Guwahati, the cultural and commercial hub of Northeast India, is the most important entry point to the entire region. Nestled along the banks of the majestic Brahmaputra River, Guwahati combines modern infrastructure with deep-rooted spirituality and tradition. The city is home to the revered Kamakhya Temple, lush riverfronts, historical sites, and serves as the base for trips to Shillong, Kaziranga, Tawang, and Majuli.
If you’re planning a trip to Assam or any of the northeastern states, flying into Guwahati via Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) is the most efficient and convenient option. This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about air travel to Guwahati—including airlines, domestic and international connectivity, airport facilities, transport to the city, booking tips, and more.
1. Introduction to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU)
- IATA Code: GAU
- ICAO Code: VEGT
- Location: Borjhar, ~20 km west of Guwahati city
- Named After: Assam’s first Chief Minister, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi
- Type: Domestic and international terminal
- Operator: Airports Authority of India (AAI)
Key Facts
- One of the busiest airports in Northeast India
- Handles over 50 daily flights on average
- Serves as a transit hub for onward travel to Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram
- Equipped with customs, immigration, and international terminal section
2. Domestic Flight Connectivity
Guwahati has excellent air connectivity with all major metro cities in India and key regional airports in the Northeast.
A. Direct Flights to Guwahati (GAU)
| From City | Airlines | Travel Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi (DEL) | IndiGo, Vistara, Akasa, Air India | 2.5 hrs | 6–8 daily |
| Mumbai (BOM) | IndiGo, Air India | 3 hrs | 3–4 daily |
| Bangalore (BLR) | IndiGo, Akasa | 3 hrs | 2–3 daily |
| Chennai (MAA) | IndiGo | 3.5 hrs | 1–2 daily |
| Hyderabad (HYD) | IndiGo | 2.5 hrs | 2–3 daily |
| Kolkata (CCU) | IndiGo, Alliance Air | 1 hr | 5+ daily |
| Jaipur (JAI) | IndiGo | 2.5 hrs | 1–2 daily |
| Ahmedabad (AMD) | IndiGo (via Kolkata) | ~5 hrs | 1–2 connections |
Tip: Kolkata is the best hub for onward travel with the shortest flight time and frequent daily services.
B. Regional Connectivity
| City | Airline | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dibrugarh | IndiGo, Alliance Air | ~1 hr |
| Jorhat | Alliance Air | 1 hr |
| Silchar | IndiGo, Alliance Air | 1 hr |
| Tezpur | Alliance Air | 40 mins |
| Shillong | FlyBig, Helicopter service | 30 mins (when available) |
3. International Flight Connectivity
Though still developing, Guwahati Airport has limited international connections, primarily for tourism and trade.
| Destination | Airline | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Paro (Bhutan) | Druk Air | Seasonal |
| Singapore | IndiGo (charter) | Irregular |
| Bangkok, Kathmandu, Dhaka | Proposed | Awaiting approvals |
Tip: Most international travelers route through Delhi, Kolkata, or Mumbai and take a domestic leg to Guwahati.
4. Airlines Operating at Guwahati Airport
| Airline | Domestic Routes |
|---|---|
| IndiGo | Operates most routes pan-India and Northeast |
| Vistara | Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata |
| Air India | Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata |
| Akasa Air | Newer routes to Bangalore, Mumbai |
| Alliance Air | Regional short-haul flights within Northeast |
| Druk Air | Bhutan sector (limited) |
5. Airport Infrastructure and Passenger Facilities
A. Terminal Information
- Single integrated terminal for domestic and limited international operations
- Check-in counters for all airlines on the ground floor
- Separate departure and arrival gates, connected by easy signage
- Dedicated immigration and customs desks for international flights
B. Passenger Amenities
| Facility | Availability |
|---|---|
| ATMs | SBI, HDFC, Axis – near arrival hall |
| Wi-Fi | Free, 45 mins |
| Wheelchair Access | On request at counter |
| Lounge Access | Premium lounge available for select cards & business class |
| Luggage Trolleys | Free and widely available |
| Baby Care Rooms | Near washroom area |
| Tea & Snack Counters | Yes – inside and outside terminal |
| Shops | Handloom, handicrafts, tea, books |
Note: There’s no metro or local train to the airport yet.
