Itanagar is the capital city of the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. It serves as the center for administration. This growing city is becoming one of the main places that IT professionals, government officials, and tourists coming from different parts of India are interested in.
The opening of Donyi Polo Airport in Hollongi improved air connectivity. However, train travel remains one of the most economical and accessible options for reaching the area, especially for travelers from other regions of India.
In this guide, we will review the best way to reach Itanagar by train. Afterward, we will discuss the nearest railway stations, the routes available from other cities, the available railway services, train schedules, and other useful tips that facilitate travel.
1. Does Itanagar Have a Railway Station?
As noted earlier, there is no railway station in Itanagar, but there is a fairly close Naharlagun (NHLN) railway station approximately 15 kilometers from city center.
For those travelers planning a train trip to Itanagar, the preferred railway station is Naharlagun railway station. It’s very easy to get to Itanagar by road in around 30-45 minutes.
2. Nearest Railway Station: Naharlagun (Station Code: NHLN)
Key Information:
- Location: This is situated in Naharlagun town which is a twin city to Itanagar.
- Distance from it: ~15km
- Zone: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR)
- Platform Count: 2
- Type: Broad gauge
- Facilities: Waiting rooms, enquiry counters, local transport availability
Naharlagun is the major railway mouth of entry for the Itanagar area. Itanagar has broad connectivity by long-and-crossing regional trains with Guwahati, Delhi, and other metropolitan hubs.
3. Important Trains Connecting Naharlagun (Itanagar)
A. Arunachal AC Superfast Express Train No. 22411 / 22412
- Route: Delhi Anand Vihar Terminal-Naharlagun
- Travel time: 38-40 hours
- Frequency: Once a week on Thursday from Delhi, Every Saturday from Naharlagun
- Coach type: Fully AC (1A, 2A, 3A)
- Major stops: Kanpur–Patliputra–Katihar–New-Jalpaiguri–Guwahati–Rangiya
Why take this train?
Comfortable AC service, only convenient for long distance travelers. Best option from North India to Itanagar by train.
B. Donyi Polo Express (Train No. 15617 / 15618)
- Route: Guwahati → Naharlagun
- Frequency: Daily
- Travel Time: ~9–10 hours
- Coach Type: Sleeper, General, 3A, 2A
- Departure from Guwahati: Evening
Why Take This Train?
Daily service, budget-friendly, reliable. Daily service that passes through Guwahati which is perfect for travelers coming by Air or Train.
C. Naharlagun-Guwahati Shatabdi Express (Train No. 12087 / 12088)
- Route: Guwahati → Naharlagun
- Type: Daytime premium express
- Travel Time: ~8 hours
- Frequency: Six days a week (except Thursday)
- Coach Type: Executive Chair Car, AC Chair Car
Why Take This Train?
Fastest train option. Shatabdi is the fastest among all the available trains to the North-Eastern region of India. Ideal for same day travel or business travelers.
4. Alternate Railway Stations (Backup Options)
a. North Lakhimpur Railway Station (NLP) – Assam
- Distance from Itanagar: ~110 km
- Travel Time by Road: 3–4 hours
- Used When: Direct trains to Naharlagun are unavailable or fully booked.
- How to Reach Itanagar: Access to Itanagar is available via Taxi, shared sumo and APSTS buses which gives you multiple options on how to reach Itanagar.
b. Harmuti Railway Station.
- Distance: 33 km from Itanagar.
- Note: An older, smaller station often bypassed in favor of Naharlagun
- Used For: Limited regional services or during disruptions at Naharlagun.
5. Routes to Reach Itanagar by Train from Major Cities
Let us breakdown the popular routes for other parts of India.
From Delhi:
- Train: Arunachal AC Superfast Express.
- Boarding: Anand Vihar Terminal (ANVT).
- Time: 38 – 40 hours.
- Route: Delhi → UP → Bihar → Orissa → Bengal → Assam → Arunachal
From Kolkata:
- Option 1: Kota bound bus to Guwahati and use the connecting options of Shatabdi or Donyi Polo.
- Option 2: Direct train to either North Lakhimpur or Harmuti (not for all trains).
- Time: 24-28 hours including old connections.
From Guwahati:
- Donyi Polo and Shatabdi Express.
- Time: 8-10 hours.
- Tip: Book well ahead; these trains are very popular with students and tourists.
