Best time to visit Cherrapunji — month by month, from the rain figures
The best time to visit Cherrapunji, month by month from the IMD normals: a very wet monsoon, a dry cool winter and when the waterfalls and views work best.
ArticleVerified 2026-10-14
How to reach Cherrapunji — from Shillong, Umroi and Guwahati
How to reach Cherrapunji, Meghalaya: the road from Shillong on State Highway 5, the small Umroi airport, Guwahati and the monsoon risk, plus the Delhi distance.
Cherrapunji is reached from Shillong, up on the plateau. The measured times below are our own routing; the rain adds more.
From Shillong
Wikipedia says State Highway 5 connects the town to Shillong, and Shillong is connected to Guwahati by the national highway. On our routing Cherrapunji is about 50 km and 88 minutes from the Shillong hub.
By air
Shillong Airport at Umroi is about 74 km and 132 minutes away on our routing, by Wikipedia's 80 km, and the only operating civilian airport in Meghalaya by its account. Guwahati's airport is about 164 km and 242 minutes away, and Wikipedia gives 165 km.
By train
There is none; Guwahati, about 165 km away by Wikipedia's figure, is the nearest railway station.
From Delhi
About 1,916 km by road, with 23 hours of free-flow driving, so most people fly.
Next reads
Read things to do in Cherrapunji and when to visit Cherrapunji, and copy the one-day plan. See also how to reach Shillong.
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Questions people ask
How do you reach Cherrapunji from Shillong?
By road. Wikipedia says State Highway 5 connects Cherrapunji to Shillong, and our routing gives about 50 km and 88 minutes from the Shillong hub. Buses, shared taxis and private taxis run on the route. The monsoon can slow it badly with rain and landslides, so allow extra time and start early.
Which airport is nearest to Cherrapunji?
Shillong Airport at Umroi, about 74 km and 132 minutes by road on our routing; Wikipedia gives 80 km. Guwahati airport is about 164 km and 242 minutes away, and Wikipedia gives 165 km. Wikipedia calls Shillong's airport the only operating civilian airport in Meghalaya, with flights within the north-east.
Is there a railway to Cherrapunji?
No. Wikipedia says the nearest railway station is Guwahati, about 165 km away, and that the planned Tetelia to Byrnihat line near Shillong, once completed, will bring rail closer. For now most visitors take a train or flight to Guwahati, then the road to Shillong and on to Cherrapunji.