Guwahati Airport is about 25 km from the city centre. Transport is affordable by international standards, but prices vary depending on what you choose and when you arrive.
Prices at a glance
| Transport | Destination | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid taxi | City centre | INR 600-800 (~EUR 6.50-8.50) | 45-60 min |
| App cab (Ola/Uber) | City centre | INR 400-600 (~EUR 4.30-6.50) | 45-60 min |
| Auto-rickshaw | City centre | INR 300-500 (~EUR 3.20-5.40) | 60-75 min |
| Pre-booked sedan | City centre | EUR 15-25 | 45-60 min |
| Pre-booked SUV | City centre | EUR 20-35 | 45-60 min |
| Prepaid taxi | Shillong | INR 3,000-4,000 (~EUR 32-43) | 3-4 hrs |
| Pre-booked transfer | Kaziranga | EUR 90-140 | 4-5 hrs |
| ASTC bus | City centre | INR 50-100 (~EUR 0.55-1.10) | 75-90 min |
What affects the price
Traffic is the biggest variable. During rush hours (09:00-11:00 and 17:00-20:00), the ride can take over an hour and app cab prices surge. The prepaid taxi counter sets fixed rates regardless of traffic.
Monsoon season (June-September) can cause flooding and diversions, occasionally increasing journey times significantly. App cabs are cheapest during off-peak hours — a mid-afternoon Ola ride can cost as little as INR 350 (~EUR 3.80).
Longer distances from GAU
| Destination | Distance | Taxi / Transfer | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shillong | 100 km | INR 3,000-4,000 / EUR 50-80 | 3-4 hrs |
| Tezpur | 180 km | INR 5,000-6,500 / EUR 70-110 | 4 hrs |
| Kaziranga | 230 km | INR 6,000-8,000 / EUR 90-140 | 4-5 hrs |
| Jorhat | 300 km | INR 7,000-9,000 / EUR 110-160 | 5-6 hrs |
For longer routes, a pre-booked transfer with a fixed price is strongly recommended to avoid disputes on multi-hour journeys.
Hidden costs to watch for
- Toll charges: NH27 has toll plazas. Prepaid taxis usually include tolls; app cabs add them to the fare.
- Surge pricing: Ola and Uber can double during rain, late night, or festival periods.
- AC vs non-AC: Prepaid counter charges more for AC vehicles. Worth it in summer when temperatures exceed 35C.
- Tipping: Not mandatory but rounding up is appreciated. INR 50-100 is generous.