Puri, located on the eastern coast of Odisha, is famous for the Jagannath Temple, a major Hindu pilgrimage site. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a bustling metropolis in southern India. Many travelers journey from Chennai to Puri to experience its spiritual and cultural richness.

This guide explains the best ways to travel from Chennai to Puri, covering trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will find detailed travel times, costs, and practical tips to plan your trip smoothly and comfortably.

Getting from Chennai to Puri – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical way to reach Puri from Chennai. Several direct trains connect these cities, offering different classes of travel for comfort and budget.

• Chennai Central (MAS) and Chennai Egmore (MS) are the main departure stations for trains to Puri, which arrives at Puri Railway Station near the temple. The distance is about 1180 km, taking roughly 20 to 24 hours depending on the train.

• Popular trains include the Chennai-Puri Express and the Coromandel Express, running daily or several times a week, providing options for different departure times and classes like Sleeper, 3AC, and 2AC.

• Train fares range from ₹400 for Sleeper class to ₹1500-₹2500 for AC classes, making it affordable for most travelers. Booking through IRCTC or authorized agents is recommended to secure confirmed seats.

• Trains can get crowded during festivals like Rath Yatra or summer holidays, so booking early is essential. Monsoon season may cause minor delays, but trains remain a reliable option.

• Onboard catering is available on most trains, but carrying some snacks and water is advisable. Stations en route like Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar offer good food and rest stops.

Bus

Buses provide a flexible and budget-friendly option for those who prefer road travel. However, the journey is long and can be tiring, so it suits travelers who want to save money and enjoy road views.

• State transport buses operated by Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) connect Chennai to Bhubaneswar or Cuttack, from where you can take local buses or taxis to Puri.

• The total road distance is about 1200 km, and travel time ranges from 24 to 30 hours depending on the bus type and traffic conditions on National Highways NH16 and NH316.

• Bus fares vary between ₹800 to ₹1500 depending on the service type, such as ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo AC buses. Night buses are available but can be less comfortable for long journeys.

• Buses depart from Chennai’s main bus terminals like Koyambedu and Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G.R. Bus Stand. Booking tickets online via state transport websites or apps is recommended to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Road conditions are generally good on NH16, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays. Frequent stops at highway dhabas and rest areas allow passengers to refresh and eat local food.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Chennai to Puri is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore en route. The route covers scenic coastal and inland areas with good highway connectivity.

• The drive covers approximately 1180 km via NH16, taking around 20 to 22 hours without long breaks. Planning overnight stops in cities like Visakhapatnam or Bhubaneswar is advisable for safety and rest.

• Toll plazas on NH16 include the Nellore, Ongole, and Vizianagaram tolls, with cumulative toll costs around ₹600-₹800. Keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage.

• Fuel stations are frequent along the highway, and you can find popular chains like Indian Oil and Bharat Petroleum. Carrying water and snacks is recommended for long stretches between towns.

• Driving through monsoon months requires caution due to slippery roads and occasional flooding near coastal areas. Early morning departures help avoid heavy traffic in cities.

• Car rentals with drivers are available in Chennai for those who prefer not to drive themselves. Apps like Ola Outstation and Zoomcar offer self-drive and chauffeur-driven options with flexible packages.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Puri from Chennai, though it requires a connecting journey by road or rail from the nearest airport. This option suits travelers with limited time.

• The nearest airport to Puri is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, about 60 km away. Chennai has direct flights to Bhubaneswar operated by airlines like IndiGo and Air India, with flight times around 1.5 to 2 hours.

• Flight fares typically range from ₹2500 to ₹6000 depending on booking time and season. Booking tickets in advance through airline websites or apps like MakeMyTrip helps secure better deals.

• From Bhubaneswar airport, you can hire prepaid taxis or use Ola/Uber cabs to reach Puri in about 1.5 hours, costing ₹800 to ₹1200. Alternatively, buses and shared cabs are available but less convenient with luggage.

• Flight frequency is good, but delays can occur during foggy winter mornings or heavy monsoon rains, so plan buffer time for connections.

• Airport facilities include luggage storage, food courts, and car rental counters, making the transition smooth for travelers heading to Puri.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Chennai to Puri, helping you organize your journey efficiently and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance through IRCTC or airline websites to ensure availability, especially during festival seasons like Rath Yatra.

• Pack light but include essentials such as comfortable clothes, water bottles, and a power bank. Carry some snacks for long journeys, as food availability can vary on trains and buses.

• Reach your departure station or airport at least 1 hour before the scheduled time to complete security checks and boarding procedures without stress.

• If traveling by train, check the platform and train status on the day of travel using apps like NTES or RailYatri to avoid last-minute confusion.

• On arrival at Puri Railway Station or bus stand, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and fair local transport to your accommodation or the temple.

• Keep your ID and booking confirmations handy throughout the journey, as they may be required for ticket checks or hotel check-ins.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use official prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs at stations and airports to avoid overcharging and ensure safety during local travel in Puri.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey and at Puri to avoid stomach issues common among travelers unfamiliar with local water quality.

• Book train and bus tickets online to avoid queues and scams at stations. Use IRCTC for trains and official state transport websites or apps for buses.

• Carry a small first-aid kit with medicines for common ailments like motion sickness, indigestion, and headaches, as pharmacies may not be easily accessible during travel.

• During monsoon months, carry rain gear and waterproof bags for your luggage to protect against sudden showers, especially if traveling by road or train.

• Use local autorickshaws or cycle rickshaws for short distances within Puri, but agree on fares beforehand or insist on meter usage to avoid haggling.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Puri from Chennai is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and temple visits.

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

• Rath Yatra festival in June attracts huge crowds, leading to packed trains and buses; book tickets well in advance or avoid traveling during this period if possible.

• Monsoon season from July to September can cause road delays and occasional train rescheduling due to heavy rains along the east coast.

• Early morning departures help avoid city traffic in Chennai and ensure smoother travel on highways, especially for road journeys.

• Winter fog in Odisha can cause minor flight delays, so plan connecting travel times accordingly when flying.

Arrival at Puri & What to Expect

On arrival at Puri Railway Station or bus stand, you will find the town bustling with pilgrims and tourists. The station is well connected to the Jagannath Temple and main city areas.

Local transport options include prepaid taxis, Ola and Uber cabs, auto-rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws. Prepaid taxi counters at the station ensure fixed fares and safer rides. Many hotels and guesthouses are located near the temple and main market areas, making it convenient to explore on foot.

Conclusion

Traveling from Chennai to Puri Jagannath Temple is straightforward with multiple transport options to suit different budgets and preferences. Trains offer a balance of comfort and affordability, while flights save time but require onward travel from Bhubaneswar. Road travel by bus or car is ideal for those who enjoy scenic routes and flexibility.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, packing smartly, and choosing the right travel time will make your journey smooth and enjoyable. With this guide, you can confidently prepare for your pilgrimage or visit to Puri from Chennai, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free experience.