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Transportation
to and around Guwahati
International
The closest major international airport is at Kolkata (CCU), followed by Delhi (DEL). Indian Airlines flight IC294 flies from Bangkok (BKK) to Guwahati (GUW) and back every Wednesday. Although this relatively quick and very convenient flight cannot usually be booked by overseas travel agents, it is possible to book a seat online via Indian Airlines’ own website.
Domestic
Guwahati is connected by air to most major Indian cities. In general, Air Deccan has the lowest fares; E-tickets may be purchased online via their website. Guwahati is also connected to most major cities by rail. Within the Northeast, Guwahati is the major transportation hub, with frequent long-distance buses reaching Siliguri (New Jalpaiguri), Dibrugarh, Kohima, and most other major towns. In addition to the ASTC (government) buses available for booking at the main bus terminal, some good private bus lines include Network Travels and Royal, both located to the north of the main railway and bus terminals in Paltan Bazaar.
Local
Gauhati University is located in the Jalukbari district, along NH 37 between the airport and the city centre (10 km in either direction). Frequent local and “express” buses ply NH 37, reaching Pan Bazaar, Paltan Bazaar, Chandmari, and the airport. Auto rickshaws to or from the airport or city center to Gauhati university may be hired for Rs. 75-150, depending on number of passengers and the extent of their bargaining abilities.
If arriving in Guwahati by air, there are a number of options for onward transportation:
Rhino Transportation runs a very large, relatively comfortable bus between the airport and Guwahati city centre and beyond. From the airport to Gauhati University costs Rs. 10 and takes roughly 30 minutes. To Fancy Bazaar, Pan Bazaar or points onward, the fare is Rs. 20 for around one hour.
Auto rickshaws to Guwahati city centre may be hired for Rs. 150 ~ Rs. 300, depending on number of passengers and their bargaining abilities.
Prepaid taxis to any destination may be booked inside the airport terminal, immediately to the left of the exit when arriving. Arriving passengers wishing to hire taxis should do so *prior* to leaving the terminal, as it is not always possible to re-enter the terminal without a valid ticket for onward travel on the same day. Prepaid taxis are only marginally more costly than auto rickshaws, and are generally more comfortable.
Within Guwahati city centre, it is most convenient for visitors to travel by cycle rickshaw or auto rickshaw. Local cycle rickshaw rates vary from Rs. 5 ~ Rs. 20 for shorter or longer distances. Auto rickshaw rates vary widely, generally from Rs. 20 ~ Rs. 75 for shorter or longer distances within greater urban Guwahati.
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