Key hubs
Raipur airport and railway station
- Airport
- Swami Vivekananda Airport (RPR), about 15 km south-east of the city centre, with direct flights to major Indian metros; about 30 to 45 minutes by road depending on traffic
- Railway station
- Raipur Junction (R), on the Howrah-Nagpur-Mumbai line, in the South East Central Railway zone; about 16 km from the airport
- Getting around
- App cabs and autos work in the city; a private car and driver is the easiest option for Naya Raipur and day trips. Bus rapid transit also links the city and Naya Raipur.
How to reach Raipur by air
Swami Vivekananda Airport (RPR) is about 15 km south-east of the city centre and roughly 10 km from Naya Raipur, with direct flights to many Indian metros. Allow about 30 to 45 minutes by road to the old city, depending on traffic.
How to reach Raipur by train
Raipur Junction (R) is on the Howrah-Nagpur-Mumbai line in the South East Central Railway zone, and is the main railhead. It is about 16 km from the airport; Bilaspur is the other major station in the state.
How to reach Raipur by road
Raipur is well served by highways and long-distance buses, which use the inter-state bus terminal about 17 km from the airport. Sirpur is about 80 km and Rajim about 45 to 50 km by road.
Getting around Raipur
App cabs and autos work in the city, and bus rapid transit links Raipur and Naya Raipur. A private car and driver is the easiest way to reach Nandanvan, Purkhouti Muktangan and the day trips.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Raipur
- Naya Raipur sights are spread out: ask about battery vehicles at the parks and use a car between them.
- Sirpur and Rajim involve long drives and uneven ground; choose one and travel with a driver.
- Remove footwear at temples; carry socks or ask about mats, as stone floors can be hot at midday.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.