Assam, located in the heart of Northeast India, offers a beautiful blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historic charm. From the hills of Haflong to the Brahmaputra islands, and from the ancient temples of Sivasagar to the green tea gardens of Dibrugarh—Assam has much to explore.
While flights and trains connect the major towns, bus travel remains one of the most budget-friendly, flexible, and widely used ways to travel across Assam and also to neighboring states. Whether you’re a tourist, student, backpacker, or a local commuter, the bus network in Assam is vast and growing, offering easy access even to remote villages.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover long-distance and local bus routes in Assam, government and private operators, major bus terminals, ticket booking, timings, travel tips, and everything you need to plan your journey comfortably.
1. Why Travel by Bus in Assam?
- Affordable: Cheaper than trains and taxis.
- Flexible: Buses run even where trains don’t.
- Good Frequency: Regular day and night services.
- Scenic Routes: Enjoy views of hills, rivers, tea estates, and forests.
- Ideal for Last-Mile Travel: Buses connect small villages and hilly towns not served by rail.
2. Main Bus Operators in Assam
| Operator | Type | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) | Government | Statewide + Inter-state |
| Private Bus Operators | Private companies | Long-distance + Tourist |
| Shared Sumos & Vans | Private jeeps, Tata Magic | Short-distance local travel |
| Meghalaya, Arunachal, Nagaland Transport | Government | Connects Assam border towns |
3. Major Long-Distance Bus Routes from Guwahati
Guwahati, the gateway city of Assam, is the central hub for all intercity and interstate bus services.
A. Guwahati to Upper Assam
| Destination | Distance | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jorhat | 310 km | 7–8 hrs | Sleeper/Semi-Deluxe |
| Dibrugarh | 445 km | 10–12 hrs | Sleeper AC/Non-AC |
| Sivasagar | 370 km | 9 hrs | Semi-deluxe |
| Tinsukia | 480 km | 11–12 hrs | Deluxe |
| Dhemaji | 480 km | 11 hrs | Tata Sumo, Private |
B. Guwahati to Barak Valley
| Destination | Distance | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silchar | 320 km | 10 hrs | Deluxe, Sumos |
| Hailakandi | 350 km | 11 hrs | Private bus only |
| Karimganj | 370 km | 12 hrs | Night services only |
Note: Most buses leave in the evening or night due to long journeys.
C. Guwahati to North Bank (Lakhimpur, Tezpur, Dhemaji)
| Destination | Distance | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tezpur | 180 km | 5 hrs | ASTC and Private |
| North Lakhimpur | 390 km | 9 hrs | ASTC, Shared Vans |
| Bihpuria | 400 km | 9.5 hrs | Sumo, Bus |
4. Interstate Bus Connectivity from Assam
Assam also serves as the gateway to the other six northeastern states. Below are key routes:
| From Assam | To | Distance | Bus Type | Operator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guwahati | Shillong (Meghalaya) | 100 km | AC/Non-AC | ASTC, MSRTC, Private |
| Guwahati | Itanagar (Arunachal) | 380 km | Semi-Deluxe | APSTS, ASTC |
| Guwahati | Aizawl (Mizoram) | 480 km | Sleeper/Non-AC | Mizoram STC, Private |
| Guwahati | Dimapur (Nagaland) | 270 km | Semi-Deluxe | ASTC, NST |
| Silchar | Agartala (Tripura) | 280 km | Semi-Deluxe | ASTC, Tripura STC |
Tip: Book a day in advance for inter-state buses, especially during festivals or tourist season.
