Away With The Steiners

Train Delhi to Varanasi: India’s Fast Train or Overnight Train? 

Sarah Steiner

Many tours in India start from the capital with a train Delhi to Varanasi to kick off the trips.  But did you know there is a huge range of types of train travel in India?  

For the trains Delhi to Varanasi there are daytime trains, overnight sleeper trains, fast trains, superfast trains and a bunch of others in between.  Plus, there are different classes of train travel to choose from on those journeys.   

So, what is it really like? 

Here is everything you need to know about taking the train Delhi to Varanasi including booking tickets, options for trains and classes of travel and our (honest) review of what it is really like. 

From Delhi to Varanasi 

We have taken endless trains in India all over the country.  We’ve ridden the superfast, high-speed trains and we’ve slugged along on the slow, local overnight sleeper trains.  

Sometimes our tickets are for First Class with air conditioning and sometimes we are rolling with the windows open and the Indian countryside whizzing on by closely outside. 

There are a lot of options to consider! 

But the route from Delhi to Varanasi by train is a regular and popular journey.  

Here is everything about it plus some VIP tips for taking trains in India. 

Options for travel between Delhi and Varanasi.

For travellers to India, there are several options to get from Delhi to Varanasi. 

Realistically, the most convenient way to get from Delhi to Varanasi is to travel by train.  

Finding the right platform and waiting spot at Delhi Junction / Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI) train to Varanasi.
Finding the right platform and waiting spot at Delhi Junction / Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI). 

Train options from Delhi to Varanasi

Between 13 – 15 trains run daily between New Delhi and Varanasi, covering the distance of about 747 km by rail.  

However, these are the main options that I would recommend to travellers.

There are other options of train between Delhi and Varanasi however, many of the alternative options either arrive or depart during the wee hours of the night and morning.  Or they depart from other Delhi railway stations that are further out of the city. 

The comfortable seats of Chair Class (CC) on the Vande Bharat Express. 

Which train to choose? 

The above three options are the main trains Delhi to Varanasi that travel during the daytime or overnight arriving in the morning.  There are many others to consider but each scheduled trains have its pros and cons.   

The Vande Bharat Express train is the fastest journey from Delhi to Varanasi taking just eight hours.  However, note this scheduled train does not operate on Thursday.  Vande Bharat is India’s highspeed train and offers travel in seated Chair Class only. 

The other two are Express trains and make the journey from Delhi to Varanasi overnight taking 10 – 11 hours. These trains depart daily, and both leave from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) which is convenient to get to from most accommodation options in Delhi. 

Which train do we recommend? 

We most recently travelled by train Delhi to Varanasi on the SWTANTRTA S EXP.  

The time of departure (21:15pm) and arrival time to Varanasi (08:00am) suited us best from Delhi. 

We were able to arrive in Varanasi and take our bags to our accommodation.  Although it was too early to check into our room, we had a relaxing late breakfast until it was ready. 

Can you leave your luggage at your hotel? Are you able to check in early or check out late?

Classes of train travel in India

There are eight different classes of train travel in India that vary by comfort level, amenities and price. 

These are the classes of train travel in India listed in descending order according of price per fare. 

The good news though? It isn’t as complicated to choose which class to book for the train Delhi to Varanasi as not all the classes of train travel listed are available.  

Classes of travel Delhi to Varanasi

The Vande Bharat Express train from Delhi to Varanasi is a highspeed train and only has seated classes of travel: 

The SHIV GANGA and the SWTANTRTA S are Mail/Express trains and offer further sleeper classes of travel: 

Note that although the class ‘SL’ is called Sleeper Class it has the same layout of bunks as the AC Third Class (3A).  

Each of the classes 1A, 2A and 3A are all technically sleeper classes of train travel with air conditioning.  The ‘SL’ sleeper class does not have air-conditioning and is the cheapest class of travel on these trains. 

