Puri is a famous coastal city in Odisha, known for its beautiful beaches and the iconic Jagannath Temple. Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, is located on the west coast, while Puri lies on the east coast, making this a popular route for both leisure and pilgrimage travelers.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Puri. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, fares, and practical tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Mumbai to Puri – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and cost-effective option for this long-distance journey. It offers a chance to experience Indian rail travel while reaching Puri comfortably.

• Mumbai has several major railway stations like Mumbai CST, Dadar, and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, from where trains to Puri depart, covering about 1900 km in roughly 30 to 36 hours.

• Popular trains include the Puri Express and the Konark Express, which run regularly with fares ranging from INR 600 for sleeper class to INR 2500 for AC 2-tier, depending on the class chosen.

• Train frequency is good, but booking in advance via IRCTC is essential, especially during festival seasons like Rath Yatra when demand spikes significantly.

• Trains offer onboard catering, but it is advisable to carry some snacks and water, as food quality varies and some routes have limited pantry car service.

• Monsoon season can cause delays due to track maintenance and waterlogging, so plan accordingly if traveling between June and September.

Bus

Bus travel from Mumbai to Puri is less common due to the long distance but can be an option for budget travelers who prefer road travel.

• Buses depart from Mumbai’s major bus terminals like Dadar and Borivali, heading towards Odisha via NH 53 and NH 16, covering around 2000 km in approximately 40 to 45 hours.

• State transport buses like MSRTC and Odisha State Road Transport Corporation operate limited services, mostly connecting to Bhubaneswar, from where you can take local transport to Puri.

• Private Volvo or sleeper buses are rare on this route due to the long distance; fares range from INR 1500 to INR 2500 depending on the bus type and operator.

• Long bus journeys can be tiring and less comfortable, so consider breaks at major cities like Nagpur and Raipur for meals and rest.

• During peak holiday seasons, buses may get fully booked early; booking tickets online or at terminals in advance is recommended.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Puri is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore en route destinations.

• The distance is about 1900 to 2000 km via NH 53 and NH 16, taking approximately 35 to 40 hours of driving time spread over 3 to 4 days for a comfortable journey.

• Major cities on the route include Nagpur, Raipur, and Bhubaneswar, where you can stop for rest, food, and fuel; toll plazas are frequent along the highways, so keep cash or FASTag ready.

• Road conditions are generally good on national highways, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery patches, especially in central India.

• Plan your stops in advance, as some stretches have limited petrol pumps and eateries; popular rest stops include Nagpur’s highway dhabas and Raipur’s food courts.

• Self-drive allows flexibility to explore nearby attractions like Chilika Lake near Puri or the temples in Bhubaneswar before reaching your destination.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Mumbai to Puri, especially for those with limited time.

• Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport offers daily flights to Bhubaneswar, the nearest airport to Puri, with a flight time of around 2.5 to 3 hours.

• Major airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet operate this route, with fares typically ranging from INR 3000 to INR 7000 depending on booking time and season.

• From Bhubaneswar Airport, 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 the airport.

• Booking flights well in advance, especially during festivals like Rath Yatra or winter holidays, helps secure better fares and seat availability.

• Weather disruptions are rare but can occur during monsoon; check flight status before departure to avoid last-minute surprises.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

If you are traveling from Mumbai to Puri for the first time, this step-by-step plan will help you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Step 1: Decide your preferred mode of transport based on budget, time, and comfort. Flights save time, trains offer economy and experience, while driving gives flexibility.

• Step 2: Book your tickets early. Use IRCTC for trains, official airline websites or trusted travel portals for flights, and authorized bus booking platforms for buses to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Step 3: Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, chargers, and a basic first-aid kit. Indian trains and buses may have limited facilities en route.

• Step 4: Arrive at the departure point early. Mumbai’s stations and airports can be crowded, so plan to reach at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure.

• Step 5: On arrival in Puri, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs for safe and transparent local travel. Avoid unmetered taxis to prevent overcharging.

• Step 6: Keep local emergency contacts handy, including hotel numbers and tourist helplines, to ensure a secure and enjoyable stay.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a valid photo ID like Aadhaar or passport when traveling by train or flight, as it is mandatory for ticket verification and security checks in India.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey to avoid waterborne illnesses, especially when traveling by road or train where hygiene may vary.

• Book tickets well in advance during festival seasons like Rath Yatra in Puri, as trains and flights fill up quickly and prices rise sharply.

• Use local transport apps like Ola and Uber in Mumbai, Bhubaneswar, and Puri for safe and affordable last-mile connectivity, avoiding unregulated taxis.

• Pack your luggage carefully, keeping valuables and essential medicines in your carry-on bag, as luggage handling in Indian trains and buses can be rough.

• During monsoon months, check weather updates and train or flight status regularly to avoid delays caused by heavy rains or fog in central and eastern India.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Puri is during the cooler months from October to March. The weather is pleasant, making travel comfortable and sightseeing enjoyable.

Avoid traveling during the peak monsoon season from June to September, as heavy rains can cause delays and slippery roads, especially on highway stretches.

• Festival periods like Rath Yatra in Puri and Diwali in Mumbai see heavy travel demand, so book tickets early and expect crowded trains and flights.

• Summer months (April to June) can be very hot, particularly in central India, making daytime travel tiring; plan to travel overnight or early morning.

• Early morning departures from Mumbai help avoid city traffic and reduce the risk of missing trains or flights.

• Monsoon rains can cause waterlogging and slow down road travel, so allow extra time if traveling by car or bus during this season.

Arrival at Puri & What to Expect

When you arrive in Puri, you will find a small but busy railway station or bus stand close to the city center. The atmosphere is lively, especially during festival times, with many pilgrims and tourists around.

Local transport options include auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber, which are convenient for reaching hotels or the Jagannath Temple. Prepaid taxi counters at the station help avoid bargaining and ensure fair fares.

Popular areas to stay include near the Puri Beach Road, Swargadwar, and the main market area, offering easy access to major attractions and eateries. Keep some cash handy as smaller shops and rickshaws may not accept digital payments.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Puri can be a rewarding experience with the right planning. The train offers a balanced mix of comfort and economy, while flights provide speed and convenience. Driving is ideal for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore en route.

Book your tickets early, especially during festivals, and prepare for seasonal weather conditions to ensure a smooth journey. With practical tips on local transport and safety, you can confidently plan your trip and enjoy the spiritual and scenic beauty of Puri.