A new chapter in Indian Railways history begins as the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express connects Bengaluru and Mumbai. This service promises a faster, more comfortable overnight journey between India's IT hub and its financial capital.
Launch and Schedule Details
The much-awaited Bengaluru-Mumbai
Vande Bharat Sleeper Express was flagged off on November 1, 2026, by Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, from Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) in Bengaluru. Regular services for the public are set to commence from Mumbai on November 2 and from Bengaluru on November 3. The train will operate six days a week. Train number 27652 from Bengaluru to Mumbai will not run on Mondays, and train number 27651 from Mumbai to Bengaluru will not run on Tuesdays.
Route and Official Stoppages
The train will connect key cities across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, significantly improving connectivity in the region. The regular service has eight scheduled halts between SMVT Bengaluru and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai. The official stops are: Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Yadgir, Kalaburagi, Solapur, Pune, and Kalyan. The train departs from SMVT in Baiyappanahalli, Bengaluru, not the main KSR Bengaluru City station.
Timings for a Comfortable Overnight Journey
The schedule is designed for overnight travel, saving passengers valuable daytime hours. Train 27652 will depart from SMVT Bengaluru at 7:45 PM and is scheduled to arrive at CSMT Mumbai at 11:55 AM the next day, completing the journey in approximately 16 hours and 10 minutes. In the opposite direction, train 27651 will leave CSMT Mumbai at 8:10 PM and reach SMVT Bengaluru at 12:00 PM the following day, taking around 15 hours and 50 minutes. This is a significant time saving of six to seven hours compared to other popular trains on the route like the Udyan Express.
A Look Inside: Features and Comfort
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is a 16-coach trainset designed for premium long-distance travel, with a total capacity of 823 passengers. The train offers three classes of accommodation: AC First (1A), AC 2nd Tier (2A), and AC 3rd Tier (3A). Coaches are ergonomically designed with features aimed at enhancing comfort and safety, including improved soundproofing for a quieter ride and advanced air conditioning. Amenities include personal reading lights, electric outlets, Wi-Fi for infotainment, and CCTV cameras. The train is also equipped with modern safety features like the indigenous 'Kavach' anti-collision system and advanced fire safety measures.
Fares and How to Book Your Ticket
Fares for the Bengaluru–Mumbai route are structured by class. In AC $3$-Tier, the fare is approximately ₹$2$,$810$, while AC $2$-Tier costs around ₹$3$,$630$, and a berth in AC First Class is priced at about ₹$4$,$450$. These prices are for the full journey and may vary based on catering choices and dynamic pricing. For comparison, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is more expensive than conventional trains like the Udyan Express but offers a faster and more modern travel experience. It presents a competitive alternative to flights, which can cost significantly more, especially when factoring in airport transfers and check–in times. Bookings can be made through the official IRCTC website and app.
