Guwahati, the largest city in Assam and the most important transit hub in Northeast India, is not just a destination—it’s the gateway to the Seven Sister States. Whether you’re heading to Kaziranga, Shillong, Tawang, or Majuli, your journey will most likely begin or pass through Guwahati.
While flights offer speed, train travel to Guwahati remains one of the most budget-friendly, scenic, and reliable modes of transport, especially for long-distance and regional travel. With well-connected routes from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and other cities, Indian Railways plays a major role in linking the Northeast to the rest of India.
This detailed guide provides everything you need to know about reaching Guwahati by train, including major train routes, railway stations, train schedules, class-wise fares, booking tips, and local transfer options.
1. Why Travel to Guwahati by Train?
- Budget-friendly for solo, family, or group travel
- Well-connected to major Indian metros
- Comfortable options like 2AC/3AC and Sleeper
- More luggage flexibility compared to flights
- Scenic journeys through plains, rivers, forests, and tea estates
- Perfect for slow travelers, students, and pilgrims
2. Where is Guwahati Located?
- State: Assam
- Coordinates: 26.1445° N, 91.7362° E
- Altitude: 55 meters above sea level
- Geography: On the south bank of the Brahmaputra River
- Bordered by: Meghalaya (to the south), Bhutan hills (to the north)
3. Major Railway Stations in Guwahati
Guwahati has two main passenger stations and a few auxiliary halts.
A. Guwahati Railway Station (GHY)
- Code: GHY
- Location: Paltan Bazar (city center)
- Importance: Primary terminal for most long-distance and express trains
- Facilities:
- Waiting rooms (AC/non-AC)
- Retiring rooms
- Cloakroom
- Food court
- IRCTC lounge
- ATMs, booking counters, security
Best for tourists due to its central location and proximity to hotels, buses, Kamakhya Temple, and Fancy Bazaar.
B. Kamakhya Junction (KYQ)
- Code: KYQ
- Location: Maligaon (5 km from city center)
- Use: Alternative terminal for long-distance trains, especially from South India
- Facilities: Basic waiting area, ticket counters, auto/taxi access
Tip: Always check your ticket to confirm whether your train arrives at GHY or KYQ.
4. Train Routes to Guwahati from Major Indian Cities
Indian Railways connects Guwahati to almost all parts of India. Below are major routes categorized by zones.
A. From North India (Delhi and nearby states)
| Train | From | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajdhani Express (12424) | New Delhi | 28–30 hrs | Daily |
| North East Express (12506) | Anand Vihar | 30–32 hrs | Daily |
| Brahmaputra Mail (15955) | Delhi Jn | 37–40 hrs | Daily |
| Avadh Assam Express (15910) | Lalgarh (via Delhi) | ~48 hrs | Daily |
Highlights:
- Rajdhani offers meals, priority, and punctuality
- Brahmaputra Mail is the oldest and most iconic route to Assam
B. From East India (Kolkata and nearby)
| Train | From | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saraighat Express (12345) | Howrah | ~18 hrs | Daily |
| Kamrup Express (15959) | Howrah | ~23 hrs | Daily |
| Kanchanjunga Express (13175) | Sealdah | ~24 hrs | 3x/week |
Highlights:
- Saraighat Express is the fastest and most reliable
- Kanchanjunga covers parts of Tripura and Silchar
C. From West India (Mumbai, Gujarat)
| Train | From | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guwahati Express (15645) | LTT, Mumbai | ~47–50 hrs | Weekly |
| Karmabhoomi Express (22511) | Mumbai LTT | ~48 hrs | Weekly |
| Porbandar–Guwahati Express (12905) | Porbandar | ~55 hrs | Weekly |
Note: Direct trains are limited. Consider connecting via Kolkata or Delhi for better frequency.
D. From South India (Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad)
| Train | From | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guwahati Express (12510) | Chennai | ~54 hrs | Weekly |
| Tambaram–Guwahati (15629) | Tambaram | ~52 hrs | Weekly |
| Bangalore–Guwahati Express (12509) | Bangalore | ~54 hrs | Weekly |
| Secunderabad–Guwahati (12513) | Hyderabad | ~48 hrs | Weekly |
Tip: South Indian trains are long-distance and mostly weekly—book early.
