An absolute guide to smooth, scenic, and memorable coastal driving

A pure self drive trip from Bhubaneswar is not just a short weekend break but a time consuming yet refreshing experience, combining the spiritual Odisha, scenic beaches, and smooth roads. Irrespective of whether you are organising a sunrise drive to the sea, a serene visit to a temple, or a relaxing family getaway, the Bhubaneswar to Puri road trip is still the most direct, safest, and most picturesque route in Eastern India.
With new roads, improved Puri beach parking facilities, and enhanced travel infrastructure, 2026 is a perfect time to plan your self drive trip to Puri. This guide helps you with all that: routes, timings, safety tips, waiting for your turn at the parking area, and practical insight that only comes with thorough travel experience in Odisha.

Why a Self Drive Trip to Puri Is the Best Way to Travel in 2026

It is common knowledge among travellers that the destination experience starts long before the arrival, and this applies to a puri self drive trip from bhubaneswar, too. Attractive for the travellers are the neat roads, quick access, and pretty views all the way, guaranteeing them complete control over the time and comfort of their trip. By 2026, the roads will be better and the Puri beach parking areas more spacious for an uninterrupted trip. Regardless of whether solo, with friends, or with family, a puri trip by self  drive is the only way to relish the air, make stops at your preferred eateries, and unveil the hidden gems along the beach; no other mode of transport offers this flexibility.

Bhubaneswar to Puri Road Trip Overview

The Bhubaneswar to Puri road trip is one of Odisha’s most scenic and convenient coastal drives. With smooth highways, cultural stops, and stunning views along the way, it offers a perfect blend of comfort, exploration, and memorable travel experiences.

Distance & Duration

It always helps to have some basic travel knowledge before starting the drive.

  • Total distance: 65–70 km, depending on the route
  • Travel time: 1 hr 15 mins to 1 hr 45 mins
  • Best time for travel: Early morning (6–8 AM) or late afternoon

The Bhubaneswar to Puri road trip is not only good for those who are already familiar with the road but also perfect for novices, as wide highways, well maintained signboards, and frequent rest points contribute to a feeling of calmness during the trip.

Why Choose Self Drive Over Trains or Buses?

Self driving is not only the most comfortable option, but it also offers the greatest freedom of movement.

  • Freedom from a set schedule
  • Independence from public transport
  • Complete privacy and comfort.
  • Opportunity to visit Dhauli, Pipili, and Sakhigopal
  • Good for families with kids and seniors

Most of the travellers mention mini adventures that happen along the way as a main reason why they remember a puri self drive trip from bhubaneswar so well.

Best Routes for the Bhubaneswar to Puri Drive in 2026

Route 1: NH-316 (Most Popular & Smooth)

The route is highly recommended for a puri trip by self drive because of the great condition of the road.

  • Four lane highway
  • Lots of dhabas and rest places
  • Simple to follow
  • First class way to get to Puri

On the way, you’ll see such famous landmarks as:

  • Dhauli Shanti Stupa
  • Pipili Applique Market
  • Sakhigopal Temple

Route 2: Via Konark (Scenic Coastal Route)

Those travellers who are driving for the views will really enjoy this take on the standard bhubaneswar to Puri road trip, turning it into a beach drive.

Highlights:

  • Beautiful sights of the Marine Drive 
  • Opportunity to visit the Konark Sun Temple 
  • Quiet, and that is why more people are inclined to take that stretch.
  • Perfect for sunset or sunrise rides

Note: A little longer, but extremely rewarding.

Pre Trip Checklist: Things to Prepare Before the Drive

Before starting your self drive trip, preparing a proper checklist ensures a smooth and stress free journey. From vehicle essentials to personal items, planning helps you enjoy the drive with confidence and complete peace of mind.

Vehicle Checklist for a Smooth Drive

Taking a self drive trip is always more fun when you have prepared a proper checklist beforehand. It covers everything from vehicle essentials to personal items, and planning really lets you take off with confidence and total peace of mind.

Look over the following:

  • Set the correct air pressure in the car tyres and ensure that there is a spare tyre.
  • Fuel level (It is always best to start with a full tank of fuel.)
  • Headlights, indicators, and brake lights
  • AC unit
  • Car charger & USB cable
  • Insurance & documents

Professional Tip:

In case a rented vehicle is part of your plans, do not hesitate to check its condition before handing over the keys.

Travel Essentials to Carry

Though the trip is not a long one, a few must have items will still make it easier and more comfortable.

  • Sunglasses
  • Snacks and water
  • Google Maps offline
  • Car perfume (for family comfort)
  • Some small cash, enabling you to provide for tolls or take snacks.

This helps ensure your Puri trip by self drive remains smooth from start to finish.

Best Places to Stop on the Bhubaneswar to Puri Road Trip

Bhubaneswar to Puri drive is such a picturesque trip packed with great food, local culture, and of course, stunning views. By selecting the best spots for a pause, you add relaxation, thrill, and unforgettable memories to your beachside self drive adventure.

Dhauli Hills

 A serene place to stop and refresh one’s memory of the Ashoka period.

  • Peaceful surroundings
  • Beautiful views
  • The off point is only 15 minutes.

Pipili Applique Village

Pipili is a jewel of culture and the applique craft hub of Odisha.

  • Colourful umbrellas, lamps & wall hangings
  • Local vendors
  • Great for first time visitors

By stopping here, you introduce the colour into your Bhubaneswar to Puri road trip.

Sakhigopal Temple

Love, devotion, and heritage are what the temple is known for.

