Planning a trip across Assam often means navigating long distances. My wife and I recently traveled from Dibrugarh to Guwahati to catch a flight. We decided to try a popular travel combo. This combo includes an overnight sleeper bus. It also features a short-stay guest house near the airport.
The experience was an adventure, to say the least. It was practical and budget-friendly, but it came with significant compromises. If you’re planning a similar trip, here is our completely honest, unvarnished review of what went right—and what went wrong.
To see the full journey unfold, check out our video on YouTube!
Part 1: The Overnight Ride with SRS Luxuria Rupam Travels
We chose an overnight sleeper bus to save time and the cost of a hotel. Our ride was with SRS Luxuria Rupam Travels, and the tickets cost us ₹700 per person.
- The Good: The bus itself was the best part of our journey. The AC was a relief, the sleeper berths were surprisingly comfortable, and the bus felt clean and well-maintained. As a couple, we felt secure in our private berth and managed to get some sleep. You can check their routes and book directly on their website: https://www.srsluxuria.com/.
- The Not-So-Good: The journey’s weak point was the rest stop. The bus pulled over in the middle of the night at a facility that was far from ideal. The toilets were not clean, and the overall hygiene of the place was very poor. It was a brief but unpleasant part of the experience that you should be prepared for.
Part 2: The Hourly Hotel – A Mixed Bag at Sunrise Guest House
Upon arriving in Guwahati, we needed a place to freshen up before our afternoon flight. We booked a few hours at Sunrise Guest House near the airport for ₹1000. We thought it was a smart travel hack, but the reality was more complicated.
The experience was, frankly, just “ok-ok.” The room was basic. The standards of cleanliness and comfort were not what we would have hoped for as a couple. It served the functional purpose of giving us a place to shower and store our bags. However, it wasn’t a relaxing or pleasant environment.
- Our Recommendation: We would not recommend it for families or couples. If you are a solo male traveler, it gets the job done. The same goes if you are a group of boys on a tight budget. You just need a no-frills place to crash for a few hours before a flight. For anyone else, we suggest looking for slightly better, more reputable transit hotel options.
Pro-Tip: A Warning for Travelers with a Layover in Guwahati
During our planning, we considered getting a hotel inside Guwahati city. We are so glad we didn’t. If you have a flight to catch, we strongly advise you to stay near the airport. The best option is in the Azara area. Avoid the city center.
Here’s why:
- Distance & Traffic: The airport is quite far from the main city. Factoring in Guwahati’s notorious traffic, a seemingly short distance can take hours, risking you missing your flight.
- Waterlogging: Especially during the rainy season, Guwahati faces severe waterlogging issues. Roads can become impassable, making the journey to the airport incredibly stressful and unpredictable. Booking a place near the airport eliminates these risks entirely.
Final Verdict: A Journey of Compromises
Our trip from Dibrugarh to Guwahati cost a total of ₹2,400 for the two of us. It was a very budget-friendly option. The SRS Luxuria bus itself was great. However, the experience was let down by the poor rest stop. Adding to the disappointment was the guest house.
It’s a viable way to travel if your budget is your absolute top priority. However, be prepared for the compromises. You’ll get from A to B cheaply, but comfort and cleanliness, especially in the transit accommodation, are not guaranteed.
Have you had a similar mixed experience while traveling? Share your story in the comments below!
Leave a comment