The Essentials
The fastest train is the Vande Bharat Express — it covers 61 km in just 1 hour 5 minutes from Bhubaneswar station.
The Sri Jagannath Express (18409) runs daily and is one of the most reliable named trains on this route.
Book train tickets in advance on IRCTC; the Sleeper class fare starts around Rs. 35, making this the most affordable option for pilgrims.
Quick Info
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Distance | ~61–64 km by road/rail |
By Train | 1 hr 5 min (fastest) to 2 hr 50 min |
By Cab | ~2 hours, from Rs. 1223 (Uber Intercity) |
By Bus | 2–3 hours, ~Rs. 100 per ticket |
Train Fare | From ~Rs. 35 (Sleeper/General) |
Trains Per Day | 17+ daily trains from Bhubaneswar |
Fastest Train | Vande Bharat Express (20835), departs 20:35 |
Key Named Trains | Sri Jagannath Exp, Dhauli Exp, Kalinga Utkal Exp |
Destination | Puri Railway Station (station code: PURI) |
Bhubaneswar and Puri are two of Odisha's most spiritually significant cities, and the 61 km route connecting them is one of the most travelled pilgrimage corridors in eastern India. Whether you are heading to the Shree Jagannath Temple for darshan, attending Rath Yatra, or simply making a day trip from the state capital, this route gives you multiple fast and affordable options. Trains run throughout the day, buses depart frequently from Baramunda and Master Canteen bus stands, and cab aggregators offer on-demand intercity rides for those who prefer door-to-door comfort.
Comparison: Travel Modes at a Glance
Feature | Train | Cab (Uber/Ola) | Bus |
|---|---|---|---|
Typical Duration | 1 hr 5 min – 2 hr 50 min | ~2 hours | 2–3 hours |
Cost (approx.) | Rs. 35 – Rs. 1,900+ (AC) | From Rs. 1,223 | ~Rs. 100 |
Booking Required | Yes (IRCTC) | On-demand / App | Walk-in or app |
Best For | Budget pilgrims, daily commuters | Families, groups, door-to-door | Budget travellers |
Getting There
Mode | Details |
|---|---|
By Train | Depart from Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS). 17+ daily trains to Puri (PURI). Fastest: Vande Bharat Express (1 hr 5 min). Also consider Dhauli Express, Shatabdi Express, Sri Jagannath Express. |
By Road (Cab) | Uber Intercity from Bhubaneswar to Puri starts at Rs. 1,223 (Go Intercity) to Rs. 1,515 (Sedan). Average distance: 64 km. Duration: ~2 hours. Can be booked in-app or by calling 0522-4665220. |
By Bus | Private buses operate from Bhubaneswar bus stands. Journey: ~2–3 hours over 60 km. Ticket price: ~Rs. 100. |
Landmark at Destination | Puri Railway Station is approximately 2 km from the Shree Jagannath Temple, easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw. |
Trains from Bhubaneswar to Puri — Key Options
The table below lists the most reliable daily trains on this route. All depart from Bhubaneswar (BBS) and arrive at Puri (PURI).
Train Name | Train No. | Departs | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Vande Bharat Express | 20835 | 20:35 | 1 hr 05 min | Fastest; runs except Tuesday |
Vande Bharat Express | 22895 | 11:32 | 1 hr 18 min | Daily; Chair Car and EC classes |
Bangriposi–Puri Intercity Exp | 18401 | 10:05 | 1 hr 25 min | Top choice; mostly delayed |
Dhauli Express | 12821 | 16:25 | 1 hr 50 min | Mostly on time |
Neelachal Express | 12876 | 16:15 | 1 hr 40 min | Runs alternate days |
Sri Jagannath Express | 18409 | 02:15 | 2 hr 20 min | Named train; daily |
Purushottam SF Express | 12802 | 03:25 | 2 hr 10 min | Mostly on time |
Shatabdi Express | 12277 | 20:05 | 2 hr 05 min | Chair Car and EC only |
Kalinga Utkal Express | 18478 | 01:40 | 1 hr 45 min | Mostly delayed |
Tapaswini Express | 18451 | 04:40 | 2 hr 15 min | Mostly delayed |
A helpful tip: If you are travelling during Rath Yatra, special trains like Ratha Yatra Special (08381 and 08387) are also added on the route. Check the IRCTC website for updated schedules during the festival period.
