Puri, located on the eastern coast of India in Odisha, is famous for the revered Jagannath Temple. Mumbai, on the west coast, is a major metropolitan city and a common starting point for pilgrims and tourists heading to Puri. This route is popular for those seeking spiritual experiences or exploring Odisha's rich culture.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Puri Jagannath Temple. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect on arrival to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Mumbai to Puri – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical option for this long-distance journey. It offers a direct connection and a chance to see the Indian countryside.

• The main train route is from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to Puri Railway Station, covering around 1900 km in approximately 30 to 36 hours depending on the train service chosen.

• Popular trains include the Puri Express and Howrah-Puri Express, with fares ranging from INR 700 for sleeper class to INR 2500 for AC 3-tier, offering various comfort levels.

• Train frequency is moderate, with several weekly trains; booking through IRCTC is advised well in advance, especially during festival seasons like Rath Yatra when demand spikes.

• Facilities onboard vary; AC coaches provide better comfort, while sleeper class can be crowded. Food options are available at major stations en route like Nagpur and Bhubaneswar.

• Monsoon season may cause delays due to waterlogging, and winter fog can affect timings in northern stretches, so plan buffer time accordingly.

Bus

Bus travel is less common for this long route but can be considered for budget travelers willing to break the journey into parts.

• Direct buses from Mumbai to Puri are rare; travelers often take buses to Bhubaneswar first, then local transport to Puri, covering about 1900 km in 40+ hours.

• Major bus operators include MSRTC and private Volvo services to Bhubaneswar, with fares ranging from INR 1500 to INR 2500 depending on the bus type.

• Buses depart from Mumbai’s central bus stations like Dadar or Borivali; frequency is limited, and overnight journeys can be tiring due to road conditions.

• Road conditions on National Highways NH53 and NH16 are generally good, but toll plazas and traffic congestion near cities may cause delays.

• Food and rest stops are available at highway dhabas, but hygiene varies; carry water and snacks for comfort.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving yourself or hiring a car offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route, but it is a long and demanding journey.

• The distance is about 1900 km via NH53 and NH16, taking roughly 35 to 40 hours of driving time, usually split over 2-3 days for safety.

• Major cities on the route include Nagpur, Raipur, and Bhubaneswar, where you can stop for rest, food, and fuel.

• Toll charges apply at multiple plazas along the highways; expect to pay INR 1500-2000 in total toll fees one way.

• Roads are mostly four-lane highways but watch for monsoon-related waterlogging and occasional fog in central India during winter mornings.

• Self-drive requires good navigation tools like Google Maps and planning overnight stays in safe hotels; Ola or Uber are not available on highways, so plan accordingly.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most comfortable option for most travelers, combining air and road travel.

• Flights operate from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport to Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, about 60 km from Puri, with flight times around 2.5 to 3 hours.

• Airfares vary from INR 3000 to INR 7000 depending on the airline and booking time; budget airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet offer frequent flights.

• From Bhubaneswar airport, you can take prepaid taxis, Ola, or local buses to Puri, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and costs INR 500-800 by taxi.

• Flights are frequent daily, but prices rise during festivals and holidays; booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance is recommended.

• Airport facilities in Bhubaneswar are modern with good connectivity, making this option convenient for travelers with limited time.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Puri Jagannath Temple, helping you organize your journey efficiently.

• Book your preferred mode of transport early, especially train tickets via IRCTC or flights through airline websites, to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability.

• If traveling by train, choose an AC coach for comfort on the long journey and carry light snacks and water, as food quality varies on trains.

• For flights, confirm your airport transfers in Bhubaneswar beforehand using prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola to avoid waiting or overpaying.

• Pack light but include essentials like a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and a small first-aid kit, considering the long travel and changing weather conditions.

• Plan your arrival time in Puri to coincide with daylight hours for easier navigation from the station or bus stand to your accommodation.

• Download offline maps and keep emergency contacts handy, including local taxi numbers and hotel details, to manage last-mile connectivity smoothly.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid or app-based taxis from airports and railway stations to avoid scams and overcharging common in tourist areas like Puri.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey and avoid street food unless it is freshly cooked and from a clean vendor to prevent stomach issues.

• Book train tickets through the official IRCTC website or app to ensure authenticity and get updates on train status and platform changes.

• Carry a small bag for valuables and keep your luggage locked, especially on trains and buses, as crowded conditions increase the risk of theft.

• During monsoon (June to September), expect travel delays due to heavy rains and waterlogging, so keep flexible travel dates and extra time.

• Use local auto-rickshaws or cycle rickshaws for short trips in Puri, but agree on fares beforehand or insist on meter use to avoid disputes.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Puri is between October and March when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. Summers can be hot and humid, while monsoons bring heavy rains that may disrupt travel plans.

Planning your journey outside major festivals like Rath Yatra will help avoid crowds and higher prices. Early morning departures often result in smoother travel and less traffic congestion.

• Avoid traveling during Rath Yatra (usually in June or July) as Puri becomes extremely crowded, and transport services are heavily booked.

• Monsoon rains from June to September can cause delays on roads and railways due to waterlogging and landslides in some areas.

• Winter months (December to February) offer clear skies and comfortable temperatures but early morning fog in central India may delay trains.

• Departing Mumbai early morning or late night can help you avoid city traffic and catch connecting services more easily.

Arrival at Puri & What to Expect

When you arrive at Puri Railway Station or Bus Stand, you will find several local transport options to reach the Jagannath Temple and nearby hotels. The station is well connected to the town center.

Prepaid taxis and auto-rickshaws are available outside the station; always use prepaid counters or negotiate fares before boarding. App-based cabs like Ola are limited but may be available in town. Popular areas to stay include near the temple and Puri Beach, offering easy access to major attractions.

Conclusion

Traveling from Mumbai to Puri Jagannath Temple is best done by train or flight for comfort and time efficiency. Trains offer an affordable and scenic option, while flights save time and reduce travel fatigue. Buses and self-drive are alternatives but require more planning and endurance.

Plan your journey well in advance, especially during festival seasons, and use official booking platforms like IRCTC and airline websites. Keep local transport and weather conditions in mind to ensure a smooth arrival and a memorable visit to the sacred temple city of Puri.