Getting to Puri

Puri is one of India's most well-connected pilgrimage cities, thanks to its importance as a Hindu dham and a major tourist destination in Odisha. Whether you're travelling from Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, or Mumbai, reaching Puri is straightforward. Here's everything you need to know about reaching Puri by rail, road, and air.

By Train (Recommended)

The train is by far the most popular and convenient way to reach Puri for most travellers. Puri Railway Station is the terminus of several major express and superfast trains connecting the city to destinations across India.

  • From Kolkata: Several daily trains including the Puri Express and Shatabdi Express. Journey time: approximately 8–9 hours.
  • From Bhubaneswar: Frequent trains and passenger services. Journey time: 1.5–2 hours. Bhubaneswar is also a major hub for trains from other cities.
  • From Delhi: The Purushottam Express and Neelachal Express offer direct connections. Journey time: approximately 26–30 hours.
  • From Chennai: The Coromandel Express via Bhubaneswar is a popular route.

Tip: Book train tickets well in advance, especially for peak seasons (October–February) and during Rath Yatra when trains fill up weeks ahead.

By Air

Puri does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar, approximately 60 km away.

  • Bhubaneswar is well-connected to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai with daily flights.
  • From the airport to Puri, you can take a prepaid taxi (approximately 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic) or catch a bus from the Bhubaneswar railway station area.
  • Many travellers combine air travel to Bhubaneswar with an onward train to Puri for speed and convenience.

By Road

Puri is accessible by road from Bhubaneswar via the well-maintained NH-316. Several options exist:

  • OSRTC (Odisha State Road Transport) Buses: Regular services from Bhubaneswar to Puri. Journey time: approximately 2 hours.
  • Private buses and AC coaches: Available from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Konark.
  • Taxi/cab hire: Convenient for groups or families. Several app-based and local taxi services operate between Bhubaneswar and Puri.
  • Self-drive: The road is in good condition and suitable for private cars.

Best Time to Visit Puri

Season Months What to Expect
Winter (Peak Season) October – February Pleasant weather (15–28°C), ideal for beach and temple visits
Summer March – May Hot and humid (32–40°C), fewer crowds, good for budget travel
Monsoon June – September Heavy rains, rough seas, but Rath Yatra falls in June/July

Getting Around Puri

Once in Puri, the town is compact and easy to navigate:

  • Cycle-rickshaws: Ideal for short distances and exploring the old town near the temple.
  • Auto-rickshaws: Widely available; negotiate fares before boarding.
  • Bicycle hire: Several shops near Marine Drive offer bicycles for daily rent — a great way to explore the beach road and nearby areas.
  • App-based cabs: Available in Puri for more comfortable inter-city trips.

Essential Packing Tips

  • Light cotton clothes for summer; a light jacket for winter evenings
  • Comfortable walking sandals or shoes you can easily slip off at temples
  • A small day-bag for temple visits (avoid large backpacks)
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for beach days
  • Reusable water bottle and oral rehydration salts in summer
  • A basic first aid kit with any personal medications

Combining Puri with Other Destinations

Puri is ideally positioned for a broader Odisha circuit. Consider combining your trip with visits to Bhubaneswar (the Temple City of India), Konark (the UNESCO-listed Sun Temple), and the vast Chilika Lake. The Golden Triangle of Puri–Bhubaneswar–Konark is one of India's most rewarding cultural journeys and can be comfortably covered in 4–5 days.