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Guwahati is the transport hub of Northeast India, so most travellers pass through it at least once. Here are the practical answers to the questions people ask most, from airport transfers to tipping and tap water. See our best time to visit guide for more.
Guwahati Travel Tips: Getting There
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) is 25 km southwest of the centre in Borjhar. A prepaid taxi from the airport to Paltan Bazaar costs about ₹600 to ₹800 and takes 45 to 60 minutes, and app cabs like Uber and Ola operate from the airport. Guwahati railway station (GHY) in Paltan Bazaar is the main rail gateway for the entire Northeast, with direct trains to Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. Morning fog can delay flights in December and January, so allow buffer time. See our things to do guide for more.
Guwahati Travel Tips: Getting Around
Autorickshaws are the workhorse for short trips and should be metered or agreed upfront; expect ₹50 to ₹150 across the centre. App cabs (Uber, Ola) are cheaper and easier for longer runs, and a full day of a hired car for Pobitora or Kaziranga runs ₹2,500 to ₹4,000. City buses run from the ASTC terminal but are crowded and hard for visitors to navigate. Traffic on GS Road is heavy at rush hour, so leave 30 minutes of buffer for anything time-sensitive. See our events and festivals guide for more.
Guwahati Travel Tips: Money, Visas, and Tipping
India’s e-visa covers Guwahati for most nationalities, and you need a Protected Area Permit only if you continue deeper into Arunachal Pradesh or other restricted border states. ATMs are everywhere in Paltan Bazaar and GS Road, but carry ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 in cash for autorickshaws, small temples, and market stalls. Tipping is optional; leave ₹50 to ₹100 for porters and restaurant staff, and round up cab fares. Tap water is not safe to drink, so buy bottled water (about ₹20 a litre). See our where to stay guide for more.
Guwahati Travel Tips: Safety and Health
Guwahati is generally safe, but keep an eye on belongings in the crowded Paltan Bazaar and Fancy Bazaar markets and avoid walking alone on the riverbank after dark. The monsoon (June to September) brings flooded streets and mosquito risk, so use repellent and consider malaria prophylaxis if you are heading to the wildlife parks. Carry a lightweight raincoat from April onward. For up-to-date seasonal conditions, check the weather by month guide before you pack. See our Guwahati travel guide guide for more.
Guwahati Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a special permit to visit Guwahati? No, Guwahati itself needs no permit; only parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram do. What is the best area for a first-time visitor? Paltan Bazaar for budget and buzz, or GS Road for comfort and the airport. How many days do you need? Two to three days covers Kamakhya Temple, a river cruise, Pobitora, and the museums, plus a buffer for a Kaziranga overnight. Which of these is easiest to reach, per the neighborhoods guide? Paltan Bazaar and the temples are all within a 20-minute autorickshaw ride of each other.
Suggested Hotels in Guwahati
Vivanta Guwahati
A five-star in Khanapara with an outdoor pool, spa, and fitness centre, and the most polished full-service stay in the city. Best for couples and business travellers on the airport side of town. Check rates and availability
Novotel Guwahati GS Road
An upper-mid-range hotel on GS Road with an infinity pool, bar, and spa, well placed between the airport and the centre. Best for families and city explorers who want modern facilities. Check rates and availability
Hotel Rains Inn
A three-star on Solapara Road in Paltan Bazaar, a 12-minute walk from the railway station and close to the Assam State Museum. Best for budget travellers and rail passengers who want to be near the station. Check rates and availability
