If you’re planning a trip between the spiritual capital of India and the city of the Taj Mahal, the Vande Bharat Express Varanasi to Agra is the smartest way to travel. The 20176/20175 Agra Cantonment–Banaras Vande Bharat Express is India’s 64th Vande Bharat Express train, connecting the riverside city of Agra on the banks of the Yamuna River with the Ganges city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
This train is ideal for tourists, pilgrims, families, and business travelers who want a fast, air-conditioned, and comfortable daytime journey. Instead of spending 12–15 hours on a regular express, you finish this trip in just 7 hours — with meals, modern seating, and limited stops.
Overview of the Route
The 20176/20175 Agra Cantonment–Banaras Vande Bharat Express currently operates 6 days a week, covering a distance of 573 km (356 mi) in a travel time of 07 hours with an average speed of 82 km/h. This express train was inaugurated on September 16, 2024, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conferencing from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Since its launch, it has become one of the most sought-after train connections within Uttar Pradesh.
Why is this route so popular? Simple — it connects two of India’s most visited cities. Varanasi draws millions for its ghats, temples, and spiritual energy. Agra needs no introduction — home to the iconic Taj Mahal. This semi-high-speed train is specially designed to connect two famous tourist spots within the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Varanasi–Agra Vande Bharat Timings (Both Directions)
The Vande Bharat Express on this route runs in both directions with convenient daytime schedules. The 20176 Agra Cantt. Banaras Vande Bharat Express train leaves Agra Cantt at 06:00 hours and reaches Banaras station at 13:00 hours. The 20175 Banaras Agra Cantt. Vande Bharat Express train leaves Banaras at 15:20 hours and reaches Agra Cantt station at 22:20 hours.
Both directions offer a full daytime journey, which means you don’t lose a night to travel. Whether you board in Varanasi or Agra, the schedule is designed for maximum convenience.
| Direction | Train No. | Departure Station & Time | Arrival Station & Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banaras → Agra Cantt | 20175 | Banaras (BNRS) – 15:20 | Agra Cantt (AGC) – 22:20 |
| Agra Cantt → Banaras | 20176 | Agra Cantt (AGC) – 06:00 | Banaras (BNRS) – 13:00 |
This train runs on all 6 days except on Wednesday.
Vande Bharat Varanasi–Agra Detailed Timetable
1 This train is currently operated by Indian Railways, connecting Agra Cantt., Tundla Jn, Etawah Jn, Kanpur Central, Prayagraj Jn, and Banaras. That’s a total of 6 stations including origin and destination — with only 4 intermediate stops.
The limited number of stops is what keeps this journey quick and efficient. Each halt is just a couple of minutes, so the train maintains its semi-high-speed character throughout.
Banaras → Agra Cantt (Train No. 20175)
| Stop No. | Station Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Banaras (BNRS) | Origin | 15:20 |
| 2 | Prayagraj Jn (PRYJ) | 17:28* | 17:30* |
| 3 | Kanpur Central (CNB) | 19:00* | 19:05* |
| 4 | Etawah Jn (ETW) | 20:10* | 20:12* |
| 5 | Tundla Jn (TDL) | 21:20* | 21:22* |
| 6 | Agra Cantt (AGC) | 22:20 | Destination |
Agra Cantt → Banaras (Train No. 20176)
| Stop No. | Station Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Agra Cantt (AGC) | Origin | 06:00 |
| 2 | Tundla Jn (TDL) | 06:38* | 06:40* |
| 3 | Etawah Jn (ETW) | 07:48* | 07:50* |
| 4 | Kanpur Central (CNB) | 09:05* | 09:10* |
| 5 | Prayagraj Jn (PRYJ) | 10:58* | 11:00* |
| 6 | Banaras (BNRS) | 13:00 | Destination |
Quick Summary:
- Departure Station (Varanasi side): Banaras (BNRS)
- Arrival Station (Agra side): Agra Cantt (AGC)
- Approximate Journey Duration: 7 hours 0 minutes to reach from Banaras to Agra Cantt covering a distance of 577 km.
- Ideal Travel Option: Day travelers, tourists, families, and those who prefer speed + comfort over overnight journeys.
