How to travel Arunachal Pradesh from Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai
Flights, trains and the road, city by city.
How to travel Arunachal Pradesh is simpler than it sounds: there is no long-haul airport in the state, so you fly or take a train to Assam and finish by road. Guwahati is the gateway for Tawang and the west, and Dibrugarh for the east.
The route in one line
City, then flight or train to Guwahati (GAU), then a hired car into Arunachal through Bhalukpong. For the east, use Dibrugarh (DIB). Ziro is reached from Lilabari, Itanagar or Guwahati. Details are in the airport guide.
How to travel Arunachal Pradesh from Kolkata
Kolkata is the easiest starting point. There is a direct flight of about 1 h 10 m to Guwahati, and a train works if you have a day to spare. With a morning flight you can be on the road to Bhalukpong by noon. See the Arunachal tour package from Kolkata for a plan built around the morning flight.
How to travel Arunachal Pradesh from Delhi
Take a direct flight to Guwahati, about 2 h 35 m, or to Dibrugarh for the east. Delhi is also linked by train to Guwahati, but the journey runs well over a day, so it suits people with spare time rather than a short leave. See the Delhi tour package.
How to travel Arunachal Pradesh from Mumbai
A direct flight to Guwahati takes about 3 h 15 m. The train is a two-day journey, which is why most people from Mumbai fly. Because the flight eats a day at each end, we usually suggest the longer trips. Read the Mumbai tour package.
How to travel Arunachal Pradesh by train
Trains reach the edge of the state and never the hills. Guwahati is the main junction for the west. Naharlagun is the railhead for Itanagar and the only significant station inside Arunachal. Check timetables and book early on IRCTC, especially around Durga Puja. From the station you continue by car; see travel by bus, shared taxi and car for the choices.
What the total journey looks like
| From | Fastest way to Guwahati | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Kolkata | Flight, about 1 h 10 m | 5 hours to Bhalukpong |
| Delhi | Flight, about 2 h 35 m | 5 hours to Bhalukpong |
| Mumbai | Flight, about 3 h 15 m | 5 hours to Bhalukpong |
| Anywhere, by train | Overnight or longer | Guwahati by car |
After Guwahati, Tawang is two days by road, with a night at Dirang or Bomdila. Get your Inner Line Permit before you leave home. If you want the flights, car and permit lined up together, see our Guwahati to Arunachal tour.
Related guides
- Where is Tawang? Location, distance and how to reach
- How to tour Arunachal Pradesh: a step-by-step plan
- How many days are enough for Arunachal Pradesh?
Further reading
Independent sources, if you want a second opinion before you book:
- Arunachal Pradesh on Wikipedia — history, geography and demographics of the state
- 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
How to travel Arunachal Pradesh from Kolkata?
Fly to Guwahati in about 1 h 10 m, then drive to Bhalukpong and into Arunachal. Tawang is two days by road from Guwahati.
How to travel Arunachal Pradesh from Delhi?
Take a direct flight to Guwahati or Dibrugarh, then continue by road. A train works but takes well over a day.
How to travel Arunachal Pradesh from Mumbai?
Fly to Guwahati, about 3 h 15 m, and then drive. The train takes about two days.
Is there a train to Arunachal Pradesh?
Only to the edge. Naharlagun near Itanagar is the main station inside the state. For Tawang, the train ends in Assam and you drive the rest.
Do I need a permit before travelling?
Yes. Indian citizens need an Inner Line Permit and foreign nationals a Protected Area Permit, both arranged before arrival.