Odisha (ଓଡ଼ିଶା) is easy to reach by air, rail and road. Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is the main gateway, a set of smaller airports serves the west and south, the state's railway network is run largely by the East Coast Railway from Bhubaneswar, and National Highway 16 runs the length of the coast between Kolkata and Chennai. This guide explains how to get to Odisha and how to get around once you arrive. It does not list fares, which change often; check airline, railway and bus operator websites when booking.
By air: airports in Odisha
As of mid-2026, Business Standard, reporting on the Odisha government's draft aviation policy, listed five operational airports in the state. Routes and airlines on regional airports change often, so always check current schedules.
| Airport | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) | Bhubaneswar | Main gateway, about 6 km from the city centre; domestic and international flights (IndiGo flies to Bangkok, Dubai and Singapore as of the latest reports) |
| Veer Surendra Sai Airport | Jharsuguda | Western Odisha; inaugurated in 2018; serves Sambalpur and Hirakud |
| Rourkela Airport | Rourkela | Steel city in Sundargarh district; regional flights |
| Jeypore Airport | Jeypore, Koraput district | Commercial flights since October 2022; serves Koraput |
| Utkela Airport | Kalahandi district | Regional flights |
In 2025 OdishaTV reported regional routes such as IndiaOne Air's Jeypore to Bhubaneswar and Bhubaneswar to Utkela services and Alliance Air flights from Bhubaneswar to Rourkela and Jharsuguda. A greenfield Shree Jagannath International Airport near Puri is planned but was not operational as of July 2026.
Neighbouring gateways. Travellers to northern Odisha sometimes fly into Kolkata, and those heading to Koraput often use Visakhapatnam International Airport in Andhra Pradesh.
By rail: major railway junctions
Most of Odisha's railways belong to the East Coast Railway zone, headquartered in Bhubaneswar, with divisions at Khurda Road, Sambalpur and Rayagada; parts of northern Odisha fall under other zones. Odisha Tourism highlights these rail hubs:
| Region | Key stations | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Capital region | Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Khurda Road | Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Diamond Triangle |
| Coast | Puri | Puri, Konark |
| North | Balasore, Jajpur | Chandipur, Simlipal |
| South | Brahmapur (Berhampur) | Gopalpur-on-Sea, Daringbadi, southern Chilika |
| West | Sambalpur, Angul, Balangir | Hirakud, western Odisha |
| South-west | Rayagada, Koraput | Koraput and the tribal highlands |
The main Howrah to Chennai line runs along the coast through Balasore, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Khurda Road and Brahmapur, and Puri is linked by a branch line. Book long-distance trains through Indian Railways' official channels.
By road: national highways
- NH 16 (formerly NH 5) runs from Dankuni near Kolkata to near Chennai, covering about 529 km in Odisha through Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Brahmapur. It is the main road for the coastal circuit.
- NH 53 links Hazira in Gujarat with Paradip port, passing through Sambalpur and Talcher, and connects western Odisha with Chhattisgarh.
- NH 26 serves Koraput, linking it with Raipur and Visakhapatnam.
Road conditions in the hills and during the monsoon can be slow; allow extra time.
Getting around Odisha
Intercity buses (OSRTC and private operators)
The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC), set up in 1974 and based in Bhubaneswar, runs intercity and interstate buses connecting more than 130 towns within Odisha and many cities in neighbouring states such as Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. OSRTC offers online reservations through its official website. Many private operators also run buses between Odisha's towns.
City buses in Bhubaneswar and other cities
Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) launched its city bus service as Mo Bus in November 2018. The service has since been reported as rebranded Ama Bus, and it now runs in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Khordha, Pipili, Konark and several other cities, including Rourkela, Sambalpur, Berhampur and Keonjhar. An official app offers live tracking and ticketing, and cashless payment is supported. Check the operator's app or website for current routes.
Taxis, cabs and auto-rickshaws
Odisha Tourism notes that cabs are available for local and outstation travel from Bhubaneswar. App-based cabs operate in the larger cities, and auto-rickshaws are common everywhere. For rural sites such as the Diamond Triangle or hill stations, hiring a car with a driver is usually the most practical choice.
Practical tips
- Check the season. Monsoon rain and cyclone alerts can disrupt flights, trains and roads; see best time to visit Odisha.
- Book festival travel early. Trains and hotels around Puri fill up quickly during the Rath Yatra.
- Use official sources for schedules and fares: airlines, Indian Railways, OSRTC and Odisha Tourism.
Plan your visit
Once you know how you will arrive, choose a route such as the 3-day or 7-day Odisha itinerary. For a custom plan built around your arrival point and dates, send a request at /travel/plan.