Short answer
The distance is about 60 km and takes roughly 1.5 hours by car on NH316. Trains between Bhubaneswar and Puri run multiple times daily and take about 1.5-2 hours including stops.
By road
NH316 is a well-maintained highway connecting the two cities directly, and most private car transfers use this route. Traffic through Bhubaneswar's outskirts can add 15-20 minutes during morning and evening peak hours.
By train
Several passenger and express trains connect Bhubaneswar railway station to Puri railway station, useful for travellers without a pre-booked car, though schedules should be checked in advance since frequency varies by day.
When to allow extra time
During Rath Yatra (June/July) and Durga Puja, road traffic into Puri slows considerably as pilgrim and tourist volumes rise; building in an extra hour is sensible.
Combining the drive with a stop
Many travellers break the Bhubaneswar-Puri drive at Pipili, known for its appliqué craft, or continue past Puri toward Konark (a further 35 km) to complete the Golden Triangle in one loop.
