16 MinutesAfter reaching Meghalaya by flight or Train. The big question comes to you, now, “How should I continue my journey?” “Should I choose private or local transport?” “ Is someone not charging more?” The questions are very obvious and legitimate. Every Traveller should be aware of these, whoever is planning to visit here. So, nobody could scam you.
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The blog is going to answer all these questions in a detailed and interesting way.
Meghalaya, out of 100% area, 76% is covered with forests, and 100% area is mountainous. Since it is a hill state, there are no other options for travel. Almost all the travelling is done by Road.
So road travel is your only real option. And honestly, once you accept that, planning becomes much simpler.
A quick note on trains: A small rail section exists near Mendipathar in North Garo Hills, but it is not useful for tourist travel. Do not factor it into your plans. Now, here is what actually works:
The most common way tourists get around. You hire the cab for the day or for a one-way trip. The driver stays with you. Simple.
Fare cost:
Always fix the price before you sit down. Once the car is moving, negotiation is over.
This is how locals actually travel between towns. A Tata Sumo or similar SUV fills up with passengers going the same direction, and everyone splits the fare. It is cheap, a bit cramped, and honestly quite an experience.
You will find Sumo stands near Police Bazaar in Shillong and at most district town centers.
Fare cost:
Special Point: Sumos leave when full, not on a fixed schedule. Go early in the morning if you want to avoid waiting.
The Meghalaya State Transport Corporation runs buses across major routes. These are the cheapest options available. Do not expect AC or cushioned seats. But if you are on a tight budget and have time, buses work fine.
Fare cost:
Buses are slower because they stop frequently. For remote spots like Mawlynnong or Dawki, buses either do not go or go rarely. Plan accordingly.
These are privately run minibuses that operate on specific in-town and short intercity routes, mostly in Shillong. They are slightly faster than MSTC buses and connect market areas and residential neighborhoods.\
Fare cost:
Bazaar buses follow no printed timetable. You learn the routes by asking locals or by watching which bus shouts your destination. Locals are usually helpful if you ask politely.
Here is where it gets tricky, and most travel blogs do not warn you properly.
Uber works in Shillong, but it is limited. Coverage is inconsistent, surge pricing happens often, and availability drops sharply once you go outside the main city area. Rapido has also entered Shillong and works for bike taxis in some zones.
Fare cost (approx.):
There is an important tension to know about. App-based cabs have faced opposition from local taxi unions in Meghalaya. This is an ongoing issue. There have been incidents of conflict between app drivers and local operators. Some days, everything works smoothly. Other days, drivers cancel rides near certain stands to avoid trouble. It is not dangerous for you as a tourist, but it can mean your cab simply does not show up when you need it. For reliability, local taxis and Sumos still win in Meghalaya.
Getting around Meghalaya is an adventure in itself, with scenic road trips connecting stunning waterfalls, charming hill towns, and popular Places to Visit in Meghalaya, while also giving travelers endless opportunities to enjoy exciting Things to do in Meghalaya like trekking, cave exploration, boating, and local food hopping.
Practically, no. There is a small rail section near Mendipathar in North Garo Hills, but it does not serve tourist routes. The nearest useful railway station is Guwahati, about 100 km from Shillong. Most travelers fly into Shillong airport or take a bus from Guwahati.
Yes, but selectively. MSTC government buses and private minibuses (Bazaar buses) run on main routes in and around Shillong. For remote tourist spots, public transport either does not go or runs very rarely. You will need a private arrangement for most sightseeing.
Uber is available in Shillong city, but coverage is inconsistent. It works reasonably well within the city for short trips. Outside Shillong, do not count on it. There have also been ongoing conflicts between app-based services and local taxi operators, so availability can vary without warning.
Ola, Uber, and Rapido all operate in Shillong to varying degrees. Rapido works well for quick bike-taxi trips within the city. But none of these apps are reliable for intercity travel or for reaching offbeat destinations. For anything outside the city, a local taxi or Sumo is a far better option.
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