It’s easy to know this Sleeper Class (SL) is non-air-conditioned because there are no windows on the carriage. Choose a train class with AC! 
An AC First Class (1A) cabin with fixed doors and even stairs up to the top bunk. 

Which class of train travel in India is best to book?

Seated AC Chair Class (CC) is great for short and mid-range daytime travel and 1A or 2A is a good choice for overnight train journeys. 

We usually travel overnight in 2A on the trains in India.  Though if it is your first time traveling overnight by train in India and you aren’t on a strict budget you might feel more comfortable in 1A First Class. 

Lower berth seating during the daytime before making the bottom bunk beds up for night in AC 2-Tier (2A).

What is the difference in classes of train travel in India? 

On the Vande Bharat we always book Chair Class (CC).  This is a comfortable class of travel for daytime journeys and it is cheaper than the Executive Class.  

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.

However, the train Delhi to Varanasi is eight hours long on the Vande Bharat and this is quite a lengthy journey in a seated class.  

For the overnight trains we recommend AC-First Class (1A) or AC Two Tier (2A). 

It is more expensive to travel in AC-First Class (1A) and there are less 1A tickets available on each train.  But if it is your first time travelling overnight on a train in India you might feel more confident booking 1A.  

The main difference between 1A and 2A is the security of how the cabins and bunks are separated from the main carriage.  

The cabins in First Class (1A) for either 2 or 4 bunks have a lockable door.  Whereas the bunks in AC-Second Class (2A) are in a curtained cabin with two or four bunks. 

AC-Third Class (3A) is much like 2A but with an extra level of bunk in each cabin area making a total of six berths instead of four.  And in 3A there is sometimes no curtain dividing the cabin areas within the carriage.

The AC 2-Tier or Second Class (2A) cabins are separated from the main carriage with a curtain. 
Our home-away-from-home on board the overnight train in AC First Class (1A).

What is it (honestly) like? 

We love the adventure of traveling by train in India.  Trains are a great way to see India at ground level, and you can enjoy the sights and sounds of everyday life.  It is a unique way to get a glimpse of local life and a relaxing way move from A to B. 

We most recently took the overnight train Delhi to Varanasi on the SWTANTRTA S EXP and travelled in AC First Class (1A).  

Usually for the overnight trains we book 2-Tier (2A) as there is often only one 1A carriage per train and those tickets can get booked out well in advance.  It felt quite luxurious having our own private cabin in 1A!

It was a great overnight trip and obviously very quiet travelling in our own cabin with just the four of us.  But, while 1A is the most relaxing option for security, I do have to say I conversely miss the bustle and interaction with locals when traveling in the open carriages. 

We found the overnight train to Varanasi (SWTANTRTA S EXP) a good time of night and day to travel.  

The departure at 21:15pm was a good time to leave and means the journey goes quickly.  As soon as you board you can make up your bed and get comfortable for the night.  The arrival time is just after 08:00am and the train stops in Varanasi (BSB) for 10 minutes. 

By the time you get organised for a rickshaw or pick-up and transfer to your accommodation it is almost time for check-in. 

What about the return journey from Varanasi to Delhi by train? 

On the return journey by train from Varanasi to Delhi we most recently took the Vande Bharat Express.  

Although the train arrives late at night it makes for a swift journey back on the superfast train and the afternoon departure time is convenient for check-out. 

See? Biryani aside you could almost be anywhere in the world, right? 

Buying tickets for India Railways

It is possible to book tickets for the train to Varanasi ahead of time through an Indian-based travel agent.

Otherwise, there are several options for you to book and buy tickets for the trains in India independently:

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. 

How much does it cost to travel by train from Delhi to Varanasi? 

Prices for a train ticket to Varanasi vary depending on the class of train travel.  

Second Class (2A): 1720 INR
Third Class (3A): 1140 INR
Sleeper Class (SL): 430 INR

It is easiest to book your train tickets in advance through 12GoAsia.com.  There is a small surcharge for booking through a third party website though it is worth it for the convenience. 

