Taking the train from Delhi to Agra or back from Agra to Delhi with confidence.

Wondering how to get from Delhi to Agra? Or debating whether to book a train Agra to Delhi? I admit we might be somewhat bias after months of traveling all around India by rail.  But we reckon taking a train journey in India is a must-do experience. 

The following is our very (honest) review and blog about train travel in India including everything you need to know for the train Agra to Delhi and return. 

• Traveling by train Delhi to Agra
• What is it really like taking a train in India? 
• Options for travel to Agra 
• Options by train 
  – Trains Delhi to Agra
  – Trains Agra to Delhi 
• Which train to choose? 
• Our (honest) review
• Things to know about train travel in India
• Buying tickets
• Classes of train travel in India
• Railway Stations 
  – Delhi
  – Agra
• Boarding
• Food
• Toilets
• Arriving in Agra 
• Accommodation

Options for travel between Delhi and Agra

Delhi and Agra are both cities in India’s famous Golden Triangle itinerary and are two of the most famous destinations for travellers to India.  As well as for travellers, the route from Delhi to Agra is also a busy journey for domestic travellers moving between the two cities. 

For visitors, there are several options to get from Delhi to Agra and return: 

• Train 
• Taxi 
• Private driver 
• Bus 

If you have a pre-arranged tour in North India you will likely be assigned a driver for your itinerary on arrival to Delhi airport.  It costs around $100 – 150 per day for a private car and driver for your India travel in and around the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur).  Or it is easy to book a local driver (without guide) through your accommodation for the daytime trip. 

There are local buses and tourist buses from Delhi to Agra.  You can book these through your accommodation provider the day before travel. 

However, we might be bias as we love the adventure and experience of taking a train in India.  We reckon the best way to travel is by train from Delhi to Agra and return by train Agra to Delhi. 

Here is everything you need to know about making the journey by train. 

Train travel between Delhi and Agra

There are in fact around 24 trains that run from Delhi to Agra on a daily basis!

It is a convenient way to travel between the two cities and it is one of the most popular train routes in India.  But there are differing services with some super-fast daytime trains and some that depart during the night and travel very slowly. 

Options by train Delhi to Agra

To keep options simple (it is actually easy), these are the fast daytime trains from Delhi to Agra that connect the two cities. 

• VANDE BHARAT EXP #22470
  Departs daily except Monday from Delhi (NZM) at 6:00am arriving at Agra Cantt (AGC) at 07:40am taking 1hr and 40mins. 

• SHATABDI EXPRESS #12004
  Departs daily from New Delhi (NDLS) at 06:10am arriving to Agra Cantt (AGC) at 08:45am taking 2hr 35mins. 

• TAJ EXPRESS #12280 
  Departs daily from New Delhi (NDLS) at 06:55am arriving to Agra Cantt (AGC) at 09:20am taking 2hr 25mins. 

• GATIMAAN EXP #12050
  Departs daily except Friday from Delhi (NZM) at 08:10am arriving to Agra Cant (AGC) at 09:50am taking 1hr 40 mins. 

• VANDE BHARAT EXP #20172
  Departs daily except Sunday from Delhi (NZM) at 14:40pm arriving at Agra Cantt (AGC) at 16:16pm taking 1hr and 36mins. 

Note that the Vande Bharat trains and the Gatimaan Express trains operate six days out of seven. 

• Book tickets for trains in India through 12GoAsia.com. 

Options by train Agra to Delhi 

These are the main and fastest daytime options for the train Agra to Delhi.

• VANDE BHARAT EXP #20171 
  Departs daily except Sunday from Agra (AGC) at 11:15am arriving to Delhi (NZM) at 13:16pm taking 2hrs. 

• GATIMAAN EXP #12049
  Departs daily except Friday from Agra (AGC) at 17:40pm arriving to Delhi (NZM) at 19:30pm taking 1hr 50mins. 

Note the Vande Bharat does not operate this route on Sunday.  And the Gatimaan Express train Agra to Delhi does not operate on Friday. 

Which train to choose? 

Traveling by train from Delhi to Agra we would recommend either of the seated highspeed trains: 

• GATIMAAN EXP #12050
• VANDE BHARAT EXP #20172

These trains arrive to Agra at the most convenient time of day.  It is slightly tricky arriving to Agra early in the morning as you will likely be too early to check in to your accommodation.  We recommend the Vande Bharat afternoon train Delhi to Agra. 

For the train Agra to Delhi the most convenient departure time is the afternoon (so you have time to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise!). 

