29/11/2016
Shillong, the enchanting capital of Meghalaya, is a jewel nestled in the hills of Northeast India. While its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture are a major draw for tourists, understanding the local transportation is key to a seamless visit. For those wondering about the availability and use of taxis, this guide provides an in-depth look at how to get around Shillong, with a particular focus on its taxi services.
Getting to Shillong: The First Steps
Meghalaya's hilly terrain means there's no direct rail connectivity to Shillong. The closest and most significant railway station is in Guwahati, Assam, located approximately 96 kilometres away. Guwahati is well-connected to major Indian cities by rail. Alternatively, air travel is a popular option, with two primary airports serving Shillong: the Guwahati Airport (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport) and the closer Umroi Airport.
By Train to Guwahati
Numerous trains connect Guwahati to various parts of India. Key routes include:
- From Kolkata: Over 30 trains operate between Kolkata and Guwahati daily, including the Kanchenjunga Express, Puri Kamkhya Weekend Express, Saraighat Express, Kamrup Express, and Sealdah Guwahati Superfast. These trains offer varying departure times and days of the week, ensuring flexibility for travellers.
- From New Jalpaiguri (NJP): A wide array of trains are available from NJP to Guwahati, such as the Saraighat Express, Porvotr S Kranti, Brahmaputra Mail, Kamrup Express, and DBRT Rajdhani.
By Air to Umroi and Guwahati
Umroi Airport (SHL), located about 35 kilometres from Shillong, handles domestic flights from cities like Bangalore, New Delhi, Jaipur, and Chennai. A daily flight from Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Airport lands at Umroi at 2:30 PM. While Umroi offers proximity, its connectivity is limited. Flights from Agartala and Guwahati to Umroi are available but often routed via Kolkata, making the journey longer. Upon arrival at Umroi, taxis are available to Shillong, though no shared taxis operate from this airport; you'll need to book a full cab. The approximate fare is around INR 750, but it's advisable to pre-book.
Guwahati Airport (GUW) is the preferred gateway for most travellers due to its extensive connectivity. Many major airlines operate flights to Guwahati from all over India. The airport is undergoing significant development to become an air hub for the Northeast. From Guwahati Airport, you have several options to reach Shillong: pre-paid taxis, shared taxis, and bus services. The airport is about 22 km from Guwahati city, and Shillong is a further 92 km from Guwahati city. However, taxi routes usually bypass the city centre.
Bus Services to Shillong
The well-maintained NH 40 connects Guwahati and Shillong. Both the Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) and private operators run regular bus services. MTC buses are often coordinated with train arrival schedules in Guwahati. Buses typically depart hourly from Guwahati between 6 AM and 5 PM, and from Shillong every hour from 6:30 AM. The fare is approximately INR 85 per person. In Guwahati, MTC buses leave from the Inter State Bus Terminus in Beltola (about 10 km from the railway station), while private buses depart from Paltan Bazaar, near the railway station. In Shillong, MTC buses operate from Police Bazaar, and private buses from Polo Grounds. The journey takes about 3.5 hours, often with a stop for refreshments.
Taxi Services from Guwahati
Taxis are readily available at both Guwahati Airport and the railway station. Shared cabs are a cost-effective option if you arrive before 5 PM. After this time, a private or full cab is your only choice. Shared taxis and Sumos operate from Guwahati's Paltan Bazaar and Khanapara from 5 AM to around 5 PM.
Indicative Taxi Fares to Shillong
Here are some approximate taxi fares from Guwahati to Shillong:
| Origin to Shillong | Small Car (4 pax) | Bigger Car (8 pax) |
|---|---|---|
| Guwahati Airport | INR 2,500/- | INR 3,000/- |
| Guwahati Railway Station | INR 2,200/- | INR 2,700/- |
Shared taxis from Guwahati to Shillong typically cost around INR 600 per person. A shared cab from Guwahati Airport to Guwahati City (Paltan Bazar) is approximately INR 150 per person.
Helicopter Service
For a unique and swift journey, a helicopter service operates daily (except Sundays) between Guwahati and Shillong. The 20-minute ride offers stunning aerial views of the landscape. Flights depart from Guwahati at 9:00 AM and 12:30 PM, and from Shillong at 9:40 AM and 1:05 PM. The fare is INR 1,500 for adults and INR 1,000 for children (aged 2-12) for a one-way trip. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Getting Around Shillong: Local Transport and Taxis
Once you arrive in Shillong, you'll find that taxis are the primary mode of local transport. The city's taxis are typically small, yellow-top cars. The main taxi stand is located at Police Bazaar, with several other stands scattered throughout the city. You can also hail a passing taxi.
Key point: All taxis operating within Shillong are generally shared taxis. This means you'll be sharing the ride with other passengers, making it an economical way to travel within the city.
Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) Buses
The MTC also operates city buses within Shillong, which are an economical option for travelling within the city limits. However, these buses are known for their slow pace and tendency to wait at stops to pick up passengers. While locals are accustomed to this, it might be a point of consideration for time-conscious travellers.
Local Sightseeing Tours
For exploring the attractions around Shillong, both the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and numerous private operators offer guided tours. You can also negotiate a sightseeing package directly with a taxi driver, which can be a convenient way to tailor your itinerary.
Distances to Nearby Attractions
Understanding the distances to popular spots can help you plan your local travel:
- Cherrapunjee/Sohra: 56 Km
- Jowai: 64.7 Km
- Nongpoh: 51.3 Km
- Mawphlang: 25.9 Km
- Mawsynram: 60.9 Km
Frequently Asked Questions About Taxis in Shillong
Q1: Are taxis readily available in Shillong?
Yes, taxis are widely available in Shillong, especially around major hubs like Police Bazaar. You can hail them on the street or find them at designated taxi stands.
Q2: Are Shillong taxis shared or private?
Within Shillong city, taxis are predominantly shared. If you require a private taxi, you would need to negotiate this with the driver, which would likely incur a higher fare.
Q3: What is the typical fare for a taxi in Shillong?
Fares can vary, but for local travel within the city, shared taxis offer an economical option. For longer distances or private hires, it's best to agree on the fare before starting your journey.
Q4: Can I get a taxi from Umroi Airport to Shillong?
Yes, taxis are available from Umroi Airport. However, only full cabs (private hire) are available, and shared taxis are not an option from this airport.
Q5: Are there any prepaid taxi services in Shillong?
While Guwahati Airport has a prepaid taxi counter, such services are less common within Shillong city itself. It's more common to hail taxis directly or use designated stands.
In conclusion, taxis are a vital part of the transportation network in and around Shillong. Whether you're arriving from Guwahati or exploring the city's sights, understanding the options available, particularly the prevalence of shared taxis, will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience in this beautiful part of India.
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