The Route and Schedule
The Vande Bharat Express significantly cuts down travel time, completing the approximately 760-kilometre journey in just eight hours. The service, numbered 22436 from New Delhi (NDLS) to Varanasi Junction (BSB) and 22435 for the return trip, operates
six days a week. It does not run on Thursdays from New Delhi and on a different day for the return journey, so it's essential to check the schedule when booking. The train departs from New Delhi railway station at 6:00 AM, arriving at Varanasi Junction at 2:00 PM. On its return, it leaves Varanasi to reach Delhi in the evening. There are only two stops along the way: Kanpur Central and Prayagraj Junction, ensuring a swift and efficient trip.
Choosing Your Travel Class
Passengers can choose between two comfortable, fully air-conditioned classes: AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC). The AC Chair Car is the standard option, featuring a 3x2 seating arrangement. For those seeking a more premium experience, the Executive Class offers wider, more spacious seats in a 2x2 configuration. A key feature of the Executive Class is its 180-degree rotating seats, allowing passengers to face the direction of travel or form a group with fellow travellers.
A Look at the Fare
Ticket prices for the Vande Bharat Express are higher than those for traditional trains like the Shatabdi Express, reflecting the premium service and speed. A journey in the AC Chair Car from Delhi to Varanasi costs approximately ₹1,800, while a seat in the Executive Chair Car is priced at around ₹3,400. These fares are dynamic and can fluctuate based on demand. The ticket price includes catering charges for onboard meals, which typically consist of morning tea, breakfast, and lunch, with vegetarian options available. Passengers can sometimes opt out of meals during the booking process if they prefer.
The Onboard Experience and Amenities
What truly sets the Vande Bharat Express apart is its modern, aircraft-like experience. The train is engine-less, allowing for faster acceleration and deceleration. Coaches are equipped with automatic doors, large windows for observation, and a GPS-based passenger information system displayed on screens. For passenger convenience, there is onboard Wi-Fi for infotainment, individual charging sockets under every seat, and touch-based reading lights. The train also features clean, hygienic bio-vacuum toilets with sensor-based taps and hand dryers, a significant upgrade in onboard sanitation.
How to Plan and Book Your Trip
Booking tickets for the Vande Bharat Express is straightforward and can be done online through the official IRCTC website or the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app. It's highly recommended to book tickets well in advance, as seats on this popular train fill up quickly. The standard booking window opens 60 days prior to the journey date. Unlike other trains, the Vande Bharat only has confirmed seating; there is no Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) category, so a waitlisted e-ticket will be automatically cancelled if not confirmed. For last-minute plans, Indian Railways has also enabled bookings up to 15 minutes before departure, subject to seat availability.
