Have you ever dreamt of a place untouched by time? Arunachal Pradesh greets travellers with its virgin beauty. Mesmerizing with rich biodiversity, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes, Arunachal Pradesh promises an unforgettable travel experience.
Thinking about an Arunachal Pradesh trip but wondering how to reach Arunachal Pradesh i.e the hidden paradise? You’ve come to the right place! This blog will be your one-stop guide on how to reach Arunachal Pradesh, whether you’re coming from Meghalaya or any other part of India. We’ll explore all the possible routes and travel options, making your journey to Arunachal Pradesh as smooth and exciting as the destination itself. So, buckle up and get ready to discover everything you need to know about everything of how to reach Arunachal Pradesh!
How to Reach Arunachal Pradesh by Air:
While Arunachal Pradesh has some airports within the state, they aren’t operational for commercial flights yet. So, if you’re flying in, you’ll need to land at an airport in a neighboring state and that’s how to reach Arunachal Pradesh.
The good news is, there are two options! Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam, is a larger airport with flights from many Indian cities. It’s further from Arunachal Pradesh than the other option, though.
The other choice is Lilabari Airport near North Lakhimpur, Assam. This airport is closer to Arunachal Pradesh and has flights coming in from Guwahati and Kolkata.
Lilabari Airport-
Lilabari Airport, also known as North Lakhimpur Airport, is your ideal starting point for an unforgettable adventure in Arunachal Pradesh, the “Land of the Dawn-Lit Mountains.” Here’s why Lilabari Airport stands out:
Closer to Your Arunachal Adventure: Unlike other airports in Assam, Lilabari is the closest proximity to Itanagar, the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh. This leads to less travel time on the ground after you touch down. You will be just 72 kilometers away from Arunachal Pradesh just after stepping off the plane making it perfect for a way to reach to Arunachal Pradesh.
Other convenient options: Whether you’re coming from within India or connecting from an international flight to a larger hub like Kolkata, Lilabari Airport offers a comfortable gateway. The airport has regular connections to Guwahati, a major city in Assam, and even direct flights from Kolkata. This provides you with the flexibility to choose the flight option that best suits your travel plans and budget.
Seamless Ground Transportation: Landing at Lilabari doesn’t mean you’re stuck wondering how to reach Itanagar. The airport area is well-connected by reliable public transportation. You can easily get on a state transport bus, a budget-friendly option perfect for hanging out with locals, or opt for a taxi for a more private and potentially faster journey. No matter your preference, reaching the captivating landscapes and rich culture of Arunachal Pradesh is a breeze from Lilabari.
If you’re looking for a convenient and hassle-free way to kickstart your Arunachal Pradesh exploration, Lilabari Airport is the answer thus providing a way on how to reach Arunachal Pradesh. It offers the perfect blend of proximity to your destination, easy flight connections, and smooth onward travel options, ensuring a stress-free transition from the skies to the heart of this breathtaking Indian state.
Guwahati’s Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport-
Guwahati’s Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, often cut short to Guwahati Airport, is another excellent option for reaching Arunachal Pradesh. While Lilabari might be closer to Itanagar, Guwahati Airport offers some distinct advantages:
Extensive Flight Network: As an international airport, Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi boasts a wider range of flight connections. This means you’re more likely to find flights from major cities across India, potentially including your starting point. Whether you’re flying domestically or connecting from an international flight, Guwahati Airport offers greater flexibility in planning your itinerary.
International Connections: For travellers coming from abroad, Guwahati Airport eliminates the need for a domestic connection within India. This can significantly simplify your travel logistics, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the region. With international flights operating in and out of Guwahati, you can potentially plan a seamless journey from your home country directly to the doorstep of North East India.
Exploring Beyond Arunachal Pradesh: If your exploration plans extend beyond Arunachal Pradesh, Guwahati serves as a well-connected hub for the entire North East region. This allows you to easily add other destinations to your itinerary, be it exploring the vibrant city of Guwahati itself, venturing into neighboring states like Nagaland or Meghalaya, or embarking on a multi-state adventure across the region.
While the road journey from Guwahati to Itanagar is longer at approximately 315 kilometers compared to Lilabari, the wider flight options and potential for international connections make Guwahati Airport a compelling choice. This is especially true for travelers seeking a more extensive North East India experience or those coming from far-off destinations.
How to Reach Arunachal Pradesh by Rail:
Arunachal Pradesh can also be reached by train, offering an extraordinary viewpoint on the landscape. While the state boasts its own stations, the train network is still developing. Here’s a breakdown of your railway options:
Nearing Itanagar by Train: Naharlagun Railway Station, just 15 kilometers from Itanagar, the capital city, is the closest railhead within Arunachal Pradesh. Though train frequency is limited, you might find options like the New Delhi-Naharlagun Arunachal Express. Upon arrival, convenient buses and taxis are readily available for the short hop to Itanagar.
