Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Starts: Check Fares!
The Varanasi–New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is now operational. Discover the premium fare structure, new schedule, and high-tech features here.
The much-awaited Varanasi–New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Express has officially commenced its regular commercial operations. Following its inaugural run on October 31, 2026, which was flagged off by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the premium service is now available for daily commuters and travelers.
Premium Fare Structure: Vande Bharat vs Shiv Ganga Express
As a high-end service, the Vande Bharat Sleeper comes with a premium price tag compared to existing options like the Shiv Ganga Express. Passengers looking for luxury and speed can expect the following fare breakdown for the full journey:
- Third AC (3A): ₹1,915
- Second AC (2A): ₹2,470
- First AC (1A): ₹3,030
For comparison, the Shiv Ganga Express currently charges ₹1,170 for 3AC, ₹1,640 for 2AC, and ₹2,725 for 1AC. While the Vande Bharat is more expensive, it offers significantly faster travel times.
Train Schedule and Route Details
The service operates six days a week, providing a reliable overnight connection between Varanasi and the national capital. The train is identified by numbers 27421 and 27422.
Varanasi to New Delhi (Train No. 27421)
This service departs from Varanasi at 8:50 PM and reaches New Delhi at 6:10 AM the following morning. Please note that this service does not operate on Fridays.
New Delhi to Varanasi (Train No. 27422)
The return leg departs from New Delhi at 9:40 PM and arrives in Varanasi at 7:10 AM the next day. This service does not operate on Saturdays.
The train will make scheduled stops at the following intermediate stations:
- Prayagraj
- Kanpur Central
- Aligarh
- Ghaziabad
Modern Amenities and Safety Features
The 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper is designed for maximum comfort and safety. Travelers can enjoy several modern upgrades, including:
- KAVACH Safety System: Equipped with the advanced indigenous safety system to prevent accidents.
- Enhanced Security: Integrated CCTV surveillance throughout the coaches for passenger safety.
- Modern Toilets: High-tech bio-vacuum toilets for improved hygiene.
- Passenger Comfort: Dedicated mobile charging ports and premium interiors.
In terms of efficiency, the Vande Bharat Sleeper saves approximately 55 minutes on the outbound journey and 35 minutes on the return leg compared to the Shiv Ganga Express.
Booking Information and Important Rules
Tickets for the Varanasi–New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper can be booked through the IRCTC website, Rail Connect, and RailOne apps, or at offline Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters.
Important Policy: The service strictly enforces a zero-waitlist and zero-RAC policy. Additionally, a minimum chargeable distance of 400 km applies to all bookings.