Is there a direct bus?

No, direct buses are rare; you must change at Cuttack or Bhubaneswar.

The Utkal Express or the Rourkela-Bhubaneswar Intercity are popular choices.

How far is the station?

Aul is about 100 km from Cuttack Junction.

Yes, it is a well-planned industrial city with good security.

Rourkela has an airport, but flights are limited and often expensive.

Rourkela

Train Driving

Aul to Rourkela

Updated: 28 May 2026

Traveling from Aul to Rourkela requires a multi-modal approach, as Aul lacks a direct railway station. You must first travel to Cuttack or Bhadrak by road, which serves as the nearest major rail hub. From Cuttack, several express trains connect to Rourkela, a major industrial city. The total distance is approximately 450 kilometers. This journey takes you from the coastal plains into the hilly terrain of Western Odisha.

Total Distance: 450 km by road, 380 km straight-line.

Fastest Way

Taxi to Cuttack and then the Vande Bharat or Intercity Express train.

Cheapest Way

Bus to Cuttack followed by a sleeper class train to Rourkela.

Compare Aul to Rourkela Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	8 hours	10 hours
Avg Price	400-1200 INR	6000-9000 INR
Operator	Utkal Express	Private Taxi
Route	Cuttack Junction to Rourkela Junction.	Aul - Cuttack - Angul - Sambalpur - Rourkela.
Tip	Book your tickets in advance via IRCTC as this route is heavily booked.	The road via Sambalpur is scenic but involves heavy truck traffic.

Travel Tips

Train Booking
Use the IRCTC app to track live train status for Cuttack departures.
Road Route
Prefer the NH 55 route for better road conditions between Cuttack and Sambalpur.
Food
Carry dry snacks as train pantry food quality can be inconsistent.
Connectivity
Ensure your phone is charged for GPS navigation if driving.
Station Arrival
Reach Cuttack station at least 45 minutes before your train departure.

Safety Tips

Night Driving
Avoid driving through the hilly stretches of Sundargarh district at night.
Luggage Safety
Use chains to lock your luggage under the seat on trains.
Emergency Help
Keep the Rourkela Railway Police number saved.
Health
Carry basic first-aid, especially motion sickness medication for the hilly roads.