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Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper Fully Booked Immediately Upon Opening; Waitlists Emerge! Here’s a Breakdown of Fares

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Regular service for the Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Sleeper train begins on November 2. Find out the fares for 3rd AC, 2nd AC, and 1st AC, along with the train's timings and scheduled stops.

The Railways has introduced a new service for those traveling between Delhi and Varanasi. The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is set to make overnight travel on this route more convenient. Passenger interest surged as soon as ticket bookings opened. Travelers have the option to book berths in 3rd AC, 2nd AC, or 1st AC classes on this premium train.

However, the ticket prices are higher compared to other trains. If you are planning a trip between Delhi and Varanasi, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the fares, timings, and stops beforehand.

When Does the Vande Bharat Service Begin?

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train operating between Varanasi and New Delhi bears the train numbers 27421 and 27422. According to the Railways, regular commercial operations will commence on November 2, 2026. This is the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train in Uttar Pradesh and the second of its kind in the country.

Train number 27421 (Varanasi to New Delhi) will run every day of the week except Fridays. Conversely, train number 27422 (New Delhi to Varanasi) will operate every day except Saturdays.

What Are Its Key Features?

The most notable feature of this train is its schedule. Departing from Varanasi at 8:50 PM, it arrives in New Delhi at 6:10 AM the following morning.

On the return leg, the train departs from New Delhi at 9:40 PM and reaches Varanasi at 7:10 AM the next morning. This means it will cover a distance of approximately 760 kilometers in about 9 hours and 30 minutes. At which stations will the train stop?

Between Delhi and Varanasi, this train will make stops at four stations: Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh, and Ghaziabad. The train will not stop at any other stations besides these four.

What is the fare for the Vande Bharat Sleeper?

Class

Fare

Third AC (3A)

₹1,915

Second AC (2A)

₹2,470

First AC (1A)

₹3,030

What are the fares for Prayagraj and Aligarh?

If you choose to travel to an intermediate station, the fare will be lower. For travel from Varanasi to Prayagraj or Kanpur Central, the fare is ₹1,010 for 3rd AC, ₹1,305 for 2nd AC, and ₹1,600 for 1st AC.

For travel from Varanasi to Aligarh, the fare is ₹1,590 for 3rd AC, ₹2,050 for 2nd AC, and ₹2,515 for 1st AC.

What amenities will be available?

The Vande Bharat Sleeper will consist of 16 coaches in total: 11 for 3rd AC, 4 for 2nd AC, and one for 1st AC. The entire train will have a capacity for 823 passengers (seating and sleeping berths). It features berths with improved cushioning, automatic doors, an enhanced suspension system, and noise-reduction measures.

For safety, the train is equipped with the 'Kavach' (automatic train protection) system and an emergency talk-back facility. While the train is designed for speeds of up to 180 km/h, it will operate at speeds ranging from approximately 130 to 160 km/h on this route.

Where can tickets be booked?

Tickets for this train can be booked via the IRCTC website, the Rail Connect app, or the RailOne app. Additionally, tickets can also be purchased at the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters located at railway stations.