Puri is a famous coastal city in Odisha, known for its beautiful beaches and the iconic Jagannath Temple. It attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists every year, making it a popular travel destination in eastern India.

This guide will help you plan your journey to Puri from various parts of India. You will learn about the main transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival.

Getting from Major Cities to Puri – Main Options

Train

Train travel is one of the most popular and convenient ways to reach Puri, especially from nearby cities like Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, and Chennai. The city has a well-connected railway station with frequent trains.

• Puri Railway Station (PURI) is the main station located near the city center, about 3 km from the Jagannath Temple, making it easy to access local transport after arrival.

• From Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, frequent trains run daily to Puri, covering approximately 60 km in 1.5 to 2 hours, with fares ranging from ₹50 to ₹300 depending on class.

• Long-distance trains from Kolkata, Chennai, and Howrah connect to Puri, with travel times varying from 8 to 12 hours, offering sleeper and AC coaches for comfort during overnight journeys.

• During festival seasons like Rath Yatra, trains to Puri get heavily booked; it is advisable to book tickets early via IRCTC or authorized agents to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Train services are generally reliable, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays; travelers should check real-time train status on the Indian Railways website or apps.

Bus

Buses provide an economical and flexible option to reach Puri from nearby cities and towns. Both government and private operators run regular services.

• Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) operates frequent buses from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and other cities to Puri, with journey times of 2 to 4 hours depending on the starting point.

• Private Volvo and deluxe buses are available from Kolkata and Bhubaneswar, offering comfortable seating and air conditioning, with fares ranging from ₹200 to ₹700.

• Major bus depots in Puri include the Town Bus Stand and the New Bus Stand, both well connected to local transport options like auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws.

• During peak tourist seasons and festivals, buses can get crowded; booking tickets in advance through online portals or bus counters is recommended to secure seats.

• Road conditions on National Highway 316 and connecting routes are generally good, but monsoon rains may cause occasional delays and slippery roads, so plan extra travel time during June to September.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Puri offers flexibility and the chance to explore nearby attractions at your own pace. The city is well connected by national and state highways.

• National Highway 316 connects Bhubaneswar to Puri, covering about 60 km in roughly 1.5 hours under normal traffic conditions, making it a popular route for self-drive travelers.

• Car rentals and self-drive options are available in major cities like Bhubaneswar and Kolkata, with daily rates ranging from ₹1500 to ₹4000 depending on the vehicle type.

• Several toll plazas are located on the route to Puri; keep cash or digital payment options ready to avoid delays at toll booths.

• Parking in Puri near the Jagannath Temple and beach areas can be limited during festivals; it is advisable to park in designated areas and use local transport for short distances.

• Driving during early mornings or late evenings can help avoid city traffic, but avoid night driving in rural stretches due to limited street lighting and stray animals on the road.

Flight

Puri does not have its own airport, but the nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar, which is well connected to major Indian cities. Flights are suitable for travelers coming from distant locations.

• Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is approximately 60 km from Puri, with taxi and bus services available for the onward journey.

• Regular flights connect Bhubaneswar to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, with flight durations ranging from 1.5 to 3 hours.

• From the airport, you can hire prepaid taxis or use app-based cabs like Ola and Uber to reach Puri, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.

• Airport buses and private shuttles also operate between Bhubaneswar Airport and Puri, offering economical options for solo travelers and groups.

• Booking flights in advance during festival seasons is crucial as seats fill quickly; also check for seasonal discounts and offers on airline websites.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Puri, helping you navigate your journey smoothly and confidently.

• Book your train or bus tickets early through IRCTC or official bus portals to avoid last-minute unavailability, especially during festivals like Rath Yatra.

• If flying, book your flight to Bhubaneswar well in advance and arrange your onward transport to Puri by taxi or bus before arrival to save time.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank, as some routes may have limited food options during travel.

• On arrival at Puri Railway Station or bus stand, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs to reach your accommodation safely and avoid overcharging.

• Plan your travel timings to avoid peak traffic hours, typically early mornings and late evenings, to ensure a smoother journey and less crowd.

• Keep local emergency numbers and your accommodation contact handy for quick assistance during your trip.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a bottle of purified water and avoid drinking tap water to prevent stomach issues common among travelers in coastal regions.

• Use official prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safer and fair-priced local travel within Puri.

• Book train and bus tickets online through IRCTC and OSRTC websites or apps to secure confirmed seats and avoid long queues at stations.

• Carry light luggage and avoid bulky bags as local transport like auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws have limited space.

• During monsoon season, keep an umbrella and raincoat handy as sudden showers are common and can disrupt travel plans.

• Be cautious of street food vendors; prefer eating at popular and clean eateries to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Puri is during the winter months from October to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and beach activities.

Monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rains, which can cause travel delays and slippery roads, so plan accordingly if traveling during this time.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Rath Yatra and Durga Puja unless you want to experience the crowd and book well in advance.

• Summer months (March to May) can be hot and humid, making daytime travel uncomfortable, so early morning or late evening departures are better.

• Fog is not a major issue in Puri, but early mornings in winter can be slightly misty; allow extra travel time if catching early trains or buses.

• Departing early in the day helps avoid city traffic and ensures you reach Puri before sunset, especially if driving or taking buses.

Arrival at Puri & What to Expect

When you arrive at Puri Railway Station or bus stands, you will find several local transport options like auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and app-based cabs to reach your hotel or the beach area.

Popular areas to stay include near the Jagannath Temple, Puri Beach Road, and Swargadwar, offering easy access to major attractions and eateries. Prepaid taxi counters at stations ensure safe and fair rides, and Ola/Uber services are available in the city.

Conclusion

Traveling to Puri is convenient with multiple options like trains, buses, cars, and flights via Bhubaneswar. Train travel is the most popular and economical, especially from nearby cities, while flights suit long-distance travelers.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, choosing the right travel time, and using reliable local transport will make your journey smooth and enjoyable. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip to Puri and enjoy its spiritual and scenic beauty without stress.