Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India, is one of the country’s most recognized wildlife parks and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for having the highest population of Indian One-Horned Rhinoceroses along with Elephants, Tigers, Swamp Deer, and hundreds of bird species. Kaziranga is a must visit for wildlife lovers, families, school students, researchers, and even solo backpackers. While flights and trains provide options for long distance travel, buses are offered from major cities in Assam and Northeast India providing direct and affordable access to Kaziranga. This guide ensures that whether you are coming from Guwahati, Jorhat, or Tezpu r, and are looking for shared local transport within Assam, you will have all the information you need to plan your bus trip to Kaziranga.
1. Is there a Bus Stand in Kaziranga?
While there are no bus stops located within the park, the Kohora Gate, which is the main access point for most visitors lies directly on National Highway 37 (NH 37). Long distance and local buses from multiple regions make stops at Kohora, allowing ease of access for tourists to get off near their lodges or safari stations.
2. Reasons for Choosing Buses to Kaziranga
- More affordable than taxis and cars.
- Regular departures from Guwahai, Jorhat, Tezpur and other cities.
- Served Kohora, the primary tourist area.
- Perfect for independent travelers, students and budgetary organizations.
- View local villages, tea estates, rivers, and the Assamese countryside.
3. By Bus Main Entry Points to Kaziranga
| Entry Gate | Location | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Kohora Gate | Central zone, NH 37 | |
| Bagori Gate | Western zone | |
| Agaratoli Gate | Eastern zone | |
| Burapahar Gate | Ghorakati |
4. Major Bus Routes to Kaziranga
Here are all the regional and danbus routes serving and connecting Kaziranga through other towns.
A. Guwahati to Kaziranga Bus Travel Info
| Route | NH 27 → NH 37 |
|---|---|
| Distance | Approximately 220 km |
| Time | Ranges between 5.5 and 6.5 hours |
| Fare | ₹300–₹550, varies by service used |
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Buses Available:
| Operator | Type | Departure Stops |
|---|---|---|
| ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) | Semi deluxe, Ordinary | ISBT Guwahati, Paltan Bazar |
| Network Travels | AC Sleeper, Push-back | Paltan Bazar |
| Private Minibuses | 25–30 seater | Khanapara, ISBT |
Schedule:
- Buses running early in the day: 6 AM – 8 AM
- Afternoon busts start at: 1 PM – 3 PM
- Night services: 7 PM (next day early morning arrival)
Wildlife travelers Tip:
Morning buses are more advantageous for travelers that want to see wildlife as you are able to reach Kaziranga before dark.
B. Jorhat to Kaziranga
- Route: Jorhat → Numaligarh → Kohora
- Distance: ~90 km
- Time: 2 to 2.5 hrs
- Fare: ₹120–₹180
Options:
- Mini buses from Jorhat ISBT
- Shared Tata Magic and Sumo from Barhpatra
- Private vans from Jorhat town centre
Frequency:
Every 30–60 minutes in the morning; limited in the evening
C. Tezpur to Kaziranga
- Route: Tezpur → Kaliabor → Jakhalabandha → Kohora
- Distance: ~75 km
- Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Fare: ₹100–₹150
Options:
- ASTC and mini private buses
- Shared sumos (non-AC, 10–12 passengers)
- Vans and local taxis from Tezpur market
D. Dibrugarh / Sivasagar to Kaziranga
- Route: NH 37 via Sivasagar, Jorhat
- Distance: ~250 km
- Time: 6–7 hours
- Fare: ₹350–₹500
Options:
- Overnight private buses (Network Travels, Assam Travels)
- Shared vans from Dibrugarh to Jorhat, then bus to Kaziranga
- Not many direct options—Jorhat remains the best connecting hub
E. Shillong to Kaziranga
- Route: Shillong → Nongpoh → Guwahati → Kaziranga
- Distance: ~280 km
- Time: 7–8 hours
| Fare |
|---|
| ₹500–₹700 (must change bus at Guwahati) |
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Options:
- MTC (Meghalaya Transport) offers shared sumos to Guwahati
- After arriving in Guwahati, you can transfer to Kaziranga bound buses from ISBT or Paltan Bazar
- Best to leave Shillong as early as possible in the morning
5. Getting To and Around Kaziranga
Once you get to Kohora, the local transport options are not very good, but their lack of quality is somewhat offset by simplicity.