  • Ancient Krishna temple
  • Quiet and serene interiors
  • Perfectly suitable for the families

Ramachandi Beach (Coastal Route Travellers)

 It is a wonderful stop if you are on the Konark Puri route.

By making this stop, you take the emotion of a Puri trip by self drive to a higher level.

Puri Beach Parking Guide 2026

Due to the rise in the number of visitors every year, it is not easy to get a good parking spot at Puri Beach. This guide for 2026 is assisting in picking out the parking areas that are safe, comfortable, and easily accessible so that you can be at your leisure without the worry of ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌parking. 

Why Parking in Puri Has Improved

Back then, parking near the beach was a nightmare that made tourists miserable. However, in 2026, the expansion of puri beach parking lots has eased it a lot.

Best Parking Spot

Here are the best and most secure puri beach parking zones where you can park your vehicle:

  • Blue Flag Beach Parking: Clean, well organised, and guarded
  • Swargadwar Parking: Nearest to the main beach market
  • Model Beach Parking: Roomy, perfect for families
  • Chakratirtha Road Parking: Convenient for people staying in resorts

Parking Tips for Self Drive Travelers

 Implement these suggestions to be free of trouble while yanking:

  • Never leave expensive items in the car
  • Choose official paid parking lots rather than parking anywhere
  • Always carry a parking ticket with you.
  • During rush hours, stay away from the narrow lanes near Swargadwar if you want to breathe easily.

If you follow the above tips, there will be no issues related to parking during your Puri self drive trip from Bhubaneswar.

The things to do in Puri once you get there

Once​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you get to Puri, you are welcomed by a whole new world of culture, sandy beaches, delicious food, and inspiring experiences. Puri has something in store for all kinds of travellers, from temple visits to scenic walks and local ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌markets

Visit Jagannath Temple

No Bhubaneswar to Puri road trip is complete without visiting the world famous Jagannath Temple.

  • Observing the darshan timing
  • Wear decent clothes
  • Morning time is the best for a smaller crowd.

Enjoy Puri Beach

The seaside is the heart of Puri

  • Ride on camels
  • Pick the coolest seashells.
  • Taste some delicious and hot chakuli & ghuguni from the local sellers.

Accessing the beach is less of a hassle than before with the Puri Beach parking that has been upgraded.

Explore Marine Drive

One of the attractions that would add to your Puri trip by self drive is Marine Drive.

  • Scenic ocean views
  • Easy tarmac for riding and driving
  • Marine Drive is ideal, be it for couples or families.

Visit Raghurajpur Artist Village

A village certified by UNESCO:

  • Pattachitra paintings
  • Odissi dance folklore
  • Handicraft workshops

This cultural side trip makes your self drive trip from Bhubaneswar more meaningful.

Safety Tips for Travelling from Bhubaneswar to Puri in 2026

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ trip from Bhubaneswar to Puri in 2026 is easy and lovely with the view, but it is still necessary to keep safe on the road. A handful of safety measures will guarantee an enjoyable, relaxed, and safe self driving trip all the way through the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌trip.

Timing Matters

The right time to choose will not only be safer but also more comfortable.

  • It is better not to drive at night.
  • The first hours of the day are the most suitable.
  • Late afternoons offer splendid views of the setting sun.

Highway Safety Tips

The NH-316 highway is of good quality, but the driver should still be careful.

  • Keep a safe distance.
  • Be prepared for sudden speed breakers.
  • Stick to your lane

These practices can make your puri trip by self drive more enjoyable.

Budget Planning for a Puri Self Drive Trip

Planning a self drive trip to Puri becomes much easier with a clear budget. Understanding costs for fuel, food, parking, and activities helps you enjoy the journey without surprises and manage your trip comfortably.

Fuel Cost

This long drive won’t break your wallet.

  • Fuel needed: 4 6 litres one way
  • Approx money spent: ₹850 – ₹1,050

Food & Refreshments

Proper meals and snacks can easily be arranged along the journey.

  • The dhabas on the highway
  • Eateries of Pipili
  • Restaurants on the Puri beachfront

Parking Cost

Official Puri beach parking goes like this:

  • ₹30 – ₹50 per hour
  • Daily passes are available during peak season.

Conclusion

A self drive trip from Bhubaneswar is not just easy, it’s genuinely fun. The brief yet scenic bhubaneswar to Puri road trip, the liberty to take historical and cultural breaks, the freedom of time, and the fun of beach, temple, and food explorations make the journey an awesome one. No matter if you are a solo traveller or a family of five, a self drive trip enables you to discover the warmth and magic of Puri at your own speed.

With 2026 giving wider roads, easy navigation, and well organised Puri beach parking, it is an ideal time to take off.

When it comes to renting a car for your journey, Rideez Car Rental is there to make your whole experience better. What Rideez brings to you:

The decision to go with Rideez is what makes your puri self drive trip from bhubaneswar not only more comfortable but also safer and smoother thus, every kilometre can become a memory worth treasuring.

Key Takeaways

  • The best way to enjoy the benefits of comfort, flexibility, and scenic beauty is by a pure self drive trip from bhubaneswar.
  • The bhubaneswar to puri road trip presents you with several route options, culture stops, and well-maintained roads.
  • With a Puri trip by self drive, you can freely take in Dhauli, Pipili, Sakhigopal, Konark, and Marine Drive.
  • With the latest Puri beach parking, beach visits might not be the most exciting part of the day, but they will be hassle-free.
  • Rideez Car Rental is there to give you that peace of mind with the cars that you can depend on, the pricing that is 100% transparent, and an overall premium travel experience.