Bus Tickets to and from Shillong
The capital of Meghalaya, dubbed Scotland of the East, Shillong, is such a welcome refresher of 1,496m in East Khasi Hills with rolling greens, pines and cool vibes that puts one in touch with Europe. Former Assam satellite, it combines colonial relics, Khasi colour, Umiam lake, Elephant falls, root Bridges, and a cultural treasure vein of Don Bosco. zingbus connects it with the Northeast hubs.
Why Choose zingbus for Your Shillong Bus Travel?
- Affordable Fares: Competitive pricing for every traveler.
- Comfortable Buses: AC sleeper, semi-sleeper, and luxury/electric options.
- Safe & Secure: Verified crew, GPS tracking, sanitized buses.
- Easy Online Booking: Fast, user-friendly app and website.
- Flexible Options: Easy cancellations and modifications.
Types of Buses Available for Shillong Travel
| Bus Type | Best For | Amenities |
| AC Sleeper | Overnight, long-distance | Air-conditioning, bedding |
| AC Semi-Sleeper | Budget comfort | Reclining seats, charging points |
| Non-AC | Economical short trips | Budget option, minimal features |
| Luxury & Electric | Premium travel experiences | Silent, eco-friendly, extra legroom |
Explore premium services: zingbus Plus, zingbus Maxx, valuebus.
Popular Boarding and Dropping Points in Shillong
Boarding Points
- Barik Point: Main central boarding location in Shillong offering convenient access to all major routes toward Guwahati and neighboring states.
- Police Bazar Stand: Strategic pickup point in the heart of the commercial area, ideal for travelers from hotels and markets.
- Mawiong ISBT: Modern integrated bus terminal serving as primary departure point for interstate and intercity routes with comprehensive facilities.
Dropping Points
- Barik Point: Primary dropping location with excellent connectivity to hotels, attractions, and local transport throughout Shillong.
- Mawiong ISBT: Main interstate bus terminus with spacious facilities and easy access to city center and residential areas.
- Dhankheti Bus Stop: Well-connected drop-off point serving eastern parts of Shillong with auto-rickshaw and taxi availability.
How to Reach: Barik Point is located near IGP Point in central Shillong, easily accessible by auto-rickshaws, taxis, and local transport from anywhere in the city, including Police Bazaar, Ward’s Lake, and major hotels.
Shillong Bus Routes And Duration
| Route | Travel Time |
| Shillong — Guwahati | 2.5-3 hours |
| Shillong — Cherrapunji | 1.5-2 hours |
| Shillong — Silchar | 5-6 hours |
Note: Fares vary based on bus type, season, and availability. Please check the zingbus app or website for current pricing and offers.
Travel Tips for Shillong Bus Travelers
- Advance Booking: Book early during weekends, festivals, and local events.
- Arrive Early: Reach 20-30 minutes before departure to avoid rush.
- ID & Ticket: Carry a valid photo ID and your digital ticket confirmation.
- Overnight Comfort: Prefer AC sleeper for long night routes.
- Live Tracking: Use GPS tracking in the zingbus app for ETAs.
- Women-Only Seating: Available on select routes.
City-Specific Tip: Visit between September and May for comfortable weather suited to waterfalls and living root bridge treks. Avoid June to August due to heavy rain and slippery roads. Carry warm clothing year-round, as evenings stay chilly.
Top Attractions in Shillong
- Umiam Lake: Scenic man-made reservoir near the East Khasi Hills known for boating, kayaking, water sports, sunset views, and serene photography spots.
- Elephant Falls: Three-tiered waterfall dropping through rocky cliffs and thick forests, popular for nature walks, photography, and peaceful picnics.
- Shillong Peak: Highest viewpoint in Shillong offering wide views of the city, rolling hills, distant plains, and the revered U’Lei Shillong shrine.
- Don Bosco Museum: Major cultural museum with seven floors of galleries featuring tribal art, costumes, tools, music traditions, and a skywalk overlooking Shillong.
- Ward’s Lake: Calm city-center lake with walking paths, gardens, bridges, and boating options, ideal for leisurely strolls and relaxed outings.
