There is no doubt that Vande Bharat trains have transformed rail travel in India. These flagship trains combine faster travel, modern amenities, and improved safety, offering maximum comfort to passengers. The semi-high-speed trains feature fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic doors, and comfortable seating. In North India, several Vande Bharat routes have become particularly popular because they connect religious destinations and tourist centers while significantly reducing journey times.
Top Five Vande Bharat Routes in North India
These five Vande Bharat routes connect major religious centers and travel destinations such as Varanasi, Katra, and Ajmer with the national capital. Faster journeys, added comfort, and reliable operations have contributed to their popularity.
1. New Delhi – Varanasi Vande Bharat Express
One of the most popular and iconic routes is the New Delhi–Varanasi Vande Bharat Express. It was the first Vande Bharat Express launched in India. The train connects the national capital with one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, a top tourist destination. For travelers wanting to explore the ancient ghats of the Ganga or the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, this train is a popular choice.
- Departure: 6:00 AM from New Delhi
- Arrival: 2:00 PM at Varanasi Junction
- Journey time: Approximately 8 hours
- Fare: Around ₹1,800–₹1,900 (AC Chair Car) and ₹3,300–₹3,400 (Executive Chair Car), subject to dynamic pricing
- Major halts: Kanpur Central and Prayagraj Junction
- Runs on: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Does not run on: Thursday
2. New Delhi – Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat
This train links New Delhi with Katra in Jammu and Kashmir, a major pilgrimage destination. Before Vande Bharat, devotees relied on overnight trains or road transport, but the semi-high-speed service has changed how pilgrims travel.
- Departure: 6:00 AM from New Delhi
- Arrival: Around 2:20 PM at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra
- Journey time: Approximately 8 hours 20 minutes
- Fare: Around ₹1,650–₹1,750 (AC Chair Car) and ₹3,000–₹3,100 (Executive Chair Car)
- Major halts: Ambala Cantt, Ludhiana, Pathankot Cantt, Jammu Tawi
- Runs on: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Does not run on: Wednesday
3. Anand Vihar Terminal – Dehradun Vande Bharat
Dehradun is a major gateway for hill stations like Mussoorie and Rishikesh. This train has made travel easy between the national capital and Uttarakhand's capital for weekend travelers and tourists.
- Departure: Approximately 6:00 AM from Anand Vihar Terminal
- Arrival: Around 11:45 AM at Dehradun
- Journey time: Approximately 5 hours 45 minutes
- Fare: Around ₹1,075 (AC Chair Car) and ₹1,900 (Executive Chair Car)
- Major halts: Ghaziabad, Meerut City, Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee, Haridwar Junction
- Runs on: All days except Wednesday
- Does not run on: Wednesday
4. New Delhi – Amb Andaura Vande Bharat Express
This route improves rail connectivity between Delhi and Himachal Pradesh. It connects the national capital with Amb Andaura in Una district, offering a fast and comfortable option for travelers exploring Dharamshala, Kangra, and other parts of Himachal Pradesh.
- Departure: Around 5:50 AM from New Delhi
- Arrival: Around 11:05 AM at Amb Andaura
- Journey time: Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes
- Fare: Around ₹1,100–₹1,200 (AC Chair Car) and ₹2,100–₹2,300 (Executive Chair Car)
- Major halts: Ambala Cantt, Chandigarh, Anandpur Sahib, Una Himachal
- Runs on: All days except Friday
- Does not run on: Friday
5. Delhi – Ajmer Vande Bharat Express
Ajmer is a major tourist hub in Rajasthan. The Delhi–Ajmer Vande Bharat Express enhances connectivity between Delhi and Ajmer, popular among pilgrims visiting the Ajmer Sharif Dargah and tourists exploring nearby Pushkar.
- Departure: Around 6:10 AM from New Delhi
- Arrival: Around 11:25 AM at Ajmer Junction
- Journey time: Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes
- Fare: Around ₹1,250–₹1,350 (AC Chair Car) and ₹2,300–₹2,500 (Executive Chair Car)
- Major halts: Gurugram, Jaipur, Kishangarh
- Runs on: All days except Wednesday
- Does not run on: Wednesday
Disclaimer: Train schedules and fares are subject to change. Ticket prices are subject to IRCTC's dynamic pricing policy. Always verify the latest timings and fares before booking.