More Train Choices at Harmuti: If you prefer a wider selection of trains, Harmuti Railway Station in neighboring Assam might be your answer. Situated 34 kilometers from Itanagar, this station sees more trains passing through. After disembarking, a scenic 1 hour and 15-minute road journey by bus or taxi will bring you to Itanagar.
Guwahati: Your Gateway by Rail: For maximum train connectivity, consider reaching Guwahati Railway Station, a major hub in the region. From there, you can conveniently catch a connecting train to Naharlagun, placing you within easy reach of Itanagar. This approach blends the extensive train network of Guwahati with the closeness of Naharlagun to your final destination.
So, whether you seek a more direct train journey to Naharlagun or prefer a wider selection of trains with a connecting portion, exploring Arunachal Pradesh by rail offers a captivating opening to the natural wonders that await you.
How to Reach Arunachal Pradesh by Road:
For the adventurous traveler, reaching Arunachal Pradesh by road unlocks a breathtaking experience.
Major cities in Assam like Guwahati, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, and Nagaon offer convenient bus services that take you directly into Arunachal Pradesh. As you incorporate your way through the foothills and green valleys, the landscape alters into a captivating bundle of rolling hills, lush jungles, and cascading waterfalls. Imagine the thrill of witnessing this scenic transformation unfold right outside your bus window!
Provide distances and travel times from neighboring states:
Arunachal Pradesh packs you, and getting there by road unlocks a scenic adventure. Here is a quick directory of distances and travel times from neighbouring states:
Assam: This next-door neighbor offers the closest entry point. From major Assamese cities, expect a journey of roughly 560 kilometres, taking approximately 16 hours. This makes Assam a convenient choice for those looking for a shorter travel time.
Meghalaya: How to reach Arunachal Pradesh from Meghalaya is often a question we tackle for our clients. If you’re coming from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, prepare for a longer yet undeniably scenic ride. The distance is around 790 kilometres, translating to roughly 20 hours on the road.
Nagaland: For travelers launching from Nagaland, the journey is approximately 456 kilometers, taking an estimated 14 hours. This option allows you to combine your Arunachal Pradesh exploration with a visit to Nagaland.
Guwahati as a Gateway: Guwahati in Assam serves as a popular jumping-off point for many travellers. The distance from Guwahati to Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, is approximately 315 kilometers, with a travel time of around 8 hours.
No matter your starting point, a network of national highways awaits you. NH 15, NH 52, and NH 415 connect Arunachal Pradesh to its neighbors, ensuring a well-connected journey. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare to be mesmerized by the ever-changing landscapes that unfold as you get closer to the “Land of the Dawn-Lit Mountains.”
Scenic road trips:
For the brave traveler, Arunachal Pradesh offers more than just a destination – it offers a journey. The state’s spiralling mountain roads change your drive into a breathtaking adventure. You will get lost in yourself navigating the side that hugs the hillsides, each turn indicating a scenic scenery more stunning than the last.
These roads are a challenge for the driver, demanding focus and rewarding you with a constant pictorial feast. Don’t forget to prepare to be awestruck by scenery that seems straight out of a postcard – snow-capped peaks pierce the sky, lush valleys unfurl below, and beautiful waterfalls add a touch of magic to the landscape. So, buckle up and get ready to experience Arunachal Pradesh not just as a place you visit, but as a journey that carves itself into your memory.
A plan to travel to Arunachal Pradesh should be a must on your to-do list. This paradise has so much to offer that it is beyond explainable in words. Only once you feel the air here, the experience here you will understand the true meaning and beauty of this place.
Is Arunachal Pradesh connected by train?
Arunachal Pradesh is connected by train, with Naharlagun being the nearest railway station, approximately 15 kilometers from the capital, Itanagar. This station is well-linked with major cities like Guwahati and New Delhi.
Is there a direct flight to Arunachal Pradesh?
Yes, there are direct flights to Arunachal Pradesh. The closest airport is Lilabari Airport in Assam, about 57 kilometers from Itanagar, which operates flights to and from major cities like Kolkata and Guwahati. A greenfield airport in Hollongi near Itanagar is also operational, enhancing direct air connectivity.
How to enter Arunachal Pradesh?
To enter Arunachal Pradesh, one can travel by air, train, or road. By air, passengers can fly to Lilabari Airport in Assam or the new airport in Hollongi. By train, Naharlagun is the nearest station. Road travel is also feasible via well-maintained national highways connecting the state with Assam.
Is there any train from Guwahati to Arunachal Pradesh?
Yes, there are trains from Guwahati to Arunachal Pradesh. The Donyi Polo Express runs between Guwahati and Naharlagun, providing a direct rail connection.
