Quick answer
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) sits about 25 km southwest of Guwahati city centre. A prepaid taxi to Paltan Bazaar or the railway station costs INR 600-800 (~EUR 6.50-8.50) and takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. App cabs (Ola, Uber) run INR 400-600 (~EUR 4.30-6.50) for the same route. There is no metro or rail link. Guwahati is the gateway to all of Northeast India, so many travellers continue onward to Shillong, Kaziranga, or Tezpur from here.
What actually happens after landing
GAU has a single terminal handling both domestic and international flights. After collecting luggage, you exit into the arrivals hall where you will find the prepaid taxi counter immediately outside the exit doors.
The airport is modern and well-maintained but not large. Outside, the pickup area can feel chaotic during peak hours with taxi touts approaching. Stick to the prepaid counter or use a ride-hailing app to avoid negotiation.
Guwahati traffic is heavy, especially during office hours (09:00-11:00 and 17:00-20:00). The 25 km ride can stretch to 90 minutes in bad traffic. Account for this if you have onward travel planned.
Transport options explained honestly
| Option | Price to city | Time | Notes | |--------|--------------|------|-------| | Prepaid taxi | INR 600-800 (~EUR 6.50-8.50) | 45-60 min | Fixed price at counter, safest choice | | App cab (Ola/Uber) | INR 400-600 (~EUR 4.30-6.50) | 45-60 min | Surge pricing possible | | Auto-rickshaw | INR 300-500 (~EUR 3.20-5.40) | 60-75 min | Budget option, uncomfortable with luggage | | Pre-booked sedan | EUR 15-25 | 45-60 min | Meet-and-greet, fixed price | | Pre-booked SUV | EUR 20-35 | 45-60 min | Best for families or onward travel | | ASTC bus | INR 50-100 (~EUR 0.55-1.10) | 75-90 min | Infrequent, not practical with luggage |
The prepaid taxi is the most reliable option. You pay at the counter, receive a slip, and get assigned a car. No haggling, no surprises. AC vehicles cost more — worth it from April to September when temperatures exceed 35C.
App cabs are cheapest during off-peak hours but surge pricing during rain or rush hour can push fares above the prepaid rate.
Pre-booked transfers make the most sense for families, groups, or anyone continuing to Shillong, Kaziranga, or Tezpur — where a professional driver and fixed price matter on multi-hour journeys.
Realistic pricing expectations
| Destination | Distance | Prepaid taxi | App cab | Transfer | |-------------|----------|-------------|---------|----------| | Paltan Bazaar | 25 km | INR 600-800 (~EUR 6.50-8.50) | INR 400-600 (~EUR 4.30-6.50) | EUR 15-25 | | Railway Station | 24 km | INR 600-800 (~EUR 6.50-8.50) | INR 400-600 (~EUR 4.30-6.50) | EUR 15-25 | | Kamakhya Temple | 18 km | INR 450-600 (~EUR 4.90-6.50) | INR 300-450 (~EUR 3.20-4.90) | EUR 12-20 | | Shillong | 100 km | INR 3,000-4,000 (~EUR 32-43) | Not practical | EUR 50-80 | | Kaziranga | 230 km | INR 6,000-8,000 (~EUR 65-87) | Not practical | EUR 90-140 | | Tezpur | 180 km | INR 5,000-6,500 (~EUR 54-70) | Not practical | EUR 70-110 |
Prices can vary with fuel costs and season. Monsoon season (June-September) may see higher prices due to road conditions.
Late night arrivals
Guwahati Airport receives domestic flights until around midnight. Prepaid taxis operate for all arriving flights, so you will not be stranded. App cabs are available but with fewer drivers and possible surge pricing.
The road to the city is well-lit for most of the route. Late-night traffic is minimal, cutting the journey to about 30-40 minutes. Prepaid taxi prices remain the same regardless of the hour.
Avoid taking unregistered vehicles at night. Stick to the prepaid counter or a pre-booked transfer.
Families and luggage
The prepaid taxi fleet includes sedans (Dzire, Etios) and SUVs (Innova, Ertiga). A standard sedan fits 3 passengers with 2 large bags. For families with more luggage, request an SUV at the counter for an additional INR 200-400.
Child seats are not available in Indian taxis or app cabs. Book a private transfer and specifically request one, or bring your own portable seat.
For families heading to Shillong or Kaziranga directly from the airport, a pre-booked SUV transfer is strongly recommended. The mountain roads to Shillong are winding, and the Kaziranga highway can be rough.
Where you meet the driver
App cab: Walk to the designated ride-hailing pickup zone, clearly marked outside the terminal.
Auto-rickshaw: Available along the road just outside the airport exit. No formal queue.
Pre-booked transfer: Driver waits inside the arrivals hall holding a name board. Smoothest option for zero hassle after a long flight.
ASTC bus: Bus stop is on the main road outside the airport compound.
Decision helper
Solo or couple, comfort: Prepaid taxi — no negotiation, fair price.
Family with kids: Pre-booked SUV transfer with child seat.
Group of 4+: Pre-booked minivan or SUV.
Late night: Prepaid taxi — always available for arriving flights.
Heading to Shillong: Pre-booked transfer (3-4 hour mountain drive).
Heading to Kaziranga: Pre-booked transfer (4-5 hours on the highway).
First time in India: Prepaid taxi or pre-booked transfer to avoid hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Guwahati Airport to the city centre?
Take a prepaid taxi from the counter outside arrivals. The ride to Paltan Bazaar costs INR 600-800 (~EUR 6.50-8.50) and takes 45-60 minutes.
Is Uber available at Guwahati Airport?
Yes. Both Ola and Uber operate at Guwahati Airport. Expect INR 400-600 (~EUR 4.30-6.50) to the city centre, with possible surge pricing during peak hours.
How far is Guwahati Airport from the city?
About 25 km from Paltan Bazaar. The drive takes 45-60 minutes in normal traffic, longer during rush hours.
Can I get a taxi from Guwahati Airport to Shillong?
Yes. A prepaid taxi to Shillong costs INR 3,000-4,000 (~EUR 32-43). A pre-booked transfer runs EUR 50-80. The journey takes 3-4 hours through hilly terrain.
Is there a bus from Guwahati Airport to the city?
ASTC runs limited services for INR 50-100 (~EUR 0.55-1.10), but they are infrequent and impractical with luggage. A prepaid taxi is far more reliable.
What is the best transport from Guwahati Airport at night?
Prepaid taxis operate for all arriving flights regardless of the hour. Prices stay the same at night, making them the most reliable option.
How do I get from Guwahati Airport to Kaziranga?
Book a transfer in advance. The distance is 230 km and takes 4-5 hours by road. A pre-booked SUV costs EUR 90-140.
Do Guwahati Airport taxis have air conditioning?
AC taxis are available at the prepaid counter for a higher rate. Specify AC when paying. Non-AC vehicles are cheaper but uncomfortable in summer.
Is Guwahati Airport safe for solo travellers?
Yes. The airport is well-managed and secure. Use the prepaid taxi counter or app cabs. Avoid unmarked vehicles, especially at night.
Can I get a transfer from Guwahati Airport to Tezpur?
Yes. Tezpur is 180 km away, about 4 hours by road. A pre-booked transfer costs EUR 70-110.
Guwahati Airport is your entry point to Northeast India. The city is straightforward to reach by prepaid taxi or app cab. For onward destinations like Shillong, Kaziranga, or Tezpur, book a transfer in advance and plan for long road journeys. Keep some cash in rupees for immediate needs, and account for Guwahati's unpredictable traffic when planning connections.