How to Reach Puri by Train, Road & Air – Complete Travel Guide
Puri, located on the eastern coast of Odisha, is one of the most popular pilgrimage and tourist destinations in India. Known for the Jagannath Temple, the Rath Yatra Festival, and its serene beaches, Puri attracts millions of visitors every year. If you are planning your trip, knowing the best travel options is essential. Here is a complete guide on how to reach Puri by train, road, and air.
How to Reach Puri by Train
Traveling to Puri by train is one of the most convenient and affordable options. Puri Railway Station (PURI) is a major railhead in Odisha and is directly connected to many important cities across India, including Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Bhubaneswar.
Several express and superfast trains such as Jagannath Express, Konark Express, Neelachal Express, and Howrah–Puri Express make the journey comfortable for pilgrims and tourists. From Bhubaneswar (60 km away), there are frequent trains that reach Puri in just 1 to 1.5 hours.
On arrival at Puri station, you can easily hire auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, cabs, or local buses to reach Jagannath Temple and other attractions. Trains are especially popular during the Rath Yatra festival, so booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Major Train Connectivity to Puri
| City | Train Name / No. | Frequency | Travel Time (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Purushottam Express (12802) | Daily | 30–32 hrs |
| Kolkata | Howrah–Puri Express (12887/88) | Daily | 9–10 hrs |
| Mumbai | Lokmanya Tilak–Puri Superfast (12145) | Weekly | 32–34 hrs |
| Chennai | Coromandel Express (12841/42) | Daily | 22–24 hrs |
| Hyderabad | East Coast Express (18645/46) | Daily | 24–25 hrs |
| Bangalore | Yesvantpur–Puri Garib Rath (22883) | Weekly | 28–30 hrs |
| Bhubaneswar | Intercity / Passenger Trains | Multiple Daily | 1–1.5 hrs |
| Cuttack | Intercity / Passenger Trains | Multiple Daily | 1.5–2 hrs |
How to Reach Puri by Road
Puri is well connected by road and can be reached conveniently from nearby cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Kolkata.
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From Bhubaneswar: The distance is around 60 km via NH-316, and it takes about 1.5 hours to reach Puri by car or bus.
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From Cuttack: Located about 80 km away, you can reach Puri within 2 hours by road.
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From Kolkata: Puri is nearly 500 km away, and it takes around 9–10 hours by road.
Both government-run buses (OSRTC) and private operators run regular services to Puri. You can choose from luxury AC buses, sleeper coaches, or budget travel options. For those seeking comfort, taxi services and rental cars are also available. A road trip from Bhubaneswar to Puri is especially scenic, passing through lush green fields and coastal stretches.
How to Reach Puri by Air
If you are traveling from distant cities, the fastest way to reach Puri is by air. The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar, located about 60 km from Puri.
This airport is well connected with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata, and also operates a few international flights. After landing at Bhubaneswar, you can easily hire a taxi, cab, or take a bus to Puri. The road journey takes around 1.5 hours, making it the most convenient option for long-distance travelers.
Distance to Puri from Major Cities
| City | Distance | Best Mode of Travel | Approx. Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bhubaneswar | 60 km | Road/Train | 1.5 hours |
| Cuttack | 80 km | Road/Train | 2 hours |
| Kolkata | 500 km | Train/Road | 9–10 hours |
| Delhi | 1700 km | Flight to BBI + Road | 3 hours flight + 1.5 hrs road |
| Chennai | 1200 km | Flight/Train | 2 hours flight + 1.5 hrs road / 20 hrs train |
| Hyderabad | 1100 km | Flight/Train | 2 hours flight + 1.5 hrs road / 18 hrs train |
Final Travel Tips
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If you are coming from Bhubaneswar or Cuttack, the best option is a short train or road trip.
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From distant metro cities, the most time-saving route is to fly into Bhubaneswar airport and then continue by road to Puri.
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During festive seasons like Rath Yatra, tickets for trains, buses, and flights get sold out quickly, so plan and book in advance.
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Local transport in Puri, such as cycle rickshaws and auto-rickshaws, makes it easy to explore the temple town and beaches.