If You Have Time — Combine With These
Dhauli Shanti Stupa sits on a hillock on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, directly along the NH 316 route to Puri. Many travellers stop here before continuing by road. The white stupa and Ashokan Rock Edict make it a meaningful detour.
Pipili is a small craft town on the Bhubaneswar–Puri highway, famous for its applique work. If you are travelling by bus or cab, ask the driver to make a brief stop here to browse the colourful canopies, bags, and lamp shades sold at roadside stalls.
Sakshigopal Temple sits on the outskirts of Puri, approximately 20 km from the Jagannath Temple. Trains passing through Khurda Road Junction (KUR) and continuing to Puri pass near this area. Devotees often visit this Vishnu temple on the same day.
Tips for a Smooth Journey
Book train tickets on IRCTC well in advance, especially for Sleeper and 3AC classes, which fill up fast on this popular route.
For a same-day return, the Vande Bharat Express in the evening (departs Puri around 21:40, check current schedule) and the Shatabdi Express are the most reliable options.
Uber Intercity can be pre-booked up to 30 days in advance through the app. For phone bookings, call 0522-4665220 between 10 am and 10 pm.
Carry water and light snacks for bus journeys, as the road passes through stretches without food stops.
On weekends and during major festivals like Rath Yatra, expect trains to run full. Tatkal quota opens 24 hours before the journey date on IRCTC.
It is recommended to reach Bhubaneswar Railway Station at least 20 minutes before departure, as trains depart on time during peak hours.
Key Traditions to Keep in Mind at Jagannath Puri
Upon arriving in Puri, non-Hindu visitors are not permitted inside the main Shree Jagannath Temple. For a peaceful experience, visit Gundicha Temple and Narendra Pond, both of which are open to all. Modest clothing is expected throughout Puri's temple precincts. Remove footwear before entering any temple compound and deposit valuables at the designated cloakrooms near the main gate.
Common Questions
Q: How far is Bhubaneswar from Puri? A: The distance is approximately 61 km by rail and 64 km by road.
Q: Which is the fastest train from Bhubaneswar to Puri? A: The Vande Bharat Express (20835, departs 20:35) covers the distance in just 1 hour 5 minutes. The other Vande Bharat service (22895, departs 11:32) takes 1 hour 18 minutes and runs daily.
Q: How much does a train ticket from Bhubaneswar to Puri cost? A: Sleeper class fares start at around Rs. 35–150. Chair Car on Vande Bharat and Shatabdi costs around Rs. 400–850. First AC can go up to Rs. 1,900 on premium trains.
Q: How many trains run daily between Bhubaneswar and Puri? A: There are 17 trains running daily on this route, with additional weekly and special trains raising the total to 67+ across different days.
Q: How do I travel from Bhubaneswar to Puri by cab? A: Uber Intercity offers on-demand outstation cabs starting at Rs. 1,223 for a Go Intercity (up to 4 passengers) and Rs. 1,461 for an XL (up to 6 passengers). The average travel time by cab is 2 hours.
Q: Is there a bus service between Bhubaneswar and Puri? A: Yes. Private buses connect the two cities, with a journey time of approximately 2–3 hours and a ticket price of around Rs. 100. Buses depart from Baramunda Bus Stand and Master Canteen area in Bhubaneswar.
Q: What is the best time to travel from Bhubaneswar to Puri? A: For a morning darshan at Jagannath Temple, catch an early train like the Bangriposi–Puri Intercity Express (departs 10:05, arrives ~11:30). For an afternoon visit, the Dhauli Express (departs 16:25) is a reliable option that is mostly on time.
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