Arunachal Pradesh does not have its own major airport. The best option for most travelers is Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, which receives flights from all major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
From Guwahati, Itanagar is around 315 km away, approximately 8 hours by road. For the capital, Hollongi (Donyi Polo) Airport is just 14 km from Itanagar and the most convenient option.
Lilabari Airport in North Lakhimpur is the closest to Itanagar at 72 km, covered in about 2 hours. For eastern Arunachal — Pasighat, Tezu, Roing — Dibrugarh Airport is the best gateway.
By Train
Naharlagun Railway Station, just 15 km from Itanagar, is the nearest railhead within Arunachal Pradesh. Two key trains serve this route:
Arunachal AC Superfast Express (22412) — Delhi to Naharlagun, weekly, 38–40 hours, direct with no transfers. Donyi Polo Express (15617) — Guwahati to Naharlagun, daily, ~7.5 hours.
For more train options, Harmuti Station in Assam (34 km from Itanagar) has more trains passing through, with a 1 hour 15 minute road connection to the city
Tips: Book IRCTC tickets well in advance. For Tawang, take the train to Guwahati then continue by road — there is no rail route to western Arunachal.
By Road
Road travel is the most popular and efficient way to reach Arunachal Pradesh. The winding mountain roads challenge your driving skills while rewarding you with stunning Himalayan vistas at every turn.
Key routes from Guwahati:
Guwahati ? Itanagar: ~315 km | ~8 hours via NH 15
Guwahati ? Tawang: ~500 km | ~14–16 hours (best split over 2 days via Bomdila)
Dibrugarh ? Pasighat: ~170 km | ~4–5 hours
The major highways into Arunachal Pradesh are NH 15, NH 13, NH 52, and NH 415. State-run APSTS buses, shared Sumo taxis, and private hired vehicles (Innova/Scorpio) are the main transport options.
Tips: Hire a local driver if unfamiliar with mountain roads. Fill up fuel in Assam pumps are scarce inside the state. Carry printed ILP copies for checkpost entry at Bhalukpong or Banderdewa.