How long does it take to travel from Darjeeling to Shillong?

By train: approximately 8 hrs 49 min. By road: approximately 7 hrs.

Darjeeling to Shillong Distance: 396 km

Q: What is the distance from Darjeeling to Shillong?

The aerial distance from Darjeeling to Shillong is approximately 396 km (246 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 573 km.

Q: What is the best way to travel from Darjeeling to Shillong?

Train is the most comfortable option at approximately 8 hrs 49 min. Buses take about 11 hrs 28 min and are the most affordable.

Darjeeling

West Bengal

Shillong

Meghalaya

396 km

aerial distance (straight line)

246 miles · Road distance: ~573 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

573 km

Road distance

7 hrs

Drive time

396 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Darjeeling to Shillong

🚆

By Train

8 hrs 49 min

573 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚌

By Bus

11 hrs 28 min

573 km · AC/Non-AC available

Search Buses

🚗

By Car

7 hrs

573 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

396 km (246 mi)

Road distance

~573 km

Recommended

Train (8 hrs 49 min)

Most affordable

Bus

📍 Darjeeling to Shillong distance overview

The straight-line distance from Darjeeling to Shillong is approximately 396 km (246 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 573 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting West Bengal to Meghalaya.

396 kmAerial distance

~573 kmBy road

8 hrs 49 minTrain

✈️ Reaching Shillong by air

No direct airport

Shillong does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is SHL. Fly to the nearest airport and continue by road or rail.

Search Flights to Nearest Airport

🚆 By train — Darjeeling to Shillong

8 hrs 49 min ~573 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Darjeeling and Shillong with multiple daily services. The journey takes approximately 8 hrs 49 min. Rajdhani and Shatabdi express trains are faster, while mail and passenger trains make more stops but cost less.

AC 2-Tier (2A)Curtained berths, comfortable

AC 3-Tier (3A)Popular, good value

Sleeper Class (SL)Budget, non-AC

Book in advance through IRCTC, especially during festivals and holidays when seats fill up quickly.

Check Trains on IRCTC

🚌 By bus — Darjeeling to Shillong

11 hrs 28 min ~573 km Most affordable

Bus travel is a popular and affordable option for the Darjeeling to Shillong route. The journey takes approximately 11 hrs 28 min covering ~573 km. Both government and private operators service this route.

Volvo ACPremium comfort, reclining seats

AC SleeperFull-length beds, ideal for overnight

AC SeaterAir-conditioned, mid-range

Non-ACBudget-friendly, frequent service

Night buses are popular for this distance — travel while you sleep and arrive fresh at your destination.

Search Darjeeling to Shillong Buses

🚗 By car — Darjeeling to Shillong

7 hrs ~573 km

A road trip from Darjeeling to Shillong covers approximately 573 km and takes around 7 hrs. Start early to make the most of daylight hours.

💡 Travel tips for Darjeeling to Shillong

📅

Book early
Book trains 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season (Oct-Mar) for better prices and availability.

🌧️

Check weather
Avoid monsoon (Jun-Sep) for road trips. Road conditions can deteriorate and flights may face delays.

💳

Carry valid ID
Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID is required for train travel and recommended for bus journeys.

💤

Plan rest stops
For drives over 7 hrs, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

Where to stay in Shillong

Budget to luxury hotels. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Shillong Hotels

🅞️ Weather in Shillong

Powered by Open-Meteo

🔗 Useful travel resources

For official travel information, regulations, and booking services:

IRCTC — Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation — Book train tickets online

Airports Authority of India — Airport information and flight status

DGCA — Directorate General of Civil Aviation — Indian aviation regulator

Incredible India — Official tourism portal of India

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from Darjeeling to Shillong? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Darjeeling to Shillong is approximately 396 km (246 miles). The road distance is approximately 573 km, which takes about 7 hrs by car.

What is the best way to travel from Darjeeling to Shillong? ▼

The most comfortable option is by train, taking approximately 8 hrs 49 min. Buses take about 11 hrs 28 min and are the most affordable. Shillong doesn't have a major airport — the nearest is SHL.

Are there buses from Darjeeling to Shillong? ▼

Yes, multiple bus operators run services on the Darjeeling to Shillong route. The journey takes approximately 11 hrs 28 min. You can search and book bus tickets on FareEagle with AC Sleeper, AC Seater, and Non-AC options.

How long does the train take from Darjeeling to Shillong? ▼

The train from Darjeeling to Shillong takes approximately 8 hrs 49 min. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Darjeeling to Shillong travel on FareEagle? ▼

Yes! FareEagle lets you compare and book bus tickets, and hotels for the Darjeeling to Shillong route. Compare prices across operators, get instant confirmation, and enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

Routes from Darjeeling

Darjeeling to Shillong Distance & How to Reach