Indian Railways Route Guide · Updated 2026-06-06

Delhi to Lucknow Train

Quick Answer

The fastest Delhi to Lucknow train is the Lucknow Swarna Shatabdi Express (12003) — departing New Delhi (NDLS) at 06:10 daily and arriving Lucknow Charbagh (LKO) at 12:40 in 6.5 hours. Lucknow Mail (12229) is a daily overnight option with Sleeper class. Distance: 493 km. Sleeper from ₹255, 3AC from ₹680.

493 km 6–9 hours Sleeper from ₹255 3AC from ₹680 2AC from ₹980

Popular Delhi to Lucknow Train Trains

More trains run on this route. See all trains with live seat availability →

Delhi to Lucknow Train — Distance, Duration & Fares

DetailInfo
Rail Distance~493 km
Journey Duration6–9 hours
Sleeper Class (SL)From ₹255 approx.
3 Tier AC (3AC / 3A)From ₹680 approx.
2 Tier AC (2AC / 2A)From ₹980 approx.
Advance Booking Opens120 days before journey at 8:00 AM IST
Tatkal Booking Opens1 day before — AC at 10:00 AM, Non-AC at 11:00 AM IST

* Fares are approximate base fares. Actual fares vary by train, quota, and season. Check live fares on IRCTC before booking.

How to Book Delhi to Lucknow Train Ticket

  1. Check seat availability first — use PNR Alert route search to see which trains have confirmed seats on your travel date and class.
  2. Choose train and class — Rajdhani is fastest, AC-only. For Sleeper class, choose Express or Superfast trains. Compare departure times, days, and classes.
  3. Book on IRCTC — go to irctc.co.in or IRCTC Rail Connect app. Log in, select train/class/quota, and pay. Book up to 120 days in advance at 8:00 AM.
  4. Note your PNR number — your 10-digit PNR appears in the IRCTC booking confirmation email and SMS. Enter it on PNR Alert to track status and get WhatsApp alerts.

Booking Tips

Shatabdi Chair Car books out fast for Monday mornings and Friday evenings — book 10–15 days ahead.
Lucknow Mail is the most versatile daily overnight option — Sleeper seats generally available up to 1 week ahead.
If Shatabdi is waitlisted, check Lucknow NER Superfast or Gomti Express as alternatives.
Tatkal opens 1 day before at 10 AM (AC) / 11 AM (non-AC).
PNR Alert WhatsApp alerts will automatically notify you of waitlist changes.

Track PNR & Get Alerts

After booking a Delhi to Lucknow Train ticket, track your PNR status on PNR Alert — no login needed:

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  • See CNF, WL, RAC status per passenger
  • Free WhatsApp alert when status changes
  • Chart preparation notification included
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On travel day, use live running status to track train location and delay.

Fastest Train: Lucknow Swarna Shatabdi Express (12003)

The Lucknow Swarna Shatabdi Express (12003) departs New Delhi (NDLS) at 06:10 daily and arrives Lucknow Charbagh (LKO) at 12:40 — covering 493 km in 6 hours 30 minutes. Chair Car only (CC and Executive CC). Catering included. This is the fastest and most comfortable day option, ideal for business and leisure travellers wanting to arrive by noon.


Overnight Option: Lucknow Mail and NER Superfast

The Lucknow Mail (12229) is one of India's most storied trains — running the Delhi–Lucknow corridor with Sleeper, 3AC, and 2AC classes. Departs Delhi evening, arrives Lucknow morning. Lucknow NER Superfast Express (15707) is another option with Sleeper class. These are the best options for overnight budget travel or if you prefer berths.


Delhi Departure Station

Lucknow Swarna Shatabdi (12003) and most fast trains depart from New Delhi (NDLS). Lucknow Mail and some other trains may depart from Old Delhi (DLI) or H. Nizamuddin (NZM). Always check your booking ticket for the correct departure station.


Arriving in Lucknow: Charbagh Station (LKO)

Most Delhi–Lucknow trains arrive at Lucknow Charbagh (LKO) — the main station in Lucknow, famous for its Mughal-Gothic architecture. LKO is centrally located with good auto/cab connectivity to Hazratganj, Aminabad, and all major parts of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions — Delhi to Lucknow Train

The Lucknow Swarna Shatabdi Express (12003) departs NDLS at 06:10 and arrives LKO at 12:40 in 6.5 hours — the fastest daily service. It is Chair Car only.
Shatabdi: 6.5 hours. Lucknow Mail: ~8–9 hours (overnight). Superfast Express trains: 7–9 hours. Distance is 493 km.
Vande Bharat Express has been launched on the Delhi–Lucknow corridor. Check current schedules on IRCTC for timing and fare — it is typically faster than Shatabdi.
Shatabdi: Chair Car (CC) and Executive (EC) only. Lucknow Mail: Sleeper (SL), 3AC (3A), 2AC (2A). For the 6.5-hour daytime journey on Shatabdi, Chair Car is comfortable.
Lucknow Swarna Shatabdi (12003) and most fast trains depart from New Delhi (NDLS). Lucknow Mail may depart from Old Delhi (DLI). Always verify from your booking ticket.
Shatabdi Chair Car: ₹545–₹700 (includes catering). Sleeper on Lucknow Mail: from ₹255. 3AC from ₹680. 2AC from ₹975. Fares vary by train and season.
Enter your 10-digit PNR at pnralert.in/pnr-status — no login needed. Subscribe for free WhatsApp alerts for automatic updates.
With a 6.5-hour journey each way, a same-day return trip is very tight (13 hours of travel) but technically possible on Shatabdi. An overnight option for one leg is more practical.

Railway Guides for This Journey

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