How To Reach

Transportation & Accessibility

Odisha is well-connected to major cities in India by air, rail, and road, making it easily accessible for travelers. Once in Odisha, visitors can explore the state using buses, trains, taxis, and local transport options.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Odisha and the best ways to travel within the state:

How to Reach Odisha?

1. By Air – Fastest & Most Convenient Option

✅ Best For: Quick travel from metro cities & international destinations.

Major Airports in Odisha:

• Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), Bhubaneswar – The main airport of Odisha, connecting to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and international destinations.
• Jharsuguda Airport (Veer Surendra Sai Airport) – Serves western Odisha with flights to Delhi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.

 Other Domestic Airports:

• Rourkela Airport (Limited flights).
• Jeypore Airport (For southern Odisha).

 Best Airlines Flying to Odisha:

• Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, SpiceJet, Akasa Air.

2. By Train – Most Economical & Comfortable Option

✅ Best For: Budget travelers, scenic journeys, and intercity connections.

Odisha is well-connected by Indian Railways, with frequent trains from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Guwahati.

 Major Railway Stations in Odisha:

• Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS) – The busiest station, connecting all major Indian cities.
• Puri Railway Station (PURI) – Important for pilgrims traveling to Jagannath Temple.
• Cuttack Railway Station (CTC) – Another major junction in Odisha.
• Sambalpur, Rourkela, Balasore, Berhampur, and Jharsuguda – Important stations for different regions of Odisha.

 Popular Trains to Odisha:

• Rajdhani Express & Duronto Express (Delhi - Bhubaneswar).
• Howrah-Puri Shatabdi Express (Kolkata - Puri).
• Konark Express (Mumbai - Bhubaneswar).
• Coromandel Express (Chennai - Bhubaneswar).

 Tip: Book train tickets in advance via IRCTC (www.irctc.co.in).

3. By Road – Explore Odisha’s Scenic Highways

✅ Best For: Road trip lovers, adventure seekers, and flexible travel plans.

Odisha has a good network of national and state highways, connecting major cities and tourist destinations.

 Major Highways in Odisha:

• NH-16 (Golden Quadrilateral) – Connects Odisha to Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, and Chennai.
• NH-49 – Links Odisha with Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.

 Bus Services to Odisha:

• OSRTC (Odisha State Road Transport Corporation) – Runs intercity and interstate buses.
• Private Volvo Buses – Available from Kolkata, Raipur, Ranchi, and Hyderabad.

 Self-Drive & Rental Cars:

• Car rental services like Ola Outstation, Zoomcar, and Savaari are available in Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Cuttack.

Best Ways to Travel Within Odisha

1. By Bus – Budget-Friendly & Well-Connected

✅ Best For: Traveling between cities and towns at low cost.

 Types of Buses:

• OSRTC Buses – Government buses connecting Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack, and all major cities.
• Private AC/Non-AC Buses – More comfortable options for long-distance travel.
• City Buses – Available in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri (Mo Bus service).

 Tip: Use Mo Bus app for local city buses in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

2. By Train – Best for Intercity & Regional Travel

✅ Best For: Traveling to remote areas, tribal villages, and national parks.

 Best Train Routes in Odisha:

• Bhubaneswar – Puri (Shatabdi Express, Local Trains) – Quick access to Jagannath Temple & Beaches.
• Bhubaneswar – Sambalpur (Intercity Express) – Explore western Odisha’s waterfalls & temples.
• Bhubaneswar – Balangir (Rajya Rani Express) – Perfect for visiting tribal regions.

 Tip: Trains are the fastest and cheapest way to travel long distances within Odisha.

3. By Taxi & Cab Services – Convenient for Tourists

✅ Best For: Comfort, customized tours, and short distances.

 Cab & Taxi Options in Odisha:

• Ola & Uber – Available in Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Cuttack.
• Airport & Railway Station Prepaid Taxis – Fixed fares for airport/railway station transfers.
• Private Car Rentals (Savaari, Zoomcar) – Self-drive or chauffeur-driven options for road trips & sightseeing.

 Tip: Hire local tour cabs for day trips to Konark, Chilika Lake, and Simlipal National Park.

4. Auto-Rickshaws & Cycle-Rickshaws – Local & Cheap

✅ Best For: Short-distance travel within cities.

 Types of Rickshaws in Odisha:

• Auto-Rickshaws – Found in Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack, Berhampur, and Sambalpur.
• Cycle-Rickshaws – Ideal for short rides within small towns.
• Shared Auto-Rickshaws – Budget-friendly, used for local commuting.

 Tip: Always negotiate the fare before the ride (some autos don’t have meters).

5. Bike & Scooter Rentals – For Independent Travelers

✅ Best For: Exploring beaches, temples, and scenic routes.

 Where to Rent Bikes in Odisha?

• Bhubaneswar & Puri – Bike rentals available for ₹300-₹500 per day.
• Popular Routes: Puri to Konark Marine Drive, Bhubaneswar to Chilika Lake.

 Tip: Carry a valid driving license and follow local traffic rules.