Bhubaneswar Airport to Puri: Taxi vs Train vs Bus Compared

Distance

Around 60–65 km

Travel Time

About 1.5–2 hours by road

Best for Families

Pre-booked direct taxi

Budget Option

Bus/train (requires transit)

Nearest Railway

Bhubaneswar Railway Station

First-Time Visitors

Direct airport-to-hotel transfer

How Far Is Puri from Bhubaneswar Airport?

Puri is located roughly 60 to 65 kilometers south of Bhubaneswar Airport (Biju Patnaik International Airport). The exact distance depends on your final drop location in Puri, whether it's near the Jagannath Temple, the beach (Swargadwar/CT Road), or a specific hotel.

Road travel usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic, airport exit time, weather, and festival rush. The drive is relatively straight and straightforward, primarily via the well-maintained Bhubaneswar–Puri highway (NH-316).

Best Ways to Reach Puri from Bhubaneswar Airport

Option 1: Direct Taxi from Bhubaneswar Airport to Puri

Hiring a pre-booked taxi is widely considered the most convenient way to reach Puri, especially after a flight. A taxi provides a seamless transfer directly from the airport terminal to your hotel in Puri. This is highly recommended for families, travelers with heavy luggage, senior citizens, and first-time visitors.

If you prefer a direct and comfortable ride, check our Bhubaneswar Airport to Puri taxi options to avoid negotiation hassles at the arrival gate.

Option 2: Bus from Bhubaneswar to Puri

There are no direct long-distance buses departing immediately from inside the airport. To travel by bus, you must first take an auto-rickshaw or local cab from the airport to a major bus stop in Bhubaneswar, such as the Baramunda Bus Stand or Kalpana Square. From there, frequent state and private buses run to the Puri Bus Stand. This is a great budget option for solo travelers without much luggage, though it adds transit time and effort.

Option 3: Train from Bhubaneswar to Puri

Similar to the bus, there is no direct train station at the airport. You must travel from the airport to the Bhubaneswar Railway Station (roughly 15-20 minutes away by local taxi/auto). From the station, numerous express and passenger trains run to Puri Railway Station. Train travel is economical and avoids highway traffic, but requires aligning your flight arrival with the train schedule. Always check the latest schedule before travel.

Option 4: Self-Drive or Rental Car

For travelers exploring Odisha at their own pace, renting a self-drive car at the airport is an option. The drive down NH-316 is scenic and comfortable. However, parking near major attractions in Puri, especially around the Jagannath Temple, can be highly restricted and challenging.

Bhubaneswar Airport to Puri Travel Options Compared

Travel Option	Best For	Approx Comfort	Luggage Convenience	Notes
Direct Taxi	Families, seniors, first-timers	High	Excellent	Direct hotel drop from terminal
Bus	Budget solo travelers	Medium	Poor (requires transit)	Must reach Kalpana Square/Baramunda first
Train	Budget travelers with planned schedules	Medium	Poor (requires transit)	Must reach Bhubaneswar station first
Self-Drive	Independent road trippers	High	Excellent	Puri parking can be difficult
Shared Local Vehicle	Very tight budgets	Low	Very Poor	Multiple stops, crowded

Common Road Route from Bhubaneswar Airport to Puri

Exit Bhubaneswar Airport: Head out of the airport limits towards the city roads connecting to the highway.
Join NH-316: Move towards the Bhubaneswar–Puri road (National Highway 316).
Highway Journey: Continue straight passing through areas like Pipili and Sakhigopal.
Arrival in Puri: Enter Puri town and proceed to your specific location, whether it's Swargadwar, CT Road, Grand Road, or the temple-side area, depending on your hotel booking.

Bhubaneswar Airport to Jagannath Temple: What to Know

Many visitors arrive with the primary goal of having a darshan at the holy Shree Jagannath Temple. Here is what you need to know about reaching the temple from the airport:

Freshen Up First: Most visitors prefer to take a taxi directly to their hotel in Puri to drop off luggage and freshen up before heading to the temple.
Traffic & Entry: Temple-area traffic is strictly regulated. Vehicles may not always be able to go right up to the main temple gate (Singhadwara), especially during festivals or peak hours.
Follow Local Rules: Always follow the instructions of the local police and temple administration regarding vehicle parking and pedestrian zones.

Before you go, make sure you are aware of the temple guidelines. Read our detailed guide on Jagannath Temple Entry Rules.

Which Option Should You Choose?

For Families with Luggage

A direct pre-booked taxi is the safest bet to avoid moving bags between rickshaws and buses.

