Getting There & Away: Puri

Air Travel

Airport & Connectivity

Puri does not have its own airport. Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar, about 60 km north, serves Puri.

Airlines & Routes

Domestic connectivity to major Indian cities (IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, Akasa Air, SpiceJet).
Direct flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad.
Limited international direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Dubai.

International Flights & Transfers

No direct international flights to Bhubaneswar from major global hubs in North America or Europe.

Connecting to BBI

Travelers connect through major Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata) or international hubs (Bangkok, Singapore, Dubai).
Flight prices are higher during peak season (Nov-Feb) and major Indian festivals. Booking in advance is suggested.
BBI offers standard facilities: cafes, duty-free, currency exchange, pre-paid taxi booths.

Pre-paid Taxis

Readily available at BBI exit. Fixed fare paid at counter for convenience.

App-based Taxis

Uber and Ola operate from BBI. Transparent pricing. Active local SIM or Wi-Fi needed.

Private Car Hire

Hotels/tour operators offer airport pick-up. Most comfort and personalized service. Arrange in advance.

Transfer Options & Travel Time

Bus from Bhubaneswar

Local buses run from Bhubaneswar to Puri.
Taxi/auto-rickshaw needed from airport to Baramunda Bus Stand.
Most budget-friendly option, but involves transfers.
Road journey from BBI to Puri is 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic.

Booking Advice

Consider pre-booking airport transfer to Puri.
Especially useful for late-night arrivals or with much luggage.
A smooth start to your trip.
Compare flights using Skyscanner or Dollar Flight Club.

Airline Connections

Domestic Reach

BBI offers strong connections to major Indian cities via various domestic airlines.

International Gateways

Limited direct international flights, mostly requiring connections through larger hubs.

Seasonal Pricing

Peak season and festival times bring higher airfares, so plan accordingly.

Land Transportation

Train Travel

Puri Railway Station (PURI) serves as a major railway junction.

Connections & Booking

Excellent connectivity across India with direct trains from major cities.
Different classes of travel are available, from air-conditioned sleepers to basic coaches.
Booking train tickets in advance is strongly advised, especially for popular routes.

Bus Services

Bus options provide budget-friendly travel, though comfort levels vary.

Operators & Booking

Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) operates regular services.
Numerous private operators offer services, including overnight journeys from cities like Kolkata.
Purchase tickets at bus stands or through online booking platforms.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Self-driving is not generally suggested for foreign tourists due to traffic complexities.

Driving in India

Indian traffic can be chaotic and road conditions vary greatly.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is needed if you drive.
Hiring a car with a local driver is a more practical and stress-free option. Compare options with DiscoverCars.com.

Road Safety and Status

Be aware of conditions on Puri's roads.

Roads & Traffic

National and State Highways to Puri are generally in good condition.
Local roads within Puri can be narrow, congested, and uneven.
Traffic in urban areas is intense with mixed vehicles and pedestrians; exercise caution.

Border Crossing & Sea/River Arrivals

Border Crossing: Not applicable to Puri; it is located within India and has no international borders.
Ferry Services: Puri lacks major passenger ferry services or cruise ports for long-distance arrivals.
River Transportation: No significant river transport for long-distance passenger arrival.

Immigration at Seaports: Not applicable, as Puri does not function as an international seaport.
Connections to Land: Any local boat trips (e.g., Chilika Lake) connect directly to land transport.
Focus mainly on air and land travel for Puri access.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Plan your departure with sufficient time for processes.

Air Travel from BBI Bhubaneswar

For international flights, arrive at BBI 2-3 hours before departure.
For domestic flights, arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
Factor in 1.5-2 hours travel time from Puri to Bhubaneswar airport, with traffic considerations.

Train & Bus Departures

Ensure timely arrival at stations for smooth departures.

Station Arrival Times

For train departures from Puri Railway Station, arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure.
For bus departures, arrive at Puri Bus Stand at least 15-30 minutes before scheduled leave time.
Departure taxes for BBI flights are typically included in your ticket price. No separate fees for train/bus departures.

Airport Facilities

BBI provides check-in counters, security, shops, and food outlets for departing travelers.

Railway Station

Puri Railway Station offers basic waiting areas, food stalls, and public restrooms.

Bus Stand

Puri Bus Stand offers basic waiting areas and food stalls for passengers.

Local Transportation Overview

Public Transportation

Puri's public transport mainly consists of flexible, on-demand services.

Options & Fares

Auto-rickshaws are the most common and convenient; negotiate fare before starting.
Cycle rickshaws are slower, eco-friendly, ideal for short distances, fares are negotiable.
Limited local bus routes connect Puri to surrounding areas, not mainly for city center use.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

For more structured transport or fixed fares, taxis and ride-sharing apps are available.

Reliable Choices

Licensed taxis are available for longer trips; confirm fare before starting.
Uber and Ola operate in Puri, offering transparent pricing via their apps.
Payment via app (linked card) or cash for app-based services; cash for traditional taxis.

Rental Options & Self-Driving

Car Rental

Self-drive car rentals are available from Bhubaneswar but not generally suggested due to chaotic traffic. Hire a car with a driver for maximum comfort.

Motorcycle/Scooter

Local vendors offer scooter/motorcycle rentals. Recommended only for experienced riders comfortable with Indian traffic. IDP applies.

Bicycle Rentals

No dedicated bicycle sharing programs, but some guesthouses offer rentals for leisure rides on quieter lanes.

Getting There & Away