5. Trains Within Northeast to Guwahati
| Route | Train Name | Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dibrugarh → Guwahati | Dibrugarh–Guwahati Intercity | ~10 hrs | Daily |
| Silchar → Guwahati | Kanchanjunga Express | ~17 hrs | 3x/week |
| Jorhat → Guwahati | Intercity Passenger | ~8 hrs | Daily |
| Dimapur → Guwahati | Nagaland Express | ~7 hrs | Daily |
| Naharlagun (Itanagar) → Guwahati | Donyi Polo Express | ~9 hrs | Daily |
6. Distance and Duration Overview
| Origin City | Distance (Approx.) | Train Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ~2,000 km | 30–34 hrs |
| Kolkata | ~1,000 km | 17–19 hrs |
| Mumbai | ~2,800 km | 45–48 hrs |
| Bangalore | ~3,000 km | 52–56 hrs |
| Chennai | ~2,950 km | 54 hrs |
| Dibrugarh | ~440 km | 10 hrs |
7. Ticket Booking: Platforms and Tips
Where to Book
| Platform | Website/App |
|---|---|
| IRCTC | www.irctc.co.in |
| Trainman | www.trainman.in |
| ConfirmTkt | www.confirmtkt.com |
| Paytm / MMT | Apps also support IRCTC-linked bookings |
Tips for Booking
- Book tickets 30–60 days in advance
- Choose 3AC for budget comfort or 2AC for family travel
- Use Tatkal for last-minute plans (opens 1 day prior)
- Avoid General if traveling long distance
8. Fare Estimates (3AC Class)
| Route | Approx Fare |
|---|---|
| Delhi – Guwahati | ₹2,100–₹2,500 |
| Kolkata – Guwahati | ₹1,500–₹1,800 |
| Mumbai – Guwahati | ₹2,800–₹3,200 |
| Chennai – Guwahati | ₹3,000–₹3,600 |
| Bangalore – Guwahati | ₹3,200–₹3,800 |
| Dibrugarh – Guwahati | ₹1,000 |
Note: Sleeper class is about 40% cheaper.
9. Facilities at Guwahati Railway Station (GHY)
| Facility | Availability |
|---|---|
| Retiring rooms | AC and Non-AC (book on IRCTC) |
| Food stalls | Yes (IRCTC & local vendors) |
| Waiting halls | AC & non-AC |
| ATMs | SBI, HDFC, Axis |
| Water | Safe, filtered |
| Toilets | Indian + Western |
| Prepaid autos | Available at exit |
| Police/RPF booth | Active 24×7 |
10. Transport from Station to City
| Mode | Fare (₹) | Destination |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Rickshaw | ₹80–₹150 | Within city (zoo, market, hotels) |
| Ola/Uber | ₹120–₹250 | Convenient and cashless |
| Local Bus | ₹10–₹30 | To Beltola, ISBT, Ganeshguri |
| Hotel pickup | Varies | Booked via hotel reception |
11. Sample Travel Itinerary (Using Train to Guwahati)
Day 1: Board train from origin city
Day 2: Journey onboard – read, relax, enjoy landscapes
Day 3: Arrive in Guwahati, check into hotel
- Afternoon: Visit Kamakhya Temple
- Evening: Brahmaputra sunset cruise
Day 4: Day trip to Kaziranga or Shillong
Day 5: Return or continue to Arunachal/Nagaland
12. Best Season to Travel by Train
| Season | Experience |
|---|---|
| Winter (Oct–Feb) | Cool, pleasant journey, high demand |
| Spring (Mar–Apr) | Ideal weather, fewer crowds |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | Green views, but risk of delays |
| Summer (May–Jun) | Hot, prefer AC classes |
13. Common Onboard Experiences
- Tea sellers and snack vendors: Try Assam chai, samosas, jhalmuri
- Train pantry food: Basic meals, order early
- Clean toilets in AC classes, but carry tissues/sanitizer
- Charging ports: One per berth in 3AC, shared in SL
- Scenery: Forests, rivers, paddy fields, tea gardens after West Bengal
14. Travel Tips and Safety
- Always lock your luggage in Sleeper class
- Carry offline ticket copy and ID proof
- Download offline maps of Guwahati
- Avoid night exits from KYQ unless pickup is arranged
- Ask fellow passengers or railway staff for local tips
15. Final Thoughts: Is Train Travel to Guwahati Worth It?
Yes—absolutely. Whether you’re traveling from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, or South India, train travel to Guwahati offers an affordable, immersive, and scenic way to enter the heart of Northeast India. With a growing number of AC coaches, online services, and railway infrastructure, it remains the most accessible and inclusive option for millions of travelers.
From pilgrims and wildlife lovers to students and backpackers—Guwahati by train is not just a journey, it’s a travel story.
Zogyy Travel Tip
“For the best views, grab a window seat on the right side when entering Assam from West Bengal—you’ll spot rivers, paddy fields, tea plantations, and even elephants if you're lucky!”