For Senior Citizens

Opt for a comfortable direct cab to ensure door-to-door service without walking through crowded transit hubs.

For Solo Budget Travelers

Taking a local ride to Kalpana Square and catching a state bus to Puri is highly cost-effective.

For Late-Night Arrivals

Public transport options drop significantly at night. A reliable pre-booked taxi is highly recommended.

For Pilgrims

If planning direct darshan, a private cab gives you the flexibility to store luggage securely.

For Konark Add-ons

If you wish to visit Konark on the way, only a private hired vehicle will accommodate this detour.

Travel Tips After Landing at Bhubaneswar Airport

Have your Puri hotel address and contact number handy for your driver.
If taking a taxi, ensure it is a dedicated ride and not a shared vehicle unless you agreed to it.
Keep some small cash for minor expenses, though digital payments are widely accepted.

Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Airport to Puri Travel

Assuming there is a direct train from the airport terminal.
Not pre-booking a taxi during major festivals like Rath Yatra or major holidays.
Underestimating the travel time needed to cross Bhubaneswar city traffic before hitting the highway.

Final Recommendation: Which Travel Option Should You Choose?

Landing at Bhubaneswar Airport with family or luggage? A direct cab can make the Puri transfer easier and stress-free. For solo travelers on a strict budget, the bus remains the classic choice.

Check Airport to Puri Taxi Pickup and Fares

Helpful Guides for Your First Puri Trip

Best Time to Visit Jagannath Temple

Plan your visit

Jagannath Temple Entry Rules

Mobile & dress code

Puri 2-Day Itinerary

Perfect weekend plan

Bhubaneswar Airport to Puri Taxi

Direct transfers

Other Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about traveling from Biju Patnaik Airport to Puri.

What is the distance to Puri from BBI Airport?

Puri is approximately 60 to 65 km away from Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, depending on your final drop location.

Which transport takes the least time from BBI Airport to Puri?

By road, it usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic conditions, time of day, and weather.

What is the most recommended way to travel from BBI Airport to Puri?

A pre-booked taxi offers direct airport-to-destination travel. Train or bus may cost less, but require a separate transfer from the airport and depend on current schedules. Choose based on budget, luggage, arrival time and final drop.

Can you take a train directly from the airport terminal to Puri?

No, there is no direct train from the airport. You must first travel to the Bhubaneswar Railway Station (about 15-20 minutes away) to catch a train to Puri.

Are there public bus options directly from BBI Airport to Puri?

Direct buses from the airport to Puri are rare. Most travelers take an auto or taxi to the Baramunda Bus Stand or Kalpana Square in Bhubaneswar to catch a Puri-bound bus.

Why is a taxi preferred over a bus for the BBI Airport to Puri route?

Yes, a taxi offers direct transfer from the airport terminal to your Puri hotel, avoiding multiple transport changes and luggage handling, making it significantly more convenient.

How can I travel to Jagannath Temple directly from BBI Airport?

You can hire a taxi directly from the airport to the temple area. Most visitors prefer dropping their luggage at a hotel first before proceeding for darshan.

What is the safest night travel option from BBI Airport to Puri?

Yes, the Bhubaneswar-Puri highway (NH-316) is a well-maintained, safe, and busy route. However, booking a reliable taxi in advance is recommended for late-night arrivals.

Is pre-booking transport necessary for BBI Airport to Puri transfers?

Pre-booking is highly recommended to secure your ride, avoid negotiation hassles at the airport, and ensure a prompt departure, especially during festivals or rush hours.

Can you do a detour to Konark Sun Temple during an airport drop?

Yes, you can take a detour via the marine drive road to visit Konark Sun Temple before heading to Puri, but this requires a custom taxi booking and adds travel time.

Puri specialists · Thoughtfully planned journeys

Make the journey part of your Puri stay

Choose a direct airport arrival, a coastal arrival via Konark or a separate sightseeing day.

For a direct start to your Puri stay

Your Puri arrival

Start with your flight, luggage and hotel location, then arrange the meeting point and the right vehicle for your arrival.

Bhubaneswar Airport → your Puri address

Explore Bhubaneswar Airport to Puri →

For arrivals with room for a Sun Temple visit

Arrive by the coast

Make Konark part of your arrival day when your landing or pickup time leaves enough room for sightseeing before Puri.

Bhubaneswar pickup → Konark → Puri hotel

Explore Bhubaneswar to Puri via Konark →

For a coastal day out with a Puri return

Konark & the coast

Give the Sun Temple its own visit, then pair it with Chandrabhaga or Ramachandi along the coastal route.

Puri → Konark → selected coastal stops → Puri

Explore Konark roundtrip →