Puri is a famous coastal city in Odisha, India, known for the sacred Jagannath Temple. It attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists every year, making it one of the most visited religious destinations in the country.

This guide explains the main ways to reach Puri Jagannath Temple from major cities, including train, bus, car, and flight options. You will find detailed travel tips, step-by-step plans, and advice on local transport to help you plan your journey smoothly.

Getting from Major Cities to Puri Jagannath Temple – Main Options

Train

Train travel is the most popular and convenient way to reach Puri, especially from cities like Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, and Chennai. Puri Railway Station is well connected and located close to the temple.

• Puri Railway Station is about 2 km from Jagannath Temple, easily reachable by auto-rickshaw or cycle rickshaw within 10 minutes, making train travel very practical for pilgrims.

• Trains from Bhubaneswar to Puri run frequently, covering around 60 km in 1.5 to 2 hours, with fares ranging from ₹50 to ₹200 depending on class and train type.

• Long-distance trains connect Puri with Kolkata, Chennai, and other major cities, with travel times varying from 8 to 15 hours and fares typically between ₹300 and ₹1500.

• During festivals like Rath Yatra, trains can get crowded; booking tickets early on IRCTC is essential to avoid last-minute hassles and secure reserved seats.

• Monsoon season may cause occasional delays due to waterlogging on tracks, so plan extra buffer time if traveling between June and September.

Bus

Buses offer a flexible and affordable way to reach Puri from nearby cities and towns. Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) and private operators run regular services.

• OSRTC buses operate from Bhubaneswar to Puri every 30 minutes, covering 60 km in about 2 hours, with fares between ₹70 and ₹150 depending on bus type.

• Private Volvo and deluxe buses run from Kolkata and other eastern cities, taking 8 to 12 hours, with fares ranging from ₹400 to ₹900, offering comfortable seating and air conditioning.

• Bus depots in Puri are located near the city center, about 3 km from the temple, with easy access to local autos and cycle rickshaws for last-mile travel.

• During peak festival seasons, buses can be overcrowded; booking tickets in advance and arriving early at bus stands is advisable to get good seats.

• Road conditions on NH16 and NH316 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery roads, so drive cautiously if self-driving.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Puri offers flexibility and comfort, especially if traveling in a group or with family. The city is well connected by national highways.

• Puri is about 60 km from Bhubaneswar via NH316, with a typical drive time of 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• From Kolkata, the drive covers approximately 500 km via NH16, taking around 10 to 12 hours; plan for toll plazas and rest stops along the way.

• Fuel stations and roadside dhabas are available on major highways, but carrying some snacks and water is recommended for long drives.

• Parking near Jagannath Temple is limited and crowded, especially during festivals; use designated parking areas and avoid driving too close to the temple.

• Monsoon season can make some roads slippery; check weather forecasts and road conditions before starting your journey to ensure safety.

Flight

The nearest airport to Puri is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, about 60 km away. Flights are suitable for travelers coming from distant cities.

• Bhubaneswar Airport connects Puri with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, with multiple daily flights operated by various airlines.

• From Bhubaneswar Airport, you can hire prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber to reach Puri in about 1.5 to 2 hours, costing ₹1000 to ₹1500.

• Airport buses and private shuttles are less frequent; booking a taxi in advance is recommended to avoid waiting times and ensure a smooth transfer.

• Flight fares vary widely depending on season and booking time, so booking early can help get better deals, especially during festival periods.

• During peak pilgrimage seasons, airport and road traffic can be heavy; plan your arrival time accordingly to avoid delays.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Puri Jagannath Temple, helping you navigate the journey with ease and confidence.

• Book your train or bus tickets early through IRCTC or official bus portals to secure confirmed seats, especially during festivals like Rath Yatra when demand is very high.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a small first aid kit, as local shops near the temple can be crowded and expensive.

• Upon arrival at Puri Railway Station or bus stand, use prepaid auto-rickshaws or app-based cabs to reach the temple area safely and avoid overcharging by local drivers.

• Wear comfortable footwear and dress modestly, as you will likely walk and stand in queues at the temple; carrying a small umbrella or hat helps during hot or rainy weather.

• Plan your visit timing to avoid peak hours; early mornings or late afternoons are usually less crowded and more pleasant for darshan and sightseeing.

• Keep your valuables secure and be cautious in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing, which can occur during busy festival days.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use official or prepaid taxis and autos in Puri to avoid inflated fares and ensure safe travel, especially when moving between the station, bus stand, and temple.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues; many shops sell sealed bottles, and it is wise to carry your own refillable bottle.

• Book train and bus tickets online well in advance via IRCTC and OSRTC websites or apps to avoid last-minute rush and ticket unavailability.

• Local transport within Puri includes cycle rickshaws and auto-rickshaws; negotiate fares beforehand or insist on meter usage to prevent overcharging.

• Carry minimal luggage as the temple area is crowded and walking is required; use secure bags and keep important documents close to you.

• During monsoon season, carry rain gear and waterproof bags for electronics, as sudden showers are common and can disrupt travel plans.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Puri Jagannath Temple is between October and March when the weather is cooler and more pleasant for travel and sightseeing.

Avoid traveling during the peak summer months of April to June due to high temperatures and humidity, which can make outdoor activities uncomfortable.

• Festival periods like Rath Yatra in June or July attract huge crowds, causing traffic jams and accommodation shortages; plan and book well in advance if visiting then.

• Monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rains and occasional flooding, which can delay trains and buses and make road travel difficult.

• Early morning departures help avoid city traffic and provide a smoother journey, especially when traveling by road from Bhubaneswar or nearby cities.

Arrival at Puri Jagannath Temple & What to Expect

When you arrive at Puri Railway Station or bus stand, you will find many auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws waiting to take visitors to the temple and nearby hotels. Prepaid counters and app-based cabs are reliable options.

The temple is located in the heart of Puri city, surrounded by markets, hotels, and eateries. Popular areas to stay include Swargadwar Road and Grand Road, which are within walking distance of the temple.

Expect crowded streets near the temple, especially during festivals. It is best to use pedestrian paths and avoid driving close to the temple to reduce stress and parking difficulties.

Local buses and shared autos also connect the temple area with other parts of Puri, but for convenience, taxis and rickshaws are preferred by most visitors.

Conclusion

Traveling to Puri Jagannath Temple is straightforward with multiple options like train, bus, car, and flight. Train travel is the most popular due to convenience and proximity to the temple, while flights to Bhubaneswar offer quick access for distant travelers.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, choosing the right travel time, and using reliable local transport will make your journey comfortable and hassle-free. With these tips, you can confidently plan your visit to this sacred destination and enjoy a memorable spiritual experience.