.png){kind=small}
Vande Bharat Express Delhi–Agra: Our High-Speed Train Experience
- Jenn & Leon
- Nov 2, 2023
- 13 min read
Updated: Jul 21
In what was our first train ride as foreigners in India, we took the Vande Bharat Express directly to Agra from Delhi.
In this post, we will show you what the train was like, how we got tickets, what to do at both stations, and other things you may need to know.
Thank you for stopping by, and a warm welcome to our India series here on Jenn & Leon Travel Blog.
We spent 2 weeks touring 5 cities across the North of the country.
Traveling between cities was one of our biggest concerns, and indeed, we had plenty of drama along the way on that front.
Thankfully, this particular trip, between Delhi and Agra on the Vande Bharat Express, was the best and most uneventful one!
In This Post...
Travel Resources
How to Book Tickets for the Vande Bharat Express
The booking process can be pretty overwhelming as the IRTC website is not very user-friendly for first-timers like we were.
There are so many stations, trains, and options, and the interface is complex, and dare we say it, very dated.
That being said, it is functional and does work, but there are some important steps to take for this to go smoothly.
⪢ How to Navigate the Indian Railways Website
1. Create a User Account
You can do this by clicking on the "Create New User Account" link on the homepage.
You will need to provide your name, email address, and a password.
2. Verify Your User Account
Once you have created an account, you will need to verify it by clicking on the link in the confirmation email that is sent to you.
3. Log in to Your Account and Select Your Journey Details
Enter the origin and destination stations, the date of travel, and the number of passengers.
Important: Once you have registered, you must click trains, and then 'tickets for foreigners'. If you go directly to the search, you will not be able to book the tickets.
4. Select the Train & Class of Travel
There are different types of trains available in India, including express trains, passenger trains, and mail trains.
The class of travel determines the level of comfort and amenities that you will have on the train. Be sure to choose the A/C Car for the best comfort.
5. Enter Your Passenger Details
You will need to provide the name, age, and gender of each passenger.
6. Make the Payment
You can make the payment using a credit or debit card, or through net banking (some foreign cards are not accepted, ideally use a credit card).
7. Receive Your e-tickets
Once the payment is successful, you will receive your e-tickets via email.
You can print out your e-tickets or show them on your mobile device at the time of travel.
Additional Tips for Booking Train Tickets in India as a Foreigner:
⪢ Book Your Tickets in Advance
Trains in India can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel times.
It is advisable to book your tickets at least a few weeks in advance, especially if you are traveling during the holidays.
⪢ Be Aware of the Different Types of Trains
There are different types of trains available in India, each with its own set of amenities and features.
Make sure to choose the type of train that is right for you and your budget.
⪢ Choose the Right Class of Travel
Indian Railways offers a diverse range of travel classes to cater to different budgets and comfort preferences.
Here's a breakdown of the most common ones:
Air-Conditioned Classes
⪢ First Class AC (1A)
● This is the most luxurious class, offering private cabins with 2 or 4 berths.
● Provides maximum privacy and comfort.
● Generally, the most expensive option.
⪢ Second AC (2A)
● Offers air-conditioned coaches with two-tier berths.
● Provides a good balance of comfort and affordability.
● Curtains provide some privacy.
⪢ Third AC (3A)
● Features air-conditioned coaches with three-tier berths.
● A more budget-friendly AC option.
● More crowded than 1A and 2A.
⪢ AC 3-Tier Economy (3E)
● This is a newer, more affordable AC option with more berths than the standard 3A.
⪢ AC Chair Car (CC)
● Designed for daytime travel, with comfortable, reclining seats.
● Common on shorter routes.
⪢ Executive Class (EC)
● A premium chair car option with wider seats and more legroom.
● Found on select trains like the Shatabdi Express.
⪢ Executive Anubhuti (EA)
This is a very premium chair car experience found on some Shatabdi Express trains, with aircraft-like amenities.
Non-Air-Conditioned Classes
⪢ Sleeper Class (SL)
● The most common and economical class for long-distance travel.
● Non-air-conditioned coaches with three-tier berths.
● Can be crowded.
⪢ Second Sitting (2S)
● Non-air-conditioned seating for shorter journeys.
● A very budget-friendly option.
⪢ Unreserved (UR)
● The most basic and cheapest class.
● No reserved seats, so it can be very crowded.
⪢ Be Prepared for Crowds
Indian trains can be very crowded, especially during peak travel times. Be prepared to deal with crowds when you are traveling by train in India.
⪢ Have your e-tickets Ready
You will need to show your e-tickets at the time of travel. Make sure to have them ready at the checkpoint.
Read on for more on what was included in our ticket, what to do at the respective train stations, and our overall experience rating.
