Can an Assam Taxi Take You to Meghalaya? Tourist Taxi Rules After the 2026 Standoff
After the August 2026 standoff between Assam and Meghalaya taxi associations, many travellers want to know whether their Guwahati cab can take them to Shillong. Here's where things stand.
Last updated: October 2026
If you're flying into Guwahati and heading to Shillong, Cherrapunji or Dawki, you'll probably travel in an Assam-registered taxi. After the tourist taxi standoff between the two states in August 2026, many travellers have asked us whether that is still allowed.
Short answer: yes. In September 2026 the governments of Assam and Meghalaya resolved the standoff and agreed to keep tourist cabs moving freely between the states. Below we explain what happened, what applies now, and how to book so the question doesn't affect your trip.
What happened in August 2026
- 19 August 2026: after violence in Shillong, Assam-registered vehicles were reportedly targeted.
- The days that followed: Meghalaya's tourist taxi associations, the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) and the All Shillong Tourist Taxi Association (ASTA), stopped Assam-registered tourist vehicles from entering the state. Operators in Assam responded by blocking Meghalaya-bound vehicles. Travellers were caught in the middle.
- 23–24 August 2026: after talks, the Meghalaya associations lifted their blockade at Umiam and Assam-registered tourist taxis started moving towards Shillong again. Meghalaya Tourism said there were "no restrictions on travel within Meghalaya or on inter-State movement between Meghalaya and Assam." That truce was temporary while the two states negotiated (The Assam Tribune, 24 August 2026).
- 8 September 2026: at a joint coordination meeting in Shillong, co-chaired by Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Assam Minister Atul Bora, the two states agreed to ensure "seamless movement of interstate cabs". They set up a sub-committee of both states' transport commissioners to handle future problems (Nagaland Post, 9 September 2026; The Shillong Times, 9 September 2026).
What applies now
- Assam-registered tourist taxis can take you into Meghalaya. The September agreement commits both states to seamless interstate movement of tourist cabs.
- Assam-registered vehicles pay a Meghalaya tourist tax at the Byrnihat check post. It's a normal, long-standing charge. A reputable operator includes it in your outstation fare rather than asking you for cash at the gate.
- Expect routine police checks on the highway. Carry ID for everyone in the group.
How to book so it doesn't affect your trip
1. Book with an operator, not a car you find at the airport. An operator who runs this route every week knows the current situation on the ground and has a backup vehicle if anything changes overnight.
2. Consider a Meghalaya-registered vehicle for a Shillong-based trip. If most of your trip is around Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki and Mawlynnong, a vehicle registered in Meghalaya avoids the Byrnihat tax entirely. At Breeziah we send Meghalaya-registered vehicles for Shillong-based bookings, and Assam vehicles for trips that start in Guwahati and include Kaziranga or other parts of Assam.
3. Get the fare in writing, including taxes. Ask whether the quote includes the Meghalaya tourist tax, tolls, parking and the driver's night halt. If something is "extra", get the amount in writing before you travel.
4. Keep the Meghalaya Tourism helpline handy. Meghalaya Tourism's toll-free number, 1800-599-2026, was shared for travellers during the August disruption (The Assam Tribune, 24 August 2026).
Should you change your Meghalaya plans?
No. The agreement is in place, both governments have committed to keeping tourist cabs moving, and post-monsoon (October to March) is one of the best times to visit Meghalaya. Book with someone who knows the route and the taxi question won't affect your trip.
Planning a trip?
- Car rental in Shillong
- Guwahati Airport to Shillong cab
- Guwahati to Shillong: distance, route and best stops
- Meghalaya tour packages
Sources
- The Assam Tribune, "Taxis roll again between Assam, Meghalaya as blockade temporarily lifted", 24 August 2026. https://assamtribune.com/assam/taxis-roll-again-between-assam-meghalaya-as-blockade-temporarily-lifted-1616027 (retrieved 2026-10-19)
- Nagaland Post, "Assam, M'laya resolve standoff between tourist taxi associations", 9 September 2026. https://nagalandpost.com/assam-mlaya-resolve-standoff-between-tourist-taxi-associations/ (retrieved 2026-10-19)
- The Shillong Times, "Assam, Meghalaya bury tourist taxi row; joint panel to end harassment", 9 September 2026. https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/09/09/assam-meghalaya-bury-tourist-taxi-row-joint-panel-to-end-harassment/ (retrieved 2026-10-19)
Helpful Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take an Assam taxi from Guwahati to Shillong in 2026?
Yes. Following the 8 September 2026 agreement between the Assam and Meghalaya governments, Assam-registered tourist taxis can travel into Meghalaya.
Do I have to switch to a Meghalaya taxi at the border?
Not under the September 2026 agreement, which commits both states to seamless interstate movement of tourist cabs. Conditions on the ground can change, so confirm with your operator a day or two before you travel.
What is the Byrnihat tax?
It's a tourist tax that Assam-registered vehicles pay at the Byrnihat check post when entering Meghalaya. Ask your operator whether it's included in your fare. At Breeziah it's included in the outstation quote.
Is a Meghalaya-registered vehicle better for a Meghalaya trip?
For a trip based in Shillong, yes. It avoids the entry tax. If your trip also covers Assam, such as Kaziranga, an Assam vehicle from Guwahati is usually simpler.
Is it safe to travel to Meghalaya now?
Both state governments have committed to stopping harassment of tourist drivers and to keeping interstate cabs moving. As with any trip, book with a known operator and carry ID.
Plan This Journey
Turn this Meghalaya guide into a trip that fits your pace
If this guide is part of the kind of holiday you want, Breeziah can help shape the route, travel flow and stay style around your dates, comfort level and destination priorities.