Visakhapatnam, commonly called Vizag, is a major port city on the east coast of India in Andhra Pradesh. Puri is a famous pilgrimage and beach town in Odisha, known for the Jagannath Temple and its vibrant culture. Many travelers journey between these two cities for religious visits, tourism, or business.

This guide explains the best ways to travel from Vizag to Puri using trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will find detailed information on travel times, routes, fares, and tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Vizag to Puri – Main Options

Train

Train travel is popular for this route due to affordability and direct connectivity. Several trains connect Vizag Railway Station (VSKP) to Puri Railway Station (PURI), making it a convenient choice for many travelers.

• The distance between Vizag and Puri by rail is about 440 km, with journey times ranging from 8 to 10 hours depending on the train type and stops.

• Popular trains include the Puri Express and the East Coast Express, which run daily or multiple times a week, offering sleeper and AC classes.

• Train fares typically range from ₹300 for sleeper class to ₹900 for AC 3-tier, making it an economical option for budget travelers.

• Booking tickets through IRCTC or authorized agents is recommended, especially during festival seasons when trains get crowded quickly.

• Trains depart mainly from Vizag Railway Station, which is well connected to the city by local buses and taxis, and arrive at Puri Railway Station near the town center.

• Monsoon season can cause occasional delays due to track maintenance or waterlogging, so check train status before departure.

Bus

Buses are a flexible option for travelers who prefer road travel. Both government and private operators run services between Vizag and Puri, though the journey is longer and less comfortable than trains.

• The road distance is approximately 460 km via NH16, with travel times ranging from 10 to 12 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) and Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) operate daily buses, including deluxe and Volvo services.

• Bus fares vary from ₹400 to ₹800 depending on the type of bus and operator, with Volvo buses being more expensive but more comfortable.

• Buses depart from Vizag’s RTC Complex or Dwaraka Bus Station and arrive at Puri Bus Stand, both well connected to local transport.

• Road conditions are generally good on NH16, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery roads, so plan accordingly.

• Night buses are available and popular among travelers to save daytime hours, but ensure you book tickets in advance during holidays.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Vizag to Puri is ideal if you want flexibility and to explore en route. The route mainly follows NH16, a well-maintained highway along the east coast.

• The drive covers about 460 km and takes roughly 9 to 10 hours depending on traffic and stops along the way.

• Major towns on the route include Srikakulam, Berhampur, and Brahmapur, where you can stop for food and rest.

• Toll plazas are present on NH16, so keep cash or FASTag ready; toll costs may total around ₹300 to ₹400.

• Fuel stations and restaurants are available at regular intervals, but it is best to start early to avoid night driving on less lit stretches.

• Self-drive car rentals with drivers are common in Vizag, and app-based taxi services like Ola and Uber can arrange outstation trips with prior booking.

• Monsoon season may cause waterlogging or slippery roads, so check weather and road conditions before starting your journey.

Flight

Although Vizag and Puri both have airports, there are no direct commercial flights between them. Flights can be used only with connecting routes and are generally not practical for this journey.

• Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ) is well connected to major Indian cities, but Puri’s nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, about 60 km away.

• You can fly from Vizag to Bhubaneswar with airlines like IndiGo or Air India, with flight times around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

• From Bhubaneswar Airport, you need to take a taxi or bus to Puri, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by road.

• Flight fares vary widely but typically range from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 one way, depending on advance booking and season.

• This option is suitable if you want to save time and don’t mind the extra road transfer from Bhubaneswar to Puri.

• Booking flights early through airline websites or apps is recommended to get the best fares and seat availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers making the journey from Vizag to Puri. It covers preparation, booking, and travel tips to ensure a hassle-free trip.

• Step 1: Decide your preferred mode of transport based on budget, comfort, and time. Trains are economical, buses offer flexibility, cars provide freedom, and flights save time with an extra transfer.

• Step 2: Book your tickets in advance. Use IRCTC for trains, official bus portals or counters for buses, and airline websites or apps for flights. Early booking helps avoid last-minute price hikes or sold-out seats.

• Step 3: Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank. Indian trains and buses may have limited charging points, and roadside stops vary in quality.

• Step 4: Reach your departure point early. Vizag Railway Station and bus terminals can be crowded, especially during festivals, so arriving 30-45 minutes early is advisable.

• Step 5: During travel, keep your tickets and ID handy for inspections. Stay alert with your belongings, especially in crowded trains and bus stations common in India.

• Step 6: On arrival at Puri, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for safe and fair local transport. Avoid unmetered taxis to prevent overcharging.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a refillable water bottle and drink only bottled or boiled water to avoid stomach issues common in Indian travel.

• Use official ticketing platforms like IRCTC or government bus portals to avoid scams and fake tickets prevalent in some areas.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid displaying valuables openly, especially in busy stations and bus stands.

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

• Download offline maps or keep a local SIM card with data for navigation and booking cabs in Puri and Vizag.

• During monsoon season, check weather updates and train/bus running status to avoid disruptions caused by heavy rains or flooding.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel between Vizag and Puri is during the cooler months from October to March. The weather is pleasant, and road and rail conditions are generally good.

Avoid traveling during the peak monsoon months of July and August when heavy rains can cause delays and slippery roads. Festival seasons like Rath Yatra in Puri also see heavy crowds and booked transport.

• Peak travel times include summer holidays (April-May) and major festivals, so book tickets well in advance to secure your seat.

• Fog can affect early morning trains and flights in winter, so allow extra time for connections.

• Departing early in the morning helps avoid city traffic in Vizag and ensures smoother road travel on NH16.

• Night travel by bus or train is common and can save daytime hours, but carry a light blanket and earplugs for comfort.

Arrival at Puri & What to Expect

When you arrive at Puri Railway Station or Bus Stand, you will find several local transport options like auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and prepaid taxis. The station is close to the town center and major hotels.

App-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate in Puri but may have limited availability during peak seasons. It is advisable to use prepaid counters or negotiate fares beforehand with auto-rickshaw drivers to avoid overcharging.

Popular areas to stay include near the Jagannath Temple and Puri Beach, both easily accessible from the station. Local buses and shared autos also connect these areas affordably.

Conclusion

Traveling from Vizag to Puri is straightforward with multiple options to suit different preferences. Trains offer a balance of comfort and economy, while buses and cars provide flexibility. Flights are less practical but can be used with a road transfer from Bhubaneswar.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather and traffic conditions, and choosing the right travel time will help you have a smooth journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip from Vizag to Puri and enjoy the rich culture and scenic beauty of both cities.