Vande Bharat Express Varanasi to Agra Ticket Price
The Vande Bharat Express is a premium train, and its pricing reflects the superior comfort, speed, and onboard services it offers. The train offers travelers multiple class coaches to select train seats from — the classes are AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Class (EC).
As of 2025, this express train was augmented with 8 additional AC coaches and has been running with a Vande Bharat 2.0 trainset since 29 May 2025, in order to enhance passenger capacity on this popular route.
| Class | Quota Type | Fare (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| AC Chair Car (CC) | General | ₹1,525 – ₹1,725 |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | Tatkal | ₹1,725 – ₹1,975 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | General | ₹2,810 – ₹3,210 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | Tatkal | ₹3,210 – ₹3,710 |
Stations & Major Stoppages — Quick Guide
- Banaras (BNRS) — Origin; not Varanasi Jn (BSB).
- Prayagraj Jn (PRYJ) — Connects the Prayagraj region.
- Kanpur Central (CNB) — Major halt; busiest junction en route.
- Etawah Jn (ETW) — Strategic midway stop.
- Tundla Jn (TDL) — Key junction near Agra.
- Agra Cantt (AGC) — Main Agra station; Taj access.
How to Book Tickets
Online Booking via IRCTC
This is the most reliable and recommended way to book:
- Visit www.irctc.co.in or open the IRCTC Rail Connect app.
- Log in with your registered IRCTC credentials (create an account if you don’t have one).
- Enter “Banaras” or “Agra Cantt” as your source and destination stations.
- Select your travel date and preferred quota (General or Tatkal).
- Choose Train No. 20175 (Banaras → Agra) or 20176 (Agra → Banaras).
- Select your class — AC Chair Car (CC) or Executive Chair Car (EC).
- Enter passenger details — name, age, gender, and berth/seat preference.
- Review the fare, apply any available offers, and proceed to payment.
- Pay securely via UPI, net banking, debit/credit card, or wallet.
- Receive your e-ticket via SMS and email with your PNR number.
During your train journey, you must carry valid ID proof such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving License, PAN Card, Passport, etc.
Tatkal Booking Option
Tatkal is your lifeline if you need to book at the last minute. If you need to book an AC ticket under the Tatkal quota, you can make your booking a day before the preferred journey date between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
Be ready at your screen at exactly 10:00 AM. Keep your passenger details saved on IRCTC beforehand. Tatkal seats on Vande Bharat trains fill up extremely fast — sometimes within 2–3 minutes.
Assisted Booking Support
If you’re not comfortable booking online, you have other options:
- Railway Reservation Counters at any major station.
- Common Service Centres (CSCs) in smaller towns and rural areas.
- Authorized travel agents who can book through IRCTC on your behalf.
Seat Availability & Booking Strategy — Quick Tips
- Booking window: up to 60 days before journey on IRCTC (reconfirm rules on IRCTC).
- Best chance: book the moment it opens (around 8:00 AM); weekdays are easier than weekends.
- Sells out fastest: festivals, long weekends, and Oct–Mar tourist season.
- If General is full: try Tatkal at 10:00 AM (AC classes) a day before travel.
- Speed up checkout: log in 5 minutes early, save passenger details/payment, and be flexible with dates.
Why Choose Vande Bharat on This Route?
- ⚡ Speed: Scheduled around 7 hours end-to-end; far quicker than most alternatives. Reconfirm timings on IRCTC.
- 🪑 Comfort: AC recliner seats, clean modern coaches, charging at every seat; EC adds wider seats and extra legroom.
- 🚉 Limited stops: Only 4 quick halts, so fewer delays and a steadier pace.
- ⏱️ Daytime convenience: Travel by day, arrive fresh—no overnight journey.
- 👨👩👧👦 Ideal for: Tourists (Varanasi–Agra–Delhi), families, business travelers, seniors, and international visitors.
Travel Tips — Quick List
- Reach the station 30 minutes early; Vande Bharat departs on time.
- Carry a valid photo ID; save your e-ticket and an offline screenshot.
- Bring water/snacks; meal inclusion varies—check IRCTC at booking.
- Dress in layers; AC can feel chilly.
- Charge devices and carry a power bank.