Things to know – IMPORTANT – before traveling by train in India 

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

When you arrive at the station you can find the large electronic departure board to confirm the platform and departure time of your train.  

Then head to the platform and find the corresponding place to stand for where your carriage number will align to.

Heading to find our platform for a train at Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) station in Delhi.  

Checking your ticket and boarding the train to Varanasi 

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

Arriving at the station in Delhi or Varanasi, look for the large electronic board and confirm your train is arriving on time to the station for the scheduled departure time. 

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

These are the small, hanging digital boards that display the next arriving train number and carriage number for that spot on the platform.
The corresponding carriage number is displayed on the train carriage and digital sign above the platform. 

Railway stations in Delhi and Varanasi

There are four main railway stations in Delhi connecting with Varanasi:

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

In Varanasi, there are two main railway stations connecting with trains from Delhi. 

Varanasi Junction, also known as Varanasi Cantt or BSB, is the largest and main railway station in Varanasi.  Banaras Railway Station (BSBS) was formerly known as Manduadih Station and is just 4km from BSB.  

Station facilities 

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

In Varanasi, the Executive Lounge is located at Platform Number #1 of the Varanasi Junction Railway Station. 

The Executive and Premium Lounge at the stations are operated by IRCTC.  They are small, fully air-conditioned waiting areas including a small café and shop as well as lounge chairs, charging points, a TV and toilets. 

Most stations in India also have an AC Class Waiting Room for passengers traveling in AC Class (1A, 2A or CC, EC).  There is no charge for waiting inside the AC Lounge.  You simply need to show your ticket on entry to the AC Waiting Room. 

The Premium Lounge at Delhi Junction / Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI). 
Inside the AC Premium Lounge in old Delhi Railway Station (DLI). 

Arriving to Varanasi 

Varanasi Junction (BSB) is the main railway station in Varanasi for the overnight trains from Delhi and the Vande Bharat.  

Both railway stations are less than 6km from the city and main Ghats on the River Ganges. 

About the journey. Are meals included? 

Meals are included with the ticket on most of the Vande Bharat Express trains in India.  

On the Express and Mail trains meals are not included in the ticket price, though food and drinks are available to be purchased on board.  

For the overnight train, staff will come through the carriage before meal times and take an order for lunch or dinner.  The meals are usually a vegetarian Thali for around 150 – 200 INR ($1.50 – $2 USD). 

Prior to departure, there are kiosks and shops at the railway stations to purchase snacks and drinks before you travel.  

Buy snacks before you travel. Lots of snacks! 

Is bedding provided on the overnight train? 

Yes.  For 1A, 2A and 3A train travel in India bedding is provided. 

The bedding package includes a sheet, pillowcase, blanket and hand-towel and is stored in a stack above the window or on the individual bunks prior to boarding. 

What are the toilets like on board? 

Toilets on the trains in India are functional but basic.  The good news though is they likely aren’t (quite) as bad as you might be imagining.  

For 1A and 2A there is usually an option of a Western style toilet and a squat toilet in each carriage.  In 3A there will just be squat style toilets.  However, there are usually two options of a squat toilet in between the carriages so you can pick and choose the best of the situation in the moment…

Wondering about the things to see and do in Varanasi? 

Varanasi is a great addition to your India itinerary.  It is the India of your imagination and one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities and one of the holiest in Hinduism.

Have more time? 

Planning your itinerary and wondering how long you need in Delhi, Varanasi or other destinations? 

Where to stay in Delhi and Varanasi

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). 

Checking in to our spacious room near the airport at Taurus Sarovar Portico Hotel. 

There are lots of options for accommodation in Varanasi but we recommend staying near Assi Ghat which is close to everything to do in Varanasi. 

Outside Hotel Temple on Ganges on our first visit to Varanasi. 

Read more about travel by train and bus in India 

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