How to reach Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is located in the North-East corner of India and borders China, Myanmar, and Bhutan. It is famous for its incredible Buddhist monasteries, different sanctified spots, stunning lakes, quaint villages, verdant valleys, and historical edifices. Traveling to Arunachal Pradesh is not a difficult task as you can conveniently reach here by all modes of transportation. Moreover, the state is well-connected to all major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, by air, train, and road.

Owing to rough terrains, Arunachal Pradesh does not have an airport. However, the nearest airports are in North Lakhimpur, and Guwahati has good connectivity with the major cities and towns of the country. In addition, Itanagar houses the nearest railhead from where you can board a bus or hire a taxi to reach the different regions of Arunachal Pradesh.

Here is details about how to Reach Arunachal Pradesh by train, flight, and road

Arunachal Pradesh by Flight

Lilabari Airport in the North Lakhimpur district of Assam is the nearest airport from Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh. It is situated 72 km away, which takes around 2 hours to reach the capital city. Other nearest airports from Arunachal Pradesh are Tezpur Airport and Guwahati Airport. The Lilabari Airport is well-connected with Kolkata and Guwahati. You can catch direct flights to Kolkata and Guwahati from all prime cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune. In addition, there is the easy availability of taxis and bus services going towards the state.

Arunachal Pradesh by Train

Arunachal Pradesh does not have a railway station. However, the nearest railhead is Harmuti train station in Assam, the primary train station connecting Arunachal Pradesh to other major cities of India. Situated just 46 km away from Itanagar, the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh, this station is well-connected with the northeastern and other towns.

Some popular trains connecting Harmuti and Naharlagun railheads with the country are North East Express, Donyi Polo Express, Arunachal Express, and Dibrugarh Rajdhani. Further, take the bus or hire a taxi for your onward journey towards the state.

Arunachal Pradesh by Road

The state is easily reachable by state and national highways from all prime cities and nearby states. There is a sufficient number of inter bus services available from all major towns of Arunachal Pradesh to Meghalaya (around 790 km), Assam (560 km), and Nagaland (456 km).

The national highways NH 15, 52, and 415 connect the state with the nearby states. You can reach Itanagar from Banderdewa, North Lakhimpur, Tezpur, and Guwahati by car and bus. The state-owned Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Service (APSTS) provides good services in the state. It runs its bus service to major district headquarters like Tezpur and Guwahati in Assam, Shillong in Meghalaya, and Dimapur in Nagaland.

Transportation In Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Service (APSTS)

The state-run bus service provider APSTS is one of the best ways to travel in and around Arunachal Pradesh. It provides the best coverage and connectivity to the state's small and big cities and towns. The option varies between deluxe and semi-deluxe buses. The ordinary roadways buses also run from the major places in the state. You also get the option from private operators. Every village, town, and the city has its bus station. Therefore, you can easily find a bus to travel to other places in Arunachal Pradesh.

By Taxi

In major towns and cities, private and shared taxis are easily available. However, in small towns and villages, shared jeeps are available. They are considerably faster than buses and take up to 10 people at a time. For comfortable journeys, private taxis are the best option as you can stop for food and sightseeing at the places of your choice, which is not the scenario in a shared taxi ride.

By Car

The cities and towns of Arunachal Pradesh are well-connected with the national and state highways. The major highways that connect the state with other cities are NH 15, NH 13, NH 52, and NH 415. You can choose to drive on the mountain roads, which is not very easy. If you are not habitual in driving into the hill and do not have extensive driving experience, it is advisable to hire an experienced driver. The scenic vistas and panoramic views entice people to go on road trips in Arunachal Pradesh.