From the lush greenery of the Northeast to the heart of the nation, the journey from Guwahati to New Delhi is one of India’s most diverse and expansive cross-country routes. It moves through the vibrant landscapes of Assam, the narrow yet vital Siliguri Corridor, and gradually opens into the vast Gangetic plains before reaching the dynamic capital city.
- Distance: ~1,900 – 1,950 km
- Non-stop drive time: 35–40 hours
- Ideal road trip plan: 3–4 days with halts (Siliguri and Lucknow are popular)
This guide covers the best road routes, alternative highways, flights, trains, and practical travel tips.
Best Road Routes (Car/SUV)
Route A: Expressway Route (Fastest & Recommended)
Guwahati → Bongaigaon → Alipurduar → Siliguri → Purnea → Muzaffarpur → Gorakhpur → Lucknow → Agra → Greater Noida → New Delhi
Highlights:
- NH 27 (East-West Corridor) for most of the journey
- Seamless transition to the Agra–Lucknow Expressway and Yamuna Expressway
- Fastest entry into the NCR
Travel time: 35–38 hours
Route B: Grand Trunk Road (Historic Route)
Guwahati → Siliguri → Patna → Varanasi → Prayagraj → Kanpur → Agra → Mathura → New Delhi
Highlights:
- Follows the historic GT Road (NH 19)
- Access to major heritage cities
Travel time: 38–42 hours
Downside: Heavy congestion in urban stretches
Road Routes Compared
| Via the Expressways | Via the GT Road | |
|---|---|---|
| Passes through | Siliguri, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Agra | Patna, Varanasi, Kanpur, Agra |
| Distance | ~1,900 km | ~1,980 km |
| Time | 35–38 hrs | 38–42 hrs |
| Verdict | The fastest option, finishing with around 500 km of premium expressway | Worth it mainly if you want to visit the heritage cities along the way — traffic is heavier |
Flights (Fastest Option)
- Airports: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Guwahati) to Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi)
- Duration: about 2.5 hours
- Cost: ₹5,000–₹9,000
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, Akasa Air
If speed and low fatigue are what matter most, flying is clearly the way to go.
Train Travel (Comfort & Budget)
Premium options
- Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express (12423)
- Tejas Rajdhani Express (20501)
- Time: 27–28 hours
- Cost: ₹2,700–₹4,500
Budget options
- North East Express (12505)
- Brahmaputra Mail (15658)
- Time: 32–34 hours
- Cost: ₹750–₹2,000
The Rajdhani gives you both comfort and speed, while the sleeper classes on the budget trains remain the cheapest way to cover this distance.
Bus Travel (Not Recommended)
- No direct buses between Assam and Delhi
- Would require multiple transfers across states
- Travel time: 3–5 days, which is impractical
Verdict: Avoid completely.
Travel Options Compared
| Mode | How it works | Time | Cost (one-way) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | Direct, Guwahati to Delhi | 2.5 hrs | ₹5,000–₹9,000 | Professionals and families wanting the fastest, least tiring option |
| Train (premium) | Rajdhani Express | 27–28 hrs | ₹2,700–₹4,500 | Comfort seekers who want a smooth, continuous ride with good food and bedding |
| Train (budget) | North East Express or sleeper services | 32–34 hrs | ₹750–₹2,000 | Budget travelers, especially with heavy luggage |
| Personal car/SUV | Via NH 27 and Lucknow | 3–4 days | Fuel and tolls, ₹18,000+ | Travelers up for a genuine road trip with plenty of driving stamina |
Choosing the Best Time to Travel
October to March is the sweet spot — Assam settles into pleasant post-monsoon weather, and Delhi cools down enough for comfortable sightseeing.
If you’re planning to drive, it’s best to skip the peak monsoon months (June to September). Heavy rain across Assam and North Bengal can bring waterlogging, slower traffic, and occasional road disruptions. Winter tends to be the most comfortable season for long-distance travel, whether by road or train.
Suggested 4-Day Road Trip Itinerary
Driving nearly 1,900 kilometers in one stretch can be exhausting. Breaking the journey into shorter stages makes the trip safer and more enjoyable.
Day 1: Guwahati to Siliguri
- Approximate distance: 470 km
- This first stretch takes you through western Assam and into North Bengal.
- Siliguri is a good stop for hotels, meals, and vehicle services.
Day 2: Siliguri to Gorakhpur
- Approximate distance: 700 km
- Continue on NH 27 through Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
- This is a long day, so start early.
Day 3: Gorakhpur to Agra
- Approximate distance: 700 km
- Drive via Lucknow and use the Agra–Lucknow Expressway for a smoother stretch.
- Agra is a practical overnight halt with accommodation in every budget range.
