How to Reach

How to Reach

Rourkela, the "Steel City of Odisha," is well-connected by air, rail, and road to major Indian cities. Whether you prefer a quick flight, a scenic train journey, or a road trip, here’s the best way to reach Rourkela.

 By Air (Fastest Option)

 Nearest Airports:

1. Jharsuguda Airport (VEJH) – 125 km (~2.5-hour drive)
2. Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi (IXR) – 165 km (~3.5-hour drive)
3. Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (BBI) – 340 km (~7-hour drive)

Flights to Jharsuguda (Closest Airport)

• Direct Flights from: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad
• Airlines: IndiGo, Alliance Air

 How to Reach Rourkela from Jharsuguda Airport?

• Taxi: ₹2,000–₹3,000 (2.5-hour drive)
• Bus: OSRTC & private buses available (~₹300–₹500)

 Tip: If coming from Delhi, Mumbai, or Hyderabad, Ranchi Airport has more flight options.

 By Train (Most Convenient Option)

 Nearest Railway Station: Rourkela Junction (ROU)

• A major railway junction on the Howrah–Mumbai & Howrah–Ahmedabad routes.
• Well-connected to Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Bangalore & Ranchi.

Major Trains to Rourkela:

 Howrah–Ahmedabad Express – (From Kolkata & Ahmedabad)
 Kolkata–Lokmanya Tilak Express – (From Mumbai & Kolkata)
 Bhubaneswar–Rajdhani Express – (From Bhubaneswar & Delhi)
 Ranchi–Rourkela Intercity Express – (From Ranchi)
 Tata–Alleppy Express – (From Chennai, Odisha, & Jharkhand)

 How to Reach the City from Rourkela Railway Station?

• Auto-rickshaws & cycle rickshaws available outside.
• Ola/Uber cabs operate in the city.
• City buses connect major areas of Rourkela.

 Tip: Book train tickets in advance, especially during festive seasons.

 By Road (Scenic & Affordable Option)

 Rourkela is well-connected by NH-143 & NH-520 to major cities.

 From Major Cities:

• Bhubaneswar → 340 km (~7 hours via NH-55 & NH-143)
• Ranchi → 165 km (~3.5 hours via NH-320)
• Jharsuguda → 125 km (~2.5 hours via NH-143)
• Sambalpur → 130 km (~2.5 hours via NH-143 & NH-55)
• Kolkata → 400 km (~8 hours via NH-16 & NH-49)

 By Bus:

• OSRTC (Odisha State Road Transport Corporation) & private operators run daily AC, Volvo, and sleeper buses.
• Buses available from Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, Ranchi, Kolkata, and Jharsuguda.
• Rourkela Bus Stand (Panposh Chowk) is the main bus terminal.

 Tip: For a budget-friendly trip, take an overnight sleeper bus from Bhubaneswar or Kolkata.

 Local Transport in Rourkela

 Taxis & Ola/Uber: Available for city travel.
 Auto-Rickshaws & Cycle Rickshaws: Common for short distances, fares need to be negotiated.
 City Buses: Connects different sectors of Rourkela.
 Bicycle Rentals: Available in select tourist spots.

 Travel Tips

✔ Best Travel Option: Take a train if coming from nearby cities or a flight to Jharsuguda if coming from far-off places.
✔ For Budget Travelers: Use trains or buses for an affordable journey.
✔ For Comfortable Travel: Hire a cab or self-drive from Jharsuguda or Ranchi.
✔ For Road Trips: NH-143 offers a scenic drive through forests & hills.