For Cherrapunji (Sohra) and Mawlynnong, most travellers fly into Guwahati (GAU), the main gateway with the widest choice of airlines, then drive through Shillong. Shillong Airport at Umroi is closer to Meghalaya’s hills but has limited flights. Cherrapunji is roughly 145 to 150 km from Guwahati by road, and Mawlynnong is roughly 76 to 80 km from Shillong.
Updated November 2026 · HappyFares
Meghalaya’s famous village and waterfall country sits a few hours from the airport, so a little planning goes a long way.
Should you fly into Guwahati or Shillong?
Guwahati is the practical choice for most visitors. It is a major airport at Borjhar, about 28 km from the city, and it is served by several large airlines. At the time of writing, IndiGo, Air India Express, Air India and Akasa Air are all listed there, with links to metros such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Because of the choice of carriers and flight times, fares and schedules tend to be easier to work with than at smaller airports.
Shillong Airport sits at Umroi, about 30 km from Shillong city, and is usually described as small with limited services. Recent listings name IndiGo, SpiceJet and Alliance Air there, mostly on regional and Northeast routes. Routes here change from season to season, so confirm that a flight is actually operating on your dates before you plan around it.
How far are Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong from the airports?
Distances vary by source and starting point, so treat these as approximate:
- Shillong to Cherrapunji (Sohra): about 53 to 55 km, roughly two hours.
- Guwahati to Cherrapunji: about 145 to 150 km, a four to five hour drive, usually via Shillong.
- Shillong to Mawlynnong: roughly 76 to 80 km, with travel guides quoting two and a half to three hours.
- Cherrapunji to Mawlynnong: roughly 76 to 81 km, depending on the source.
Mountain roads can be slowed down by rain, fog, landslides and traffic, so build in extra time. Do not plan a tight same-day connection for your flight home.
If your dates are flexible, compare fares into both Guwahati and Shillong, then weigh the saving against the extra road time. A cheaper ticket into Guwahati can be worth the longer drive, while a Shillong flight that suits your schedule may save a good part of a day. Setting a price alert for your route is an easy way to watch both without checking daily.
Can you see both in one trip?
Yes, but not comfortably in a single day from the airport. Mawlynnong is in the East Khasi Hills near the India-Bangladesh border, and Cherrapunji lies on the other side of the hills. A common plan is to base yourself in Shillong, or split the stay between the two areas. Allowing a couple of nights in the region means you are not rushing along hill roads after dark.
When you search flights, think about arrival time. A morning landing at Guwahati gives you daylight for the drive, which matters on winding roads. A late-night arrival usually means staying in Guwahati and starting early.
What should you expect when you get there?
Cherrapunji, officially back to its original Khasi name Sohra, was long credited as the wettest place on Earth. Today nearby Mawsynram is generally cited as the wettest, though Sohra still holds records for the most rain in a single month and in a year. Did you know? The name Cherrapunji came from British mispronunciation of Sohra, with a Bengali suffix added later.
Rain is heaviest from roughly April to September, peaking around June and July, which makes waterfalls dramatic but also brings road and trail risks. The drier months, roughly November to February, are usually easier for walking and road travel, though the weather in the hills is never fully predictable.
The living root bridges are a highlight. Khasi and Jaintia communities guide the aerial roots of rubber fig trees across streams until they can carry people, and a mature bridge can last hundreds of years. The double-decker bridge at Nongriat near Cherrapunji is the best known, and Mawlynnong has root bridges nearby too. Reaching these bridges usually involves a trek from the road, so check the route and wear suitable footwear.
Mawlynnong is often called the cleanest village in Asia. The title is credited to Discover India magazine, which is reported to have named it Asia’s cleanest village in the early 2000s (sources differ on the exact year). Treat it as a popular label rather than an official ranking.
Common Questions
Which is the nearest airport to Cherrapunji?
Shillong Airport at Umroi is the nearest, but it has limited flights. Guwahati is the main gateway for most travellers.
How far is Cherrapunji from Guwahati?
About 145 to 150 km by road, usually four to five hours via Shillong. Exact figures differ by source and route.
How far is Mawlynnong from Shillong?
Roughly 76 to 80 km, and about two and a half to three hours by road.
When is the best time to visit?
The wet season from roughly April to September brings heavy rain and strong waterfalls. The drier months of roughly November to February are generally easier for walking and travel.
Which airlines fly to Guwahati?
IndiGo, Air India Express, Air India and Akasa Air are listed at Guwahati at the time of writing. Check your route and dates for current schedules.
Do I pay extra for web check-in or airport check-in?
No Indian airline charges for web check-in or airport check-in.
Heading to Meghalaya? Search and compare flights to Guwahati on HappyFares, with zero convenience fee on domestic bookings, price alerts and Meera, our AI assistant, to help you pick a date.
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