5. Local and Regional Bus Routes in Assam
Bus travel within Assam connects major towns to rural areas. Here are some common short routes:
| Route | Duration | Operator | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guwahati – Mangaldoi | 2 hrs | ASTC | Hourly buses |
| Guwahati – Nalbari – Barpeta | 3 hrs | ASTC, Private | Good frequency |
| Guwahati – Goalpara – Dhubri | 6 hrs | ASTC | Road condition varies |
| Dibrugarh – Sivasagar – Jorhat | 3–4 hrs | Private buses | Available all day |
| Jorhat – Majuli (via ferry) | 1 hr (bus) + 1 hr (ferry) | Bus to Nimati Ghat | Daily |
6. Bus Terminals in Major Cities
A. Guwahati ISBT (Inter-State Bus Terminal) – Garchuk
- Long-distance and inter-state buses
- ASTC booking counter
- Shared vans and private operators nearby
B. ASTC Paltan Bazar Bus Stand
- Closer to Guwahati Railway Station
- More private operator buses
- Local city buses and taxis available
C. Jorhat ASTC Stand
- For Upper Assam, Kaziranga access
- Vans to Nimati Ghat for Majuli
D. Silchar ASTC Bus Terminal
- Connects Barak Valley and Tripura
- Shared jeeps to Aizawl also available
7. Popular Private Bus Operators
| Operator | Route Speciality |
|---|---|
| Network Travels | Guwahati – Dibrugarh, Jorhat |
| Royal Tour & Travels | Guwahati – Silchar, Imphal |
| Green Valley | Shillong, Silchar, Sivasagar |
| Assam Travels | Guwahati – Kaziranga, Tezpur |
| TR Travels | Private night buses to Upper Assam |
8. Types of Buses in Assam
| Bus Type | Features | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary (Local) | Non-AC, wooden seats | Short routes |
| Semi-Deluxe | Cushioned seats, no AC | Budget intercity |
| Deluxe | Push-back, AC | Long-distance comfort |
| Sleeper Bus | Berths, AC/Non-AC | Overnight journeys |
| Mini Bus / Tata Magic | Shared seats | Local village routes |
9. Online and Offline Ticket Booking
Online Booking Platforms:
- RedBus
- Abhibus
- MakeMyTrip
- ASTC Online Portal (limited routes): https://astc.assam.gov.in
Offline Booking:
- ASTC Counters (ISBT, city stands)
- Private operator counters (Paltan Bazar, Silchar, Dibrugarh)
- Booking window usually opens 1–2 days in advance
10. Shared Vans & Sumos in Assam
In rural areas and smaller towns, shared Tata Sumos and vans are more common than buses.
| From | To | Fare (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guwahati – Tezpur | 400–500 | Faster than bus | |
| Tezpur – Bhalukpong | 300 | For Tawang route | |
| Jorhat – Majuli | 100 (to ferry point) | Then ferry to Majuli | |
| Silchar – Aizawl | 700–900 | Shared Tata Sumo, early morning only |
They usually operate between 5:30 AM and 3:00 PM and are often booked from local taxi stands.
11. Ticket Fare Chart for Key Routes
| Route | Bus Type | Fare Range (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Guwahati – Jorhat | Sleeper | 550–800 |
| Guwahati – Dibrugarh | AC Sleeper | 850–1,200 |
| Guwahati – Tezpur | Semi-Deluxe | 300–400 |
| Guwahati – Shillong | Deluxe | 200–350 |
| Silchar – Agartala | Semi-Deluxe | 400–600 |
12. Travel Tips for Bus Travelers in Assam
- Book in advance: Especially for weekend and festival travel
- Arrive early at terminals: Buses don’t wait
- Carry snacks and water: Few long-distance stops have proper food
- Keep small change: For local buses and auto rickshaws
- Stay cautious at night: Avoid isolated areas after 8 PM
- Keep ILP ready: If continuing to Arunachal Pradesh or Nagaland
13. Best Seasons for Bus Travel
| Season | Why Travel | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oct – March | Best weather, clear roads | Festival time too (Bihu, Puja) |
| April – June | Hot but manageable | Avoid daytime travel in peak summer |
| July – Sept | Monsoon season | Expect delays, landslides in hill routes |
14. Sample Budget Itinerary Using Buses (6 Days)
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Bus from Guwahati to Kaziranga (stay in Kohora) |
| Day 2 | Safari in Kaziranga; bus to Jorhat |
| Day 3 | Ferry to Majuli; explore island |
| Day 4 | Return to Jorhat; bus to Sivasagar |
| Day 5 | Explore historic sites; night bus to Guwahati |
| Day 6 | Local city tour or Shillong day trip |
15. Final Thoughts: Is Bus Travel in Assam Worth It?
Yes—if you’re looking for an economical, immersive, and flexible way to explore the state, bus travel is the perfect option. It connects every region of Assam—from bustling Guwahati to remote villages, from tea estates to wildlife parks.
Though slower than flights and trains, buses help you see the real Assam up close—its people, landscapes, roadside stalls, and hidden gems.
Zogyy Travel Tip
“For hill and forest routes, always choose early morning buses. Roads are clearer, the light is better, and the ride is safer and more scenic.”