Day 4: Agra to New Delhi
- Approximate distance: 230 km
- Take the Yamuna Expressway to Delhi for a faster and more comfortable final leg.
What This Drive Will Cost You in Fuel and Tolls
If you’re planning to drive your own vehicle, estimating travel expenses in advance can help with budgeting.
- Fuel cost: Approximately ₹13,000–₹16,000
- Toll charges: Around ₹3,000–₹5,000
- Estimated total driving cost: ₹16,000–₹21,000
Actual costs will vary depending on your vehicle, fuel efficiency, and current fuel prices.
Good Places to Stop for Food and Rest
Planning meal breaks is important during a long-distance journey. Some convenient cities along the route include:
- Bongaigaon
- Siliguri
- Purnea
- Muzaffarpur
- Gorakhpur
- Lucknow
- Agra
These cities offer reliable fuel stations, restaurants, hotels, ATMs, and emergency services, making them ideal places to rest before continuing your trip.
A Few Things Worth Planning For
- Start driving early to get ahead of city traffic
- Keep your FASTag topped up for smooth toll payments
- Take a short break every 2–3 hours to avoid fatigue
- Carry water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit
- Download offline maps before entering areas with weak signal
- Avoid driving overnight unless you already know the route well
What to Pack, Whatever Mode You Choose
Whether you’re flying, traveling by train, or driving, carrying a few travel essentials can make your journey much smoother.
- A government-issued photo ID
- Mobile charger and power bank
- Drinking water and light snacks
- Comfortable clothing and footwear
- Basic medicines and a first-aid kit
- Cash for emergencies
- Vehicle documents and insurance papers, if you’re driving
Apps Worth Having on Hand
- Google Maps – navigation and live traffic updates
- IRCTC Rail Connect – train ticket booking
- ConfirmTkt – PNR status and seat availability
- Uber – airport and local city transport
- Paytm – toll payments, hotel bookings, and digital transactions
Places to Visit After Reaching New Delhi
If you have extra time after arriving, Delhi offers numerous attractions worth exploring.
- India Gate
- Red Fort
- Qutub Minar
- Lotus Temple
- Humayun’s Tomb
- Chandni Chowk
- Akshardham Temple
Delhi also serves as a convenient gateway for onward journeys to Agra, Jaipur, Rishikesh, Shimla, Chandigarh, and other destinations in North India.
Final Travel Tips
- Best overall option: Flight
- Best road route: The expressway route via Lucknow and Agra
- Best scenic stopovers: Siliguri, Lucknow, and Agra
- Route to avoid when short on time: The GT Road route
A useful driving tip is to stay on the Agra–Lucknow Expressway after reaching Lucknow, as it provides a faster and smoother drive toward Delhi.
FAQs — Guwahati to New Delhi Travel Guide
1. What is the distance between Guwahati and New Delhi?
The distance between Guwahati and New Delhi is approximately 1,900 to 1,950 kilometers, depending on the route taken.
2. What is the fastest way to travel from Guwahati to Delhi?
The fastest way is by flight, which takes around 2.5 hours.
3. How long does it take to travel from Guwahati to Delhi by road?
A road trip takes about 35 to 40 hours of driving time, typically spread over 3–4 days.
4. Which is the best road route from Guwahati to Delhi?
The best route is via NH 27 → Siliguri → Gorakhpur → Lucknow → Agra → Yamuna Expressway → Delhi, offering the fastest travel time.
5. Are there direct trains from Guwahati to New Delhi?
Yes, direct trains like the Rajdhani Express, North East Express, and Brahmaputra Mail connect Guwahati to Delhi.
6. How much does a flight from Guwahati to Delhi cost?
Flight prices typically range from ₹5,000 to ₹9,000, depending on booking time and season.
7. Is a road trip from Guwahati to Delhi safe?
Yes, it is generally safe if planned well. Stick to daytime driving, major highways such as NH 27, and the expressways for safety and comfort.
8. What are the best stopovers between Guwahati and Delhi?
Popular stopovers include Siliguri, Purnea, Gorakhpur, and Lucknow.
9. Is there a direct bus from Guwahati to Delhi?
No, there are no direct buses due to the long distance. Bus travel is not recommended.
10. Which is better: train or flight from Guwahati to Delhi?
- Flight: Best for speed
- Train: Best for budget and comfort over long journeys
Explore More Long-Distance Routes
Planning more long-distance trips? Check out our guides for Guwahati to Chandigarh, Chandigarh to Siliguri, Chandigarh to Cherrapunji, Shillong to New Delhi, and Sikkim to Chandigarh.
Disclaimer: Distances, travel times, fares, and road conditions in this guide are approximate and may change due to weather, traffic, or operator updates. Travelers should verify current details with airlines, Indian Railways, and local authorities before departure.