Puri is a famous coastal city in Odisha, known for its beautiful beaches and the Jagannath Temple. Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, serves as a major gateway to Northeast India. Traveling from Guwahati to Puri is common for pilgrims, tourists, and families seeking a mix of culture and sea.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Guwahati to Puri. You will learn about trains, buses, driving routes, and flights, along with practical tips for a smooth journey.

Getting from Guwahati to Puri – Main Options

Train

Train travel is popular for this long-distance route due to affordability and comfort. Several trains connect Guwahati Railway Station to Puri Railway Station, covering over 1,200 km.

• Trains like the Guwahati-Puri Express run daily or multiple times a week, taking around 24 to 30 hours depending on the service and route.

• Tickets can be booked via IRCTC or at railway counters; sleeper class fares range from ₹600 to ₹1,200, while AC classes cost ₹1,200 to ₹2,500.

• Trains depart mainly from Guwahati Junction (GHY) and arrive at Puri Station (PURI), which is close to the city center and temple.

• Train travel is comfortable but can be crowded during festivals like Rath Yatra; book tickets early to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Food options on trains are limited; carry snacks or buy at major stations like Bhubaneswar en route.

Bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly option but are less comfortable for the long journey of over 1,200 km. Direct buses between Guwahati and Puri are rare, so changing buses may be necessary.

• State transport buses like Assam State Transport and Odisha State Road Transport Corporation operate on parts of this route, with connections at cities like Silchar or Bhubaneswar.

• Travel time by bus can exceed 30 hours due to stops, traffic, and road conditions, especially during monsoon season.

• Bus fares range from ₹800 to ₹1,500 depending on bus type (AC or non-AC) and operator.

• Major bus depots include Guwahati ASTC Bus Station and Puri New Bus Stand, both well connected to local transport.

• Night buses are available but may not be recommended for first-time travelers due to safety and comfort concerns.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Guwahati to Puri is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips. The distance is about 1,250 km via NH27 and NH16, taking approximately 24 to 28 hours of driving time.

• The route passes through Assam, West Bengal, and Odisha, mainly on National Highways NH27 and NH16, which are generally in good condition but may have tolls.

• Plan for multiple rest stops at cities like Silchar, Kharagpur, and Bhubaneswar for food, fuel, and rest.

• Fuel costs for the trip can vary but expect to spend around ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 depending on your vehicle’s mileage.

• Driving during monsoon can be challenging due to slippery roads and occasional flooding; avoid night driving in rural areas.

• Use GPS navigation apps like Google Maps and keep offline maps handy in case of network issues.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach near Puri from Guwahati, but there is no direct flight to Puri. The nearest airport to Puri is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar.

• Flights from Guwahati Airport (GAU) to Bhubaneswar Airport (BBI) take about 2 to 3 hours with direct flights available daily.

• Airfares range from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 depending on the airline and booking time; book early for better deals.

• From Bhubaneswar, Puri is about 60 km away and can be reached by taxi or bus in 1.5 to 2 hours.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at Bhubaneswar Airport for convenient onward travel.

• Flights may be affected by weather conditions like fog in winter or monsoon rains; check flight status before departure.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Guwahati to Puri, helping you organize your journey smoothly.

• Book your train or flight tickets at least 2 weeks in advance through IRCTC or airline websites to secure your seat and avoid last-minute price hikes.

• If traveling by train, arrive at Guwahati Railway Station at least 30 minutes before departure to find your platform and settle in comfortably.

• For flights, reach Guwahati Airport 2 hours before the scheduled departure to complete security and check-in procedures without stress.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank, especially for train or bus journeys where amenities are limited.

• On arrival in Puri, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs for safe and fair local transport to your accommodation or temple.

• Keep your ID and booking confirmations handy throughout the trip for smooth check-ins and ticket verification.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always book tickets through official platforms like IRCTC or airline websites to avoid scams and ensure confirmed seats or flights.

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water during your journey to prevent stomach issues common in Indian travel.

• Use local transport apps like Ola or Uber in Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, and Puri for reliable and affordable rides instead of unmetered taxis.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying valuables in easily accessible pockets, especially in crowded stations and bus stands.

• During monsoon, check weather updates and road conditions before traveling by road to avoid delays or unsafe routes.

• Try local food at trusted eateries during rest stops but avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Guwahati to Puri is during the cooler months from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather and fewer travel disruptions.

Avoid traveling during the peak monsoon season (June to September) as heavy rains can cause roadblocks and train delays, especially in Assam and Odisha.

• Festivals like Rath Yatra in Puri and Bihu in Assam cause high passenger traffic; book tickets well in advance during these times.

• Winter fog in Assam can delay morning trains and flights; consider afternoon departures for better reliability.

• Early morning or late evening departures help avoid city traffic in Guwahati and Bhubaneswar, making your start and end smoother.

Arrival at Puri & What to Expect

When you arrive at Puri Railway Station or the bus stand, you will find several local transport options. Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are common for short distances, while prepaid taxis and app-based cabs offer safer rides to hotels or the temple.

Popular areas to stay include near the Jagannath Temple, Puri Beach Road, and Grand Road. These locations provide easy access to major attractions and eateries. Prepaid taxi counters at the station help avoid bargaining and overcharging.

Conclusion

Traveling from Guwahati to Puri is manageable by train, bus, car, or flight, depending on your budget and time. The train is the most economical and widely used option, while flights save time but require a road transfer from Bhubaneswar.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for a long journey. With the right information and precautions, you can enjoy a comfortable and memorable trip from Guwahati to the spiritual and scenic city of Puri.