How to reach Nagaland from Guwahati

If you’re travelling to Nagaland from Guwahati, the easiest route is usually through Dimapur.

Dimapur is Nagaland’s main rail gateway, and it’s also where you’ll find the state’s commercial airport. From Dimapur, Kohima is about 74 km away by road.

So your basic route looks like this:

Guwahati → Dimapur → Kohima

You can do the first part by train, bus, car, or flight. For most travellers, the train or road route makes the most sense.

1. Guwahati to Nagaland by train

This is probably the easiest option if you’re travelling on a budget.

Take a train from Guwahati Railway Station to Dimapur Railway Station. Dimapur sits on the main railway line and has direct rail connectivity with Guwahati.

Once you reach Dimapur, you can take a shared taxi or private taxi to Kohima.

The Dimapur taxi stand is close to the railway station, which makes the transfer fairly simple. Nagaland Tourism says shared taxis are available, along with full taxis for travellers who want the vehicle to themselves.

Typical plan

Guwahati → Dimapur by train → Kohima by taxi

I’d pick this route if you’re travelling alone or as a couple and want to keep transport costs under control.

Check the current train schedule before booking because train timings and availability change.

2. Guwahati to Nagaland by bus

You can also travel by road from Guwahati.

Night buses operate between Guwahati and Dimapur, and some services continue towards Kohima.

This can save you a hotel night if you don’t mind travelling overnight.

For Kohima, check the exact drop-off point before booking. A bus that takes you only to Dimapur means you’ll still need a taxi for the uphill journey to Kohima.

3. Guwahati to Nagaland by car

If you’re travelling with family or a group of friends, driving can be a good choice.

The road from Guwahati to Kohima takes roughly 8–9 hours, according to Nagaland Tourism, although your actual time will depend on traffic, road conditions, weather and stops.

The route takes you through Assam before climbing into Nagaland.

I’d start early. Mountain roads are a different story after dark, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the route.

If you’re hiring a car in Guwahati, make sure the vehicle and driver are comfortable with hill roads.

4. Guwahati to Nagaland by flight

There isn’t a direct flight from Guwahati that makes much sense for reaching Kohima.

Instead, you can fly to Dimapur Airport, Nagaland’s only airport, and continue by road to Kohima. Nagaland Tourism lists Dimapur as the state’s only airport.

This is the quickest option when your schedule matters more than your budget.

From Dimapur Airport, you’ll need a taxi for the journey to Kohima.

Dimapur to Kohima

This is the final stretch for most people travelling from Guwahati.

The distance is around 74 km, and Nagaland Tourism gives a travel time of roughly 3 hours for the journey.

Shared taxis are usually the budget choice.

A private taxi makes more sense if you’re carrying a lot of luggage, travelling with family, or want to stop along the way.

The road climbs as you approach Kohima, so don’t judge the journey by the distance alone.

Which route should you choose?

For most travellers, I’d rank the options like this:

Route	Best for	Approx. travel time
Train + taxi	Budget travellers	7–10 hours+
Bus	Cheapest overnight option	8–12 hours+
Private car	Families and groups	8–9 hours
Flight + taxi	Saving time	4–6 hours including transfers

The exact time depends heavily on the train, bus, road conditions and waiting time in Dimapur.

If you’re travelling on a tight budget, Guwahati → Dimapur by train → Kohima by shared taxi is the route I’d choose.

Do you need an Inner Line Permit for Nagaland?

Yes.

The Government of Nagaland says people from outside the state need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Nagaland for a limited period. The current online ILP system allows domestic tourists to apply through the official portal.

The current fee listed for a domestic tourist is ₹200 per person, with a validity of 30 days.

For a domestic tourist application, you’ll need a recent passport-size photograph and an accepted identity document such as Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Bank Passbook or Ration Card.

Apply before your trip rather than leaving it until you’re standing at the state border.

Apply for Nagaland ILP

Best way to reach Kohima from Guwahati

If Kohima is your main destination, I’d keep the journey simple:

Day 1

Guwahati → Dimapur by train.

Then take a shared or private taxi from Dimapur to Kohima.

You’ll reach Kohima the same day if your train timing works well.

For a road trip, leave Guwahati early in the morning and drive directly towards Kohima. Nagaland Tourism recommends completing the Guwahati–Kohima drive during daylight.

What about travelling beyond Kohima?

Kohima is a good starting point, but Nagaland is much bigger than the capital.

You can continue towards places such as Khonoma, Wokha, Mokokchung, Mon, Tuensang and Phek, depending on how much time you have.

For a first trip, I’d give yourself at least 5–7 days if you want to see Kohima and a couple of nearby destinations without spending the whole trip inside a vehicle.

And if you’re visiting during the Hornbill Festival, book your transport and accommodation well ahead of time. The 2026 Hornbill Festival is scheduled for 1–10 December 2026.

Final route plan

For most travellers coming from Guwahati, this is the route I’d use:

Guwahati → Dimapur → Kohima

Take a train to Dimapur, grab a taxi outside the railway station, and continue uphill to Kohima.

If you’re travelling with 3–5 people, compare the total cost of a private car from Guwahati against separate train and taxi tickets. Sometimes the extra cost is worth it for the convenience.

And before leaving Guwahati, keep your Nagaland ILP, ID proof, hotel booking and transport details handy. It saves unnecessary trouble during the journey.