Shillong, the picturesque capital of Meghalaya, is nestled in the northeastern hills of India. Pune, a bustling metropolis in Maharashtra, serves as a major educational and IT hub. Traveling from Pune to Shillong is popular among tourists seeking serene landscapes and cultural experiences, as well as business travelers connecting to the Northeast region.

This guide covers all practical ways to reach Shillong from Pune, including train, bus, car, and flight options. You'll find detailed travel tips, step-by-step plans, and advice on the best time to travel, ensuring a comfortable and well-informed journey.

Getting from Pune to Shillong – Main Options

By Train

Train travel from Pune to Shillong involves multiple connections, as there is no direct rail link to Shillong. It is a budget-friendly option but requires careful planning due to transfers and long travel times.

• Key stations:

  Start from Pune Junction (PUNE) and travel towards Guwahati (GHY), the nearest major railway station to Shillong. Guwahati is approximately 100 km from Shillong.

• Duration and cost:

  The Pune to Guwahati train journey takes around 40 to 45 hours, covering roughly 2,900 km. Ticket prices vary from INR 1,200 for sleeper class to INR 3,500 for AC classes.

• Frequency and comfort:

  Several trains run weekly on this route, including the Guwahati Express and Kamrup Express. Booking AC classes is recommended for comfort on this long journey.

• Last leg to Shillong:

  From Guwahati, take a shared taxi or bus to Shillong, which takes about 3 hours. Shared taxis depart frequently from Paltan Bazaar in Guwahati.

• Seasonal tips:

  Avoid traveling during monsoon months (June to September) due to landslides and delays on the Guwahati-Shillong road.

By Bus

Direct bus services from Pune to Shillong are not available due to the long distance and interstate routes. However, buses can be used for parts of the journey combined with other transport modes.

• Pune to Guwahati by bus:

  This is not practical as it involves multiple state transport operators and very long travel times exceeding 50 hours.

• Guwahati to Shillong buses:

  Regular Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) buses and private operators run between Guwahati and Shillong. The route is scenic but hilly, taking 3 to 4 hours.

• Booking and fares:

  Tickets for Guwahati-Shillong buses cost around INR 150–250. Booking can be done at Guwahati bus stands or via local agents.

• Comfort and frequency:

  Shared taxis are faster and more comfortable than buses for the Guwahati-Shillong leg, especially during peak hours.

By Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Shillong is an adventurous option covering over 3,000 km across multiple states. It offers flexibility but requires good planning and stamina.

• Route overview:

  The most common route is via NH 53, NH 44, and NH 27, passing through Nagpur, Raipur, Ranchi, and Guwahati before reaching Shillong.

• Distance and time:

  The drive covers approximately 3,200 km and takes about 55 to 60 hours of continuous driving, usually spread over 4 to 5 days.

• Road conditions:

  National highways are mostly in good condition, but expect narrow and winding roads near Shillong. Monsoon season can cause landslides on hilly stretches.

• Rest stops and fuel:

  Major cities en route have ample fuel stations, restaurants, and lodging options. Plan overnight halts in Nagpur, Ranchi, and Guwahati for safety and rest.

• Permits and tolls:

  Carry valid documents and be prepared for tolls on expressways. Some northeastern states may require inner line permits; check local regulations.

By Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Shillong from Pune. However, there are no direct flights; travelers must connect via Guwahati or other major hubs.

• Flight route:

  Fly from Pune Airport (PNQ) to Guwahati Airport (GAU) with airlines like IndiGo, AirAsia, or GoAir, usually with a stopover in Delhi or Kolkata.

• Duration and cost:

  Total flight time ranges from 6 to 10 hours including layovers. Airfare varies between INR 5,000 and INR 12,000 depending on booking time and season.

• Guwahati to Shillong transfer:

  From Guwahati Airport, hire a prepaid taxi or take a shared cab to Shillong. The drive takes around 3 hours on NH 40.

• Booking tips:

  Book flights early via IRCTC Air or airline websites for better deals. Check baggage policies as regional flights have stricter limits.

• Seasonal advice:

  Flights are generally reliable year-round, but monsoon weather can cause occasional delays.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary is designed for first-time travelers from Pune to Shillong, balancing convenience and cost.

• Book your Pune to Guwahati flight or train tickets early:

  Use IRCTC or airline portals to secure the best fares and preferred timings.

• Arrive at Pune station or airport at least 2 hours before departure:

  This helps avoid last-minute rush and allows time for security checks.

• On arrival at Guwahati, collect luggage and proceed to Paltan Bazaar:

  Use prepaid taxis or Ola/Uber for safe and reliable transport to the city center.

• Choose shared taxi or Meghalaya Transport bus to Shillong:

  Shared taxis depart frequently and are faster, costing around INR 300–400 per seat.

• Upon reaching Shillong, use local taxis or rental bikes for city travel:

  Popular stay areas include Police Bazaar and Laitumkhrah for easy access to attractions.

Practical Travel Tips

• Book train tickets via IRCTC well in advance:

  Long-distance trains to Guwahati fill quickly, especially during festivals and holidays.

• Carry bottled water and snacks:

  Food options on trains and buses can be limited; local eateries at stations offer regional cuisine but may not suit all tastes.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs:

  Avoid unmetered taxis in Guwahati and Shillong to prevent overcharging.

• Pack light and weather-appropriate clothing:

  Shillong has a cooler climate; carry rain gear during monsoon months.

• Check for inner line permits if planning to explore beyond Shillong:

  Some areas in Meghalaya require special permits for Indian citizens.

• Be prepared for road delays near Shillong:

  Landslides and narrow roads can slow travel, so plan buffer time for connections.

Best Time & Conditions

The best time to travel from Pune to Shillong is during the cooler months from October to April. This period offers pleasant weather and fewer travel disruptions.

Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rains causing landslides and roadblocks, especially near Shillong.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja or Diwali when trains and flights are crowded.

• Early morning departures from Pune help avoid city traffic and ensure timely connections.

• Plan Guwahati to Shillong travel during daylight for safer and more scenic journeys.

• Winter mornings can be foggy near Guwahati and Shillong; allow extra travel time.

Arrival at Shillong & What to Expect

Shillong welcomes travelers with its cool climate, colonial architecture, and vibrant markets. The city is compact, making local travel convenient.

From the main bus stand or taxi drop-off points, you can hire local taxis or rent bikes to explore popular spots like Police Bazaar, Elephant Falls, and Umiam Lake. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to boutique hotels, mostly concentrated around the city center.

Prepaid taxis and local Ola/Uber services operate in Shillong, but availability may be limited late at night. It is advisable to arrange transport in advance if arriving after dark.

Conclusion

Flying from Pune to Guwahati followed by a taxi or bus to Shillong is the most efficient and comfortable travel option, saving significant time compared to train or road travel. This route offers a good balance of speed, convenience, and cost.

With proper planning and awareness of seasonal conditions, travelers can confidently embark on this journey to experience Shillong’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether for leisure or business, this guide ensures a smooth and enjoyable trip from Pune to Shillong.