Imphal Airport
Airport guide 2026

Imphal Airport IMF

India

Bir Tikendrajit Airport serves Imphal, capital of Manipur, a state in India's remote north-east on the border with Myanmar, approximately 8 km from the city centre.

The region, less visited by international tourism, offers hilly landscapes, lakes, and a culture distinct from the rest of India.

Content verified on 04/09/2026

How to get to Imphal Airport

Imphal city centre is approximately 8 km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 15-20 minutes by taxi.

By Car

By car, you reach the city centre of Imphal in approximately 15-20 minutes.

By Train

There is no direct train service to this airport.

By Bus

Some urban bus lines connect the airport to the city centre.
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Tips Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in northeast India, known for its floating islets (phumdi), is about an hour from Imphal.

Average travel time to IMF

TrainNot available
Shuttle busNot a dedicated service
Taxi / Private hire15-20 minutes

Parking near Imphal Airport

The parking lot managed by the airport is located in front of the terminal.

Video surveillance is active; costs remain reasonable.

How to get to Imphal from IMF

By Train

There is no direct railway line to the airport.

By Bus

Some bus lines connect the airport to Imphal's city center.

By Taxi

Taxis wait in the arrivals area; expect 250-700 rupees to the city center, depending on whether you use the basic prepaid fare or a booked cab.

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

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Car rental at Imphal Airport

Major car rental companies all have desks in the arrivals area.

Be sure to have your driver's license, passport, credit card, and generally an International Driving Permit.

 

Hotels near Imphal Airport

Imphal airport (Tulihal) is just 8 km from the city centre, 20-25 minutes by car: unlike other airports in the northeast, here there's no need to choose between airport and centre, because the most reliable properties are all already within 20 minutes of the terminal. The best options are found in the heart of Imphal, near Kangla Fort and Ima Market, with Sangai Continental the closest to the terminal and Classic Grande, a Radisson Individuals member, the most polished in the city.
City centre

Imphal city centre

About 6-10 km from the airport depending on the hotel, 8-18 minutes by car; direct taxi or a shuttle on request offered by some properties.

Best for: Any stay in Imphal: the best properties are all within 20 minutes of the airport, with no real compromise between the centre and proximity to the terminal.

Pros
  • Kangla Fort and Ima Market, among the city's main attractions, are a few minutes from each of these hotels
  • All the properties listed remain within 20 minutes of the airport, useful also for early-morning flights
Cons
  • No real international hotel chain in Imphal, except for the Radisson Individuals brand
  • The transfer remains by road, with no reliable public transport alternatives
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport serves Imphal, the capital of Manipur, located in the remote northeast of India near the Myanmar border.

Shopping & Duty Free

A small duty-free area features local Manipur handicrafts.

Lounges & relaxation

No dedicated VIP lounges are present, in line with this airport's size.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi connection is available in the terminal's common areas.

Families & Children

The terminal provides basic assistance for passengers traveling with children.

Terminal guide

The terminal is compact, consistent with its role as Manipur's hub.

Before flights, it's wise to arrive with 2 hours' margin.

Map of Imphal Airport

Map of Imphal Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. What is Loktak Lake?

The largest freshwater lake in northeast India, famous for its floating islets of vegetation (phumdi), one of which is home to the only floating national park in the world.

Q. Is it safe to visit Manipur?

The main tourist areas around Imphal and Loktak Lake are generally fine to visit, but the region has seen ethnic tensions in recent years: always check your country's updated travel advisories before leaving.

Q. Do you need a special permit to visit Manipur?

Foreign visitors generally need to register with a Protected Area Permit (PAP): check the current requirements with the Indian authorities before your trip.

Q. Are there working ATMs in Imphal?

Yes, at the main banks in the city, but it's still wise to arrive with some extra cash, since the region has gone through periods of instability that can affect local services.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

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