- Varanasi → Agra: arrival ~22:20—book a hotel and catch Taj at sunrise.
- Agra → Varanasi: arrival ~13:00—check in, then see the evening Ganga Aarti.
- Pack light; overhead racks have limited space.
- Check live running status on NTES/IRCTC before you leave.
- Reconfirm timings and platform/coach position on IRCTC at the station.
FAQs — Vande Bharat Express Varanasi to Agra
Departs Banaras (BNRS) at 15:20 and arrives Agra Cantt (AGC) at 22:20. In reverse, leaves AGC at 06:00 and reaches BNRS at 13:00. Scheduled journey time is about 7 hours. Operates six days weekly (maintenance day varies). Always reconfirm latest timings on IRCTC.
Train nos. 20175 (Banaras→Agra Cantt) and 20176 (Agra Cantt→Banaras). Major halts both ways: Prayagraj Jn (PRYJ), Kanpur Central (CNB), Etawah Jn (ETW), and Tundla Jn (TDL). Limited, short stops keep the 7‑hour schedule reliable. Check IRCTC/NTES for platform updates and any day‑of‑run changes.
Approximate fare as per IRCTC one‑way Banaras–Agra: AC Chair Car ₹1,525–₹1,725 (Tatkal ₹1,725–₹1,975); Executive Chair Car ₹2,810–₹3,210 (Tatkal ₹3,210–₹3,710). Final payable fare varies by date, demand, and catering selection. GST and surcharges apply; payment gateway charges may apply. Always reconfirm on IRCTC before paying.
Meals on the Vande Bharat Express Varanasi to Agra are optional during booking. If you select “Food,” catering charges are added and meals are served at your seat; otherwise, you can purchase onboard or via e‑Catering. No dedicated pantry car. Reconfirm inclusions on IRCTC.
The Vande Bharat Express Varanasi to Agra offers AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC). Both are fully air‑conditioned with reserved, reclining seats, charging points, reading lights, and clean bio‑toilets; EC adds wider seats and extra legroom. Choose during IRCTC booking.
The Vande Bharat Express Varanasi to Agra runs six days a week, currently not on Wednesdays (maintenance day). Typical departures are 15:20 from BNRS and 06:00 from AGC. Timetables can change, so reconfirm your date and train status on IRCTC/NTES before booking.
Scheduled journey time on the Vande Bharat Express Varanasi to Agra is about 7 hours over roughly 577 km, thanks to limited stops at Prayagraj, Kanpur, Etawah, and Tundla. Daytime timings suit tourists and business travellers. Always check live status and platform on IRCTC/NTES.
The Vande Bharat Express Varanasi to Agra starts/terminates at Banaras (BNRS), not Varanasi Junction (BSB). For Agra, the terminal is Agra Cantt (AGC). Verify your boarding station, coach position, and platform on IRCTC/NTES before travel to avoid last‑minute confusion at the station.
Tatkal for the Vande Bharat Express Varanasi to Agra opens one day before departure at 10:00 AM for AC classes. Seats sell fast; keep passenger details saved and payment ready. Fares under Tatkal are higher. Always confirm final fare and availability on IRCTC.
On the Vande Bharat Express Varanasi to Agra, AC Chair Car (CC) is best value; Executive Chair Car (EC) offers wider seats, extra legroom, and quieter cabins. Typical IRCTC fares: CC ₹1,525; EC ₹2,810. Select class and optional meals during booking; reconfirm availability.
Final Verdict
The Vande Bharat Express on the Varanasi to Agra route is, without question, the best train option available for this journey. It cuts travel time in half compared to regular trains, offers modern air-conditioned comfort, and runs on a convenient daytime schedule.
If you’re a tourist doing the classic UP heritage circuit, a pilgrim heading between two sacred cities, or a business traveler who values time — this is your train.
My recommendation: Book under the General quota as early as possible (60 days before travel). If you miss that window, try Tatkal at exactly 10:00 AM the day before. Go for Executive Chair Car if budget permits — the extra legroom and comfort are worth it.
And one final note: always verify live train timings, fares, and running status on the official IRCTC website or app before you travel. Indian Railways updates schedules periodically, and it’s your responsibility to travel with the latest information.
Happy journey! 🚄