| Mode | Use | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | To nearby hotels, safari booking counters | Free |
| Hotel pick-up | Provided by resorts | Complimentary or ₹100–₹200 |
| Shared jeep | Kohora to Bagori or Agaratoli Gates | ₹50–₹150 per seat |
| Hired Sumo | Full-day sightseeing | ₹1,200–₹1,800 |
6. Available Types of Buses
| Bus Type | Description | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| ASTC Ordinary | Non-AC, cheapest option | Local travelers, budget visitors |
| Semi-Deluxe | Push-back seats, non-AC | Comfortable for medium distance |
| AC Sleeper | Reclining beds, pillows | Best for overnight travel |
| Mini Bus (25–30 seaters) | Local routes | Quick hops from Jorhat, Tezpur |
| Tata Magic / Shared Van | 10–12 seater | Frequent in rural connections |
7. Estimated bus fares between different locations (one way)
| FROM | TO | FARE (₹) | DURATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guwahati | ₹300-₹550 | 5.5-6.5 hrs | |
| Jorhat | ₹120-₹180 | 2-2.5 hrs | |
| Tezpur | ₹100-₹150 | 1.5-2 hrs | |
| Dibrugarh | ₹350-₹500 | 6-7 hrs | |
| Shillong | ₹500-₹700 (including transfer) |
8. Bus Ticket Booking Options
Bridgeable Gaps
Online Booking Options
| Platform | Operators Available |
|---|---|
| RedBus | Network Travels, Assam Travels |
| AbhiBus | Private buses |
| ASTC Official | astc.assam.gov.in |
| MakeMyTrip | Selected routes |
| Paytm/IXIGO | Limited intercity routes |
Offline Booking:
Guwahati ISBT and Paltan Bazar ticket counters as well as ASTC bus depots in Jorhat, and Tezpur. On-the-spot booking from bus conductors or local agents. Private agents outside main bus stands.
9. Best times to visit kaziranga by Bus
Travel Pro Tips:
Notes: Kaziranga is closed between May and October, during these months buses are still in service to Kohora for passengers heading to Majuli or Upper Assam.
10. Best Buses for Different Types of Travelers
| Traveler Type | Recommended Option |
|---|---|
| Solo Backpacker | ASTC ordinary or mini-bus |
| Budget Couple | Semi-deluxe bus or shared van |
| Family with kids | Private cab or AC bus from Guwahati |
| Wildlife Photographer | Early morning van from Tezpur or Jorhat |
| Group Tour | Book a full Sumo or minibus for flexibility |
11. Suggested 3-Day Itinerary (With Bus Travel)
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Guwahati to Kohora by bus. Check into eco-lodge. |
| Day 2 | Morning jeep safari. Evening visit Orchid Park. |
| Day 3 | Guwahati or Jorhat bound bus in the afternoon. |
12. What to Carry for Bus Travel
- Small bag with water and light snacks
- Light shawl or jacket (evenings and mornings)
- Hotel check-in requires ID proof.
- Safari booking copy (if booked online).
- Emergency contact numbers (Hotel, Family, police, local).
13. Bus Traveler Safety Tips
- Get on only at bus terminals or marked stops.
- Refrain from using night buses in the monsoon.
- Keep belongings, especially documents, secure.
- Avoid aggressive touts outside the bus stands.
- If there are doubts, ask co-passengers or lodgers.
14. Last Thoughts: Is Bus Travel To Kaziranga Possible?
Absolutely, one hundred percent.
For those who seek a budget-friendly option that is both picturesque and practical in reaching Kazhiranga, considering buses as a mode of transport is ideal. You save on your budget, get to enjoy the Assamese countryside, and can stop much closer to the park than any of the trains or flightswould allow.
Traveling by bus from Guwahati not only offers a reliable timetable for departures, but there’s also a wide selection of different buses ranging from luxury AC to rural mini vans, all complemented with good roads during the dry season.
Zogyy Bus Travel Tip
“Simply put, do not miss out on the window seats while coming from Guwahati as the left side will have wetlands, tea gardens and small bamboo huts giving you a glimpse of rural Assam way before spotting your first rhino!”