From Mumbai / Pune / South India:
- Step 1: Get a train to Guwahai, these are your options (LTT-GHY, SBC-GHY).
- Step 2: Donyi Polo or Shatabdi to Naharlagun.
- Tip: If you reach Guwahai late, overnight stays are a good choice.
6. Travel onward from Naharlagun to Itanagar
Travel locally:
- Taxi: ₹400-₹600 (Depending on time of day)
- Auto Rickshaw: Available outside the station and billed as budget option.
- Shared Tata Magic/Sumo: Cheaper but limited availability.
Time taken: 30-45 minutes. Road conditions: Well paved, slightly hilly road.
7. Station Amenities at Naharlagun Railway Station
| Facility | Availability |
|---|---|
| Waiting Rooms: | YES |
| Booking Counter: | YES |
| Washrooms: | YES |
| Food & Tea Stalls: | YES |
| Prepaid Taxi Stand | NO (Private cabs available nearby) |
| ILP Checking Point: | NO (Checked en route at Banderdewa gate) |
8. ILP Requirements for Train Travelers
Do You Need an ILP if Coming by Train?
Yes. Every Indian national visiting Arunachal Pradesh through train travel needs to have Inner Line Permit (ILP) with them.
Where ILP Is Checked:
- Usually during the road trip from Naharlagun to Itaanagar.
- All hotels and guest houses require ILP checking.
How To Apply:
- Online: https://arunachalilp.com
- Documents Required: Government ID, photo.
- Payment: ₹100 – ₹200.
- Tip: Always maintain both soft and hard copies.
9. Seasonal Train Travel Tips for Itanagar:
| Season | Condition | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Mar-Jun) | Best time to travel | Trains on time, clear weather |
| Monsoon (Jul-Sep) | Risk of delays, landslides | Book buffer days |
| Winter (Oct-Feb) | Cool and Dry | Ideal time for travel, just be cautious of foggy mornings. |
10. Booking Tickets to Naharlagun
Your tickets can be booked by using the:
- IRCTC Website: https://www.irctc.co.in
- Mobile Apps: IRCTC, ConfirmTkt, Trainman, Paytm
- Offline Counters: Railway stations all over India.
Tip: If you’re coming for the festivals like Nyokum or Independence Day, do plan your return tickets since trains get heavily overbooked.
11. Advantages of Train Travel to Itanagar
- Economic Convenience: Especially for students and youth travelers
- Attractive Landscapes: Assam valley, foothills of Himalayas, Brahmaputra
- Secure & Pleasant: Best with 2A/3A options or Shatabdi
- Beneficial for Groups & Families: Budget-friendly and simple
12. Sample Train-Based Itinerary
Guwahati: Short 4-Day Trip
- Day 1: Train to Naharlagun (over night Donyi Polo Express)
- Day 2: Reach Itanagar, Ganga Lake Gompa exploration
- Day 3: Local museums in Itanagar or Ziro -day trip-
- Day 4: Shatabdi or overnight train back
7-Day Total from Delhi
- Day 1-2: Train to Naharlagun (Arunachal Express)
- Day 3-4: Local areas alongside Itanagar exploration
- Day 5-6: Bomdila or Ziro Valley visit
- Day 7: Return via Guwahati or train 13. Common Challenges and How to Handle Them
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Limited direct trains: | Early booking, base through Guwahati |
| Long journey hours: | Break journey at North Lakhimpur or Guwahati |
| No food vendors at small stations: | Stocks of pre-packed fruits, bottled water, dry food |
| Network issues: | Boarding pre-downloaded offline maps and hotel contacts |
14. Final Thoughts: Is Train Travel a Good Way to Reach Itanagar?
Absolutely—if affordability, scenic views and experiences are appealing aspects, train travel to Itanagar is enjoyable and possible.
Flying may get you to your destination faster but traveling by train provides the opportunity to experience the splendor of Assam and Arunachal at a more leisurely pace.
As rail investment grows in the northeastern region, we remain hopeful for more developed routes and increased travel frequency in the near future. Until then, planning your journey with the help of this guide will assist you in maximizing your travel to Itanagar.
Zogyy Train Tip
“If you are planning on taking a long-distance train to Naharlagun, I suggest you pack a small blanket and power bank. The ride on this route can be quite long but episodically tranquil, especially with a good book during window gazing.”
