Dibrugarh, a charming city in Upper Assam, is often referred to as the “Tea City of India.” With its sprawling tea estates, scenic Brahmaputra riverfront, colonial charm, and proximity to Arunachal Pradesh, Dibrugarh is a must-visit for those exploring Northeast India. While flights and trains connect this city to other parts of India, bus travel remains one of the most practical and budget-friendly options, especially for regional and last-mile travel.
Whether you’re coming from Guwahati, Tinsukia, Jorhat, Sivasagar, or even across state borders, this detailed guide will help you plan your bus journey to and from Dibrugarh with confidence. Here’s everything you need to know, from major bus routes, operators, schedules, ticket booking, fare details, local connections, and travel tips.
1. Why Choose Bus Travel to Dibrugarh?
- Affordable: Far cheaper than flights or trains
- Frequent services: Especially from nearby towns and cities
- Flexible: Multiple timings throughout the day and night
- Great for short and mid-range routes: Ideal for towns without rail access
- Connects interior villages: Especially important in Upper Assam
2. Overview of Dibrugarh’s Bus Connectivity
| Type | Network |
|---|---|
| Inter-city | Guwahati, Tezpur, Jorhat, Silchar, Tinsukia, Sivasagar |
| Inter-state | Arunachal Pradesh (Roing, Tezu), Nagaland (Mon, Dimapur) |
| Local routes | Naharkatia, Namrup, Duliajan, Moran, Tengakhat |
| Operators | ASTC (Govt.), private services, shared vans/sumos |
3. Major Bus Terminals in Dibrugarh
A. Dibrugarh ASTC Bus Stand (Graham Bazaar)
- Main government bus terminal
- Located in the heart of the city
- Buses to: Guwahati, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Silchar
- Booking: On-site counter or through ASTC website
B. Amolapatty Private Bus Stand
- Located near Amolapatty Chariali
- Base for private operators (Network Travels, Assam Travels)
- Buses to: Tinsukia, Doomdooma, Duliajan, Guwahati
C. Local Sumo/Shared Van Stands
- Near Chowkidinghee and New Market area
- Vans and sumos for towns like Naharkatia, Namrup, Tengakhat
4. Long-Distance Bus Routes to Dibrugarh
A. Guwahati to Dibrugarh
| Distance | ~445 km |
| Time | 11–13 hours |
| Route | NH27 via Nagaon, Jakhalabandha, Jorhat, Sivasagar |
| Fare | ₹600 – ₹1,100 |
Operators:
- ASTC Deluxe (Government)
- Network Travels (AC Sleeper, Non-AC)
- Assam Travels (Semi-Deluxe)
Departure from Guwahati:
- ISBT Garchuk
- Paltan Bazar (for private buses)
Best Time to Travel:
- Overnight buses (~5:30 PM to 8:30 PM departures)
- Morning buses (~6:00 AM, limited)
B. Jorhat to Dibrugarh
| Distance | ~137 km |
| Time | 3.5–4.5 hrs |
| Fare | ₹200–₹300 |
| Buses Every | 30–60 minutes
Tips:
- Shared sumos available at Jorhat main stand
- Book bus ticket if carrying luggage
C. Silchar to Dibrugarh (via Haflong)
| Distance | ~500 km |
| Time | 13–15 hrs |
| Operators | ASTC, Private Limited Services |
| Road Type | Hill + highway, scenic but tiring |
| Fare | ₹700–₹1,000
D. Tezpur to Dibrugarh
| Distance | ~300 km |
| Time | 8 hrs |
| Buses | 1–2 per day, mostly early morning or evening |
| Fare | ₹450–₹600
5. Short-Distance and Regional Bus Routes
A. Dibrugarh to Tinsukia
| Distance | 45 km |
| Time | 1–1.5 hrs |
| Fare | ₹60–₹90 |
| Frequency | Every 15–30 minutes
B. Dibrugarh to Sivasagar
| Distance | 80 km |
| Time | 2–2.5 hrs |
| Fare | ₹120–₹150 |
| Notes | Excellent for day trips
C. Dibrugarh to Duliajan / Naharkatia / Namrup
| Range | 40–70 km |
| Fare | ₹70–₹120 |
| Modes | Shared vans, mini-buses, Tata Magic
Tip: Tata Magic vans leave when full; very economical for daily commuters.
6. Interstate Bus Connectivity
Dibrugarh serves as a jumping point to eastern Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Nagaland.
