Driving to Guwahati: Scenic Routes and Travel Tips

Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India, is a vibrant blend of ancient spirituality and modern living. Known for the Kamakhya Temple, the mighty Brahmaputra River, tea gardens, and lush hills, Guwahati is not just a destination—it’s a strategic base to explore Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and more.

While flights and trains remain popular, driving to Guwahati is one of the most scenic and flexible ways to experience Assam. With improved highways, beautiful countryside, and authentic rural experiences en route, a road trip to Guwahati offers far more than just reaching a place—it’s about embracing the journey.

This guide shares everything you need to know to drive to Guwahati from major Indian cities, including routes, road conditions, petrol pumps, tolls, best stopovers, safety tips, and more.

1. Why Drive to Guwahati?

• Explore more: Stop at rivers, tea gardens, villages, and historic towns
• Flexible timings: No fixed departures—leave and pause as you like
• Cost-effective for groups: Cheaper than multiple flight tickets
• Hidden destinations: Discover lesser-known spots along the way
• Scenic landscapes: Hills, forests, valleys, bridges, and Brahmaputra views

2. Where is Guwahati Located?

• State: Assam
• Region: Western Assam
• Coordinates: 26.1445° N, 91.7362° E
• Altitude: ~55 meters above sea level
• Geography: Surrounded by hills, located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River

3. Top Road Routes to Guwahati

Depending on your starting point, there are several routes that connect Guwahati to the rest of India. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each route.

Route 1: Siliguri to Guwahati (NH 27) — The Most Common Route

• Distance: ~500 km
• Time: 10–12 hours
• Route: Siliguri → Sevoke → Hasimara → Alipurduar → Bongaigaon → Nalbari → Guwahati

Highlights:

• Tea gardens of North Bengal
• Dense Dooars forests
• Entry to Assam via Bengal border
• Scenic Brahmaputra plains

Road Condition: Mostly good, 4-lane highway. Beware of fog in Sevoke and occasional truck traffic.

Route 2: Kolkata to Guwahati (via NH 27)

• Distance: ~1,050 km
• Time: 20–24 hours
• Route: Kolkata → Bardhaman → Malda → Raiganj → Siliguri → Bongaigaon → Guwahati

Highlights:

• Cross the Ganges via Farakka
• Lush fields of Malda and North Bengal
• Overnight stop at Siliguri

Tip: Ideal as a two-day drive with a night halt in Siliguri.

Route 3: Shillong to Guwahati (NH 6) — The Hill Drive

• Distance: 100 km
• Time: 3–4 hours
• Route: Shillong → Nongpoh → Byrnihat → Khanapara → Guwahati

Highlights:

• Rolling Khasi hills
• Pine forests
• Misty mountain views
• Smooth drive with beautiful curves

Tip: Early morning drive is best to avoid traffic and enjoy sunrise through the hills.

Route 4: Tezpur to Guwahati (NH 15)

• Distance: 180 km
• Time: 4–5 hours
• Route: Tezpur → Mangaldoi → Baihata Chariali → Guwahati

Highlights:

• Brahmaputra riverbanks
• Forests and paddy fields
• Ideal for those coming from Arunachal Pradesh (Tawang/Bomdila)

Route 5: Dibrugarh to Guwahati (NH 27)

• Distance: ~440 km
• Time: 10–12 hours
• Route: Dibrugarh → Sivasagar → Jorhat → Kaziranga → Nagaon → Guwahati

Highlights:

• Ahom monuments in Sivasagar
• Safari stop in Kaziranga National Park
• Bamboo groves and wetlands

4. Fuel Stations and Vehicle Support

Fuel is readily available on all major highways in Assam and Bengal.

Tip: Always refuel before entering hilly or forest zones.

5. Toll Plazas and Charges

Tolls are collected across NH 27 and NH 6. Most booths accept FASTag, UPI, and cards.

6. Recommended Stopovers

For long-distance drives (e.g., from Kolkata), plan overnight or food breaks at:

7. Best Vehicles for Driving to Guwahati

8. Weather and Driving Conditions