How to Reach Nagaland and the Northeast: Flights, Trains and Road Routes

Most travellers reach Nagaland by flying or taking the train to Dimapur, then driving about three hours up to Kohima. Guwahati, with many more flights, is a longer road journey of seven to nine hours. Indian visitors from outside the state also need an Inner Line Permit, applied for online before travel.

Nagaland is one of India's most rewarding destinations, but it takes a little planning to reach: limited flights, hill roads and a permit. This guide explains the options by air, rail and road, how to handle the permit and the drive times to the main places.

The short answer

The Inner Line Permit

Indian citizens from outside Nagaland need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter the state. Apply on the official Nagaland ILP portal before you travel, carry a printed or digital copy with photo ID, and keep it handy at checkpoints. Foreign nationals have separate registration requirements; check the latest rules before travelling.

By air

Dimapur's airport has flights from Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi and a few other cities, sometimes with a stop. Schedules are limited and can change, so book early. Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport has many more flights from across India and is a good alternative if you plan to combine Nagaland with Assam or Meghalaya. Jorhat, in Assam, is closer for Mon and the Konyak region.

By train

Dimapur is on the main line through Assam, with trains from Guwahati, Kolkata, Delhi and other cities, including long-distance services such as the Rajdhani to Dibrugarh. From Guwahati, trains reach Dimapur in about four to five hours. Book early in December.

By road

From Dimapur, the road climbs to Kohima in about three hours, depending on road work and traffic. From Guwahati, the drive takes about seven to nine hours via Assam. Hill roads are narrow and can be affected by landslides in the monsoon, so drive in daylight and leave early.

Drive times within Nagaland

Matching the route to the trip

From the metros

Combining with the rest of the Northeast

Nagaland pairs naturally with Assam: Kaziranga National Park is about four to five hours from Kohima, and Jorhat and Majuli island are reachable from there. Meghalaya, with Shillong and Cherrapunji, is best combined via Guwahati. Manipur lies to the south of Kohima along the national highway; check current advisories and permit rules before planning any onward travel. A typical circuit flies into Guwahati or Dimapur and out of Jorhat or Guwahati.

Arriving from abroad

Most overseas visitors connect through Delhi, Kolkata or Guwahati. Foreign nationals visiting Nagaland must follow the state's registration rules, which differ from the Inner Line Permit for Indian citizens; check the latest requirements on official sources and carry your passport and visa at all times.

Food on travel days

Roadside options between Dimapur and Kohima are limited, and Naga cooking centres on pork and smoked meats. Vegetarian and Jain travellers should carry snacks for travel days and tell hotels about dietary needs in advance. Dimapur and Kohima both have restaurants serving North Indian vegetarian food.

Getting around

A private car with a local driver is essential, as public transport is limited and hill roads can be slow. Shared taxis run between Dimapur and Kohima. During Hornbill, traffic between Kohima and Kisama is heavy, so leave early and agree pickup points with your driver. Our Hornbill Festival trip includes transfers and a driver throughout.

Travelling during Hornbill

During the Hornbill Festival, traffic between Kohima and Kisama slows down, parking near the venue is limited and many visitors use shuttle services or walk the last stretch. Hotels in Kohima are often booked out, so some travellers stay in Dimapur or village homestays and drive in each day. Allow extra time for every journey, carry warm layers for the evenings, and plan your return to Dimapur with a buffer before your flight or train.

Reaching Mon and the Konyak region

Mon, home of the Konyak Nagas, lies in the north-east of the state and is usually reached from Jorhat or Sonari in Assam rather than from Kohima. The roads are rough in places and travel is slow, so allow at least two or three days and travel with a local guide.

Your first day

After arriving in Dimapur, drive to Kohima while it is light, check in and take an easy walk. Visit the Kohima War Cemetery and the local market the next morning, and keep Khonoma or Kisama for the following days.

Season and booking

October to May is the dry season, with December the busiest month because of Hornbill. The monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain and landslides. Read our month-by-month guide before booking.

Travelling with parents

Fly to Dimapur rather than driving from Guwahati, choose a hotel in Kohima with heating in winter and avoid long drives after dark. Kisama involves slopes and steps, so plan rest breaks.

For couples

Couples often add a homestay in Khonoma and a stay in Kaziranga or a tea estate in Assam on the way home.

Budget options

Trains to Dimapur and shared taxis to Kohima are the cheapest route. Homestays offer good value and local meals.

Practical tips

Many shops close on Sundays. Carry cash, as ATMs can run dry during Hornbill. Read our 7-day Nagaland itinerary and Nagaland planning guide to plan the rest of your trip.

A BagPackerMe planner can arrange the whole journey privately, with one named planner, WhatsApp support throughout and vegetarian and Jain food planned in.

Your questions, answered

What is the nearest airport to Kohima?

Dimapur, about three hours from Kohima by road, is the nearest airport. It has flights from Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi and a few other cities. Guwahati has many more flights but is a longer drive away.

Is there a train to Nagaland?

Yes. Dimapur is on the main railway line through Assam, with trains from Guwahati, Kolkata, Delhi and other cities. From Dimapur, Kohima is reached by road.

Do I need a permit to visit Nagaland?

Indian citizens from outside Nagaland need an Inner Line Permit, which can be applied for online on the official Nagaland ILP portal. Foreign nationals follow separate registration rules.

How long is the drive from Guwahati to Kohima?

Allow roughly seven to nine hours by road, depending on traffic and road work. Many travellers prefer to fly or take the train to Dimapur to shorten the journey.