How to get to Bhubaneswar

A journey to Bhubaneswar opens doors for tourists to the ancient capital of the state of Odisha, known as the "City of Temples" and serving as an important cultural centre of India. This dynamically developing city attracts pilgrims and history enthusiasts with its unique architecture, while offering modern infrastructure and convenient logistics. When planning how to get to Bhubaneswar, you can choose a quick flight, a train journey, or a road trip, enjoying the region's colourful landscapes along the way.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the city is by air, landing at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI). This modern aviation hub is well connected to the city's transport system and receives flights from the country's key metropolises, ensuring convenient access to Bhubaneswar.

If direct tickets are unavailable, you can consider flying to neighbouring cities with a subsequent transfer. The nearest airports are located in towns such as Rourkela (240 km) and Jharsuguda (256 km), as well as Bhawanipatna, from where you can continue your journey by ground transport.

Bhubaneswar is a major railway hub and the headquarters of the East Coast Railway, making travel by train an excellent option. The city's main station (BBS) has excellent connections with most major cities in India, including Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai, offering tourists a budget-friendly and vibrant way to travel.

If tickets for direct trains are sold out, you can plan a route through neighbouring major stations. Railway hubs in the cities of Rourkela and Jharsuguda are located at a distance of about 240–260 km, from where it is easy to reach the "City of Temples" by taxi or bus.

Bus services connect the state capital with many settlements in the region, offering affordable travel options. A trip from the city of Bhawanipatna will take about 8.2 hours, during which the bus covers a distance of 282 km along scenic roads.

Routes from the industrial centre of Rourkela are also popular: the 261 km journey takes approximately 9.3 hours. Travellers from the city of Jharsuguda should expect to spend about 11.3 hours on the road to cover the 288 km to their destination.

Travelling by car or taxi provides flexibility and the opportunity to make stops at interesting places on the way to Bhubaneswar. The road from the city of Rourkela (310 km) usually takes about 6.8 hours, which is noticeably faster than public transport.

A trip from the city of Jharsuguda lasting 7 hours will require covering 333 km. If you are departing from Bhawanipatna, expect to spend about 9 hours behind the wheel, as the distance is over 413 km.

To ensure your stay in Bhubaneswar is as comfortable and safe as possible, it is worth familiarising yourself with local customs and preparing for the trip in advance. Here are some practical recommendations to help you adapt quickly to this vibrant Indian city.

1. Clothing and Climate. The city has a tropical climate, so choose light clothing made from natural fabrics (cotton, linen). However, please remember modesty is important: modest attire covering shoulders and knees is mandatory for visiting temples and recommended generally.
2. Urban Transport. For getting around the city, it is most convenient to use auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuks) or taxi apps. Always agree on the price with rickshaw drivers before the trip starts if there is no meter.
3. Financial Matters. The official currency is the Indian Rupee. Cards are accepted in hotels and major restaurants, but be sure to carry cash in small denominations for markets, transport, and small shops.
4. Health and Hygiene. Drink exclusively bottled water and avoid drinks with ice in street cafes. It is recommended to carry hand sanitiser and a basic first aid kit.
5. Language Barrier. The main language of the state is Odia, but Hindi and English are widely spoken in the tourism sector. Learning a couple of phrases in the local language will certainly earn you the goodwill of the residents.
6. Rules of Conduct in Temples. Be sure to remove your shoes when entering any temple. Entry to some shrines (such as Lingaraj) is permitted only for Hindus; please respect these religious rules.
7. Food Safety. Street food is delicious, but it should only be tried in places with high turnover where the food is cooked in front of you. Avoid pre-cut fruits on stalls.
8. Best Time to Visit. Plan your sightseeing for the early morning or pre-sunset hours to avoid the exhausting daytime heat characteristic of the region.

Observing these simple rules will help you avoid common difficulties and focus on exploring the rich cultural heritage of Bhubaneswar. Be open and polite, and the city will respond with mutual hospitality.