Where to Stay in New Delhi
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse New Delhi hotel deals below to find great rates from top providers in the city.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
The Train Station in Delhi (Hazrat Nizamuddin)
We took a taxi to the station from our hotel, and it was relatively easy, bar some traffic and the usual incessant drone of horns.
The station itself is a little rundown on the outside, and many homeless people seem to be living along the sides of the road leading up to it.
We were dropped off at the front, just past them, but it was really sad to see.
There is no wheelchair access here, so you do have to carry your luggage up some stairs before making it to the ticket counter area.
This is basically just a large empty space, where many people were hanging out, sleeping, and waiting.
It seemed strange that there were no chairs or anything, and this practice of being on the floor turned out to be quite common in most areas of the station.
We wanted to check in at the desk to make sure we were in the right place and to confirm our platform.
It was very easy to get to, pretty much just a direct route straight from the entrance, heading over the tracks.
Even though the station is a little rundown, it is indeed well organized, and there are plenty of signs, in English too, to help you along the way.
There are several snack stalls on the platforms, so you can grab a drink or a quick bite while you wait.
We got there pretty early, and we were grateful this was here as we were very thirsty!
As we were in the 2nd-class A/C car, we needed to head nearer to the end of the platform to wait.
There is no shade from the sun there, though, so we decided to wait in the middle area of the platform, which, of course, happened to be the busier part too.
If you look above, you will find that there are digital signs that indicate the numbers of each car as and when the train arrives, so keep an eye out for those so you can identify where you need to be.
What Was Included in Our Ticket
We booked the A/C car, and that is what we got; it was wonderfully cool and a nice break from the heat outside.
It was one below the highest class, but worth it.
The seats were comfortable, there was overhead storage, and bathrooms too (an Asian and Western toilet).
It was perhaps not the cleanest of trains, but certainly manageable.
When you are booking the tickets, you will be asked for your preference of vegetarian/non-vegetarian options.
We were not entirely sure what this was for on the IRTC website, as it did not make it clear that there would be food.
As it happens, we were pleasantly surprised to have been given a really good variety of snacks!
This also included water, apple juice, and ginger tea.
You can see it all in more detail in our YouTube video.
The interesting thing about this is that prior to the food being served, there were several staff members touring the coaches and offering chocolates and chips for 40 rupees each.
This happened right at the beginning of the journey, and even though we knew we had selected our food preferences online, we did not know if that meant we were actually going to get food.
So we did indulge and bought some, and it was very cheap in any case.
However, it seems odd to us in hindsight that this happened, given we were served all of what you see in the photo.
It kind of feels a little scammy, and we had a fair few comments on our YouTube video deriding this!
We only spent a dollar on them, so no harm done.
Perhaps we should have just been more patient!
The Train Station in Agra (Agra Cant Station)
Agra Cant is not the last station on this line, so if you are getting off here be sure to pay attention to the train announcements, and be ready to disembark as the train will not wait here for too long (we say this as we thought it was the last stop, and almost did not make it off the train!).
This station is very much like Hazrat Nizamuddin, although perhaps not as big. It is pretty straightforward to find the exit, and there is no need to present your tickets on the way out.
The most interesting point of note for this station was the monkeys, yes, monkeys!
There were a fair few of them hanging around, mainly in the rafters.
They did seem pretty harmless, although you can never be too sure. Do be careful with your belongings just in case!
While getting out of the station was easy, the hard part of this journey had only just begun. Once outside, it was crazy!
Like moths to a flame, we were quickly, and most annoyingly, swarmed by taxi hawkers.
It can be easy to exaggerate, but honestly, in all of our travels, we have never encountered anything quite to the level of what we experienced in Agra.
Within what seemed like seconds, we were surrounded by at least a dozen people, all trying to push us into taxis and rickshaws.
We could not get a moment to even talk to each other!
It was a relentless bombardment, and they would not take no for an answer.
We wanted to book an Uber as we prefer the security and protection that the app gives.
We appreciate that the taxi drivers just want to try and get business, but they would not even give us a second to breathe.
Jenn was trying to locate a pickup point, and the whole time we were being harangued and hassled.
It got to a point where we started getting a little angry, as even when we tried to move to a different spot, we were just being followed.
It was all just too much, so we decided to just try and get out of the main station car park area, onto the main road.
This was likely where the Uber would come, although it was still a tricky spot as it was not very clear on the app.
We had to wait a good ten minutes or so, all while ignoring our unwanted audience.
Most of the hawkers had resigned to just standing close by and staring, which was fairly intimidating to say the least!
We could not wait to get out of there, away from this chaotic place!
It may sound like we are moaning a little, and we appreciate these guys are just trying to earn a living.
But the way they are going about it is all wrong in our opinion!