Key Takeaways for Shillong Bus Booking
- Wide Connectivity: Daily buses linking Shillong with key cities.
- Flexible Plans: Easy rescheduling and instant confirmation.
- Coach Choice: AC Sleeper, Semi-Sleeper, and valuebus options.
- Always On: 24×7 support via app, web, and helpline.
FAQs About Shillong
Q: Which bus operator is best for bus booking to or from Shillong?
A: zingbus is the best operator for Shillong routes, offering reliable mountain highway services connecting Scotland of the East to Guwahati and major cities with modern amenities, verified crew, GPS monitoring, and dependable support through scenic Northeast routes.
Q: How early should I book tickets?
A: Book 3-5 days ahead for regular travel. During Shillong Autumn Festival in November, Durga Puja, Christmas, New Year, and peak summer from April to June, book 5-7 days earlier for guaranteed availability.
Q: Are sleeper buses available?
A: Yes, AC sleeper and semi-sleeper Meghalaya Transport Corporation and private buses operate on routes to Guwahati, Silchar, Siliguri, and Kolkata. These coaches feature comfortable bedding, reclining berths, and charging points for overnight journeys.
Q: Can I cancel or reschedule?
A: Yes, easily cancel or reschedule through the zingbus app or website within the policy window. The platform processes swift refunds for eligible cancellations and instantly reissues updated travel documents.
Q: What is the usual travel time to Guwahati?
A: The Shillong to Guwahati journey takes 2.5-3 hours covering 100 km via NH 6 through scenic mountain passes. Travel time varies with traffic and weather. Premium Volvo buses complete the journey faster.
Q: Are there direct buses to Cherrapunji or Silchar?
A: Yes, frequent direct buses operate to Cherrapunji and Silchar with multiple daily departures. Meghalaya Transport Corporation provides reliable services. Check the zingbus app for live seat availability, coach types, and departure schedules.
Q: What documents are required for boarding?
A: Carry a government-issued photo ID such as Aadhaar card, driving license, voter ID, or passport matching your ticket name. Keep digital ticket or SMS confirmation accessible for verification at boarding points.
Q: What onboard safety and amenities can I expect?
A: zingbus coaches feature sanitized interiors, real-time GPS tracking through mountain routes, verified staff, comfortable reserved seating, secure luggage storage, mobile charging ports, and 24×7 emergency support through the app.
Q: Can I track my bus in real time?
A: Yes, the zingbus app provides live GPS tracking with your bus location on an interactive map. You receive real-time ETA notifications, boarding updates, delay alerts for mountain weather conditions, and departure reminders.
Q: Is women-only seating available?
A: Yes, women-only seating sections are available on select routes for enhanced comfort and security. To secure adjacent seats for family or friends, book early when maximum availability exists during festival and tourist seasons.
Q: What baggage policy should I follow?
A: Passengers can carry one cabin bag plus checked baggage in undercarriage compartments, with limits varying by coach type. Avoid hazardous materials. Label bags clearly, keep woolens and warm clothing accessible in cabin.
Q: Any tips for monsoon or mountain travel?
A: During monsoon from June to August, expect slower speeds due to landslides and heavy rainfall. Pack waterproof bags, rain gear, warm clothing for temperature drops. Allow extra buffer time for connections through mountain passes.
Q: Which boarding point is best for first-time travelers?
A: First-time travelers should use Barik Point as it’s centrally located near IGP Point with clear signage, helpful staff familiar with tourists, and excellent connectivity to hotels and attractions. Arrive 30 minutes early for mountain route departures.
Q: How do I choose seats for maximum comfort?
A: Select lower berths in sleeper coaches for easier access during mountain travel. Mid-coach positions experience less motion on winding roads than rear seats. For families, book adjacent berths. Review coach layout in zingbus app.
Q: Can I use coupons or loyalty benefits?
A: Yes, check the zingbus app for promotional offers, seasonal discounts, festive deals, and coupon codes. zingprime members enjoy priority support, exclusive discounts, faster refunds, and special perks on Meghalaya and Northeast routes.
Download the zingbus App
Explore More: Check out current zingbus Offers.
Need Help? Visit the zingbus Help Center.
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