Pune is a bustling city in Maharashtra known for its culture and education, while Jagannath Puri is a famous pilgrimage town on the east coast of Odisha. Many travelers journey from Pune to Puri to visit the iconic Jagannath Temple and enjoy the coastal atmosphere. This route covers a long distance across India, making it important to choose the best travel option.

This guide will help you understand the main ways to travel from Pune to Jagannath Puri, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also find step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and advice on arrival to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Pune to Jagannath Puri – Main Options

Train

Train travel is popular for this route due to the long distance and affordability. Several trains connect Pune to Puri, offering different classes and travel times. Trains are suitable if you want a balance of comfort and cost.

• Pune Junction (PUNE) is the main railway station connecting to Jagannath Puri Railway Station (PURI), covering around 1800 km with travel times ranging from 30 to 36 hours depending on the train.

• Popular trains include the Pune-Puri Express and the Howrah-Puri Express via Pune, offering sleeper, AC 3-tier, and AC 2-tier classes with fares typically between ₹800 and ₹2500.

• Train frequency varies but generally there are 2-3 direct trains weekly; booking early on IRCTC is advised to secure preferred classes, especially during festival seasons like Rath Yatra.

• Trains can be crowded during holidays; monsoon season may cause delays, so plan for buffer time and carry snacks as station food options vary en route.

• Major stops en route include Nagpur, Raipur, and Bhubaneswar, where you can find clean restrooms and food stalls for breaks during the journey.

Bus

Bus travel is less common for this long route but possible for budget travelers who prefer road trips. It is more suitable for those who want to explore towns along the way or cannot get train tickets.

• Direct buses from Pune to Puri are rare; travelers often take buses to Nagpur or Raipur first, then switch to Odisha state buses or private operators to reach Puri, totaling over 30 hours of travel.

• MSRTC and Odisha State Road Transport Corporation operate buses on segments of this route; fares range from ₹1000 to ₹1800 depending on bus type and operator.

• Bus travel involves multiple changes and can be tiring; roads include NH53 and NH16, which are mostly in good condition but may have tolls and occasional traffic jams near cities.

• Night buses are available on some segments, but safety and comfort levels vary; it is best to book Volvo or deluxe buses for better seats and air conditioning.

• Food and rest stops are limited on highways; carry water and light snacks, and avoid traveling during heavy monsoon rains when roads can be slippery.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Puri is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility. The route covers about 1800 km and takes around 30-32 hours of driving time.

• The main route follows NH53 from Pune to Nagpur, then NH16 from Raipur to Puri, passing through Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha with scenic views and several toll plazas.

• Driving allows stops at cities like Nagpur, Raipur, and Bhubaneswar for sightseeing or rest; plan overnight halts to avoid fatigue and ensure safety.

• Fuel stations are available along the highways, but some stretches in Chhattisgarh and Odisha have fewer options, so refuel when possible to avoid running low.

• Road conditions are generally good on national highways, but monsoon season can cause waterlogging and potholes, so check weather forecasts before starting your journey.

• Car rentals with drivers are available in Pune for this trip; self-drive is possible but requires confidence in long-distance Indian highway driving and navigation using GPS apps like Google Maps or MapMyIndia.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Puri from Pune, especially for travelers with limited time. However, Puri does not have its own airport, so you must fly to nearby cities and continue by road or rail.

• The nearest airport to Puri is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar, about 60 km away, connected to Pune Airport (PNQ) by direct and connecting flights.

• Direct flights from Pune to Bhubaneswar take around 3.5 to 4 hours, with fares ranging from ₹3000 to ₹7000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Bhubaneswar, you can hire prepaid taxis, Ola/Uber cabs, or take buses to Puri; the road journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours on NH316, with fares around ₹800 to ₹1500 for taxis.

• Flights are frequent but tend to be busier during festivals and holidays; booking tickets 2-3 weeks in advance helps secure better prices.

• Airport facilities in Pune and Bhubaneswar are modern with food courts and lounges; consider flight timings to avoid late-night arrivals when local transport options are limited.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is for first-time travelers from Pune to Jagannath Puri. It helps you prepare and organize your journey smoothly, avoiding common pitfalls.

• Check train and flight schedules on IRCTC and airline websites to compare travel times and fares; booking early ensures availability and better prices.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, a power bank, and a small first-aid kit, especially for long train or bus journeys.

• Arrive at Pune station or airport at least 1 hour before departure to complete security checks and find your platform or gate without stress.

• If traveling by train, confirm your berth and coach number on the ticket and keep your ID proof handy for verification during the journey.

• On arrival at Bhubaneswar airport or Puri railway station, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for safe and fair local transport to your accommodation.

• Inform your hotel or guesthouse about your arrival time and confirm pickup options if available, especially if arriving late at night to avoid last-minute hassles.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a copy of your ID and travel tickets in both digital and printed forms; Indian railway and bus staff often check these multiple times during the journey.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during travel and avoid street food unless it is freshly cooked and from a clean vendor to prevent stomach issues.

• Book train tickets through the official IRCTC website or app to avoid scams; use trusted travel portals for flights and buses.

• For local travel in Puri, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs instead of haggling with local drivers to ensure safety and fair pricing.

• Pack your luggage carefully with locks and keep valuables like passports, money, and electronics in a carry bag that stays with you at all times.

• During monsoon months, check weather updates and road conditions before traveling by road to avoid delays caused by flooding or landslides.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Pune to Jagannath Puri depends on weather and festivals. Avoiding peak seasons helps reduce crowding and travel stress.

Winter months from October to February offer pleasant weather in both Pune and Puri, making travel comfortable. Monsoon from June to September can cause delays on roads and railways due to heavy rains.

• Avoid traveling during Rath Yatra festival in Puri (usually June or July) unless you want to experience the festival, as trains and hotels get fully booked and prices rise.

• Summer months (March to May) can be hot, especially in Odisha; plan early morning or late evening travel to avoid heat exhaustion.

• Early morning departures from Pune help avoid city traffic and reach connecting points on time, especially for trains and flights.

• During monsoon, check for train cancellations or road closures; keep flexible travel dates if possible to adjust for weather disruptions.

Arrival at Jagannath Puri & What to Expect

When you arrive at Jagannath Puri Railway Station or reach by road, you will find several options for local transport. The station has prepaid taxi counters and auto-rickshaws, but it is best to use app-based cabs like Ola for safety and fixed fares.

Popular areas to stay include near the Jagannath Temple, Swargadwar Beach, and Puri town center. Accommodations range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. Booking in advance is recommended during festivals and holidays.

Conclusion

Traveling from Pune to Jagannath Puri offers several options depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Trains provide an affordable and scenic journey, while flights combined with road travel save time. Driving is ideal for those who enjoy road trips and flexibility.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport in Puri will ensure a smooth and enjoyable pilgrimage or vacation. With this guide, you can confidently prepare for your journey and experience the spiritual and cultural richness of Jagannath Puri.