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Indian Railways continues to expand its Vande Bharat Express train network, taking a significant step towards boosting domestic tourism and enabling faster, more comfortable travel. These semi-high-speed trains connect India’s major cultural, heritage and pilgrimage destinations, bringing passengers closer to the country’s historical centres.

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated four new Vande Bharat Express routes, including two connecting major heritage destinations like Lucknow and Khajuraho. With this addition, the total number of Vande Bharat trains operating across India has increased to 164.

Below are seven Vande Bharat Express trains that offer travelers the chance to explore India’s most iconic heritage corridors.

1. Banaras – Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express

This new service provides a direct connection between Banaras (Varanasi) and Khajuraho, significantly reducing travel time by approximately 2 hours 40 minutes compared to other trains on the route. The road, which covers 443 km in 7 hours and 40 minutes, passes through Prayagraj and Chitrakoot, known for their deep spiritual and cultural significance.

Fare: Rs 1,200 (AC Chair Car), Rs 2,200 (Executive Chair Car)

2. Lucknow – Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express (26503/26504)

Covering a distance of 519 km in approximately 7 hours 45 minutes, this train offers faster travel and greater convenience for passengers from Lucknow, Sitapur, Bareilly, Moradabad and Saharanpur. It also improves access to the holy city of Haridwar via Roorkee.

Fare: Rs 1,200 (AC Chair Car), Rs 2,400 (Executive Chair Car)

3. Delhi-Firozpur Vande Bharat Express (26462/26461)

This Vande Bharat is the fastest train between Delhi and Firozpur, completing the 486 km journey in just 6 hours 40 minutes. It strengthens connectivity between the national capital and important cities of Punjab like Bathinda and Patiala.

Fare: Rs 1,360 (AC Chair Car), Rs 2,470 (Executive Chair Car)

4. Varanasi-Delhi Vande Bharat Express (22435/22436)

This service connects Varanasi and Delhi, two of India’s most important cities, and covers 771 km in 8 hours. The route includes stops in Kanpur and Prayagraj, offering travelers a comfortable way to visit these important cultural centres.

Fare: Rs 1,820 (AC Chair Car), Rs 3,370 (Executive Chair Car)

5. Mumbai – Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express (22961/22962)

Connecting two major economic and cultural centers, this train covers 491 km in only 5 hours and 30 minutes. The route passes through Borivali, Vapi, Surat and Vadodara, providing better regional connectivity between Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Fare: Rs 1,375 (AC Chair Car), Rs 2,495 (Executive Chair Car)

6. Delhi – Jaipur Vande Bharat Express (20978/20977)

The Delhi-Jaipur route, one of the most popular tourist routes, now takes just 3 hours and 37 minutes. With stops in Gurugram, Rewari, Alwar and Gandhinagar, the service offers a fast and convenient way to reach the Pink City.

Fare: Rs 1,055 (AC Chair Car), Rs 1,850 (Executive Chair Car)

7. Hazrat Nizamuddin – Agra Vande Bharat Express (22469/22470, 20171/20172)

Connecting Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin Station to Rani Kamalapati Station in Madhya Pradesh, this train connects some of North India’s most visited heritage sites with stops in Agra and Gwalior. It covers the Delhi-Agra line in just 1 hour and 36 minutes.

Fare: Rs 655 (AC Chair Car), Rs 1,255 (Executive Chair Car)

Expanding the Scope of Modern Rail Travel

Vande Bharat Express trains have redefined short-haul travel in India since its debut in 2019. With their modern designs, advanced safety features and on-board amenities such as Wi-Fi, automatic doors and reclining seats, these trains symbolize the modernization of Indian Railways.

With 164 Vande Bharat trains now operational, it not only shortens travel times between major cities but also strengthens India’s cultural and tourism circuits, making journeys faster, cleaner and more enjoyable for millions of passengers.