How to Reach Odisha: Flights, Trains and Road Routes

Most travellers reach Odisha by flying into Bhubaneswar's Biju Patnaik International Airport, about an hour and a half from Puri and a little more from the Konark Sun Temple. Trains run to Bhubaneswar and Puri from Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai and other cities, and Chilika Lake is two to three hours away by road.

Odisha's main sights — Bhubaneswar's temples, Puri, Konark and Chilika — lie close together, which makes the state easy to reach and explore. This guide explains the options by air, rail and road, how long each leg takes and how festivals change the journey.

The short answer

By air

Bhubaneswar's airport is close to the city centre and has flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and other cities, along with some international links. Jharsuguda in western Odisha has a smaller airport. For the south of the state, including Koraput, Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh is often a convenient gateway.

By train

Bhubaneswar and Puri are well connected. Rajdhani and other express trains link Bhubaneswar with Delhi, and Vande Bharat and overnight trains link Puri and Bhubaneswar with Howrah in Kolkata. Trains also run from Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Mumbai. Puri station is a short ride from the beach and the temple area. Khurda Road Junction, near Bhubaneswar, is another major stop.

By road

Within the golden triangle of Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark, roads are good. Bhubaneswar to Puri takes about an hour and a half, Puri to Konark about an hour along the coast, and Bhubaneswar to Konark about one and a half to two hours. Kolkata to Bhubaneswar is a long drive of nine hours or more, so most travellers take the train or fly.

Drive times within Odisha

Matching the route to the trip

Reaching the rest of Odisha

Beyond the coastal triangle, Odisha has much more. The Buddhist sites of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri are about three hours north-east of Bhubaneswar. Gopalpur-on-Sea, a quiet beach town, is about three and a half to four hours south, with Berhampur as the nearest station. The Koraput hills and their weekly tribal markets are best reached via Visakhapatnam or by a long drive from Bhubaneswar. Simlipal National Park in the north is closer to Balasore and Baripada, and Bhitarkanika's mangroves and crocodiles are about three to four hours from Bhubaneswar.

Combining with neighbouring states

Odisha pairs easily with Kolkata and West Bengal by train, with overnight and Vande Bharat services linking Howrah with Bhubaneswar and Puri. To the south, Visakhapatnam and the Araku valley in Andhra Pradesh are a train journey away. Flying into Kolkata and out of Bhubaneswar avoids backtracking.

Arriving from abroad

Bhubaneswar has a small number of international flights, mainly to Southeast Asia and the Gulf. Most overseas visitors connect through Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata or Bengaluru, where onward flights to Bhubaneswar are frequent.

Getting around during Rath Yatra

On festival days, vehicles are stopped well outside Puri's centre, and the Grand Road fills with devotees. Plan to walk the last stretch, carry water and a small bag only, and agree a meeting point with your group in case you are separated. Special trains often run from major cities, so check announcements well ahead.

Getting around

A private car with a driver is the most comfortable option for the temple circuit, Raghurajpur and Chilika. In Bhubaneswar, app cabs and autorickshaws work well, and the city has a public bus network. In Puri, cycle rickshaws and autos cover the town. Our Royal Rath Yatra Chronicles includes transfers and a driver during the festival.

Your first day

Most flights land in Bhubaneswar by midday, leaving time for the Mukteswar and Rajarani temples in the afternoon. If you head straight to Puri, spend the evening on the beach, and keep the Jagannath Temple and Konark for the next days when you can start early.

Season and festivals

October to March is the most comfortable time, and the best season for migratory birds at Chilika. Konark's dance festival is held in December. April to June is hot, Rath Yatra falls in June or July, and the monsoon and the occasional cyclone affect the coast from June to November. Read our month-by-month guide before booking.

Weather warnings on the coast

Odisha's coast is exposed to cyclones, most often in May and from October to November. Modern warning systems give several days' notice, and the state is well practised at evacuations. If a cyclone is forecast, follow official advisories, keep your plans flexible and be ready to delay coastal stays in Puri, Konark or Chilika.

Travelling with parents

Fly rather than taking long train journeys, and keep drives short. Temples involve walking barefoot, so visit early before the stone heats up. Avoid the densest Rath Yatra crowds with older travellers.

For couples

Couples often choose a quieter beach stay near Puri or Chandrabhaga and a sunrise visit to Konark, with a boat on Chilika for a calm last day.

Budget options

Trains are good value, especially overnight services from Kolkata. Odisha State buses link Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark cheaply. Sharing a car and driver keeps sightseeing affordable.

Practical tips

Entry to the Jagannath Temple and the Lingaraj Temple is restricted to Hindus. Carry cash for villages. Read our 7-day Odisha itinerary and Odisha planning guide to plan the rest of your trip.

A BagPackerMe planner can arrange the whole journey privately, with one named planner, WhatsApp support throughout and vegetarian and Jain food planned in.

Your questions, answered

Which airport is best for Puri and Konark?

Bhubaneswar's Biju Patnaik International Airport is the nearest, about an hour and a half from Puri and a little more from Konark. It has flights from most major Indian cities.

Is there a direct train to Puri?

Yes. Puri has direct trains from Kolkata, Delhi and several other cities, including overnight services. Many more trains stop at Bhubaneswar, about an hour and a half away by road.

How far is Chilika Lake from Bhubaneswar?

Satapada, on the southern side of Chilika, is about two and a half to three hours from Bhubaneswar and about an hour and a half from Puri. Mangalajodi, for birdwatching, is about an hour and a half from Bhubaneswar.

How do I travel during Rath Yatra?

Book flights, trains and hotels months ahead, as Puri fills completely. Roads into the town are restricted on festival days, so arrive a day early and stay within walking distance of your viewing point where possible.