Getting Around Silchar: A Practical Guide for Visitors
Silchar is the headquarters of the Cachar district in Assam and the second largest city in the state. For a visitor, the good news is that getting around is straightforward: the city has no metro or tram system, and its public transport is built around road vehicles. What follows is a plain-language guide to the modes that exist, how they connect, and how to reach the city from its airport.
Arriving in Silchar
Silchar is served by air, rail, and road, and each option drops you at a different point in or near the city.
- By plane: Silchar Airport (IXS) is connected by air to Kolkata, Guwahati, Agartala, and Imphal. The airport sits outside the city, so you will need a road transfer at the end of your flight.
- By train: Silchar Railway Station (IR code: SCL) is also known as Bhasha Shahid Station, a name tied to the Bengali language movement in Assam. Direct trains run from Guwahati; there are no direct trains from Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore, so those journeys require multiple changes and are very long.
- By bus: The ISBT is the main bus terminal, located near National Highway 6. Bus services are available from Guwahati, Shillong, Agartala, Imphal, and Aizawl. Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and private operators both run these routes.
- By road: The city is connected via NH-6 and NH-37. Road conditions can vary and become rough, especially during the monsoon, so allow extra time if you are driving in.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Silchar Airport is located outside the city, so plan on a road transfer rather than a walk or a direct public transit link. Two practical options are available on arrival:
- Prepaid taxi: The faster and more comfortable choice, taking roughly 45–60 minutes into the city. Fares are in the region of ₹600–800.
- Auto-rickshaw: The cheaper option, at roughly ₹300–400, but slower — expect about 60–90 minutes.
If you are arriving by air, the prepaid taxi is the simplest way to reach your accommodation without negotiating, while the auto-rickshaw suits travellers watching their budget and not in a hurry.
Getting Around the City
Within Silchar, movement is almost entirely by road. There is no metro or tram network to navigate, and the rail station serves intercity travel rather than local commuting. The main ways a visitor will get around are auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and local buses.
Auto-Rickshaws
Auto-rickshaws are the workhorse of local transport and are best for short to medium trips within the city.
- Fares typically range from about ₹30 to ₹150 depending on the trip.
- Agree on the fare with the driver beforehand to avoid overcharging.
- Share autos run on fixed routes and are cheaper than hiring a full auto.
Cycle Rickshaws
Cycle rickshaws are the cheapest motorless option and are best suited to very short distances and market areas.
- Fares typically run from about ₹20 to ₹50.
- They are most practical for trips of under roughly 2 km.
Buses and Other Public Transport
Local buses are the budget option and are useful for longer routes across the city.
- Fares are typically in the range of ₹10 to ₹30.
- Route signs are often in local languages, so ask locals for information about which bus to take.
- If crowds are a concern, avoid travelling during peak hours.
For intercity bus travel, the RedBus app is useful for booking — it shows operators, timings, and seat availability. The main bus terminal, the ISBT, sits near National Highway 6.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are most relevant for airport transfers, where prepaid taxis are the standard, comfortable option. For getting around the city itself, auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are the everyday choices rather than metered taxis.
Walkability
Walking works best for short hops and market areas, which is also where cycle rickshaws come into their own. For anything beyond a short distance, or when carrying luggage, a road vehicle is the practical choice.
Practical Tips
- Agree on auto-rickshaw fares before you set off.
- Use share autos on fixed routes to save money.
- Ask locals about bus routes, since signage may not be in a language you read.
- Use the RedBus app to book intercity buses.
- Carry a DEET-based mosquito repellent — dengue and malaria are risks in the region.
- Photography is prohibited in many temples; ask permission, and expect camera fees at some sites.