Varanasi–New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper: Route, Timings, Start Date and Ticket Fares
Indian Railways has introduced a new overnight connection between Varanasi and New Delhi: the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, train numbers 27421 and 27422. The service gives passengers a sleeper option on the route, with stops at Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh and Ghaziabad.
The Railway Ministry announced the service ahead of its inaugural flag-off on 31 October 2026. Regular commercial services began on 2 November 2026. Ministry of Railways announcement Booking and service details
Route and schedule of Varanasi–New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper
The train links Varanasi and New Delhi, stopping at four stations along the way:
Varanasi → Prayagraj → Kanpur Central → Aligarh → Ghaziabad → New Delhi
Train 27421: Varanasi to New Delhi
Train 27421 departs Varanasi at 8:50 pm and is scheduled to reach New Delhi at 6:10 am the next day. It stops at Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh and Ghaziabad.
Train 27422: New Delhi to Varanasi
The return service, 27422, departs New Delhi at 9:40 pm and is scheduled to arrive in Varanasi at 7:10 am the next day. It serves the same four intermediate stations.
Both services run six days a week. Train 27421 does not run on Fridays; train 27422 does not run on Saturdays. These timings and stops are from the Ministry of Railways’ announcement. Official route and timetable.
Sleeper coaches and onboard features
The train is designed for overnight travel and has 16 coaches, with AC First Class, AC 2-Tier and AC 3-Tier accommodation. The reported capacity is 823 passengers: 24 in First Class, 188 in 2-Tier and 611 in 3-Tier. There is no non-AC sleeper class listed for this service. Coach and fare details
The Railway Ministry describes features including automatic doors, noise insulation, improved berths, safety systems and regenerative braking. The overnight schedule is intended to let passengers leave in the evening and arrive the following morning.
Ticket fares and booking
Published one-way fares for the full Varanasi–New Delhi journey are:
| Class | Fare |
|---|---|
| AC 3-Tier (3A) | ₹1,915 |
| AC 2-Tier (2A) | ₹2,470 |
| AC First Class (1A) | ₹3,030 |
Fares for shorter journeys are lower and depend on the stations selected. For example, the reported Varanasi–Prayagraj fare is ₹1,010 in 3A, ₹1,305 in 2A and ₹1,600 in 1A. Check the final amount shown during booking, as the fare depends on the journey and applicable charges. Reported class-wise and station-wise fares
Passengers can check availability and book through the IRCTC website or app, or at a railway reservation counter. Search by train number 27421 for Varanasi to New Delhi or 27422 for the return journey. Confirm the date, boarding station and live timetable before travelling.
What passengers should know
The image of the Railway Board circular shared with this article shows an earlier timetable version. Its broad route and train numbers match, but some times differ from the later Ministry announcement. For travel planning, use the latest details displayed by IRCTC or NTES.
With its overnight schedule, four intermediate stops and three AC sleeper classes, the new train adds a premium rail option between Varanasi and the national capital. It began regular service on 2 November 2026.
