Bus Travel Guide to Guwahati: Routes and Schedules

Guwahati, the largest city in Assam and the beating heart of Northeast India, is a city that blends tradition, spirituality, commerce, and culture. Known for the sacred Kamakhya Temple, the flowing Brahmaputra River, and its role as a gateway to the Seven Sister States, Guwahati is the most visited and well-connected city in the region. While air travel offers speed, train travel remains one of the most practical, affordable, and scenic ways to reach Guwahati.

In this detailed guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about reaching Guwahati by train—including major train routes, stations, train types, ticket booking, fare details, journey duration, and important travel tips for a smooth and memorable journey.

1. Why Choose Train Travel to Guwahati?

• Affordable: Significantly cheaper than air travel
• Scenic: Crosses rivers, hills, tea gardens, tribal regions
• Well-connected: Links Northeast India with Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and more
• Flexible classes: AC, Sleeper, and Unreserved options available
• More luggage allowance than flights
• Ideal for family and long-duration travel

2. Major Railway Stations in Guwahati

Guwahati is served by two primary passenger stations and a few smaller technical stops.

A. Guwahati Railway Station (GHY)

• Code: GHY
• Location: Paltan Bazar, Central Guwahati
• Facilities: Waiting halls, retiring rooms, food stalls, pre-paid autos, security, ATMs
• Importance: Main terminal for most incoming and outgoing long-distance trains
• Connectivity: Major metro cities and local towns

Note: This station is ideal for tourists as it is centrally located near hotels, markets, and Kamakhya Temple.

B. Kamakhya Junction (KYQ)

• Code: KYQ
• Location: Maligaon area (5 km from city center)
• Facilities: Basic amenities, local connectivity
• Importance: Alternative terminal for many long-distance and goods trains

Tip: If your train arrives at KYQ, pre-book a taxi or auto for travel to the city center.

3. Key Train Routes to Guwahati

Guwahati is a terminal and a junction for several important Indian rail routes. Let’s look at routes from different zones of India.

A. From Delhi/North India

Tip: Rajdhani is the fastest and most punctual option.

B. From Kolkata/East India

Tip: Kolkata–Guwahati is one of the busiest and most convenient train routes.

C. From Mumbai/West India

Note: Fewer direct trains from Mumbai, plan well in advance.

D. From Chennai/South India

E. From Bangalore

4. Local and Regional Trains to Guwahati

5. Journey Duration Summary (Key Routes)

6. Train Classes and Amenities

Onboard Services

• Pantry cars on most express trains
• IRCTC e-catering available at selected stations
• Clean toilets in AC classes
• Charging points at every berth in AC classes

7. How to Book Train Tickets to Guwahati

Online Booking Platforms

Offline Booking

• Book at any Indian Railways reservation counter
• Carry a valid government ID

Ticket Booking Tips

• Book 30–60 days in advance for AC classes
• Use Tatkal (opens 1 day before travel) for emergency bookings
• Choose Side Upper or Side Lower for solo travelers in Sleeper/3AC
• Always confirm whether your train reaches GHY or KYQ

8. Train Fares (3AC Class Estimate)

Note: Sleeper is ~50% cheaper. 2AC is ~35% more expensive.

9. Food and Refreshments

10. Station Facilities at Guwahati (GHY)

11. Local Transport from Railway Station

12. Sample Itinerary Using Train to Guwahati

Day 1: Board train from Delhi / Kolkata

Day 2: Onboard – enjoy scenic tea gardens, river crossings

Day 3: Arrive in Guwahati (GHY), explore city

Day 4–6: Kamakhya Temple, Kaziranga Safari, Shillong day trip

Day 7: Return from Guwahati by train or fly back

13. Best Time to Travel by Train to Guwahati

14. Real-World Tips for Train Travelers

• Download your ticket (PDF or SMS) before boarding
• Carry power bank, earphones, and water bottle
• Avoid general class for long distances
• Keep some cash and change for vendors
• Lock your luggage using chains, especially in Sleeper class
• Be polite to co-passengers—long journeys mean shared space

15. Final Thoughts: Is Train Travel to Guwahati Worth It?

Absolutely. Whether you’re a solo explorer, a student on a budget, a pilgrim visiting Kamakhya, or a family heading on a Northeast tour, train travel to Guwahati is affordable, scenic, and deeply immersive. It brings you face to face with India’s diversity—from the Hindi heartland to Bengali deltas to Assamese hills.

With dozens of train options, convenient booking tools, and improving onboard services, reaching Guwahati by train is both practical and enjoyable.

Zogyy Travel Tip

“For the best views, choose a window seat on the right side of the train when entering Assam—watch the sunrise over Brahmaputra bridges and tea plantations roll past.”