A new era of train travel between India's tech hub and its financial capital has begun. The much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper Express connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai is now a reality, promising a faster, more comfortable overnight journey.
The Inaugural Journey
Indian Railways
launched the Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Bengaluru’s Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on November 1, 2026. The inaugural special was flagged off by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, marking a significant step in modernising long-distance rail travel in the country. Regular commercial services are set to begin from Mumbai on November 2 and from Bengaluru on November 3, operating six days a week. The train will not run from Bengaluru on Mondays and from Mumbai on Tuesdays.
Official Route and Stoppages
The train connects the two metropolises via the Kalaburagi route, which is suitable for faster train operations. Spanning across three states, the service includes eight scheduled halts between the origin and destination, providing crucial connectivity to several key towns. The official stops for the train in both directions are Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Yadgir, Kalaburagi, Solapur, Pune, and Kalyan. This route is expected to significantly benefit travellers from North Karnataka and other intermediate regions.
Timings and Schedule
The service is designed as a convenient overnight journey. Train number 27652 will depart from SMVT Bengaluru at 7:45 PM and arrive at CSMT Mumbai at 11:55 AM the next day, completing the journey in approximately 16 hours and 10 minutes. In the other direction, train number 27651 will leave CSMT Mumbai at 8:10 PM and reach SMVT Bengaluru at 12:00 PM the following day, taking about 15 hours and 50 minutes. This schedule represents a significant time saving of six to eight hours compared to most other existing trains on the same route, which can take between 22 and 24 hours.
A New Standard of Comfort
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is a 16-coach, fully air-conditioned train with a capacity for 823 passengers. It offers three classes of accommodation: AC First Class (1A), AC 2nd Tier (2A), and AC 3rd Tier (3A). The coaches are designed for superior comfort, featuring broader, betterer cushioned berths, automatic doors, and enhanced soundproofing to reduce jerks and noise. Passenger amenities include individual reading lights, USB and Type C charging ports for every berth, sensor based water taps in modern bio vacuum toilets, and CCTV cameras for security. The First AC coaches even feature smart frosted glass doors for cabins that turn transparent at the touch of a button.
Fares and Booking Information
The fare structure for the Bengaluru–Mumbai route is competitive with other premium trains. A journey in AC $3$-Tier costs ₹$2$,$810$, while an AC $2$-Tier berth is priced at ₹$3$,$630$. For those seeking the highest level of comfort, the First AC fare is set at ₹$4$,$450$. These fares are dynamic and may vary, so passengers should confirm the final price, including meals and GST, on the official IRCTC website or app at the time of booking. While more expensive than older, slower trains on the route, the Vande Bharat Sleeper offers significant time savings and a much improved travel experience. Bookings are open through the standard IRCTC portal.