Swarming, harassing, and intimidating tactics that simply made us want to resist them as much as we could.
This was one of those times that we were grateful to be a foursome.
If it were just us two, it would have been super hard to fend them off.
And we cannot even imagine how tough it would be for solo travelers! You have been warned...
Where to Stay in Agra
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Agra hotel deals below to find great rates from top providers in the city.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
Watch Our YouTube Video to See the Inside of the Train
Check out the inside of the train and more on the food in our YouTube video!
We start the video from outside Hazrat Nizamuddin and show you where to go once you are there.
We document the train journey, test the food, and also show you the Agra Cant station.
If you enjoy our video and want to follow more of our adventures, please like and subscribe!
Your support truly is invaluable to us, and we will always strive to produce the best content we can from around the world!
Our Experience Rating:
Vande Bharat Express
In comparison to using buses/coaches in India, the Vande Bharat Express has to be the smoothest process we encountered.
Booking online was slightly complicated, but from there, everything is very straightforward.
The train stations were fairly easy to navigate, and the train ride itself was super smooth. The complimentary food is a very nice touch, albeit not of the greatest quality.
The train car was relatively clean and comfortable, which was the most important thing.
Maybe more expensive than taking a bus, but a great option that is still very affordable. We highly recommend this method of transport in India!
FAQ – Vande Bharat Express Delhi to Agra Guide
What is the Vande Bharat Express?
The Vande Bharat Express is India’s semi-high-speed train offering fast, comfortable, and modern rail travel between major cities like Delhi and Agra.
How long does the journey from Delhi to Agra take on the Vande Bharat Express?
The journey typically takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, making it one of the fastest train options between the two cities.
Where does the Vande Bharat Express depart from in Delhi?
The train departs from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS).
What facilities are available on the Vande Bharat Express?
The train features air-conditioned coaches, onboard Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, bio-toilets, GPS-based passenger information systems, and catering services.
How do I book tickets for the Vande Bharat Express?
Tickets can be booked online through the Indian Railways website (IRCTC), mobile apps, or at railway stations.
Are there different classes on the Vande Bharat Express?
Yes, the train offers Executive Chair Car (premium seating) and AC Chair Car classes.
How often does the Vande Bharat Express run between Delhi and Agra?
The service typically runs daily, but check the current schedule as timings may vary.
Is the Vande Bharat Express safe and reliable?
Yes, it is one of India’s safest and most reliable trains with modern safety features and punctual performance.
Can I carry luggage on the Vande Bharat Express?
Yes, passengers are allowed to carry personal luggage within prescribed limits. There are overhead racks and space under seats.
What are the main stops between Delhi and Agra on this train?
Stops may include key stations such as Mathura Junction, but some trains run direct; check your ticket details.
Up Next: Drama in Agra: Great hotel, a very rundown area, Delhi belly, and Jenn missing the Taj Mahal
For all of our excitement in going to visit one of the world's most famous monuments, there was a major problem that threatened not only our journey to see this wonder of the world but also our entire India adventure.
Two words... Delhi Belly.
With Jackson already sick, we seemed to be doing okay.
That soon changed on the night we arrived in Agra, with both of us spending the entire evening on and off the toilet.
With only a couple of days planned in Agra, it was a fight with our bodies just to be able to make this famous mausoleum.
Sadly, Jenn could not make it, and our stomach issues ultimately ended up almost derailing our entire India trip. Indeed, we did end up cutting it in half.
Safeguard Your Trip with SafetyWing
For peace of mind abroad, we recommend travel insurance.
SafetyWing's Essential plan covers travel and medical emergencies, with options for adventure sports and electronics theft.
SafetyWing's Complete Plan offers comprehensive health coverage with routine healthcare, mental health support, and maternity, anywhere in the world, including in your home country, on top of all Essential benefits.
Book Transport
Taxis, Trains, Planes, Buses & Ferries in Advance
Closer Lives has partnered with 12Go, a leading online travel booking platform for Southeast Asia and Europe, to offer a seamless transport booking experience.
Interactive Map
India
Check out all of the places we visited in India courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog.
(Tap for more info)
Wanderlog is a free travel planning app where you can create itineraries, organize flights, hotels, and car reservations, view places to visit, and collaborate with friends.
Closer Lives Travel Hub
Destinations, Tips & Essentials
Head over to our Travel Hub – it’s packed with free country guides, helpful travel blogs, videos from the road, and tips to help you travel smarter (and cheaper!).
Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already out exploring, we've got resources to help you every step of the way.
Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
For more information, see our Affiliate Disclosure.
.png)
.png)
Despite the complexity of the booking system, the madness outside the stations and the poor standards of the stations themselves, overall this was a decent experience. It is a good way to travel from Delhi to Agra, and is not too expensive, which always helps!