Overview
Guwahati is the gateway to Northeast India — Assam’s largest city, set along the mighty Brahmaputra River and the natural launch pad for the region’s tea gardens, one-horned rhinos and hill states. No airline flies direct from the UK to Guwahati, so every itinerary involves at least one change, usually in Delhi or a Gulf hub. For a sense of how fares move through the year, see the price charts on this page.
Best time to fly to Guwahati
The most pleasant months are October to April, when days are dry and warm and evenings turn cool. November to February is the comfortable peak for temple visits and river trips. The monsoon from June to September brings heavy, sustained rain, while March to May is hot and humid. For better value, target the shoulder weeks in October or late February and check the When to book chart above.
Airlines and routes
There is no non-stop service between the UK and Guwahati. The usual approach is a long-haul flight to an Indian gateway, then a short domestic connection. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Air India fly London to Delhi in around nine hours, from where IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air operate frequent two-and-a-half-hour hops to Guwahati. Gulf carriers — Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways via Doha and Etihad via Abu Dhabi — offer well-timed one-stop options, sometimes routing through Kolkata. Allow roughly 15 to 20 hours in total, including the layover.
Things to do in Guwahati
Assam’s capital blends riverside temples, wildlife and culture within easy reach of the centre.
- Kamakhya Temple: revered hilltop Shakti shrine on Nilachal Hill, drawing pilgrims from across India.
- Umananda Temple: small Shiva temple on Peacock Island, reached by a short ferry across the Brahmaputra.
- Brahmaputra sunset cruise: gentle evening boat trips with skyline views and the chance of spotting river dolphins.
- Assam State Museum: sculpture, textiles and tribal artefacts tracing the region’s long history.
- Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary: easy day trip east to see one-horned rhinos in a compact grassland reserve.
At Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU)
The airport sits at Borjhar, about 20 to 25 km west of the city centre, typically 45 to 60 minutes by road depending on traffic. Prepaid taxis are booked from a counter in the arrivals hall, app-based cabs operate but can be slow to appear, and state-run buses connect the terminal with the city. For late-night arrivals, a pre-arranged hotel pick-up is worth the small premium.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Guwahati
- Book ahead: lock in the international legs roughly two to three months before departure, when one-stop fares are usually keenest.
- Travel midweek and off-peak: Tuesday and Wednesday departures tend to cost less, and avoiding Durga Puja and Diwali helps.
- Stay flexible: shifting your dates by a few days, or booking the long-haul and domestic legs separately, can lower the total.
- Compare hubs and airlines: a Gulf routing sometimes undercuts a Delhi connection — use the price charts on this page to weigh them up.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa for India; most travellers apply online for an e-Tourist visa a week or two before flying. The currency is the Indian rupee, and pounds are easily exchanged at the airport or drawn from city ATMs. Check the latest TravelHealthPro advice on vaccinations and malaria precautions for Assam, and carry a yellow fever certificate if you are arriving from a risk country. Make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity.
