How to Reach Guwahati from Haridwar

Here’s a breakdown of the different ways to travel:

1. By Air (Fastest and Most Efficient Option)

This is the quickest and most convenient way to cover the long distance between Haridwar and Guwahati.

Steps:

Haridwar to Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant Airport – DED): Your journey starts with a road trip from Haridwar to the nearest airport, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. This distance of approximately 37-41 km typically takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes by taxi. Taxi fares usually range from ₹1,200 to ₹2,800.
Dehradun (DED) to Guwahati (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport – GAU): Once at Dehradun Airport, you’ll take a flight to Guwahati.
- Flight Duration: Direct flights from Dehradun to Guwahati are rare. Most flights will have at least one stopover, usually in Delhi. The total flight time for connecting flights can range from 4 hours 30 minutes to over 12 hours, depending on the layover duration. Some of the fastest connecting flights are around 4 hours 25 minutes to 5 hours.
- Airlines: Major Indian airlines like IndiGo and Air India operate on this route, offering connecting options.
- Ticket Price Estimates: Flight fares can vary greatly. As of July 2025, one-way connecting flights can start from around ₹6,700 to ₹9,000, but prices can go up to ₹15,000 or more during peak times or for last-minute bookings.
Guwahati Airport (GAU) to Guwahati City: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) is well-connected to different parts of Guwahati. You can easily find pre-paid taxis, app-based cabs (Ola/Uber), or airport buses to reach your destination in the city. The travel time to central Guwahati areas like Paltan Bazaar or Fancy Bazaar can range from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

Total Journey Time (approx.): The entire journey, including road travel to Dehradun airport, flight time with a layover, and transfer within Guwahati, can be completed in approximately 6 to 10 hours for well-timed connecting flights.

Pros: Significantly reduces travel time compared to other modes, especially for such a long distance. Offers comfort for a long journey.

Cons: Generally the most expensive option. Requires transfers and time spent at airports. Connecting flights can involve long layovers.

Tips: Book your flights well in advance to secure better prices and preferred layover times. Also, plan your airport transfers in both Haridwar and Guwahati to avoid last-minute delays.

2. By Train (Traditional and Economical Option)

Train travel is a popular and cost-effective way to travel long distances in India. For the Haridwar to Guwahati route, it’s a very long journey, often requiring a change of trains.

Journey Time: This is a very long train journey. Direct or convenient connecting trains from Haridwar to Guwahati can take between 38 to 46 hours or even more, depending on the specific train and its route. Many services involve changing trains at major junctions like Laksar, Saharanpur, or Delhi.

Train Stations:

From Haridwar: Haridwar Junction (HW) is the main station. However, many trains towards Guwahati might originate from or pass through nearby stations like Saharanpur (SRE) or Laksar (LRJ). You might need to take a short local train or taxi from Haridwar to these stations.
To Guwahati: Guwahati (GHY) is the main station in Guwahati. Some trains also go to Kamakhya (KYQ) which is close by.

Direct/Connecting Train Availability: There are limited direct trains. Many options involve changing trains, typically at major hubs. Examples of trains (often with a short feeder journey from Haridwar to Saharanpur or Laksar) include:

CDG DBRG EXP (15904): Starts from Chandigarh, passes Saharanpur, and goes to Dibrugarh, connecting to Guwahati. Takes around 38 hours 45 minutes from Saharanpur.
LOHIT EXPRESS (15652) / AMARNATH EXP (15654): Starts from Jammu Tawi, passes Laksar, and goes to Guwahati. Takes around 38-39 hours from Laksar.
ASR NTSK EXP (15934): From Amritsar, passes Saharanpur, and goes to New Tinsukia, connecting to Guwahati. Takes around 41 hours 55 minutes from Saharanpur.

Frequency: Most trains on this route are weekly, running on specific days. Daily direct services are generally not available.

Types of Trains: You can choose from various classes: Sleeper (SL), AC 3-tier (3A), AC 2-tier (2A), and sometimes AC First Class (1A) for more comfort.

Ticket Price Estimates: Fares can range significantly based on the class and train type: from approximately ₹700-₹900 (Sleeper Class) to ₹2,000-₹4,500 (AC classes) or more.

Pros: Generally more economical than flying. Offers a traditional and immersive way to experience India. Avoids airport hassles.

Cons: Very long journey duration. Limited direct train availability, requiring advance booking (often months ahead for popular classes). Can be tiring.

Tips: Check the Indian Railways (IRCTC) website or other popular travel platforms (like RedRail, Goibibo, MakeMyTrip) for train schedules, real-time availability, and fare options. For such a long journey, booking an AC class is highly recommended for comfort. Bring your own snacks and water, though pantry car services are usually available.

3. By Road (Extremely Long and Demanding Drive)

Driving from Haridwar to Guwahati is an extremely long and demanding undertaking due to the immense distance and the varied terrain across several states. It is generally not recommended as the primary mode of travel unless you are on a multi-day road trip adventure.

Distance: Approximately 2,000 – 2,100 kilometers.

Journey Time: A continuous drive would easily take 31-35 hours or more, not including significant stops for food, rest, and sleep. This journey would realistically require at least two, and more comfortably, three overnight stops.

Routes: The main route involves heading south from Haridwar towards Delhi, then taking national highways (like NH27 / East-West Corridor) that pass through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and then entering Assam to reach Guwahati. Using reliable GPS navigation is absolutely essential.

Self-Drive:

Pros: Offers complete flexibility to explore places along the way. Ideal for adventure seekers or large groups sharing costs.
Cons: Extremely long and tiring. Very high fuel costs and numerous toll charges. Requires careful planning for breaks and multiple overnight stays. Road conditions can vary, especially in certain sections.

Hiring a Taxi/Cab:

Pros: Convenient as you don’t have to drive. Door-to-door service.
Cons: Extremely expensive due to the long distance and the driver’s return journey. Can still be very tiring for passengers.
Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi could cost anywhere from ₹25,000 to ₹45,000 or more, depending on the vehicle type, service provider, and what’s included (tolls, driver’s allowance, etc.).

Tips: If you opt for this, plan your route and stops meticulously. Ensure you have fresh and multiple drivers if self-driving. Check road conditions and safety advisories for all states along the route, especially those in Bihar and parts of West Bengal.

4. By Bus (Not Recommended for Direct Journey)

While buses are available for long-distance routes in India, a direct bus from Haridwar to Guwahati is an exceptionally long and arduous journey, and direct services are extremely rare or non-existent.

Journey Time: If a direct bus were available, it could take 40-50 hours or even more. It’s far more likely you would need to take multiple buses with layovers in major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, or Siliguri, making the journey highly fragmented and extremely long.

Pros: Potentially the most economical option if you combine very budget-friendly local bus segments.

Cons: Extremely long travel time. Very uncomfortable for such a distance, even in sleeper buses. Frequent stops and potential for significant delays. Not ideal for travelers with significant luggage.

Tips: This mode is generally not recommended for such a long journey due to the discomfort and time involved. If considering, it’s best to only use buses for shorter segments after a train or flight to a closer major city.

Given the immense distance between Haridwar and Guwahati, flying (with a transfer in Delhi) is by far the most practical and time-efficient option. However, for those who prefer a more traditional and budget-friendly long journey, the train remains a viable, albeit very long, alternative.

How to Reach Guwahati from Haridwar

Distance Between Haridwar and Guwahati