A. Dibrugarh to Roing / Tezu (Arunachal Pradesh)
- Shared Sumo and buses from Dibrugarh ASTC stand
- ILP required for Arunachal (apply at arunachalilp.com)
- Morning departures only
- Fare: ₹250–₹400
B. Dibrugarh to Mon (Nagaland)
- Via Sonari, Simulguri route
- Very limited services—shared vehicles preferred
7. Types of Buses Operating in Dibrugarh
| Bus Type | Features | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| ASTC Deluxe | Government-run, basic comfort | Guwahati, Silchar |
| AC Sleeper | Private, high-end comfort | Long-distance, night travel |
| Semi-Deluxe | Push-back, non-AC | Mid-distance routes |
| Tata Magic / Shared Vans | 10–12 seaters | Local town connections |
| Mini Bus | No AC, 20–25 seats | Short-distance passengers |
8. Bus Fare Chart (Approximate)
| Route | Type | Fare (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Guwahati – Dibrugarh | AC Sleeper | 1,100 |
| Guwahati – Dibrugarh | ASTC Deluxe | 700 |
| Jorhat – Dibrugarh | Semi-Deluxe | 250 |
| Silchar – Dibrugarh | Sleeper | 950 |
| Dibrugarh – Tinsukia | Shared Van | 70 |
| Dibrugarh – Naharkatia | Shared Van | 80 |
9. Where to Book Bus Tickets
Online Booking:
| Platform | Notes |
|---|---|
| RedBus | Popular for private operators |
| MakeMyTrip | Bus + hotel combos |
| AbhiBus | Budget deals |
| ASTC Portal | https://astc.assam.gov.in – government buses |
Offline Booking:
- ASTC counters (open 7 AM – 8 PM)
- Travel agents near bus stands
- Direct at bus departure gate (1–2 hrs before departure)
10. Best Time for Bus Travel to Dibrugarh
| Season | Weather | Travel Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Oct – Mar | Pleasant, dry | Best for comfortable rides |
| Apr – Jun | Warm | Early morning buses better |
| Jul – Sept | Rainy | Expect delays, slippery roads |
Pro Tip: During Bihu, Durga Puja, and New Year, book your bus seat 3–5 days in advance.
11. Sample 5-Day Itinerary Using Buses
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Overnight bus from Guwahati to Dibrugarh |
| Day 2 | Explore Dibrugarh (tea gardens, markets) |
| Day 3 | Day trip to Sivasagar (by bus) |
| Day 4 | Bus ride to Tinsukia and back |
| Day 5 | Return to Guwahati by AC sleeper |
12. Important Bus Travel Tips
- Carry ID proof for all bookings and ILP if heading to Arunachal
- Keep change (₹10–₹100 notes) for local vans and roadside shops
- Buses stop at local dhabas—carry water and toilet paper
- Shared vehicles leave only when full, so be patient
- In winter, carry a jacket and headcover even for bus rides
13. Safety and Hygiene in Buses
| Point | Notes |
|---|---|
| Cleanliness | AC sleepers better maintained |
| Night buses | Safe if booked with trusted operators |
| Solo travel | Avoid remote night stops, book window seat mid-bus |
| Women travelers | Preferred seating often provided (ask at counter) |
| Emergency numbers | Keep local police station and ASTC helpline handy |
14. Nearby Bus-Connected Destinations from Dibrugarh
| Destination | Time | Fare (₹) | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tinsukia | 1 hr | 70 | Railway junction, shopping |
| Sivasagar | 2 hrs | 150 | Historical temples, palaces |
| Naharkatia | 1.5 hrs | 100 | Rural charm, oil township |
| Duliajan | 1 hr | 90 | Tea gardens and oil refinery town |
| Roing | 3 hrs | 300 | Gateway to Arunachal Pradesh |
15. Final Thoughts: Is Bus Travel to Dibrugarh a Good Choice?
Absolutely. If you’re looking for affordable, reliable, and flexible travel, taking the bus to Dibrugarh is a smart option. It allows you to experience local life, witness stunning countryside views, and travel at your own pace. While flights are faster and trains offer comfort for long distances, buses fill the crucial gap for short trips, regional access, and budget travel.
Zogyy Bus Travel Tip
“If you’re traveling from Guwahati, choose an overnight sleeper and wake up to the sunrise over tea estates—there’s no better welcome to Dibrugarh.”
