Delhi to Varanasi Train
The fastest Delhi to Varanasi train is the Vande Bharat Express (22435/22436) — approximately 8 hours from New Delhi (NDLS) to Varanasi Junction (BSB). Shiv Ganga Express (12559) is a popular overnight option (~12 hours). Distance: 821 km. Sleeper fare from ₹375, 3AC from ₹1,005. Vande Bharat is Chair Car only; Shiv Ganga has Sleeper and AC.
Popular Delhi to Varanasi Train Trains
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Delhi to Varanasi Train — Distance, Duration & Fares
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Rail Distance | ~821 km |
| Journey Duration | 10–13 hours |
| Sleeper Class (SL) | From ₹375 approx. |
| 3 Tier AC (3AC / 3A) | From ₹1,005 approx. |
| 2 Tier AC (2AC / 2A) | From ₹1,445 approx. |
| Advance Booking Opens | 120 days before journey at 8:00 AM IST |
| Tatkal Booking Opens | 1 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 Varanasi Train Ticket
- Check seat availability first — use PNR Alert route search to see which trains have confirmed seats on your travel date and class.
- Choose train and class — Rajdhani is fastest, AC-only. For Sleeper class, choose Express or Superfast trains. Compare departure times, days, and classes.
- 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.
- 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
Track PNR & Get Alerts
After booking a Delhi to Varanasi Train ticket, track your PNR status on PNR Alert — no login needed:
- Enter your 10-digit PNR — instant result
- See CNF, WL, RAC status per passenger
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- No app download or account required
On travel day, use live running status to track train location and delay.
Fastest Train: Vande Bharat Express (22435)
The Vande Bharat Express (22435) is the fastest Delhi–Varanasi train — departing New Delhi (NDLS) at 06:00 and arriving Varanasi Junction (BSB) at 14:00, covering 821 km in 8 hours. It is a Chair Car only train (CC and Executive CC) with excellent on-board catering. This semi-high-speed train makes the journey in one long day — ideal for morning arrivals in Varanasi.
Popular Overnight: Shiv Ganga Express (12559)
The Shiv Ganga Express (12559) departs New Delhi (NDLS) in the evening and arrives Varanasi the next morning in approximately 12 hours — a classic overnight sleeper option. Has Sleeper, 3AC, and 2AC classes. Widely preferred by pilgrims and budget travellers. Kashi Vishwanath Express (13307) is another reliable overnight option.
Varanasi for Pilgrims: Peak Season
Varanasi is one of India's most sacred pilgrimage cities — receiving millions of visitors for Ganga Aarti, Shivratri, Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga darshan, and Dev Deepawali (November). Trains are in extremely high demand during Mahashivratri (February/March), Navratri, and Kartik Purnima. Book 60–90 days ahead for festival seasons.
Which Station in Delhi — NDLS
Vande Bharat (22435) and Shiv Ganga (12559) both depart from New Delhi (NDLS). Kashi Vishwanath Express departs from Old Delhi (DLI). Always verify your departure station from the IRCTC booking confirmation — Delhi has four major stations.
Frequently Asked Questions — Delhi to Varanasi Train
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