Patna, the capital city of Bihar, is located in eastern India along the banks of the Ganges River. Puri is a famous coastal city in Odisha, known for its temples and beaches. Many travelers journey between these two cities for pilgrimage, tourism, and cultural visits.

This guide explains the main ways to travel from Patna to Puri. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical tips to plan your trip confidently and comfortably.

Getting from Patna to Puri – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for this route. Trains connect Patna Junction and Puri Railway Station with several daily services.

• Patna Junction (PNBE) is the main railway station in Patna, well connected to Puri (PURI) via direct trains covering around 600 km in 12 to 15 hours, depending on the service chosen.

• Popular trains include the Patna-Puri Express and the Howrah-Puri Express, offering reserved seating and sleeper classes with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹900, suitable for budget travelers.

• Train frequency is good, but book tickets early on IRCTC, especially during festivals like Rath Yatra or summer holidays, as trains fill quickly.

• Trains run overnight and during the day; overnight trains help save daytime hours but can be crowded in peak season, so plan accordingly.

• Facilities at both stations include waiting rooms, food stalls, and prepaid taxi counters for last-mile connectivity to your accommodation.

Bus

Buses offer a flexible and affordable way to travel, though the journey is longer and less comfortable than trains. State-run and private buses operate on this route.

• Buses depart from Patna’s main bus terminals like Gandhi Maidan Bus Stand and reach Puri via NH16 and NH31, covering approximately 620 km in 14 to 16 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Options include government buses by Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) and Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC), as well as private operators with AC and non-AC coaches.

• Bus fares range from ₹500 to ₹1,200 depending on the type of bus and comfort level, with overnight buses preferred to avoid daytime heat and traffic.

• Monsoon season can cause delays due to waterlogging and road damage, so check weather updates before booking.

• Rest stops with basic food options are available along NH16, but carrying snacks and water is advisable for long stretches without good facilities.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Patna to Puri offers flexibility and comfort, ideal for travelers who want to explore en route or travel in groups.

• The route mainly follows NH31 and NH16, covering about 620 km, typically taking 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Toll plazas are present along the highways, so keep cash or FASTag ready; toll charges may total around ₹300 to ₹500.

• Popular rest stops include Bhubaneswar outskirts and Cuttack, where you can find decent food and fuel stations.

• Driving during early morning hours helps avoid city traffic in Patna and Bhubaneswar, making the journey smoother.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Patna, but ensure your vehicle is well-maintained for long-distance travel and carry a physical copy of your driving license and vehicle documents.

Flight

Though there is no direct flight between Patna and Puri, flying is an option by connecting through Bhubaneswar, the nearest airport to Puri.

• Patna’s Jay Prakash Narayan Airport (PAT) offers daily flights to Bhubaneswar Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), with flight durations around 1.5 hours.

• From Bhubaneswar airport, Puri is about 60 km away and can be reached by taxi or bus in 1.5 to 2 hours via NH316.

• Flight fares usually range from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 depending on the airline and booking time; booking in advance can secure better prices.

• Airport taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available for the Bhubaneswar to Puri transfer, with fares around ₹800 to ₹1,200.

• Flights are best for travelers short on time or preferring comfort, but consider the extra transfer time and costs from Bhubaneswar to Puri.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan helps first-time travelers from Patna to Puri prepare and execute their journey smoothly.

• Book your train or bus tickets in advance on IRCTC or official state transport websites to avoid last-minute hassles, especially during peak seasons or festivals.

• Pack light but include essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank, as some transport options have limited food availability en route.

• Reach the departure station or bus stand at least 30 minutes early to find your platform or bus bay and avoid confusion in busy terminals.

• If traveling by car, check your vehicle’s condition, fuel tank, and route on GPS apps like Google Maps to avoid delays and roadblocks.

• Carry a printed or digital copy of your ID and ticket, as these are required for boarding trains and buses in India.

• Upon arrival in Puri, use prepaid taxi counters or book app-based cabs to reach your hotel safely and at fair prices, avoiding unmetered taxis.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables openly, especially in crowded stations and bus stands, to prevent theft.

• Drink bottled water and eat freshly cooked food from trusted vendors to avoid stomach issues common in Indian travel.

• Use official websites or trusted apps like IRCTC for train bookings and MSRTC or OSRTC portals for bus tickets to ensure legitimate reservations.

• For local travel in Puri, autorickshaws and cycle rickshaws are common but agree on fares beforehand or insist on meters to avoid overcharging.

• Pack light luggage with easy-to-carry bags, as some stations and bus stands may not have porter services or elevators.

• During monsoon, carry rain gear and check weather forecasts, as heavy rains can delay trains and buses on this route.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Patna to Puri is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and roads are dry. Summers can be hot and humid, while monsoon rains may cause delays.

Planning your journey outside major festivals like Rath Yatra in Puri or Chhath Puja in Bihar helps avoid overcrowding and high fares.

• Avoid traveling during peak festival seasons like Rath Yatra (July) when trains and buses are heavily booked and crowded.

• Monsoon months (June to September) can cause waterlogging and slow road travel, so allow extra time if traveling then.

• Early morning departures help avoid city traffic in Patna and Bhubaneswar, making the journey smoother and faster.

• Winter fog in Bihar can delay early morning trains and flights, so check real-time updates before departure.

Arrival at Puri & What to Expect

Puri Railway Station and bus stands are located close to the city center, making it convenient to reach your accommodation. The station has basic facilities like waiting areas, ticket counters, and food stalls.

For local transport, prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available outside the station. Autorickshaws are common but negotiate fares before starting your ride. Popular areas to stay include near the Jagannath Temple and Puri Beach, offering easy access to major attractions.

Conclusion

Traveling from Patna to Puri is well served by trains, buses, cars, and flights via Bhubaneswar. Trains offer a good balance of comfort, cost, and frequency, making them the most efficient option for most travelers. Buses and self-drive provide flexibility, while flights suit those short on time.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, packing smartly, and choosing travel times that avoid peak traffic and weather challenges. With these tips, you can confidently enjoy your journey from Patna to the spiritual and scenic city of Puri.