Puri is a famous coastal city in Odisha, known for its beautiful beaches and the Jagannath Temple. Vijayawada, located in Andhra Pradesh, is a major commercial hub and a common starting point for travelers heading to Puri. Many pilgrims and tourists travel this route to explore the spiritual and cultural richness of Puri.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Vijayawada to Puri. You will learn about trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical tips to plan your journey smoothly and comfortably.

Getting from Vijayawada to Puri – Main Options

Train

Train travel is the most popular and convenient option for this route. Vijayawada and Puri are well connected by Indian Railways, offering several trains daily. It is suitable for budget travelers and those who prefer a relaxed journey.

• Vijayawada Junction (BZA) and Puri Railway Station (PURI) are the main stations connecting these cities, with direct trains like the Konark Express and East Coast Express running daily.

• The distance by rail is about 550 km, and the journey typically takes 10 to 12 hours depending on the train chosen, with fares ranging from INR 300 for sleeper class to INR 1500 for AC classes.

• Trains are generally comfortable and offer various classes; however, during festival seasons like Rath Yatra, trains can be crowded, so booking tickets early via IRCTC is advisable.

• Food options on trains include pantry cars and vendors at major stations like Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar, which are good places to stretch and refresh during the journey.

• Night trains are common on this route, allowing you to save daytime and reach Puri early morning, but monsoon rains may cause occasional delays.

Bus

Buses are a flexible option for travelers who want to reach Puri without train bookings. State-run and private buses operate regularly, though the journey is longer and less comfortable than trains.

• Major bus depots in Vijayawada include the Pandit Nehru Bus Station (PNBS), from where you can catch buses to Bhubaneswar or directly to Puri, operated by APSRTC and Odisha State Road Transport Corporation.

• The road distance is around 600 km, and travel time ranges from 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and road conditions, with fares between INR 500 and INR 900.

• Volvo and deluxe buses offer better comfort and air conditioning, but these are less frequent; regular non-AC buses are more common and can get crowded during holidays.

• The route follows NH16, passing through Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar, with several toll plazas and highway food stops like Srikakulam and Berhampur for meals and breaks.

• Monsoon season may cause waterlogging and slow traffic on some highway stretches, so plan extra travel time during June to September.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Vijayawada to Puri is a good option if you prefer flexibility and want to explore en route. The route is well connected by national highways and offers scenic views along the coast.

• The drive covers approximately 600 km via NH16, taking about 11 to 13 hours depending on traffic and stops, passing through cities like Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar.

• Fuel costs for a car with average mileage will be around INR 3000 to INR 4000 one way, with toll charges at multiple plazas along the highway.

• Rest stops with decent food and clean washrooms are available at places like Rajahmundry and Srikakulam, making it easier to break the journey.

• Driving during early morning hours helps avoid city traffic in Vijayawada and Bhubaneswar; however, night driving is not recommended due to limited street lighting on some highway stretches.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Vijayawada from companies like Zoomcar and local agencies, but ensure your vehicle is well maintained for a long trip.

Flight

There is no direct flight between Vijayawada and Puri as Puri does not have an airport. The nearest airport to Puri is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is about 60 km away.

• You can take a flight from Vijayawada Airport (VGA) to Bhubaneswar Airport (BBI), with connecting flights via Hyderabad or Chennai, as direct flights are limited.

• Flight time including layovers ranges from 3 to 6 hours, with fares typically between INR 3000 and INR 7000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Bhubaneswar Airport, you can hire prepaid taxis or use Ola/Uber cabs to reach Puri in about 1.5 to 2 hours, costing around INR 1000 to INR 1500.

• Flights are faster but more expensive than trains or buses; they are suitable if you want to save time and avoid long road or rail journeys.

• Booking flights well in advance can help secure better fares, especially during peak tourist seasons like winter and festivals.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Vijayawada to Puri. It will help you organize your trip efficiently and avoid common hassles.

• Check train availability on IRCTC or official railway apps to book tickets early, especially during festivals, as trains fill up quickly on this popular route.

• If you prefer bus travel, visit the Pandit Nehru Bus Station in Vijayawada a day before departure to confirm timings and book tickets from APSRTC counters or trusted private operators.

• For self-drive, inspect your vehicle thoroughly, plan your route via NH16, and schedule rest stops every 3 to 4 hours to stay refreshed and alert on the long drive.

• If flying, book your Vijayawada to Bhubaneswar flight tickets at least two weeks in advance using airline websites or apps, and arrange airport transfers in Bhubaneswar to avoid waiting on arrival.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank, as last-mile connectivity in Puri may require some waiting or walking from stations or bus stands.

• On arrival in Puri, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and reliable local travel to your accommodation or the temple area.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a valid photo ID when traveling by train or bus, as ticket checks are strict and essential for boarding and security in India.

• Drink only bottled water sealed from reputed brands during your journey to avoid waterborne illnesses common in many Indian cities.

• Book your train or bus tickets online through IRCTC or official state transport portals to avoid last-minute rush and scams at stations.

• Use local auto-rickshaws or app-based cabs for short distances in Vijayawada and Puri; negotiate fares beforehand if not using apps to avoid overcharging.

• Pack your luggage securely and keep valuables close, as crowded trains and buses can be targets for pickpockets, especially during peak travel seasons.

• During monsoon months, carry rain gear and check weather updates, as heavy rains can cause delays and slippery roads on the highway and city streets.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

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

Monsoon season from June to September can cause heavy rains, slowing road and rail travel. Summer months can be hot and humid, making daytime travel uncomfortable.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Rath Yatra in Puri and Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh due to heavy crowds and booked accommodations.

• Fog in winter mornings can delay trains and flights, so plan departures later in the day if possible for smoother travel.

• Early morning departures help avoid city traffic in Vijayawada and Bhubaneswar, making your journey faster and less stressful.

• Check weather forecasts and transport updates before traveling during monsoon to anticipate possible delays or route changes.

Arrival at Puri & What to Expect

When you arrive at Puri Railway Station or the bus stand, you will find several options for local transport. Prepaid taxi counters are available at the station for safe and fixed-price rides to hotels or the temple area.

Many travelers prefer app-based cabs like Ola and Uber, which operate in Puri and offer convenient rides at reasonable prices. Auto-rickshaws are also common but always agree on the fare before starting your trip.

Popular areas to stay include near the Jagannath Temple, Puri Beach Road, and Swargadwar. These locations are close to major attractions and have a range of accommodations from budget lodges to mid-range hotels.

Conclusion

Traveling from Vijayawada to Puri is straightforward with multiple options to suit different budgets and preferences. Train travel is the most efficient and popular choice, offering comfort and direct connectivity. Buses and self-drive options provide flexibility, while flights via Bhubaneswar save time for those willing to spend more.

Planning your journey with advance bookings, checking seasonal conditions, and preparing for local transport in Puri will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. With this guide, you can confidently plan your travel and look forward to experiencing the spiritual and scenic beauty of Puri.