Arunachal travel by bus, shared taxi and private car
How to get around Arunachal Pradesh on the road, with realistic travel times and what each option can and cannot reach.
You can reach most of Arunachal without a tour: buses and shared taxis run on the main roads. What they cannot do is take you to the places you came for, which is why almost every tour runs by car.
The short answer
For a few towns on the main western road, buses and shared taxis work. For a trip that includes Sela Pass, Bum La, Madhuri Lake or village visits, you need a hired car. If you are unsure, hire a car for the mountain days only.
By bus
Government and private buses serve the western route from Tezpur and Bhalukpong to Bomdila, Dirang and Tawang, and run to Itanagar. They are the cheapest way to travel. Timetables change and services stop when a road is blocked by a slide, so confirm the departure at the stand the day before. Buses stop in towns, not at viewpoints.
By shared taxi
Shared taxis (Sumos) leave when full and cover the same towns faster than buses. You fix nothing in advance, you get a seat rather than a stop of your choosing, and luggage space is tight.
By private car (a tour car)
A hired car with a driver is how our tours run. It is more expensive, but it stops where you want and it is the only sensible way to see Sela and Bum La. The cost is shared across the car, which is why a group of four pays much less each than two people. Details are in how group size changes the price.
Realistic travel time
| Route | Distance | By car |
|---|---|---|
| Guwahati → Bhalukpong | 230 km | 5 hours |
| Bhalukpong → Dirang | 140 km | 5–6 hours |
| Dirang → Tawang | 135 km | 5–6 hours |
| Guwahati → Itanagar | 320 km | 6–7 hours |
| Itanagar → Ziro | 110 km | 4–5 hours |
Buses are usually slower than these numbers and less predictable. Every vehicle is checked for permits at Bhalukpong and the other entry gates, so get your Inner Line Permit first whichever way you travel.
Which should you choose?
- Backpacking on a tight budget: bus or shared taxi, and expect to lose a day here and there.
- A short trip with fixed leave: a car. Delays cost more than the fare.
- Tawang with Sela and Bum La: a car, always.
Plan the route on our Guwahati to Arunachal tour page, or see the Arunachal travel guide.
Further reading
Independent sources, if you want a second opinion before you book:
- Arunachal Pradesh on Wikivoyage — a community-written travel guide
- Arunachal Pradesh Tourism — the state’s official tourism site, which also notes the ILP and PAP requirements
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a bus from Guwahati to Tawang?
Buses run along the western route and connect through Tezpur, Bhalukpong and Bomdila, but the schedule changes, so check with the operator before you plan around it. Most visitors take a hired car because of Sela Pass and the sightseeing stops.
How long does it take to travel from Guwahati to Tawang by car?
About two days for roughly 500 km, with a night at Dirang or Bomdila.