• GATIMAAN EXP #12049

Each of these options from Delhi to Agra and the trains Agra to Delhi cover the distance in less than two hours. 

• Read tips for visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise. 

Our (honest) review of travel by train in India

I reckon that you can’t go to India and not experience train travel at least somewhere in the subcontinent.  It really is an amazing way to see the country!  

I’ve lost count of how many train journeys we have made in all directions around India in the last few years.  It is absolutely one of the highlights of our India Group Trips.  And from Delhi to Agra or return by train Agra to Delhi takes less than two hours.  It is a convenient way to make this part of the journey to either start or complete your India itinerary in the capital. 

And truly?  It isn’t half as bad as you might be imagining or worrying.  Albeit we come from New Zealand and before setting off to travel fulltime over five years ago now, we hardly had ridden trains!  There isn’t a subway in New Zealand and there isn’t really much public transport by railway.  So we find train travel in India extra-exciting! 

But it is nothing like you might be imagining of riding on the roof with crowds of locals.  There are millions of passengers that travel every day in India by train.  And especially the high speed and Express trains make it a comfortable way to travel.   

Give or take a few chapati and potentially any cows congesting the railway stations, and you could – almost – be anywhere in the world!

• Read our complete guide to train travel in India.

Buying tickets for the train to Agra 

Trains in India get booked out in advance.  After all, there are literally millions of people traveling on India Railways every day!  If you are booked on a tour and have a travel agent or booking contact in India it will be easier to book through them ahead of time.  

Otherwise there are three options for you to book and buy tickets independently:

• Go to a railway station (in Delhi) and book in person when you arrive
• Book online directly from Indian Railways at the IRCTC website www.irctc.co.in
• Book online through third party 12GoAsia. 

With the IRCTC website you really need to have an Indian phone number to log in which is tricky from overseas.  The easiest option is with 12GOAsia. 

• Read our complete guide to train travel in India and how to buy tickets for India Railways.

Classes of train travel in India

There are eight different classes of train travel in India and each class has a different code.  

These are the classes listed below in descending order according of price per fare. 

• First Class (1A)
• Second AC / 2-Tier AC (2A)
• Third AC / 3-Tier AC (3A)
• AC Executive chair class (EC)
• Seated AC / AC Chair Car (CC)
• Sleeper Class (SL)
• General / Second Class Seats (2S, II)
• Unreserved General Class (UR)

However, the decision of which class to take for the route and trains Agra to Delhi is more straight forward as not all these classes are available on every train.  

Classes of travel on the trains between Delhi and Agra

The highspeed (Vande Bharat) and fast trains (Express) between Delhi and Agra have only seated classes of travel: 

• VANDE BHARAT: CC, EC
  
• SHATABDI EXPRESS: CC, EC
  
• TAJ EXPRESS: 2S, CC 

There are similar seated classes on the trains Agra to Delhi: 

• GATIMAAN EXP: CC, EC

• VANDE BHARAT EXP: CC, EC

We always tend to opt for Chair Class (CC) if it is available for short-mid distance train travel.   It is a comfortable way to travel and in all honesty, the allocated chair style of seating means you won’t have to worry about sharing a berth-type seat with someone else. 

The seats in Chair Class (CC) are set out like on an aeroplane with three seats on one side of the aisle and two on the other.

About the Delhi and Agra railway stations 

There are five main railway stations in Delhi:

• New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS)
• Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI) or Delhi Junction Railway Station
• Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM)
• Delhi Cantt (DEC)
• Delhi Sarai Rohilla (DEE) 

There are two main railway stations in Agra: 

• Agra Fort (AF)
• Agra Cantt (AGC) 

It is IMPORTANT to check the departure station at the station code of your train ticket so you know which Delhi and Agra railway station you are traveling to and from. 

• Book tickets for trains in India through 12GoAsia.com. 

Station facilities in Delhi and Agra 

Most of the Delhi railway stations have air-conditioned waiting-room options for passengers: 

• Executive Lounge (NDLS)
• Premium Lounge (DLI, NZM)
• AC Class Waiting Room (NDLS, DLI, NZM, DEC, DEE)

In Agra, both stations also have waiting room facilities: 

• Executive Lounge (AGC)
• AC Class Waiting Room (both)

The IRCTC Executive Lounge and Premium Lounge are small,  fully air-conditioned waiting areas, for passengers while waiting for their trains. There is a small café and shop as well as lounge chairs, charging points, a TV and toilets. 

