
You’ll pass through changing landscapes—from the flat plains of Bihar and Bengal to the misty hills and tea gardens of Assam. It’s a ride filled with sights, culture, and stories you won’t get on a flight.
Zogyy Travel Tip
“Want the best views on your Assam-bound train? Book a window seat on the right side when entering Assam from West Bengal—you’ll catch the Brahmaputra crossing and rolling tea hills!”
