How to Reach Majuli Island | Travel Routes by Road, Air & Ferry

Majuli Island, the largest river island in the world, is a hidden gem tucked away in the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India. This breathtaking island is not just a geographical marvel but also a cultural hotspot, home to neo-Vaishnavite monasteries, vibrant tribal communities, and stunning landscapes. Despite its remote location, reaching Majuli is an adventure worth embarking on, offering a mix of road, air, and ferry journeys in hidden gem of Northeast India.

If you’re planning a trip to this enchanting island, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the best travel routes by road, air, and ferry, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Where is Majuli Island Located?

Before diving into travel routes, let’s first understand where Majuli Island is located. Situated in the Brahmaputra River in Assam, Majuli lies about 20 km from Jorhat, one of the key cities in Upper Assam. Due to its unique location, the only way to reach Majuli is via ferry from Jorhat’s Nimati Ghat. However, getting to Jorhat itself involves a combination of flights, road travel, and train journeys.

Now, let’s break down the best ways to reach Majuli Island, starting from different modes of transportation.

How to Reach Majuli Island by Air

If you are traveling from outside Assam, the fastest way to reach Majuli is by air. However, since Majuli does not have an airport, the nearest airport is in Jorhat.

Step 1: Fly to Jorhat Airport (Rowriah Airport – JRH)

Nearest Airport: Jorhat Airport (JRH), also known as Rowriah Airport, is the closest airport to Majuli, located about 14 km from Nimati Ghat (the ferry point to Majuli).
Major Airlines: Airlines such as IndiGo and Alliance Air operate regular flights from Guwahati, Kolkata, and sometimes Delhi.

Alternative Airports Near Majuli

Dibrugarh Airport (DIB) – 140 km from Nimati Ghat, well-connected with Delhi, Guwahati, and Kolkata.
LGBI Airport, Guwahati (GAU) – 300 km away, the largest airport in Assam, with flights from major Indian cities.

Step 2: Travel from Jorhat Airport to Nimati Ghat

Once you land at Jorhat Airport, you need to reach Nimati Ghat, which is about 30-40 minutes away by road. You can hire a taxi (₹500-₹800) or take a shared auto to reach the ferry point.

Step 3: Take a Ferry from Nimati Ghat to Majuli

At Nimati Ghat, you will board a government or private ferry to cross the Brahmaputra River to reach Kamalabari Ghat in Majuli. The ferry ride takes around 1-1.5 hours.

Check Perfect Itineraries for Assam Getaway:

How to Reach Majuli Island by Train

If you prefer train travel, your best option is to reach Jorhat Town Railway Station (JTTN) or Mariani Junction (MXN).

Step 1: Book a Train to Jorhat or Mariani

Jorhat Town Railway Station (JTTN): This is the closest railway station to Majuli, about 17 km from Nimati Ghat.
Mariani Junction (MXN): A bigger railway station located 22 km from Jorhat, which receives trains from Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata, and Dibrugarh.

Major Trains to Jorhat/Mariani

Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express (12424) – From New Delhi
Kamrup Express (15959) – From Howrah (Kolkata)
Brahmaputra Mail (14055) – From New Delhi
Jan Shatabdi Express (12068) – From Guwahati

Step 2: Travel to Nimati Ghat from Jorhat/Mariani

Once you reach Jorhat or Mariani, hire a taxi or take a local bus to Nimati Ghat, the ferry terminal for Majuli. Taxis charge around ₹400-₹800, while shared vehicles are much cheaper.

Step 3: Take the Ferry to Majuli

As mentioned earlier, ferries from Nimati Ghat to Kamalabari Ghat run multiple times a day and take about 1-1.5 hours to reach Majuli.

How to Reach Majuli Island by Road

For those who love long drives or road trips, traveling to Majuli by road is also a scenic and adventurous option. Since Majuli is an island, you cannot reach it directly by road; you will need to drive to Nimati Ghat and take the ferry.

Step 1: Drive to Jorhat from Major Cities

From Guwahati: 310 km (7-8 hours) via NH 27 & NH 715
From Tezpur: 190 km (5 hours) via NH 715
From Dibrugarh: 140 km (4 hours) via NH 37

There are regular buses and private taxis available from Guwahati, Tezpur, and Dibrugarh to Jorhat. Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) operates deluxe and semi-deluxe buses from Guwahati to Jorhat.

Step 2: Reach Nimati Ghat and Take the Ferry

Once in Jorhat, drive to Nimati Ghat, park your vehicle (if needed), and board the ferry to Majuli. If you’re on a bike or two-wheeler, you can take it along on the ferry!

Ferry Services from Nimati Ghat to Majuli

The ferry ride from Nimati Ghat (Jorhat) to Kamalabari Ghat (Majuli) is a unique experience in itself. These boats carry passengers, motorbikes, and even small vehicles across the mighty Brahmaputra River.

Ferry Timings & Schedule

First ferry: 7:30 AM
Last ferry: 3:00 PM
Frequency: Every 1-2 hours (depends on water levels and weather conditions)
Duration: Around 1 to 1.5 hours

Ferry Ticket Prices

Passengers: ₹20 – ₹50 per person
Two-wheelers: ₹100 – ₹150
Cars/Small Vehicles: ₹500+ (only on select ferries)

Tip: Try to reach Nimati Ghat early in the morning to catch an early ferry, as ferry services may be disrupted during monsoons.

Best Time to Visit Majuli

The best time to visit Majuli Island is between October and March when the weather is cool and pleasant. This is also when Rasleela Festival takes place, showcasing the island’s vibrant Vaishnavite culture.

Avoid Monsoon Season (June – September)

Majuli is prone to flooding during the monsoons, and ferry services may be limited or even canceled due to high water levels.

Final Travel Tips for Visiting Majuli

Plan your ferry timing: The last ferry from Nimati Ghat leaves around 3:00 PM, so reach Jorhat early to avoid missing it.
Carry cash: Majuli has limited ATMs, and many places do not accept digital payments.
Book accommodations in advance: Majuli has beautiful eco-lodges and guesthouses, but availability can be limited during peak season.
Explore on a bike or cycle: Once on the island, rent a bicycle or scooter to explore its scenic beauty at your own pace.

Conclusion

Reaching Majuli Island may involve multiple travel modes, but the journey is an adventure in itself. Whether you fly to Jorhat, take a scenic train ride, or embark on a road trip, the final ferry ride across the Brahmaputra makes it all worthwhile. Majuli’s stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality make it a must-visit destination in Assam.

So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable trip to Majuli Island! If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below. Happy travels! 🚢🌿

Continue Your Journey Here:

How to Reach Majuli Island: Best Travel Routes by Road, Air & Ferry

Where is Majuli Island Located?

How to Reach Majuli Island by Air