6. How to Reach Guwahati City from the Airport
The airport is located in Borjhar, around 20 km from the city center (Paltan Bazar / GS Road). Here are your transport options:
A. Taxi Services
| Type | Fare (₹) | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Prepaid Taxi | ₹400–₹450 | 45–60 min |
| Ola/Uber | ₹350–₹500 | 45–60 min |
| Private Car Hire | ₹700+ | Advance booking only |
B. Airport Shuttle Bus
- Operated by ASTC
- Fare: ₹100–₹150
- Route: Airport → ISBT → Khanapara → Paltan Bazar
- Frequency: Every 1.5–2 hours (check ASTC schedule)
C. Hotel Transfers
- Many 3-star and premium hotels offer airport pickup/drop on request
- Charges: ₹500–₹1,000 depending on hotel class
7. Flight Booking Tips
- Use flight comparison tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or IXIGO
- Ideal booking window: 2–4 weeks before travel
- For peak times (October–January), book even earlier
- Mid-week flights (Tuesday–Thursday) tend to be cheaper
- Book morning flights for fewer delays, especially in monsoon
8. Airfare Estimate (Economy Round-Trip)
| Route | Fare (₹) |
|---|---|
| Delhi – Guwahati | ₹4,500–₹8,000 |
| Mumbai – Guwahati | ₹5,500–₹9,000 |
| Kolkata – Guwahati | ₹2,500–₹4,000 |
| Bangalore – Guwahati | ₹6,000–₹10,000 |
| Chennai – Guwahati | ₹6,500–₹10,000 |
| Hyderabad – Guwahati | ₹5,000–₹8,000 |
9. Weather-Related Flight Tips
- October to March: Best season to fly (clear skies, pleasant)
- April to June: Hot and humid, book morning flights
- July to September: Monsoon rains can delay flights; expect cloud cover and late landings
Tip: Check airline app or flight tracking tools before heading to the airport.
10. Hotels Near Guwahati Airport
If you have an early morning flight or late-night landing, consider these nearby stays:
| Hotel Name | Distance | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Bhargav Grand | 4 km | ₹2,500–₹3,500 |
| Hotel Grand Majesty | 3.5 km | ₹2,000–₹3,000 |
| Airport Guest House (Budget) | 2 km | ₹800–₹1,500 |
| Radisson Blu (Premium, city side) | 10 km | ₹6,000–₹8,000 |
11. Places to Visit After Arrival
If you’re arriving early or have a layover, here are quick places to explore nearby:
| Place | Distance from Airport | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Kamakhya Temple | 23 km | Ancient Shakti Peeth, hilltop views |
| Brahmaputra Riverfront | 22 km | Sunset walks, ferry rides |
| Assam State Zoo | 25 km | India’s largest zoo area-wise |
| Fancy Bazaar | 21 km | Local shopping, food, and vibe |
12. Ideal Travel Plans Using Air Connectivity
Trip 1: Spiritual Tour
- Arrive in Guwahati by air
- Visit Kamakhya Temple, Umananda Island
- Extend to Hajo, Sualkuchi for day trips
- Return flight from Guwahati
Trip 2: Kaziranga + Majuli Circuit
- Fly into Guwahati
- Drive to Kaziranga (220 km)
- Go to Jorhat → Majuli Island
- Return to Guwahati or fly out from Jorhat/Dibrugarh
Trip 3: Guwahati to Meghalaya Road Trip
- Fly into Guwahati
- Drive to Shillong (100 km, 3 hrs)
- Explore Cherrapunjee, Dawki
- Return to Guwahati for flight
13. Upcoming Developments at GAU Airport
- New integrated terminal under construction (as of 2024–2025)
- Enhanced parking and drop-off zones
- More international flights planned post-terminal expansion
- Night landing support to improve further during fog season
14. Final Thoughts: Should You Fly to Guwahati?
Absolutely. If you’re visiting any part of the Northeast—whether it’s Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal, or Nagaland—Guwahati Airport is your most convenient entry point. It is well-connected, traveler-friendly, and offers quick access to both urban centers and remote destinations.
From first-time travelers to seasoned backpackers and pilgrims, flying to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport makes your journey into Assam smoother, safer, and far more time-efficient.
Zogyy Air Travel Tip
“If you're planning to explore multiple states in the Northeast, fly into Guwahati and fly out from Dibrugarh or Silchar. This allows you to cover a longer overland loop without retracing your steps.”
