Jagannath Puri is a famous pilgrimage city located on the eastern coast of Odisha, India. It is well known for the Jagannath Temple and its annual Rath Yatra festival, attracting millions of devotees from across the country. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Puri from major cities and what to expect during your journey.

Whether you are traveling from Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, or other parts of India, this article covers all transport options including train, bus, car, and flight. You will find detailed travel times, fare ranges, and practical tips to plan your trip smoothly and comfortably.

Getting from Major Cities to Jagannath Puri – Main Options

Train

Train travel to Puri is popular among pilgrims and tourists due to its affordability and convenience. Puri Railway Station is well connected to many Indian cities, making it a preferred choice for many travelers.

• Puri Railway Station is the main railhead, connected to Bhubaneswar (about 60 km away) with frequent trains running daily, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours and costing between ₹50 to ₹150 for second class and sleeper classes.

• From Kolkata, several direct trains like the Howrah-Puri Express cover approximately 500 km in 9 to 11 hours, with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹1,200 depending on class and train type.

• Train services are generally reliable, but during the monsoon season, delays can occur due to waterlogging on tracks, so it is advisable to check IRCTC updates before booking.

• Advance booking through IRCTC or authorized agents is recommended, especially during festivals like Rath Yatra when trains get fully booked quickly.

• At Puri station, prepaid taxi counters and auto-rickshaws are available for last-mile connectivity to hotels and the temple area, ensuring easy onward travel.

Bus

Buses offer a flexible and economical way to reach Puri from nearby cities and towns. Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) and private operators run frequent services to Puri.

• From Bhubaneswar, regular OSRTC buses and private Volvo coaches run every 30 minutes, covering the 60 km distance in about 2 hours with fares between ₹70 to ₹200 depending on the bus type.

• Long-distance buses from Kolkata and other cities take 10 to 12 hours, with fares ranging from ₹400 to ₹800; night buses are common and help save daytime travel.

• Bus stations in Puri are located near the town center, but some buses stop at the New Bus Stand, requiring a short auto-rickshaw ride to the temple area.

• During peak pilgrimage seasons and festivals, buses can be crowded and tickets sell out fast, so booking in advance or arriving early at the bus depot is advisable.

• Road conditions on National Highway 316 and NH16 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays due to waterlogging or traffic jams near toll plazas.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Puri offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you want to explore nearby attractions like Konark and Chilika Lake. The roads are mostly well maintained and scenic.

• The main route from Bhubaneswar to Puri is via NH316, covering about 60 km in 1.5 to 2 hours, with toll plazas on the way requiring small fees around ₹50 to ₹100.

• From Kolkata, the drive is approximately 500 km via NH16 and NH316, taking 9 to 11 hours depending on traffic and stops, with multiple tolls and rest stops along the way.

• Self-drive cars or taxis can be hired from major cities; Ola and Uber operate in Bhubaneswar but have limited availability in Puri, so pre-booking a taxi for return trips is recommended.

• Parking near the Jagannath Temple is limited and restricted; it is better to park at designated lots and walk or use local autos to reach the temple.

• During festivals, traffic congestion is common near Puri town, so plan your arrival early morning or late evening to avoid delays and parking issues.

Flight

While Puri does not have its own airport, the nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar, which is well connected to major Indian cities. Flying is the fastest option if you are traveling from distant locations.

• Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is about 60 km from Puri, with regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad, taking 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the city of origin.

• From the airport, you can hire prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber to reach Puri in around 1.5 to 2 hours, costing ₹1,200 to ₹1,800 depending on vehicle type.

• Airport buses and private shuttles are limited, so pre-booking a taxi or arranging hotel transfers is advisable for smooth travel.

• Flight fares vary widely depending on season and booking time, so booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance can secure better prices.

• During the monsoon season, flight delays can occur due to weather, so keep some buffer time if you have connecting travel plans.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Jagannath Puri, helping you prepare and navigate your journey with ease.

• Book your train or bus tickets early through IRCTC or OSRTC websites to avoid last-minute unavailability, especially during festivals or holidays.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank, as some journeys can be long and rest stops may be basic.

• Reach your departure station or bus stand at least 30 minutes before departure to find your platform or bus easily and avoid rush.

• If traveling by car, check your vehicle’s condition, fuel level, and GPS route before starting, and plan rest stops along NH316 or NH16 for comfort.

• On arrival at Puri Railway Station or bus stand, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs for safe and fair rides to your accommodation.

• Keep local currency handy for small expenses like auto-rickshaw rides, tolls, or food stalls, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs from stations and airports to avoid overcharging; negotiate fares only if prepaid options are unavailable.

• Drink bottled water and avoid street food unless it is freshly cooked and from a clean vendor to prevent stomach issues during your trip.

• Book your train or bus tickets at least two weeks in advance during peak seasons like Rath Yatra to secure confirmed seats and avoid last-minute stress.

• Local transport in Puri includes auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws; agree on fares before starting your ride to avoid confusion.

• Carry a small daypack with essentials during temple visits, as large bags may not be allowed inside the temple premises.

• During the monsoon, carry rain gear and check weather forecasts, as heavy rains can cause travel delays and slippery roads.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Jagannath Puri is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and dry. Summers can be hot and humid, while monsoons bring heavy rains that may disrupt travel plans.

Planning your trip outside major festivals can help avoid overcrowding and high accommodation prices. Early morning departures usually offer smoother travel with less traffic.

• Avoid traveling during Rath Yatra and major festivals unless you want to experience the crowd and special events, as transport and accommodation get fully booked.

• Monsoon months (June to September) can cause road and rail delays due to waterlogging and occasional landslides on highways.

• Winter mornings and evenings can be foggy in some parts of Odisha, affecting visibility and causing minor delays in train and road travel.

• Departing early in the morning from Bhubaneswar or other cities helps you avoid city traffic and reach Puri comfortably before noon.

Arrival at Jagannath Puri & What to Expect

When you arrive at Puri Railway Station or bus stand, you will find several options for local transport. Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs like Ola are available for safe rides to your hotel or the temple area.

Most visitors stay near the Jagannath Temple or along the Puri Beach Road, where there are many budget hotels, guesthouses, and dharamshalas. Walking or short auto-rickshaw rides are common for moving around the town.

Conclusion

Traveling to Jagannath Puri is convenient by train, bus, car, or flight, with each option offering different benefits depending on your starting point and travel preferences. Train travel is economical and well-connected, while flights to Bhubaneswar save time for distant travelers.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, choosing the right travel season, and using prepaid local transport will ensure a smooth and comfortable journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip to Jagannath Puri and enjoy the spiritual and cultural richness of this iconic pilgrimage city.