• Tip: The cost to wait in the Premium / Executive Lounge is 200 INR for two hours, and it is subject to availability. 

The AC Class Waiting Room is also air conditioned with seats for passengers traveling in 1^st or 2^nd Class or Chair and Executive Class (1A, 2A or CC, EC).  There is no charge for waiting inside, you simply need to show your ticket on entry to the Waiting Room. 

Things to know before taking the train from Delhi to Agra 

If this is your first train journey in India, it’s a good place to start.  The route from Delhi to Agra is a common journey and a short, straightforward trip to make during the daytime. 

The main things to know before taking a train in India is all about the boarding and where to stand on the platform.  

Boarding the train to Agra or Delhi (or any train in India)

The first thing is to check you eTicket and find these details:

• Train Name and Number 
  eg. VANDE BHARAT EXP #20172
  
• Platform 
  eg. PL 5
  
• Carriage 
  eg. C1 or C2
  
• Seat 
  eg. 22 or 23

Arriving at the station in Delhi or Agra, look for the large electronic board with the scheduled departure times, expected arrival/departure times and the platform numbers. 

You can confirm the platform number by using your train name or number. 

Is there food and drinks available for purchase on board? 

Yes.  For the Vande Bharat Express trains Delhi to Agra meals are included in the ticket price.  Food is served in acrylic trays for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and in snack boxes for evening snacks.  Pre-mix tea and coffee are served with a stirrer, paper napkin, and hot water.  

For the other Express trains Agra to Delhi, meals are not included in the ticket price.  However, snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board the train.  

Railway staff will come through the carriages with chai, water, drinks and snacks for sale. 

What are the toilets like on board the train? 

On the highspeed and Express trains to and from Agra and Delhi there is the option of a western toilet or squat toilet in each carriage.  And even the squat has a bio-vacuum style flushing toilet these days.  Quite the luxury! 

Planning for Agra and Delhi before and after your train 

Planning your itinerary for India and wondering how long you need in Agra and Delhi?

• Read about the best things to do in Delhi, how to visit the Taj Mahal and all the other best things to do in Agra. 

Where to stay in old Delhi, New Delhi and South Delhi or near the airport 

These are the hotels that we stay in Delhi and can recommend for your trip.  Paharganj and Connaught Place are the closest districts to New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS). 

• Mahipalpur (Airport) / Mid-Range: Taurus Sarovar Portico 
  Beautiful hotel only a few km’s from Delhi International Airport. A great first stop arriving in India with buffet breakfast included and a restaurant onsite.
  
• South Delhi / Mid-Range: Haveli Hauz Khas
  A homestay style Haveli in the popular Hauz Khas area of South Delhi.
  
• Connaught Place / Mid-Range-Luxury: Shangri La’s Eros Hotel 
  The hotel has a few in house restaurants, including the signature Shang Palace and Sorrento. There’s also a gym, an outdoor pool and a spa. 
  
• Paharganj / Budget: Smyle Inn 
  Extremely basic hotel in small back alley but with very friendly, helpful staff and simple breakfast included. Just off Main Bazaar.

Where to stay in Agra near the Taj Mahal 

These are the hotels in Agra near the Taj Mahal that we use and recommend for your stay.

• Agra / Budget-Mid: Aman HomestayVery friendly family-run homestay with rooftop views of The Taj Mahal. Great rickshaw driver service and home cooked meals.  We stay here with our Group Trips to India.
  
• Agra / Budget-Mid: The Coral House Homestay by the Taj Located only 700 metres from Taj Mahal with a relaxing homestay feel and comfortable common areas. A great dinner and breakfast option. We really enjoyed staying here. 
  
• Agra / Mid-Luxury: Hotel Taj Resorts
  Beautiful resort style accommodation only 600 metres from the Taj. Enjoy the incredible restaurant on-site and refreshing swimming pool. 

Read more about travel in North India

• Epic 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary 
• Things to do in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
• What to see in Jaisalmer Fort
• Local desert cuisine and the food to try in Jaisalmer
• Getting the bus from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur or Bikaner
• Overnight train Delhi to Jaisalmer
• Taking the train Jaipur to Jaisalmer
• Leaving Jaisalmer to Jaipur (and Jodhpur too) by overnight train
• Choosing the best camel safari in Jaisalmer

Planning for travel in India and beyond

These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel. 

• Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally. 
• 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
• Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.  
• GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
• SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country. 
• World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before riding those trains in India!