Getting Around Puri
Puri is a compact temple town, and most visitors find that its main sights, hotels and the railway station sit within easy reach of one another. The practical options below cover how to move around the city, how to arrive from the nearest airport, and what to expect from local transport.
Arriving by Air
Puri does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar, and from there you continue to Puri by train or bus. If you are arriving by train, head for the Odisha State Tourist counter at Puri railway station for advice; the staff are usually very helpful and speak English. The MCO Booth at the station is also quite helpful.
Arriving by Train
Puri is well-connected by railways and is a major railhead on the East Coast Railway, bifurcated from Khurda Road. Trains are available from Howrah, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar and other cities. Puri railway station sits in the heart of the town and near to most hotels, which makes it a convenient arrival point for visitors.
Arriving by Bus
Puri is roughly 1½ hours from Bhubaneswar by road, and the bus journey costs about ₹130. This is a straightforward alternative to the train if you are coming from the state capital.
Getting Around the City
Within Puri, visitors typically rely on cycle rickshaws, auto-rickshaws and electric rickshaws. The golden rule for all of them is to agree on a price before you set off. Confirm the price twice, as drivers frequently try to charge more than what was agreed. A cycle rickshaw fare is in the range of ₹520.
- Cycle rickshaws – a slow but atmospheric way to cover short distances in town.
- Auto-rickshaws – a common choice for slightly longer hops; always settle the fare first.
- Electric rickshaws – another local option, subject to the same rule about agreeing the price in advance.
Motorbike Hire
If you want more independence, there are places on C.T. Road where you can hire a Royal Enfield motorbike. This is a good option if you plan to drive along the coast to Konark to see the Sun Temple.
Walkability
Because the railway station is in the heart of the town and close to most hotels, walking is a realistic way to reach many of the places a visitor needs. For anything beyond a comfortable stroll, the rickshaws and auto-rickshaws described above fill the gap.
Practical Tips
- Agree on your fare before setting off in any rickshaw, and confirm it twice to avoid disputes.
- Use the Odisha State Tourist counter or the MCO Booth at the railway station for local advice on arrival.
- For day trips along the coast, such as to Konark, consider hiring a motorbike on C.T. Road.
- From Bhubaneswar, both train and bus are viable ways to reach Puri.