Can I drive a self drive car in Meghalaya in 2025?

Yes, but you must rent the vehicle from Guwahati (Assam) due to local regulations in Meghalaya. Onroadz Guwahati provides cars with 'Authority to Drive' letters and private number plates which allow you to travel across state borders as a tourist without issues.

Is it safe to drive from Guwahati to Arunachal Pradesh?

Yes, the roads to Tawang and Bomdila are scenic but require high-ground clearance vehicles. We recommend renting an SUV like Scorpio N or Creta from Guwahati for Arunachal trips.

Guwahati Airport Pickup → Meghalaya & Arunachal

Self Drive Car Rental: Guwahati to Meghalaya & Arunachal

Current 2026 Situation: Due to local regulations, self drive rentals inside Meghalaya are restricted. The safe solution is to rent from Guwahati Airport and drive across the border hassle-free.

Valid Across State Borders Authority to Drive Permits Provided Private Plates (Zoomcar Style)

Check Available Cars Chat on WhatsApp

Trip Essentials

Key requirements for Meghalaya/Arunachal self drive.

License Type Standard DL (Indian)

Car Plate Private (White Plate)

Security Deposit Starts ₹3000

Best for 5–8 Day Trips

Important: 2026 Meghalaya & Arunachal Rental Rules

What is the ground situation? In the year 2025, the Meghalaya Government has strictly enforced a ban on self-drive rental agencies based inside Meghalaya. This makes it difficult to find a car once you reach Shillong.

The Solution: If you rent a car from Guwahati (Assam) and complete your tour, there is no issue. Inter-state tourist movement is fully allowed.

Authority to Drive Permits: We provide an official Authority to Drive letter on your Registered Drivers License, authorizing you to drive our vehicle.
Private Number Plates: Similar to Zoomcar in Guwahati, Onroadz Guwahati provides cars with Private (White) Numberplates. This ensures you look like a private tourist family, avoiding harassment from local taxi unions in Meghalaya.
Airport Convenience: Most tourists land at Guwahati Airport, pick up our rental car, and drive to Meghalaya/Arunachal without issues. Onroadz Guwahati provides all necessary papers for border crossing.

Driving to Meghalaya & Arunachal

The route from Guwahati is the gateway to the entire North East. Whether you are heading to the wet hills of Cherrapunji or the snow-capped Sela Pass in Arunachal.

Meghalaya Circuit: Guwahati -> Shillong -> Cherrapunji -> Dawki -> Guwahati. Smooth roads, perfect for hatchbacks or Compact SUVs.
Arunachal Circuit: Guwahati -> Bhalukpong -> Bomdila/Dirang -> Tawang. Requires SUVs (Scorpio/Creta) due to high altitude passes.
Permits: For Arunachal, you need an Inner Line Permit (ILP). The car documents we provide are valid for entry, but passengers need individual ILPs (apply online).

Recommended Cars

For Meghalaya Only: Swift, Baleno, Fronx, i20. (Easy to park in Shillong traffic).
For Arunachal/Tawang: Scorpio N, Mahindra Thar, XUV 700, Grand Vitara. (High ground clearance is mandatory).

Note: We offer Airport Pick up and Drop service directly at Guwahati Airport (GAU) so you don't need to enter Guwahati city traffic.

How to Book Your Trip

Plan your Dates: Decide if you are doing only Meghalaya (3-5 days) or including Arunachal (7-9 days).
Contact Us: WhatsApp us your landing time at Guwahati Airport.
Get the Papers: We prepare the Agreement and "Authority to Drive" letter before your arrival.
Drive Away: Pick up the car from the airport or our Chandmari office and head straight to the hills.

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